Very early on Saturday 22nd June, 3 of us from Dilton and 2 from Westbury Mothers’ Union caught a train to Oxford via Swindon and Didcot. We walked by the canal to the venue, signed in, received name badges and a welcome cup of coffee before the meeting began.We were welcomed by Jenny Searle for Oxford and Kathryn Anderson, Provincial President and opening prayers were said by Rev. Mary Harwood, Oxford Diocesan MU Chaplain.The first presentation was from South East Cluster who have a ministry of cake in hospitals (everything seems better with cake!)They also produce backpacks for children in foster care, help with English for women asylum seekers, and dementia connections for seniors.We then had Hymns we love by Pippa and Steve Cramer who, later on were enrolled as members of Mothers’ Union.Next was a presentation by Anglia Cluster. They do tea and toast for students, the soul of our shoes on domestic abuse, help with furnishing homes for refugees and producing prayer leaflets and cards for bereavements for HMP Southwell.We then had Midday Eucharist Service and enrolment of the new members, Pippa and Steve Cramer.Lunch then followed and we were able to visit the stalls and exibitions by the various clusters.The next presentation was from the South West Cluster. Bristol do coach trips for their AFIA as also do Winchester and Portsmouth for people from refuges.Bristol has the blonde angels as street support for the homeless and gives out Greggs vouchers.Salisbury has the babies which go into many schools now. There is also the caravan for holidays.Gloucester does open the book, sends cards to prisoners, helps with crafts sessions for older inmates at women’s prisons and provides rucksacks with useful items on their release.Next was the Midlands Cluster which uses a game to explain the message for the Mothers’ union.We then had a comedian, Andy Kind who is a committed christian so there was no bad language or any of the unpleasant humour usual these days and he was very entertaining.Kathryn Anderson wound up the proceedings with closing prayers by Rev. Lady Denise Brown.We then had to retrace our steps to the train station, fortunately we did not have long to wait as we could not even get a cup of tea as all the refreshment places were closed. After the two changes of train we finally arrived at Westbury at 8.30pm. It was a long day but very interesting to hear about all the many ways that the Mothers’ Union is making a difference in their areas.
Making Jesus Known is the new vision for the Diocese of Salisbury. It emerged after months of listening to people across the diocese, both inside and outside church.At its heart is our mission to invite others to know more about Jesus. To know Jesus is to follow him, and five paths have been identified - rooted in Jesus’ teaching – to help to transform our life together. The five paths are: developing courageous Christian leaders, resourcing creative partnerships in local mission, working for justice, climate action and finally, the need to have a sustainable financial basis for mission. The resources of the Diocesan Board of Finance will be aligned to these areas of work.Find out more how you can engage with the paths as an individual, church community, or wider community group by reading this short leaflet or download the PDF version.
As a resident within the White Horse Team Ministry parishes, we would be most grateful if you would consider completing a disability survey which is being circulated as part of a research project being undertaken by Team Curate Revd Holly Newton. The data from this survey will contribute towards this research which explores disability and church inclusion and will go towards informing the materials that come out of this project. The survey is entirely voluntary and can be completed anonymously. It is open to anyone resident within our parishes, regardless of church attendance. It would also be helpful to receive replies from those with disabilities and those without disabilities.To access the survey please use this link: https://us4.list-manage.com/survey?u=7b32f32456f86d8f379f7e32d&id=6eb57932ad&e=*|UNIQID|*If you require a hard copy of the survey these can be found in any of our churches. Alternatively, you can contact our parish administrator on 01373 859450 or at office@whtministry.org.uk if you require a copy to be sent out to you by email or in the post. The surveys have been created in a fairly large print, but our parish administrator will be able to help you if you require a larger print version.If you require assistance in completing the survey, contact details for Revd Holly Newton are given on the survey and you can get in touch for assistance.Many thanks for your participation which will be most valuable and much appreciated.
Dear Friends, I am writing to tell you some news, some will think great news, others may be more disappointed…for me it is with mixed emotions that I tell you that Cliff and I will soon be leaving. I have been offered a new post working in the diocese of Truro with the Probus Mission Area (PMA). The PMA is a group of churches that have agreed to work together and support each other, my role will be to develop and nurture greater collegiality and collaboration between lay and ordained ministers as well as congregations. Of course, being a mission area there will be a strong focus on outreach into the local communities as well as finding ways to enable people to access church. I have, very much, loved being part of the community here in Dilton, being the vicar in the church, team vicar across Westbury and being Rural Dean across Heytesbury supporting vacant parishes as well as clergy from time to time. I feel as though I have become part of the family and so it is with a thankful (also sad) heart that I shall be leaving. This experience reminds me of the calling that was placed on Abram (later Abraham) from the Old Testament. God asked Abram to leave behind his family and friends and to move on to a place that called him to Trust God for his future. I feel that I am being asked to be obedient and to trust God for my future, for the work that I will do. The invitation from Bishop Hugh to come to Cornwall, to become a vicar there has confirmed this sense of call that I feel I have had. It means a big change for us, including Flossie! We will still have a big garden but half the size we have here! My last service will be Harvest on Oct 6th. My licensing in PMA will be on 5th Nov -church to be confirmed. My departure will trigger the PCC to meet with the Archdeacon so that together and with Revd Rebecca that a profile will drawn up as the congregation begins to think about the type of priest they would like to invite to join here next. From one priest leaving to a new one joining usually takes about a year. Please do pray for the church as we prepare for this transition period. Yours in Christ, Caroline
