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 The United Benefice of Cherbury with Gainfield was set up in late 2003. It is part of the Deanery of Vale of White Horse, in the Achdeaconry of Berkshire within the Diocese of Oxford. The Benefice consists of seven churches: Longworth, Hinton Waldrist, Buckland and Littleworth situated along the A420 from Oxford to Faringdon and Charney Bassett, Lyford and Pusey lying to the south of the A420.
The Rector is the Revd Sally Welch (pictured here) living with her husband Jeremy and their four children in the Rectory at Longworth. The Associate Priest is the Revd Joy Hance living with her husband Nick in the Vicarage at Buckland.
Daily Prayer may be found on:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/dailyprayer
| | | Dear Friends
I write this in the middle of leading a series of confirmation classes. Four young people and four adults will be confirmed on 4 May at Faringdon, and these two groups have met regularly in preparation for this time. Joy has taken the confirmation class for adults, and I have led the group of young people through a series of discussions. We have talked about the Bible, the nature of the Trinity, the story of the Church and our part in it, prayer and our spiritual life - all the standard components of confirmation classes. We have also talked about the best sort of clothes to wear to a confirmation so as to avoid frightening the Bishop, which led interestingly to a discussion on the expectations of behaviour of Christians in community, both from within and outside the Church.
We have talked about all these things, and I have answered all the questions put to me to the best of my ability, but the most important thing I have said is that confirmation does not signify either a beginning or an end to our spiritual journey. Baptism is the beginning and death marks the end; confirmation is but a step along the way. It is an indication that we take the Christian faith seriously, that we wish to journey further along the road of relationship with Christ and with our fellow Christians. Moments of doubt, times of rebellion and disappointment will continue - confirmation does not put a stop to these. But these hard times will take place within the context of a determination to continue, to keep the goal in sight.
It is always a privilege to lead a confirmation class, to walk alongside people as they explore their faith and what it means to them, and to witness the moment when they say for themselves what was said on their behalf at Baptism. But this privilege is not mine alone - as a Christian community we share the joy and the pain of travelling together, exploring our faith and growing in our relationship with God as part of the people of God. We must support each other in our journeys, encouraging each other when we falter and celebrating as a community when we triumph over the obstacles of doubt and darkness. Following in the Way of Christ was never meant to be easy - Jesus never promises us this. But he does promise that in all our spiritual journeying, we will never travel alone. Our duty and our joy as Christians is to make sure that as Christ's body here on earth, we keep that promise.
Best wishes
Sally |  14th June 7:30 pm. St Mary's Church, Buckland
Tickets:
£10 each, £20 family, £7.50 concessions
to include glass of wine and other refreshments
Available from:
Bernard Martin (01235 550589)
e: info@oxrecs.com
Jonathan Russell (01367 870501)
e: jrussell@reesrussell.co.uk
Concert promoted by Friends of St Mary's Restoration and Preservation appeal - http://www.cherbury-gainfield.org.uk/fosm/
A poster is also available to download (PDF file, 281kb). | The successful Village Diner is looking for a few more names to go on the volunteer rota list. It meets in the Memorial Hall at Buckland on the third Weds of every month and regularly attracts over 50 diners. The rota means that helpers usually work for two lunches a year and their duties include helping to lay tables, serve food and some washing up. duties are from 11am to 2pm. A fun team to work with and of course a delicious and free lunch for your labours.
If you are interested, please call Deborah Lewis on 01235 868536 | CLET supports a range of educational projects with grants awarded both to individuals, aged under 25, and to community groups in Charney Bassett and Lyford.
Applications will be considered by the Trustees who meet in January, May and September. For further details please contact the Clerk: Mrs Frances Rothwell, Oldwalls, Buckland Road, Charney Bassett. (T: 868704) email: fc.rothwell@tiscali.co.uk
The next meeting of CLET Trustees will be on Wednesday 7th May 2008. Forms for applications, to be considered at this meeting, may be obtained from the Clerk and should be returned to her as soon as possible. | | See below for details of the Morning and Evening Offices being said in the churches around the Benefice. | | | The Gift of Years
Midweek Communion
Village Diner
The Benefice at Prayer
| | click here to read these news articles. |
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| 19:30 | Hinton Waldrist Roving Dinner Party
The Grange | | 14:00 | Longworth Open Gardens
Longworth village | | 12:15 | Village Diner
The Memorial Hall, Buckland | | 19:15 | Whist Drive
The Reading Room, Littleworth | | | |
| click here for more events. |
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