Church News Blog

Communities: Ancient & Modern

Over the last month we have been looking at the idea of Community. Today, we live in a much more individualistic world than the world of the Bible, but we also live in a lonelier word and one where fewer people are part of deeper friendships and communities.  We are made in the image of a God who is relational – we are made to be in relationship with God and others.  To truly thrive, we need to be in community. And so, if the Gospels set out a model for community for their time, we need it even more now!.…….

Our new link church in Tanganyka (Tanzania)

The Diocese of Gloucester is linked with the Anglican Diocese of Western Tanganyika, a large and mainly rural diocese.

As part of this relationship a direct link has been formalised between St.Mary’s, Woodchester and St.Paul’s church, Muyama in Western Tanganyika……

How Many?

Getting off the plane at Cochin airport, in India, I was picked up by a helpful person from the church. I'm sure he had as many questions about the church in England as I had about the church in India, but I cannot forget his opening question. He simply wanted to know the size of our congregation, but it was the way he asked it. “How many families do you have?”

It stopped me in my tracks. And it was a thought that I came back to again and again, that we in the West have become so individualistic, even in our churches. Yet in contrast, the lowest unit of church membership that he used was family, and even then an extended multi-generational one.…….

As you are cutting back in your garden we would be very grateful if you could keep anything which is suitable for drying for us to use in our autumn wreath making workshop on 10th October…….

Venezuela Earthquake Appeal

Tearfund is an agency that we support, as a benefice, that works with local churches to support areas of utmost need in our world.  If you would like to help in the Venezuelan relief effort following the two earthquakes, Tearfund have provided detailed prayer guidance, from their people on the ground as well as a facility to donate…….

While most in our community welcome the sound of the church bells we realise the need to limit ringing times, so no one living nearby starts to think they are getting too much of a good thing!

We’ve taken a couple of steps recently to help with this……..

Outside church, members of our congregation try to live out their faith in all sorts of ways depending on their individual gifts, strengths and interests. We have invited some church members to summarise their particular ministries: how they witness to others in their every day lives………

No 1. Elizabeth Cole - Science and Faith for Children