We are one of thousands of churches across country which will be displaying a star this Christmas to encourage people to attend church and hear the Christmas story. The star has been hand-made by Barton Stacey resident Jonny White and his children.Our Rector, Mark Bailey, says: “The star is a reminder that our church is there for people, and an encouragement to those who otherwise might not think to come to church that it is as much for them as for those who attend regularly.“We hope that many more people will ‘follow the star’ this Christmas and experience the joy of the real Christmas story.”Churches are using the hashtag #FollowTheStar on social media to post photos of their stars, culminating in a ‘night of the stars’ event which will see Canterbury and Durham cathedrals illuminated with 100ft star projections, in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Durham.2017 saw the highest number of people attend church at Christmas for ten years, and more than 3 million will visit churches and cathedrals over the coming week.Christmas service times and events
From the RectorIn the late nineteenth century, Edward Rudolf, a Sunday school teacher and civil servant in South London led a deputation to the Archbishop of Canterbury and put forward a plan for the establishment of children’s homes as an alternative to the work house and orphanages that were common at the time. In 1881 the Church of England Central Society for Providing Homes for Waifs and Strays came into being. That organisation continues to this day, now known as The Children’s society.An important aspect of the work that the Society undertakes today is researching trends, particularly on the 10 to 18 age group, so that politicians are informed when making policy decisions that impact directly on the lives of vulnerable children. This work is done both nationally and locally. Recently reports were commissioned for each parliamentary constituency and sent to all MPs. The reports make for tough reading. There are currently 4 million children living in poverty in the UK, an estimated 3 494 in North West Hampshire, including the Andover area i.e. 15.4% of all children, and 2 544, 13% in the Winchester area. In 2015/16 5 206 children were reported missing to Hampshire Police. During the same period 2 115 children reported that sexual offences had been committed against them. An increasing trend, and one the current research by the Society highlights, is the proportion of 10 – 15-year-old girls who report that that they are ‘unhappy’- an increasing percentage of whom self-harm. Nationally around 19% of children in need are aged over 16. A child that faces difficulties in one area of life is more likely to experience difficulties in another i.e. Children living in households that are struggling to pay the bills are more likely to suffer mental health issues. Poor housing may well also mean parents and children dependent upon handouts from foodbanks. The work of The Children’s Society brings to our attention the fact that vulnerable children exist in every community and every village and do so often hidden in plain sight. Christmas focuses the gift of life in the birth of a new born child, a child born in difficult circumstances and whose later life would be far from easy. Nevertheless, that life was one surrounded by the love of parents and extended family, a love that spilled over into the wider community, which embraced ox and ass and the complete stranger.This Christmastide, as you celebrate with loved ones, spare a thought, and a prayer, for the vulnerable child, they probably don’t live that far away from you. Give thanks too for the work of The Children’s Society. We will be supporting their work with donations from our Christingle Service on Christmas Eve, at 5.30pm.God Bless,MarkWatch a video on Christingle, produced by the Children's Society
Everything you need to know about Christmas activities in Barton Stacey and Bullington is right here. We have a 'star' theme to our Advent and Christmas celebrations this year, joining in with the Church of England's #FollowTheStar campaign (you can also sign up for reflections by visiting the website). Look out for some star surprises in the coming days and weeks, and if you haven't been before, we'd love to see you at one of our services. You are very welcome. Where an event is underlined, you can click on it for more information. Please email us if something is missing from the list!Viillage Christmas Events list:Sat 1 Dec, 12-4pm, All Saints - Church Christmas FairFri 7 Dec, 3-5pm, Barton Stacey School Christmas FairSat 8 Dec, 7.30pm, All Saints - Chamber Choir ConcertSat 8 Dec, 9pm, The Swan - Live music with Gary MylesSun 9 Dec, 11am, All Saints - Holy CommunionFri 14 Dec, 7pm, Boaz, Hill Farm (tythe barn) - wrap up warm, and bring a torch!Sun 16 Dec, 11am, All Saints - Holy Communion**CANCELLED*** Tue 18 Dec, 6-7pm, FROGS carols on The GreenTue 18 Dec, 8pm, The Swan - Pub QuizSUN 23 DEC:4.30pm, St Michael's Bullington - Carol Service6.30pm, All Saints Barton Stacey - Carol ServiceMON 24 DEC (Christmas Eve):5.30pm, All Saints - ChristingleTUE 25 DEC (Christmas Day):9.30am, St Michael's - Holy Communion11am, All Saints - Holy CommunionMon 31 Dec, Swan Inn - New year's eve party at the Swan Inn (free complimentary buffet)
If there is one thing we have all been reminded of recently it is that the world we live in is balanced very carefully on the principle of cause and effect. I well remember a very patient teacher in primary school explaining this to me with examples of ‘push’ and ‘pull’. A group of young boys ‘pushing’ and ‘pulling’ had great fun demonstrating cause and effect. The action of one force impacts upon another, sometimes with predicted consequence, sometimes with consequences that take us by surprise.Over time I learnt that human beings are born with a capacity to make choices and that making choices brings a certain responsibility. Individuals are responsible for their own actions, at least under the law. It took me a bit longer, certainly into adolescence, before fully appreciating the intricacies of what we mean by ‘corporate responsibility’, that a whole community, organisation, nation, can be held accountable for an action that has been made in their name.This summer I became familiar with a relatively new turn of phrase. ‘Climate change dependent economy’. Climate change dependent economy translates into cause and effect. Climate change has meant a very hot summer across Europe. This has had an effect, consequences for farmers. Fortunately, locally, barley and oil seed rape seem to have held up but wheat less so. More seriously the scorched earth has meant stock farmers having to use winter feed in summer months. A difficult winter lies ahead for some and it is likely that the price of bread and other staples will rise. Consequences for farmers means consequences for consumers. Ultimately, ‘push-pull’ affects everyone. There is no such thing as an economy in isolation. The realisation that a changing climate brings about a changing economy leads to uncertainty. And as we all know, markets do not like uncertainty. For many it brings into focus an air of gloom and even doom. But maybe we can be hopeful. How might the experience of a hot summer help us to reflect on how we might better care for our shared planet? How many plastic bottles of water did you buy? Did you think twice? Did the rising temperatures help you to think again about the amount of carbon dioxide your own car puts into the atmosphere? Here is an opportunity to change the pattern of our own behaviours.Climate change dependent economy is something we are all invested in. It’s all about the ‘push-pull’ – recognising that what I do has an impact and that God has given me and us a capacity to make some choices. God Bless Revd Mark Bailey
