We are delighted to welcome Bishop Andrew to All Saints on Advent Sunday for a special service of Confirmation and Holy Communion. We have some candidates from both Westbury and Dilton Marsh parishes who are currently preparing for Confirmation.Being confirmed is an opportunity for someone who has been baptised as an infant or young child, to affirm the promises made on their behalf by their parents and godparents. Anyone can be confirmed at any age, and if the person has not already been baptised, then they can be baptised at this service. Our current confirmation candidates are all members of our churches who have been going through some preparation with myself. We have been looking at the core Christian beliefs, such as Who is God and what is God like? Jesus: his life and ministry. Jesus’ death and resurrection and what they mean for us today. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the Church? And how do we live as a Christian? We have been using a very helpful book called “ Faith Confirmed” which sets out our Christian faith clearly and attractively, with Bible passages to read and reflect on and questions for discussion. The group has been lively and stimulating, and people have been able to share their questions and thoughts in an open and safe space.At the service, the candidates will be professing their faith in Christ, and the Bishop will lay hands on them and pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives to dwell within them and inspire them to live their lives for God and for others.We hope that many will come to witness and be part of this special service which I’m sure will be a joyful occasion. It will also be good to welcome and meet with Bishop Andrew, who will lead and preach at this service.Please pray for the candidates as they prepare for this service, and for all the arrangements being made. As this is a Team service, there will be no other services in our churches this Sunday.After the service, there will be tea and coffee at the back of the church, and then there will be a bring and share lunch in the parish hall at 12.30 pm. We hope that many will be able to stay and join us for lunch and an opportunity to meet with others from across the Team and share in fellowship together. I shall be inviting the Bishop to join us for this as well, if he can. Please sign the list in your church if you are planning to stay for lunch, and if you can bring a dish to share. Please be in touch with your local church rep about this: Caroline Dunseath in Westbury and Sally Esposito in Dilton Marsh.Looking forward to seeing you then!The Revd Rebecca Harris
Keep the Organ Playing at All Saints! Help us bring new life to our beloved church organ by Sponsoring a Key or a Pedal!The three-manual Bevington organ at All Saints - moved and upgraded in 2001 - still relies on mechanical workings, many of which are now in desperate need of replacing. Sadly, some parts are simply unplayable. Everything is ready to go for the restoration - except the funding!To keep the music ringing out for Sunday services, Christmas and Easter celebrations (and more!), concerts and visiting organists, we need to raise £10,000 for essential repairs. Here's how you can help: Sponsor a key for £10Sponsor a pedal for £15With three keyboards (54 keys each) and 30 pedals, every contribution makes a difference!You can Speak to Ruth, our churchwarden, and give your donation in person. Or donate easily online: https://givealittle.co/c/asorganfundIf you'd like to help us spread the word, ask Ruth for a badge to show your support!Every pound counts - and every gift brings us closer to restoring the sounds that fills our church with joy.And if you happen to know any generous donors who love music and heritage, please send them our way! Scan the QR code to visit our website for more details. The All Saints' Church organ is a three manual Bevington organ which was originally installed in 1868. It was relocated and enhanced in 2001 with the addition of some electrical action and a small solid state memory panel. After nearly 25 years the organ needs some 'TLC'. This includes repairs to the electronic action.For those who know about organs these are the stops on the organ. Choir:Sesqui-alteries IIOboe 8Flute 4Gemshorn 2Stopped diapason 8Dulciana 8Swell:Trumpet 8Principal 4Clarinet 16Open diapason 8Stopped diapason 8Double diapason 16Great:Mixture IIITrumpet 8Twelfth 2 2 /3Fifteenth 2Clarabella 8Principal 4Open diapason 8Pedals:Fagot 16Principal 8Violone 16Bourdon 16If you want any more information about the campaign and the work being undertaken please get in touch with Churchwarden, Ruth Hann wcw2@whtministry.org.uk
On Saturday 20 September the congregation of All Saints’ Church will be opening up for Tower Tours from 1pm – 4pm. Visitors will be able to climb the 106 steps to the roof top of the tower of All Saints’ Church and enjoy spectacular views over Westbury and to the White Horse. Why not come and see if you can see your house from the top of the tower?In the Ringing Chamber, members of the bell ringing team will be on hand to talk about the eight bells that hang in the tower: the third heaviest peal in the World. You will also be able to view the workings of the 17th century chiming clock. The tower will be open during Westbury’s famous Wiltshire Chilli Fest taking place on the same day. Why not pop in and enjoy the view while you are in town? All proceeds will go towards the work of the church and the upkeep of the Grade 1 Listed building. Don’t forget your camera as the views across Westbury and to the White Horse are spectacular. Why not see if you can spot your house! Whether you’re a local or a visitor drawn by the festivities in town, the Tower Tours promise not only a climb to greater heights but a moment to pause, reflect, and view Westbury from a new perspectiveEntry to the tower will be £4.50 per adult and £1 per child. Doors open at 12.45pm and the last tour at 3.45pm. You can find All Saints’ Church between the Market Place and the Library and can be reached from Church Street, Market Place or Edward Street. Parking is available in the High Street Car Park. More details can be found on the church website www.achurchnearyou.com/All-Saints-Westbury Your safety is important and weather conditions may mean that we are unable to open on the day.
Our former curate, Holly Newton, who left us at the end of July, did a lot of work on disability awareness and church inclusion. She will be starting MA in Theology and Disability in September. Before she announced her departure, we invited her to come and preach in September at All Saints on 21 September and at Holy Trinity on 28 September, about disability and how the church can develop its awareness and accessibility for people with diverse needs and abilities. So she will be returning on these two Sundays to our Team. We do hope that you will come and hear her reflections on this important topic, which, I think we’ll find, affects us all.
