January 2018 News & Notes

Thanks for foodbank donations, especially those covering the Christmas season. We really appreciate all involved in the 'supply chain' providing practical help to those who need it. Some university students have been forced to rely on foodbanks while vice chancellors are on obscene salaries ~ there needs to be more justice in the long term.

Thanks too for Christmas worship in so many contexts, and in a wide variety of styles. Our church buildings looked great, but it's the Church people that brings them alive.

Any idea where these can be found? They are both from east windows, and tell their own stories. One reminds us of the responsibility to nurture faith in the Church, through worship and learning, and in the communities we serve. We give thanks for our nurseries, schools, and colleges.

The other is an encouragement to all dyslexics. If you're going to make a spelling mistake, then doing so right in the centre panel of the east window is perfect. 

Jan 4, Preston St Andrew starts a 'cascade pattern' this month, with informal worship on Sundays at 10.00am and formal worship beginning at 10.30am. These feed into a time of shared refreshment and fellowship. On 28 Jan the first joint act of worship will take place.

Feb 12, Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, when fasting begins in preparation for Easter. Some give up chocolate, but it's also an opportunity to do something new. Why not join a housegroup, or take part regularly in one of many opportunities for weekly prayer?

December 2017 News & Notes

A very blessed Christmas season to all served by the Ridgeway Churches, and a huge thanks for music, decorations, and maintenance which together keep our worship to a high standard. There are many services from which to choose, so make yourselves at home.

Bishop Karen Gorham gave us a first class sermon on giving and, towards the end of a fabulous Choral Evensong, asked for God's blessing on a new Lady Chapel altar. She anointed it with the Oil of Chrism, which had been blessed in Salisbury Cathedral during Maundy Thursday's Renewal of Vows. Our thanks to Philip Elliott, bell ringers, musicians, and those providing refreshments.

Bishop Karen, Adrian Light, Tim West, Brian Ellis,

Philip Elliott, Harry Barnes, John Clark

Theo Michael Green was a real charmer at his baptism in the traditional service at St Andrew's. Congratulations to his extended family and friends, who commented on how welcomed they felt. May God bless little Theo in having an adventurous life.

January change at Preston St Andrew will see Sunday formal 11.15am worship move forward to 10.30am. This will make it easier for both informal worshippers [starting as now at 10.00am] and formal worshippers to join together for refreshments and fellowship. Our thanks to all who gave feedback at the open meeting, by email or letter. The new pattern will be reviewed in September.

Looking after our churchyards is a massive task, so thanks to all who help. Families are responsible for the upkeep of individual graves. If you would like to help out do get in touch with one of our churchwardens.

November 2017 News & Notes

Prayer opportunities are endless. We can exercise the gift from anywhere, at any time, about anything on our hearts and minds. Do join in the weekday prayer times. There are additional times, with 7.45am Morning Prayer being introduced Tuesdays to Fridays at St Francis.

Third Sundays in the month shows a modified pattern, with St Osmund's joining Broadwey St Nicholas, and Harry Barnes leading Morning Worship at St Laurence. Ada now has these Sundays off, and Brian takes fourth rather than third off. We are so grateful to both for giving of their time and energy freely, and glad they have a Sunday off each month.

The service pattern at Preston St Andrew is under consultation, with a view to moving the traditional service from 11.15 to 10.30am. Contemporary worship now forms around half of the worshipping life of the Church. Full details are displayed in the Church Rooms, where slips are available for any comments.

The Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT) is picking up speed nicely, and taking some duties off local governing bodies so they have more time to focus on their schools. At the moment St Andrew's, St John's, and Beachcroft at Westam form the Weymouth Bay Academy. Who knows what possibilities lie ahead?

Pip Salmon is our new Rural Dean, and will be ably assisted by James Menzies from the Portland Team. Pip has been serving Southill and the Town Centre for a decade or more, so he knows the borough well.

Air Cadets are in good heart, and our rector Canon Tim has been delighted to be their padre for 20 years. A recent awards evening welcomed our Mayor and Mayoress, who witnessed a fine display of drill followed by cadets explaining their various activities to all guests. The Mayor then gave an excellent speech of his time in uniform, and handed out awards.

October 2017 News & Notes

Baptisms in Church and Café Church
Isla Boreham was well supported by her clan when baptised in St Andrew's Church on a beautiful summer morning. Afterwards all supporters posed outside the porch.

Kyan Walker was baptised during Café Church in the Bailey Hall. The video camera let everyone have a closeup view on the big screen, and afterwards all gathered on the Church Rooms steps for a clan photo.

Adrian Light introduces himself
Firstly, I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome you've given me. Training as an LLM (Licensed Lay Minister which is what Readers are now known as) has taken me into many Churches, and the friendly way I've been received here has been wonderful. It's always a bit scary starting at somewhere new but a warm welcome makes it so much easier.

I was trained as an LLM at Church House and Sarum College in Salisbury on a three year course. Until recently, I was being trained by Rev Deb Smith at All Saints (and Rev Betty Port at St.Edmunds) having been placed there following the retirement of Canon Richard Franklin of Holy Trinity at Easter 2016. I had been a member of Holy Trinity Church since I moved to Weymouth from Devon back in 2006. Before that, I was a member of a small Baptist Church just outside Exeter for many years, where amongst everything else I was a Deacon and Elder and also used to do some lay preaching.

I always had in mind when I came to live in Weymouth that God had moved me here for a purpose. Little did I think that it would be to train as a Church of England Minister! However, “God moves in mysterious ways....”, so despite like Jonah running away from His calling into this vocation, I was picked up by the scruff of my neck, turned around and made to see what it was that God had placed me in Weymouth for. Since that day, I can honestly say that many doors have been opened, whilst some which I thought looked good were firmly shut to me.

I enjoy photography, bird watching, driving (especially to visit family, friends and National Trust properties) and most things aviation related – amongst other jobs in the past I had my own printing business. I'm married to Fliss, have a son and a daughter and two grandchildren from my first marriage and three step-sons and a step-daughter and four step-grandchildren – all of whom conspire to keep me busy one way or another with the usual family things.

It is wonderful to realise that God’s will for me continues to be confirmed by others. In one sense I still feel slightly numb and full of ‘what ifs’. However, when I started my training, I was, and still am, very convinced that God doesn’t call people to vocations and situations that fit their skills and talents - rather that God gives people those talents and skills they need for the purpose to which they’ve been called.

Philip has responsibilities outside the team
He is a trustee of the Lantern, which is based by the railway station, with a charity shop at Chaplehay. They give practical support. He is also Mayor's Chaplain, which is why he will disappear from the team on Remembrance Sunday. Philip loves being Padre to the Sea Cadets, where his sense of fun is much appreciated. At his licensing they were part of his formal welcome. Our thanks and encouragement to Philip for fulfilling these important roles, and of course it's important that we give him the space to do so.

Joshua and Natasha Wright
Congratulations to the happy couple who enjoyed a meaningful homely wedding celebration, with some extraordinary singing skills and guitar playing.

September 2017 News & Notes

A pottery Holy Communion set
St Andrew's, like most of our Churches, runs both informal and formal services. Local potter Bill Crumbleholme has made a Holy Communion set to be used at informal services, and during Advent and Lent. Here it features during a candlelight service. The congregation is most grateful to Bill for his design and skill.

Sun 3 Sep, 2.00pm Remembering Loved Ones
All those grieving for loved ones who have died are invited to Weymouth Crematorium. With others from the area, they give thanks for the gift of life, and support each other. Canon Tim will be at the chapel.

Sun 10 Sep, 11.15am WW I memorial dedication
The parchment found in the vestry has been beautifully restored and framed. It records all those from the area who served during the First World War. The dedication service will include military music. You are warmly invited to take this opportunity to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy, and for those whose served to secure them.

Sun 17 Sep, Iron Man moves 8.00am Communion

The arrangements for this exciting race have now been published. There is no access to Osmington from Preston until 10.15am, so the 8.00am Holy Communion will be held at St Andrew's. Why not watch the race start, and then take part in a traditional half hour service which has been regularly celebrated for 3½ centuries?

Sat 30 Sep, Adrian Light licensed to our team

Do join 5.30pm Evensong in Salisbury Cathedral which will include the start of Adrian's time with us as a Licensed Lay Minister. The following day we will welcome him at 10.00am in the Church Rooms, and then he will conduct his first solo Matins. All Saints with St Edmund's gave Adrian [far left] a great send off, with Canon Richard Franklin [next to Adrian] giving the address. Canon Tim welcome Adrian, and said that we look forward to his ministry here.

Bishop Karen visiting St Laurence, Upwey

At 10.30am on Sunday 15 October Bishop Karen will lead a combined service for Western Ridgeway Churches, although being a team all from the area are welcome.

October Harvest Festivals

May we particularly remember the farming and fishing communities, as uncertainty over Brexit arrangements adds to their very challenging lifestyle.

 ● 1: St Laurence, Upwey; St Nicholas, Broadwey

 ● 15: St Andrew's, Preston; & St Francis, Littlemoor

 ● 22: Holy Trinity, Bincombe; & St Osmund's, Osmington

 ● 29: St Nicholas,Buckland Ripers 

August 2017 News & Notes

A fantastic welcome to holidaymakers. It's great to see those who stay every year, and those for whom this is their first visit. Do join in Church worship, not just on Sunday but during the week. Details at www.ridgeway.org.uk/worship

Archdeacon Paul Taylor was at chapter, the last run by Canon Tim West who has stepped down from being Rural Dean of Weymouth & Portland. His successor has yet to be appointed, so there's a holding role meanwhile. 

Sarah Patterson was commissioned as Headteacher of St Andrew's School, which has been recognised by Ofsted as gaining a momentum for improvement. It has joined the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, along with St John's, and Beechcroft.

Clergy visit all schools in the team area, and take part in worship at All Saints Secondary School. Each has its own character, and are seen to be of equal value as vital parts of our community. Lets hope teaching and support staff, governors and volunteers have a really good rest this month.

There's a huge range of worship, so choose something that suits you. Café Church is informal and interactive, with people sitting around tables. It includes well known hymns alongside a growing repertoire of contemporary material. Family Friendly 'does what it says on the tin' and is accessible for all ages, a particularly good for children. At St Francis there is a play area in the Church.

July 2017 News & Notes

Every marriage is different because couples vary in their choices. Although the media tell us vast sums are required, that need not necessarily be the case. Doing what is appropriate for the families involved is what counts. Simple arrangements work well. For example, Sarah Ryan was given away by son Matthew. Then Peter Timms led his new bride from the Church round the corner to The Spice Ship for a great reception.

Four halls in Preston held a traditional Rectory Garden Party which included Ed Hintze and his merry troupe of singers. Congratulations to Carole Anders who masterminded arrangements. Some £800 was raised.

Laura Lombard is cycling End to End to support those with dementia. She is co-founder of rememberingnottoforget.org.uk which gives details of the Land's End to John O'Groats challenge, and Deputy Head at St Andrew's School. The site also shows how you can give to the project. She's the one holding her bike in front of the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Dean of Salisbury is leaving to become Bishop of Llandaff, Cardiff. Canon Tim will be at her final service of Evensong on Sunday 9 July, and sitting in the Preston stall.

June 2017 New & Notes

The Good Friday pilgrimage
A cross was carried through Sutton Poyntz and Preston by those who took turns to bear its weight. In Mission Hall Lane rustic nails were hammered into the wood, as an echo of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The picture shows the Jordan River being crossed behind Bridge Inn. Appropriately three Churchwardens are nearest to the cross.

Osmington Café Church started well

Last month the evolution of this new time of worship began well. There is good company, live music, and of course elevenses. Do come and take part at 11.00am on first Sundays in the month in the Village Hall. David Parson from St Nicholas, Broadwey is assisting Canon Tim in leading the sessions.

Canon Tim West installed in the Preston seat

Salisbury Cathedral does dignity without pomp, so the installation took part in choral Evensong. Tim was placed into the Preston seat by Canon Antony MacRow-Wood, onetime team vicar at Littlemoor, and Canon Richard Harper from Westham.

Preston represented at Emmanuel Confirmation
Bishop Karen Gorham lead a homely and moving service in Southill. Team vicar Pip Salmon made everything run smoothly, and good support for a Preston family taking part.

13 June Sarah Patterson is to be commissioned
St Andrew's School has a fantastic new Headteacher, ready to build on all that is good from previous years. She will be commissioned by candlelight in St Andrew's Church, Preston following a 6.00pm walk from the school through the community. At the head of the procession the new logo will mark this new chapter 'embracing life through inspiring learning'.

May 2017 News & Notes

2 May, 7.30pm Open Deanery Synod at All Saints SchoolHere’s an opportunity for anyone interested to get up to date with what is happening in our area. It will also be Tim West’s last synod before handing over to a successor.Sun 7 May, Osmington Café Church starts
At 11.00 for 11.15am Osmington Village Hall will host its first Café Church, with everyone informally sitting around tables. Traditional and modern hymns nestle alongside drama, craft, and activities. The theme is growth, and the content has something for everybody. A 'pass the parcel' exercise was part of last month's thinking on sharing faith.

Tue 9 May, Tim West will be made a canon

During 5.30pm Evensong in Salisbury Cathedral our rector will be made a non-residentiary canon of Salisbury Cathedral, and lent the Preston stall. Twice a year canons meet in college to assist in the governance of our Mother Church, and act as ambassadors for the cathedral.

Sun 21 May, Rogation at Holy Trinity

At 10.30am Ada Whittock will be leading a Rogation Service asking for God's blessing on the land and sea. This is a shared time for West Ridgeway Churches, so there will be no services in Broadwey, Upwey, or Buckland Ripers.

The Ridgeway Team is growing together

The seven Churches running along Weymouth Ridgeway were formally made a team on 1 November 2015, and we are gently enjoying the companionship and variety offered by this arrangement. For the first two years Tim has attended all the annual meetings. Upwey's included handbells.

Now that things have settled he will no longer do so. The constitution that sets out how we work is nearing completion. We have tremendous scope for fun alongside faith, and opportunity to share that with all in the communities we serve.

Thanks to all who maintain our Church grounds

Philip basks in the evening sun outside St Nicholas, Buckland Ripers. The wild flowers looked fantastic due to wise management of the churchyard. It's a huge task, and is very much appreciated. If you are looking for exercise and company, why not volunteer to help out.

April 2017 News & Notes

Thanks Sarah Sprague
St Andrew's School has turned around, and is making steady progress in the right direction. We are grateful to Sarah Sprague who has stepped in as short-term headteacher, and is seen here helping to paint the entrance to a new teaching area.

Bowley Brothers baptised at St Andrew's
After a celebration of baptism and communion the clan gathered on the Church Rooms' steps for this group photo. Mum and Dad hold Morgan and Elis.

Sweets from Mike the Lollipop
Congratulations to Mike, full of fun on his 80th birthday. He celebrated by sharing sweets with those crossing the road he patrols.

3 April, Canon Andrew Gough licensed at 7.00pm in Holy Trinity, Weymouth

23 April, Tim visiting Portland
Rural deans have responsibility for overseeing the normal life of their deanery, so taking part in worship is important. Checking fabric and records is included in these visits.

30 April, St Osmund's APM
This is the last of our team's Annual Parish Meetings, and marks an encouraging year which includes progress on upgrading church facilities, and paying share in full. Congratulations to Brian, PCC members, and fantastic community supporters.

30 April, 6.30pm Confirmation with Bishop Karen
Anyone interested should get in touch with their minister. Those who have completed a year at All Stage, Tuesday Candlelights, or Café Church are already trained.

March 2017 News & Notes

Tom Coopey was licensed at St John, Greenhill by Bishop Karen on 17 January. He knows the area well, having worked as a Youth Worker in the Radipole Team. He is warmly welcomed back, but in a very different role as Team Vicar.

1 March is the start of Lent and our bishops are encouraging us to make it a meaningful season by praying regularly. Booklets are available in our Churches, so please get involved. Each week there are plenty of opportunities to join with others, and enjoy a wide variety of styles. Our own private prayer is important too.

5 March the rector is covering the vacancy at Holy Trinity, Weymouth. Canon Andrew Gough will be licensed by Bishop Nicholas on 3 April. We warmly welcome his appointment.

Fairtrade fortnight runs until 13 March
We have an excellent team running Fairtrade stalls in the team. Our thanks to them. Here's an opportunity to encourage the movement, which makes a real practical difference to millions of producers.

12 March, first Annual Parish Meetings (APMs) within Café Church for St Andrew's. The Team Rector attempts to attend all these meetings, and this year we will sign the new constitution which sets out how we work together.

19 March, St Nicholas for Bincombe and Broadwey APMs to celebrate the last year, which included a huge tidy up and new services.

26 March, APMs at St Francis, and St Laurence with plenty for which to thank God, and hopes for the future.

21 March, Clergy Chapter ministry development day in London, reflecting on Tate Modern and other developments.

3 April, Canon Andrew Gough licensed at 7.00pm in Holy Trinity, Weymouth

30 April, 6.30pm Confirmation with Bishop Karen
Anyone interested should get in touch with their minister. Those who have completed a year at All Stage, Tuesday Candlelights, or Café Church are already trained.

February 2017 News & Notes

It's not too late to join Café Church Alpha

10.00am in Church Rooms, Preston on third Sundays. This is part of Learning Church, and the course works as well for for those who know little about Christianity, as for regular Church members wishing to refresh their understanding.

Weekday prayers
There is truth in the saying 'seven days without prayer makes one weak', so to encourage our collective strength we have many opportunities on weekdays. This year we added three new ones:
 • Morning Prayer, normally led by Brian Ellis, 9.30am on second Mondays in Osmington Church.

 • Evening Prayer, normally led by Philip Elliott, 7.30pm on second Wednesdays in Bincombe Church.

 • Evening Prayer, normally led by Philip Elliott, 7.30pm on fourth Wednesdays in Buckland Ripers

Church.

Record tree for St Osmund

Dr Warwick has kindly donated a Christmas tree to the Church each year. This one beat the record for height, and only just fitted in the north aisle. Congratulations to those who decorated it ~ no mean feat. The Christmas congregation certainly appreciated their efforts.

Thanks for the extras

A huge amount goes on behind the scenes at Christmas. Many thanks to highly skilled decorators, musicians, and busy ministers supported by admin wizards. 

Fairtrade fortnight starts 27 Feb

We have an excellent team running Fairtrade stalls in the team. Our thanks to them. Here's an opportunity to encourage the movement, which makes a real practical difference to millions of producers.

Our first Annual Parish Meeting

St Andrew's APM will be within Café Church on Sunday 12 March. The Team Rector attends all these meetings, and this year we will sign the new constitution which sets out how we work together.

Canon Andrew Gough at Holy Trinity

I'm delighted to report that Andrew will be licensed by Bishop Nicholas on 3 April. We warmly welcome his appointment, and I'm grateful to colleagues for picking up extra services so we could help cover the vacancy.

30 Apr, 6.30pm Confirmation with Bishop Karen

Anyone interested should get in touch with their minister. Those who have completed a year at All Stage, Tuesday Candlelights, or Café Church are already trained.