From the Parish Registers

All Saints'

19 November Robert Grant and Jeanne Hawkings
30 December Nick Taplin and Rachel Howell
2 January Michael Jackson and Katherine Mounsdon

4 December Steven Pascoe and Jenna Skinner

All Saints'

Christ Church

FUNERALS

All Saints'

8 December Martin Lawson, aged 65
20 December Arthur Weall, aged 90
10 January Ian Harris, aged 84
18 January Philip Fish, aged 83

Christ Church

6 January Walter Wyatt, aged 93

Holy Trinity

12 December The Revd John Abdy, aged 73

All Saints' Open Meeting to learn of the planned Re-ordering

I mentioned in the last Journal that the PCC at All Saints' has voted in favour of some very limited but helpful changes to the interior of the church. Speculation and rumour are inevitably rife in these situations, so we are holding an Open Meeting in All Saints' at 10am on Saturday 25 February. Our highly experienced and qualified Church Architect, Mr John Beauchamp, will be joining us to answer any questions or concerns.

If you want to know more about him his web address is www.b2architects.com/jbeauchamp.html

We all know what enormous changes there have been in society since the last major physical changes in All Saints' that took place in the mid 19th century. Our deep love and concern for our church requires that we do what is necessary, as outlined last month, to produce some more flexible space in the church for its more varied activities and visitors today.

As I have said many times, no changes can take place until approved by the Diocesan and statutory authorities, but we know that they are as concerned as we are that All Saints' should be made as warmly welcoming as possible.

Please do join us on 25 February if you are able, and if you want to know any more contact any member of the church leadership or PCC.

New Alpha Course - an Opportunity to Explore the Meaning of Life.

We are starting a new Alpha course on Wednesday 8 February. It will consist of eleven evening sessions, each beginning at 7pm with a (free) home-cooked meal followed by the DVD and discussion at 8pm. The venue will be decided nearer the time.

Alpha is now world famous for the millions of people who have found it an interesting and helpful explanation of the Christian faith. An article in The Guardian said, "What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular
culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning."

The Times said, "What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings - that, and its
astonishing success."

All are most welcome to join this course. For more details please pick up a leaflet at the back all our churches or contact Olivia Montagu on 01934-862626, or email her at oliviamontagu@aol.com.

The Revd Judith Malins is moving but carrying on You will read elsewhere that Judith and Ken Malins have moved to live in
Banwell, but that Judith will, thankfully, be continuing her ministry here. Their move has the full support of the Bishop, Archdeacon, the clergy team here and parishioners at Christ Church. The Parsonage house will now undergo the previously planned extension, which will be necessary for her successor when the time comes. When that work has been completed, the house will be let.

We all wish Ken and Judith every happiness in their new home and surroundings.

Euphoria concert in aid of Vine Counselling Service

Euphoria is the first UK show choir to be invited to perform at the National Show Choir Championships in America, but they have turned down the opportunity for now, in order to perform at Churchill Community School to raise funds for Vine Counselling Services, which provides a donation-based support service for those suffering from anxiety, isolation and depression.

Euphoria has built up a strong following and received rave reviews. Their repertoire includes rock, pop and R'n'B, combined with some musical theatre songs.

Vine Counselling was set up five years ago in response to the high cost of private counselling and long NHS waiting lists. Today its team of highly qualified volunteer counsellors provide services across some 30 local communities, and supported well over 125 people, many of who are referred by GPs.

They have undertaken some 1,500 appointments, and each week the nine counsellors provide up to 20 hours of counselling.
Founder the Revd Matt Thomson says: "As a charity we have been able to make a real difference to many people who have been battling against depressive illnesses.

However, we urgently need more financial support to build upon this good work, as enquiries for our services continue to rise due to the economic climate and the ripple effect this has on individuals and families." They are also hoping local businesses will sponsor the concert and help raise £5,000 from the event.

If you are interested please contact Vine Counselling Services on 01934-876377 or email vine.counselling@hotmail.co.uk.

The Hope Concert is at 7.30pm at Churchill Community School on Saturday 17 March. Tickets are £8 adults and £5 for under 18s.

With our warmest good wishes to you all in 2012

Nicholas Maddock
Rector

4 Saturday 1pm Wedding of Chris Baker and Faye Thomas at All Saints'

8 Wednesday All Saints' Alpha Course begins - application forms from All Saints'

22 Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) 8.50am Wrington School Service with Ashing at All Saints'
                                                11.15am Burrington School Service with Ashing at Holy Trinity
                                                      7pm Holy Communion with Ashing at All Saints'

25 Saturday 10am Open Meeting with John Beauchamp, Church Architect

4 Sunday 12.30pm Baptism of Matilda Wilson at All Saints'

10 Saturday 7.30pm "Joyful Spirit" Gospel Choir Concert in All Saints'

17 Saturday 3pm Diocesan Association of Bellringers Service at All Saints'
               5- 6pm Celebration Bellringing at All Saints'
              7.30pm Concert for Vine Counselling by Euphoria at Churchill Academy

18 Sunday Mothering Sunday

20 Tuesday 7.30pm All Saints' PCC meets in Reading Room

27 Tuesday 2.30pm Burrington School Easter Service in Holy Trinity

28 Wednesday 7.30pm Holy Trinity Annual Parochial Church Meeting in the Parish Room