Ordination of Curate Andy BissexAndy is being ordained this Sunday in Bristol Cathedral, please pray for Andy and Phil. Following Andy’s first service at St Michael’s on Sunday 13th July at 10:15am there is a Bring and Share lunch. As it would be wonderful for the St Leonard’s congregation to join both the service and the lunch, there will be no morning service in St Leonard’s. If anyone would like a lift to Highworth for the service and lunch please let Paul or Helen know and we will make car share arrangements.Fundraising Concert Saturday 5th JulyBig thanks to Helen and Hilary Gibbin, and all who helped in preparing for and supporting the fundraising concert on Saturday, raising money for the Reordering Project.Free funding for our churches with EasyfundraisingBristol Diocese have partnered with Easyfundraising to give churches a free, easy, and secure way to raise funds at no extra cost, or effort. St Leonard’s is now registered, so you can now join and simply shop online via a portal or smartphone app. Each time you do, the retailer will give a donation to us for the Reordering Project. If you install the app search for “St Leonard’s - Blunsdon” as the cause being supported. See the following link for more details, or speak with Paul Morris. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/st-leonards-church-blunsdon.Vacancy in See Public Consultation - have your say on the new Bishop of Bristol! The Diocese is beginning the important process of choosing the next Bishop of Bristol. Whether you’re part of a local church, a community group, a school, or simply someone who wants to see the Church play a positive role in society, your voice matters! Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts in an online survey at: https://email.bristoldiocese.org/c/AQiX2hUQjadeGLjG5DQgi6PFCJz68H_MCVKW_SaOUC0ypDXb1_yCCVou7a-MLn6RufxO.
Ordination of Curate Andy BissexOur new curate Andy is being ordained on Sunday 6th July in Bristol Cathedral. Please pray for Andy and Phil on this special occasion, and for all candidates being ordained in the Bristol Diocese.Bring and share lunch at St Michael’s on 13th JulyFollowing Andy’s ordination and first service at St Michael’s there is a Bring and Share lunch on Sunday 13th July after the 10:15am morning service. The PCC have decided that as it would be wonderful for the St Leonard’s congregation to join both the service and the lunch there will be no morning service in St Leonard’s on Sunday 13th July. If anyone would like a lift to Highworth for the service and lunch please let Paul or Helen know and we will make car share arrangements. Churchwardens - Archdeacons VisitationPaul and Helen will be attending the Archdeacons Visitation on 3rd and 9th July respectively to formally begin their Churchwarden year. Please pray for all churchwardens in the Diocese as they take this step.Reordering UpdateThe Public Notice period ends on 3rd July and the Certificate of Publication will be submitted on Friday 4th July. Next steps to be clarified with the DAC once submitted as we await the Chancellors review.Church Committees/GroupsFollowing the PCC Meeting we have agreed that we need a Reordering Committee and an Eco Church Committee to work on the project and to work towards the first level of Eco Church as we look to meet the Diocesian environmental targets. We do need people to help the PCC with the level of work involved in delivering these initiatives. If you or someone you know might be interested in joining one of these committees please speak with Paul Morris. Fundraising Concert Saturday 5th JulyDon’t forget to buy a ticket for the concert next Saturday!
New RotaThank you to all who have replied following the publication of the updated draft rota, a few changes have been made to the final version which has now been emailed and will be posted in church. Please let Paul Morris know of any swaps so we can maintain the electronic copy.A farewell gift for Bishop Viv - Message from Bishop NeilDear sisters and brothers in Christ. On Saturday 30 August 2025 we will say farewell to Bishop Viv at a special afternoon service in Bristol Cathedral. Further details about this gathering will follow. I know, from my visits around our diocese, that +Viv’s episcopal leadership and ministry during these last seven years have been appreciated far and wide. Churches and individuals may want to contribute to a thank you and farewell gift to Bishop Viv and her husband Michael. This gift will express our gratitude for all that they have been to us and all they have shared with us. If you would like to contribute to their farewell gift, you can do so via this Collection pot link: https://email.bristoldiocese.org/c/AQiX2hUQjb5fGLjG5DQgo9-TCAX6jBZd9xfhb_X4lkMGihIyA1pnNZnn1iEaW8xZa1RK. If you want to send a card with a personal message, please post it to my office in Swindon (Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon, Mark House, Field Rise, Swindon, SN1 4HP) by 15 August 2025 and we will collate them. I look forward to seeing you in our Cathedral to bid a heartfelt farewell to +Viv. With every blessing Fundraising Concert Saturday 5th July - Raffle Prizes please!Don’t forget to buy a ticket for the concert in two weeks time! Donations of raffle prizes will still be gratefully received by Helen.
PCC Meeting & Church Committees/GroupsThe next PCC meeting is on Wednesday 25th June. If you have any issues you want to raise please speak with a PCC Member. We will also be looking at the committees we need to support the PCC, such as a Reordering Project Committee and an ECO Church Committee. These groups will meet to drive the initiatives of St Leonard’s forwards in a significant year of change. If you are interested in joining a committee please speak with Paul Morris. Eco-Church Tip for July: Embrace Nature's Classroom!Be encouraged to spend time outdoors this summer and reflect on God's creation. Take a nature walk in the village or churchyard, focusing on identifying plants, birds, or insects. Use your time outside for prayer or reflection on creation as you connect your faith with environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world around us.Fundraising Concert Saturday 5th July - Razzle Prizes please!Don’t forget to buy a ticket for the concert next month! Donations of raffle prizes will still be gratefully received by Helen.Diocese of Bristol Church Teams Day - Save the Date!Saturday 27 September, Pattern Church Swindon.A chance for us all to come together for learning and collaboration and to explore ways of serving our congregations and the wider community. There will be worship, food and refreshments, as well as opportunities for creative thinking to take back to your parish from a range of workshops on a variety of themes, such as: fundraising, buildings and culture change in your context! Invites to follow soon.
