January 2019 News & Notes

No two celebrations are the same; for every baptism family, wedding couple, or funeral gathering are unique. These are awesome times when we shout out what's important: the quality of our living, the depth of love, the miracle of life, its rich variety, and God who created and sustains the universe.

For Robert Janssen the friendship and humour he enjoyed on the golf course was an important part of his rich and varied life. His family are delighted to have the picture I took included here as a reminder of the guard of honour at his funeral.

The town was packed out on 11 November for the important commemoration of the end of the First World War, with our Churches holding amazing acts of remembrance too. St Nicholas, Broadwey included displays of local history, and ghostly outlines of those whose memory and sacrifice we treasured were placed in among the seats.

Our thanks to all our Churches for their creativity in honouring the peace, and praying that peace may be maintained. Thanks too for all the Christmas fun which can only happen because of many extras behind the scenes.

November 2018 News & Notes

11am on the 11th of the 11th will be particularly poignant this year as we recall the end of World War I, in which so many young lives were sacrificed. The names on our war memorials bear witness to the cost, but of course there's no such public record for the maimed. Do join in one of the services that day. Each will include an act of remembrance.

Most of our Ridgeway Churches have memorials in a churchyards, so as the growing season comes to an end let's hear it for all those who maintain theses spaces. It's a massive task, and warrants a massive thank you.

Patterns ebb and flow like the tide, and this time it's Evensong that's changing at St Andrew's. As of this month the Sunday evening services come to an end, to be replaced by Candlelight Evensongs on second, fourth, and fifth Tuesdays. Our thanks to all who have led Sundays over the years.

Our next Archdeacon is to be collated at Sherborne Abbey on Sunday 25 November. Penny Sayer has experience in sharing the Gospel, and growing Churches.

Next month includes umpteen carol services and there's space for everyone. Some will take place in small farmyard churches, and others out of doors. You're warmly invited to take part.

17 Dec, Our next Springhead baptisms take place after 6.30pm Open Air Carols, led by the Salvation Army Band. If you want to know more please make an appointment to see Canon Tim.

October 2018 News & Notes

Levi Dailey and Nadia Kusminoff were married at St Andrew, Preston on a deliciously hot day but no worries because shorts were the dress code. The groomsmen had the challenge of finding the right brightly coloured bridesmaids. The occasion was great fun, full of meaning, and vows made with real conviction.

One little chap had received singing lessons, to make sure he didn't bark at the wrong time. Zulu proudly brought the rings up on his collar for the best men to carefully detach and present to Canon Tim for blessing.

There were links to Levi's time at St Andrew's School. His first teacher, Caroline Crisp arranged flowers while his headteacher, John Tallon played the organ and school secretary, Nora Tallon turned the music pages. Just goes to show that every wedding is unique, and has its own flavour.

Skylar was baptised in a lively fun-filled service with members of the family taking part. Her sister Jasmine topped up the font with plenty of splash, as prayers were said over the water.

Our next Archdeacon is to be collated at Sherborne Abbey on Sunday 25 November. Penny Sayer has experience in sharing the Gospel, and growing Churches ~ so we welcome new ideas alongside expertise. Meanwhile Antony MacRow-Wood, once team vicar here, is keeping oversight and in particular assisting St Osmund with plans for access and welcome. We are grateful for all the energy given to New Friends by Geoff Codd, who has recently stepped down.

17 Dec, Our next Springhead baptisms take place after 6.30pm Open Air Carols, led by the Salvation Army Band. If you want to know more please make an appointment to see Canon Tim.

September 2018 News & Notes

Hymns & pimms are a good combination, as shown by the fun on display at St Osmund's. Thanks to David Parsons for leading the music, and singing a poignant solo. Traditional hymns were in the majority, but a few contemporary pieces stretched the repertoire.

Annabel is part of Go Bellistic, a youth band of bell ringers which came third in a national competition. Tom and Trish Garrett taught her basic skills, call-changes [simple patterns], and method ringing [complex patterns which produce tunes and huge variety]. If you want to know more just Google their name.

Hallie and Bonnie Brook had great support when they were baptised at St Andrew's, Preston. It was a lively happy occasion which included Holy Communion and/or blessing. Afterwards clan and friends gathered on the Church Rooms steps for a record of the gathering.

9 Sep, a Pet Service for all is being hosted 10.30am at St Osmund, Osmington. It's a great opportunity to thank God for companionship with creation, and you don't have to own a pet to take part. We have amazing RSPB and Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves on our doorstep, so it may be you'd like to give thanks for our home environment.Sam and Zoey Alvey pose after their July wedding, held on a very warm day with gentle sea breeze. It was a unique occasion reflecting the couple's tastes. No two services are alike, for each couple is unique.

17 Dec, Our next Springhead baptisms take place after 6.30pm Open Air Carols, lead by the Salvation Army Band. If you want to know more please make an appointment to see Canon Tim.

August 2018 News & Notes

Lloyd James Cranny & Leah Joanne Gilks were the first wedding couple to use the new church path at St Andrew. Family and friends pass on their thanks to all involved. The new lampposts 'watch over' as confetti is thrown.

Charley Moggeridge & Rachel Hallsworth had one of the hottest weddings this year. Service sheets were used as improvised fans. Their mothers witnessed signing of the registers, and father was best man for son. The bridesmaids and pageboy enjoyed the shade of the lychgate.

A Pet Service at St Osmund, Osmington gives opportunity to thank God for companionship in creation. Ten years ago the range of creatures was amazing: from dogs and cats [conveniently separated by pews] to ponies, grass snakes, snail, and hamster.

Humans in all shapes and sizes added to the mix, and no pet returned home inside another. Do put 10.30am 9 September in your diary, and of course everyone in the Ridgeway area is welcome.

Our next Springhead baptisms are on Monday 17 December, after 6.30pm Open Air Carols. We welcome the Salvation Army Band to provide rousing accompaniment. If you want to know more please make an appointment to see Canon Tim.

July 2018 News & Notes

John and Nicola Cartwright enjoyed a great celebration at St Andrew's Church, Preston. They were the first couple to tread the newly laid path into the Church.

St Osmund's and St Nicholas Cafe Church is on first Sundays at 10.30am at either Osmington Village Hall or Broadwey. All welcome to take part in these times of informal worship and fellowship. The music band is ace!

Our next Springhead baptisms are on Monday 17 December, after 6.30pm Open Air Carols. We welcome the Salvation Army Band to provide rousing accompaniment. If you want to know more please make an appointment to see Canon Tim.

Mark and Karen Moderski were married in St Osmund's, Osmington on another glorious Saturday. The couple had made their own confetti from rose petals.

June 2018 News & Notes

Maintaining and upgrading our churches is an important part of creating beautiful worship spaces. Our thanks to St Osmund's for mending the roof [boring but necessary], and St Andrew's for wheel-friendly access with improved lighting. All this is done with minimum disturbance.

St Osmund's and St Nicholas Cafe Church is on first Sundays at 10.30am, and alternates between Osmington Village Hall and Broadwey. All welcome to take part in these times of informal worship and fellowship. 

11 November = 100 years since WWI ended and it is hoped to ring all available bells that day. If you want to know more see www.big-ideas.org or join a bell ringing practice at St Andrew's or St Laurence.

May 2018 News & Notes

A huge thank you for flowers and the teams that display them so beautifully. It's a great way to shout out that 'Christ is Risen!' These are from St Osmund's but there are fantastic examples in all our Ridgeway Churches, many showing a personal style. Thanks.

Osmington, St Osmund main Sunday worship is now at 10.30am [rather than 11.15am], and we're grateful to ministers making this possible.

Sunrise for the Son Rise as members of many Churches in the area gathered on Easter morning by Weymouth clocktower, which showed its lit faces in the dawn light. Worship included prayers for sharing of our Easter faith with local communities and with neighbours.

Thy kingdom come is a line from the traditional Lord's Prayer, which Jesus taught his followers. It is the theme of ten days of prayer, from the Ascension until Pentecost [or Whitsun as it used to be called]. You are warmly invited to take part in regular acts of prayer across the Ridgeway Churches, and a few extras thrown in.

April 2018 News & Notes

Congratulations to St Francis and St Osmund

Paying our Fair Share is never easy, and these two of our Churches have struggled in the past. Well done on paying in full and on time.

Weymouth Crematorium
The team who run our crematorium are excellent, and have a personal touch. Facilities have recently had an overhaul which has been pastorally frustrating for those bereaved. Over the years grounds have been tidied and considerably improved.

For example there's a sensitively designed garden for those who have lost a child, or remember a still born. This sculpture is the centrepiece. May God hold us all in the hollow of his hand.

Our thanks to all involved in foodbanks

It starts with donations in our Churches, and then moves onto the chain bringing everything together for sorting and distribution. Here Neville and Elizabeth Wood pick up from both St Andrew's Church and Rooms. If you are interested in helping out do get in touch with a minister. 

Annual meetings, and a huge 'Thank you'

It's the season for Church Annual Parish Meetings [APCMs], when the past year is reviewed and there's a look forward too. So many do important jobs behind the scenes, and their role is vital ~ Thanks.

The rector thanks his colleagues for all their good ministry; there's mutual encouragement through a variety of gifts, an enjoyed a sense of fun alongside the gift of faith.

Osmington, St Osmund
On second Sundays the services now start at 10.30am, and will feature a variety. It may be that from next month all main Sunday worship will start at the same time.

March 2018 News & Notes

Mothering Sunday celebrates nurture

On Sunday 11 March, do join in the many different opportunities to give thanks for all that has been good in our nurture, and to rededicate our lives to the nurture of those around us.

theforeveryears.wordpress.com

Another Rural Dean has been appointed
Shortly after being appointed as Canon Tim's successor, Pip Salmon has found a new job in the Midlands. His final service is 6.30pm Sunday 25 March at Emmanuel, Southill. Nick Clarke has now been appointed as rural dean, but do remember him in your prayers because he's got his hands full: rector of a large team, relatively new to the area, a team vicar short, and needing to find 20% space for the new role.

Candlemas figures inspired worship
Roxanne Moss first created the figures used at St Andrew, Preston from Advent Sunday to Candlemas. They were given a makeover by Carole Anders and her art group, and helped the worshipping community and visitors to journey through the Christchild's nurture until he was presented in the temple.

Deb Smith is moving to Bridport
Later this year she will pick up the challenge of leading the Bridport Team, and can look back on her time at Wyke Regis with Lanehouse with satisfaction. She successfully brought the two Churches together, while at the same time maintaining their distinctiveness.

February 2018 News & Notes

Fun feedback from review
Overall the reactions to our Christmas worship were really positive. There was a huge variety of meaningful occasions in an amazing range of locations, from traditional Church Carols, to open-air and pub services. Fun was much in evidence too. As you can see from this picture, the Spice Ship renamed Rev James for the night.

Feb 12, Ash Wednesday, and praying

We are invited to 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? In particular why not use one of the prayer booklets, based on Mark's Gospel, and available in our Churches.

Feb 18, Broadwey join OsmingtonOn third Sundays St Nicholas and St Osmund have joined together in Broadwey. This month the shared worship is Osmington at 11.15am. Why not join too?

Feb 25, Witness at St FrancisLorraine and her team host worship for Churches across the borough. It will include the launch of Spring into Life, which visits all the schools in our area.

Always a welcome at ChurchIn terms of variety, you could hardly have more choice, from Churches in farmyards to ancient and modern, from informal to traditional, from half an hour to an hour and a half. So, come and make yourself at home.

Answers to last month's window puzzlesThe pelican feeding her youngsters is a detail in Holy Trinity, Bincombe. It is an image used by Corpus Christi College, Oxford as a representation of Holy Communion. The spelling mistake is in St Osmund, Osmington. We're blessed with many aesthetic features in the buildings we use for worship.