St John's already supports Stroud Food bank, and if you wish to donate to this, a basket is in church in which goods can be placed.However, we are looking at a more ambitious project, working in conjunction with "The Keepers" to provide a community pantry where food and other essentials will be available for people to help themselves to as needed. Similar schemes operate in our partner churches at Kingswood and Wickwar, and we have found they work well. Watch this space for updates.
Our parish representatives have been worked hard on drawing up a benefice profile, so that those considering the post can get an idea of what our churches are like and the sort of person we are looking for to lead us in the next chapter of our story. An attractive house in Wickwar has been purchased to become the new rectory.The post will initially be offered as "Priest in Charge", since we are looking at a re-organisation in which the Benefices of Wickwar and Thornbury (and perhaps others) will look at a creative partnership to provide support to the neighbouring benefice of CRoFTT... the new priest in charge will be involved in shaping how this proceeds.Sadly, the recent advertisement failed to attract applicants. But if you think this is a post that might interest you, have a word with the Archdeacon of Gloucester or the Bishop of Tewkesbury.
Eight members of Wickwar Benefice have recently completed training on the Diocesan Lay Worship Leaders' course, which will train and authorise them to lead worship in their local churches. They are joined by members of Thornbury and Badminton benefices.We look forward to this bringing a fresh and creative approach to our worship, and engaging church members more actively in their services.
<br>Serious and specialised repairs are needed to the gable and bell tower of our wonderful Grade II Listed early Arts & Crafts church. We also have a serious leak, which is probably causing even more damage beneath the tiles.We will need expensive scaffolding even to establish what is going on, and the work on our unique gable end requires specialised oak and mortar.The work is likely to cost in the region of £30.000 - £40,000If you would like to help by organising a fundraising event, please contact:Ruth Buchanan on 07515 423465If you would like to donate by BACS, the account details are: Charfield Parochial Council, 55-61-38 79487440. If you are able to gift-aid this (ie, if you are tax-payer), please also email David McEwan (DavidAMcEwan@hotmail.co.uk) to let him know so that he can contact you with the relevant paperwork… it will considerably increase the value of your gift at no extra cost to yourself.For other information, or to make a donation in other ways, please contact Simon Farmer (1 Little Bristol Lane, Charfield, GL12 8LN or 01454 261814)
