Welcome to St. Luke's Church, Cheltenham - a living expression of the love of God in Christ.

1 Sep 2007 - News from The Link

A SENSE OF DIRECTION

After a long interregnum and a period of settling in for Robert and Rob and their families, we approach an important time in the life of St Luke's. In recognition of this, the PCC will spend time away together on the 16th September as a step towards discerning the direction in which God our Father is willing us to take.

However this is not a simple decision, a prerogative of the PCC, but something that will be worked out over time by the whole body of the church, so individual commitment and participation is essential if we are truly to be the Body of Christ in this place, and therefore flourish obediently and effectively. To this end we are all asked to give time in prayer for guidance for St. Luke's. The church will be open on Friday 14th Sept. between 1pm and 9pm for those wishing to drop in and spend time in prayer here. In any case you are invited to include the future of St. Luke's in your daily private prayer at home.

Offered below is a short prayer for your use.

Heavenly Father we give thanks for this place in which we worship and ask that our hearts and minds be open to your calling us to new things. Being Our Lord's Body in this place may we be found willing to work together lovingly for the sake of others and to your glory. Amen.

Revd Robert Pestell writes

September is traditionally the time of new beginnings as the new academic year starts, people return from holidays and groups and activities get into gear for their autumn programmes. After a lengthy period of acclimatization since my appointment I now feel that it is time to look forward with a sense of expectation at what God is going to be doing at St. Luke's with our support and co-operation. There are many encouraging signs including a willingness to support one another, more people taking on a leadership role in worship, a developing music ministry and the growth in young families attending our services.

There does, however, need to be a sense of purpose and direction, of moving forward and this is what the PCC Awayday on the 16th September is all about. The whole church family are invited to support the members of the PCC by remembering this important event in their prayers and the church will be open on Friday 14th September from 1 until 9 p.m. so that individual and shared prayer can take place. Please do your best to support this time and uphold the PCC Members as we look to the future direction that the church will take.

A national initiative called Hope'08 is planned for next year and I am hoping that we can contribute to a series of events that seeks to demonstrate God's work in action in local communities through acts of Christian love and commitment. In simple terms it means doing what we do already but in such a way that the community is far more aware of the role that Christians play in society as they demonstrate God's love in action. More about this in the future but please pray for the success of Hope'08.

On Sunday 23rd September at the 10 a.m. service we welcome a visiting speaker from CMS. Anne Lepage has been accepted to work in Tanzania teaching evangelists in a training centre and religious education in a secondary school in Kilolo with the Diocese of Ruaha. She recently studied at Redcliffe College in Gloucester and is now ready to return to Tanzania where she has had previous experience. I have asked Anne to reflect upon her call and her hopes and aspirations for the future in a biblical context and I hope that you will support her as she comes to speak at St. Luke's. There will be a freewill collection on the day to support the work of CMS.

With every blessing for a joyful and hopeful September and especially to Sheila and Ray for their marriage on Sunday 9th September at 3 p.m. to which you are all invited.

Robert

Annual Baby Loss Services 2007 - ?So Dearly Loved, So Briefly Known?

This year's annual baby loss services will be taking place again this autumn.

"So Dearly Loved, So Briefly Known" are services which provide an opportunity for space and reflection to remember those babies who have died at any time from conception into the early stages of life. They are open to anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby. You might be a parent or sibling, a grandparent or relative, a member of the hospital staff or a friend. Your bereavement may be recent or it may have happened many years ago. It doesn't matter. These services are an opportunity for you to remember your baby and to meet other people who understand because they have also lost babies that they loved.

The services are conducted by the hospital chaplains and supported by other members of staff who will be around to talk with you afterwards. Although they follow a broadly Christian pattern of worship, it doesn't matter what faith background people have. All are welcome to attend and each year there are a large number of people who come along because they appreciate a safe and open place in which they can acknowledge and remember their children. There are two services, one in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester so that people can choose which one they attend.

For further details please contact the chaplains on 08454 22 6200/4286, the bereavement support midwife at GRH on 08454 22 5526 or Sr. Sue Williams at CGH on 08454 22 2312.

In the morning mist,

MORE SIDESMEN NEEDED AT 10AM

Sidesmen (men and women!) have an important role before, during and after our worship, and we currently have a few vacancies (please take a look at the rotas page towards the back of this issue of The Link). We really want to make sure that everyone coming to St Luke's receives a warm welcome, and that all the important organisational jobs are done smoothly and efficiently. If you would like to be part of this team please have a word with one of the Churchwardens, Simon Barton and Guy Woodcock.

SENIOR CITIZENS WELFARE COMMITTEE

The Senior Citizens Welfare Committee (SCWC) is the major user of St Luke's Church Hall. The team uses the small hall and kitchen on four mornings a week to provide a day centre and luncheon club for 8-10 housebound senior citizens a day. The SCWC first came to the Hall over ten years ago and the association has been valuable and positive on both sides and the income from this regular letting has been an important building block in the success of the Hall over the years; this in turn has allowed the Trustees to make significant grants towards the work of the Church of England in our parish.

The SCWC is currently looking for volunteers to help with its work: cooks, carers and mini-bus drivers. If you are interested in any aspect - or you know of someone who might be - please have a word with Jo Bailey on Cheltenham 525118.

LEADING INTERCESSIONS IN SUNDAY WORSHIP

Cathedral Chapter Room, Gloucester

Saturday 29th September - 10am-1pm

A practical study morning for all those who lead intercessions in church, exploring the use of words and silence to draw the community into prayer. Led by Bishop Michael. Cost £2. Contact Robert or Rob or speak to Lorraine Knowles on 01452 410022 ext. 255.

CHELTENHAM'S 'BIG PARTY' VISIT TO GÖTTINGEN, 2007

(Extracts from an article by Steve and Joan Osmond of Christ Church)

On Sunday 22nd July, a good representation of the Cheltenham party attended an ecumenical service held at the Baptist Church in Göttingen where they were very warmly welcomed by the church members. During the service the English visitors were able to enjoy a simultaneous translation from German into English via headphones. Amongst the congregation were Cheltenham's mayor, Cllr. John Rawson and the Borough's Chief Executive and his wife, Mr & Mrs. Andrew North. Several members of St Luke's and Christ Church, Howard Marshall, Wendy Dawson & Steve Osmond, were invited to take part in the service. An official address from Rev. Andrew Dow, Area Dean of Cheltenham, was read by Howard and an opportunity was given to update what was happening amongst the churches in Cheltenham. The congregation was reminded of Cheltenham's strong links with the Baptist church over many years, which included many exchanges with young people between the Baptist & Christ Church begun in 1951. The bible reading & prayers were also read by Cheltenham members, Wendy Dawson & Howard Marshall.

Impressions of our Trip to Goettingen

As always in this interesting city, we had a full itinerary & the beauty of it was that you only needed to choose those events that took your fancy, or take time off to 'chill out' and 'do your own thing'. One particular event interested us when we discovered that we were going to the Heinz Sielmann nature centre at Gut Herbigshagen near Duderstadt. Heinz Sielmann was a famous natural history cameraman who, when the border between West & East Germany came down, realised its many and often unique natural resources and after the wire 'wall' had been dismantled & the land mines removed, had the vision in 1996 to acquire a section of this untouched land at Gut Herbigshagen for a nature reserve. Other sites have been acquired along the old East-West border with the hope that eventually, a green border will be established from the north to the south of Germany to preserve the last refuges for rare animal and plant species and to raise public awareness (especially amongst the young) for nature and its protection. We found it very inspiring and demonstrated how good can come out of evil.

On another occasion we took a leisurely trip down the river Weser to Hameln (Hamlin) where we were greeted by the Pied Piper no less, who 'enticed' us ashore and recounted his story (Browning version!) before a guide took us on a tour round the ancient & delightful town, sadly spoilt by the rain.

Another day saw us coaching to the Harz Mountains where we visited the very old Rammelsburg mine, and then on to the nearby town of Goslar to see more highly decorated buildings, beautifully carved and preserved. John Wright, conductor of Charlton Kings Choral Society, completed the day with a grand recital on the magnificent organ in St Johannis Church.

As on previous occasions, our stay in Goettingen had been memorable and we look forward to hosting our German friends in two years time and returning to Goettingen again in 2011 - God willing!

Divorce Recovery Workshop - Reg Charity 1041178

The depth of emotional suffering of the newly separated or divorced is not generally realised. While society allows the bereaved years to adjust, the divorced are frequently expected to "pull themselves together" in a matter of weeks, unaided.

Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW) is a course of six weekly evening sessions that helps the individual come to terms with a relationship that has irretrievably broken down.

The workshop enables people to better understand what they are going through, provides them with support from others in the same situation and assists in the process of readjustment in their lives.

DRW offers a secure environment for discussion and understanding of feelings, it also provides a new circle of friends when the workshop is over.

DRW is a UK nationwide self-help group run by volunteers who have attended the workshop - There are no "experts" but all those present will have personally experienced a relationship breakup.

DRW is suitable for anyone of any age, at any stage of separation or divorce.

Local Contacts:

Andy - 01242 517812; 07979 645894

Simon - 01242 580597

Study resource released to explore Ordination

More than 560 men and women will join the Church of England's clergy this year - the highest number since 2000. Among the 566 being ordained as deacons this year, 283 will go on to stipendiary ministry - a figure that has risen over the last two years. It is therefore a fitting time for the Church to publish a new resource that, in one volume, brings together the Common Worship Ordination Services and the 1662 Book of Common Prayer Ordinal, alongside a brief history of ordination rites and a commentary by the Liturgical Commission. Common Worship: Ordination Services also includes a comprehensive practical guide to planning ordinations, including sections on using the worship space, vesture, music, and compiling the service booklet.

General Synod, July 2007

The General Synod of the Church of England was held at the University of York between Friday 6th and Tuesday 10th July 2007.

Marriage Law:- The draft Church of England Marriage Measure returned to Synod for a further revision stage, and was given final approval. The legislation will make it easier for people to get married in a church with special meaning for them. The legislation will now be considered by Parliament's Ecclesiastical Committee before being put before both Houses of Parliament for approval.

Iran:- Following concerns voiced over the possible risk to the current regeneration of the Anglican Church in Iran, Synod voted against continuing with a planned debate on a private member's motion from Canon Simon Bessant, which sought to reflect international concern that the United States administration might be considering military action against the country.

Transforming Worship:- The Synod discussed the Liturgical Commission's initiative in liturgical formation and education, called Transforming Worship. Synod commended the Commission's report Transforming Worship: Living the New Creation (GS 1651) to the Church for study, reflection and action.