It’s been a wonderful time of celebration for the school, as they had three special events at church as well as taking part in the Christmas tree festival and many of the children also coming along with family to the Christingle on Christmas Eve.Reception class, together with years 1 and 2, visited church first, for a short crib service just for them. They helped the school chaplain to retell the Christmas story and construct the knitted crib, sang some songs and helped with some prayers, and were led by Rev. Andy to think about presents: those they would like to receive but also those they would like to give. The display of Christmas trees for the festival made for a lovely atmosphere in the church.The two services for Key Stage 1 and 2 were much larger events, any spaces not occupied by children being filled with parents, who are always excited to see what the children have been preparing for them. Each class presented something special; the carols were sung with enthusiasm, the readings could be heard clearly right at the back of the church, and both occasions were full of smiles. Parents appreciated the tea and coffee served at the back of church as they arrived, and Rev. Andy gave a thoughtful and entertaining message
The church bells rang out and inside looked spectacular for the carol service with Christmas trees still in place from the festival. Rev Andy welcomed everyone to this his first carol service at All Saints’. Attendance was high and Carols were interspersed with readings and poems along with Stephanie who sang the solo, Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar. A group of bellringers performed well know Christmas music.After the service many stayed for refreshments of mince pies and mulled apple juice.
A former Regular Army Chaplain has been appointed as Priest-in-Charge to a collection of parishes in the Wellington area. Revd Andy Barton, who started locally in September, will be speaking at this year’s annual Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Ceremony in Wellington Park, at 3:15pm on Sunday 10th November 2024. Revd Andy is continuing as a Chaplain in the Army Reserves whilst his focus now becomes the parishes of Ashbrittle, Bathealton, Kittisford, Rockwell Green, Sampford Arundel, Stawley and Thorne St. Margaret. These seven parishes, along with the church in Greenham, are gathered as the West Tone Benefice, the title given to groups of churches who work together.Revd Andy shared that since his earliest days as a Christian he had an interest in people who are not connected to the church but who would like to be. From his first church in Devon andwhilst working as a Chaplain, first in a hospital, then a hospice during Covid and most recently in the British Army, his belief has been to go out and meet people where they are and not simply expect people to come to church.Revd Andy says, “I am as human as the next person, on the same journey as everyone else, no more important, no more holy, no closer to God than you are. Together we are all gaining greater insight, healing and wholeness every day. My hope is that we can find relevant, helpful and enjoyable ways to do this together.”At his recent licensing service led by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Right Reverend Michael Beasley, Andy was reminded that the role of a Parish Priest is to be a “servant and steward” who seeks to “feed and provide for all of God’s family, to guide them through the world’s confusions”. Whilst serving as Priest-in-Charge of the West Tone Benefice Revd Andy will also care for the soldiers and officers in 6thRegiment Army Air Corps. Army Chaplains, or Padres as they are known, deliver pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance to all in the Armed Forces, irrespective of faith, world philosophy or status. As a deployable force theygo where their soldiers go, both on exercise and on operations.Revd Andy has had a home locally since 2021 along with hiswife Sioned and their two dogs Meg and Lily, their grown-upchildren Tom and Hannah having flown the nest. He is keen to hear from anyone connected to Ashbrittle, Bathealton, Kittisford, Rockwell Green, Sampford Arundel, Stawley and Thorne St. Margaret. He can be followed on Instagram and Facebook at @padrebarton or emailed at revdbarton@gmail.com. Alternatively, he can be approached after the Service of Remembrance in Wellington Park on Sunday 10th November.
