News & Notices

Quiet Day

2011-07-20T13:09:00.005+01:00

QUIET DAY
Saturday 29 October 2011
10.30am-4.30pm
Foxhill Diocesan Conference Centre—near Frodsham

on the theme:
Vocation: What does it mean to say that God calls each one of us?

• an opportunity to take time out and listen to God
• a beautiful setting, with garden and arboretum, and a newly refurbished house and chapel
• transport can be arranged if needed
• £15 per person, payable on booking, either cash or cheque to ‘St Peter’s Plemstall PCC’
• coffee, tea, lunch included
• there will be three sessions of 15-20mins each, including prayer and a short talk, with space in between
• there will be a short communion service in the afternoon before ending with tea
• apart from coffee, lunch and tea, we will keep silence in the house, but people may walk and talk outside
• the space may be used for prayer, reflection, reading, walking, resting…

Programme: 10.30am Arrive & Coffee
11am Session 1
12noon Session 2
1pm Lunch
2pm Session 3
3.30pm Holy Communion
4pm Tea & Depart

All welcome, from both parishes, but
note that places are limited (20-25 max)

To book, please give your name
and payment (see above) to Mark

Charity Ride

2011-07-07T11:19:00.002+01:00

A cycling fanatic from Cinder Lane is preparing for his third and most challenging charity cycle ride yet– the equivalent of cycling from Chester to London 17 times.
Hot on the wheels of rides from London to Monaco, and from Land’s End to John O’Groats, Jon Shorter is now set to ride over 2,800 miles from the southern shores to the northern tip of Australia over 40 days to raise funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity in Britain and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Jon, a mature Forensic Computing student, set himself the challenge of pledging his summer university holidays to raise awareness and fundraise for different charities over three years.
Jon, who will attempt the epic ride from 30th July, said “I wanted to make the best possible use of my time as a student and setting myself ever more ambitious challenges and fundraising targets seemed a better idea than the typical student holiday of lazing around, costly festivals or backpacking!”
A typical day on the trip will see Jon and his Aussie cycling partner Chris ride more than 100 miles through the winter, each pulling a trailer weighing 65 pounds over the snowy peaks of the Baw Baw National Park, across the desert sands of North Queensland and through crocodile-infested creeks and rivers in Cape York. The pair will carry all their equipment with no back-up vehicles or support.
Jon would like to raise £15,000 from this ride. He said: “Every year in the UK 37,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and I would dearly like to help fund more research into what is now the most common form of cancer in men.”
Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising for The Prostate Cancer Charity said: "It’s fantastic that Jon is gearing up to cycle across Australia to support us. We rely on people like Jon to help fund our work supporting people affected by prostate cancer and we’re enormously grateful and quite frankly amazed by his plans to cycle around over 2,800 miles for us! It’s an effort for me to cycle down the shops let alone thousands of miles, so all credit to Jon. We wish him the best of luck in his amazing adventure.”
To find out more about Jon’s trip and to sponsor him visit UpUnder2011 or donate via mobile phone by texting UNDR99 and your donation value (£1, £2, £3, £5 or £10) to 70070 : eg 'UNDR99 £5' to 70070.

Well Dressing

2011-07-06T12:57:00.003+01:00

As part of the Well Dressing in June 2011, this board was displayed outside the church to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible

Straight to the Pointlessness

2010-11-14T15:30:00.005Z

I wrote 'Straight to the Pointlessness' during my sabbatical last year, and it was published in November 2010 by Continuum. Subtitled 'A Christian Account of Life and the Universe', it aims to provide both Christians and enquirers with a lively and thoughtful overview of the faith without avoiding deep and difficult questions.

It is dedicated ‘For the People of Plemstall and Guilden Sutton’ and I hope it will help many to see things in a new way. It draws on much that I have learned over the years, in particular through the writings of Archbishop Rowan Williams.

Jane Williams of St Mellitus College, London and Chelmsford, who taught me when I was training for ordination at Trinity College, Bristol, gives this summary:
‘With beautiful clarity and calm passion, Mark Hart sets out a Christian understanding of living in the world. The joyful centre of Christian faith is that the world is pointless: it is made out of God’s love, not out of God’s need. As Hart works his way systematically through the major headings of Christian doctrine, he draws the reader into an enthralling quest to receive our freedom at God’s hands and so to find that our purpose in life is to be an unexpected, undeserved, astonishing gift to ourselves, to one another and to God.’

Straight to the Pointlessness is available to buy from all good bookshops and online retailers. Prices vary - see e.g. Eden Books, W H Smith, Waterstones, Amazon. People local to Chester may order directly from me.

Mark Hart

Holiday Club

2010-08-09T16:23:00.003+01:00

The team which led the 'Starship Discovery' holiday club in the week 25-30 July, attended by 70-80 children each day.

Well Dressing 2010

2010-08-09T16:18:00.004+01:00

The Well Dressing team at St Plegmund's well.

An extra board outside St Peter's church commemorating 21 years of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd

The theme for 2010 was 'Britannia'

Reordering of West End Complete

2010-08-09T16:11:00.003+01:00

The reordering of the West End at St John’s is now complete. One of the main tasks has been to move the font and reduce the size of its base. We have done this for practical reasons, but the result is aesthetically more pleasing since the original base was quite out of proportion to the font. There is also some symbolic value in moving the font nearer to the church door. Previously it seemed to be designed to prevent the ministers from leaving the vestry. Now it more appropriately marks the way into the church.

The safe has been moved to the alcove in the North East corner, the inner doors have been replaced, and the cupboard has been replaced with a corner cupboard and surrounding shelves, all done in a way which creates more space.

The overall work is modest in scope, but it makes a significant improvement in a small church where space is at a premium. It is now much easier for people to circulate, and the new doors give more light.

Re-Ordering at St John's

2010-02-09T14:21:00.001Z

Public notices have been displayed for the last few weeks regarding the proposed re-ordering of the West end of St John’s. Plans for inspection are available in a file at the back of church. The main purpose is to open up space at the rear. The font will be moved towards the door and its base will be cut back, freeing the aisle through to the vestry. Also, the inner door and the cupboard at the back will be replaced with less bulky fittings and the safe will be moved to the alcove off the chancel. This will be a great help at busy services, allowing people to circulate safely. We await the granting of a faculty and quotes from contractors, but it may be possible for the work to be carried out soon after Easter.

Lent Course

2010-02-01T15:54:00.002Z

The York Course 2010

When I Survey…
Christ’s cross and ours

Wednesday Evenings
7.45pm coffee
8-9.30pm course
St John’s Church Hall

24 Feb, 3 Mar, 10 Mar,
17 Mar, 24 Mar

Flyers are available to take from the back of church which give more details

Please sign up on the form at the back of church if you wish to attend and order the course booklet (£2.99)

The course format will be the same as last year: input from various speakers on a CD, then discussion of questions with reference to Bible passages and the speakers. The speakers are: Revd John Bell (Iona Community), General Sir Richard Dannatt, Canon Dr Christina Baxter (Principal, St John’s College Nottingham), Revd Dr Colin Morris (former head of BBC religion)

Services around Christmas

2009-12-09T14:56:00.000Z

There are many different services to choose from over the Christmas period. Everyone is welcome at any service, though it may help you to know the different styles of each:
Carol Services
There will be traditional services of lessons and carols, by candlelight, at St John’s on Sun 13 Dec, 6.30pm and at St Peter’s on Sun 20 Dec, 6.30pm. Refreshments after each service.
All Age Christmas
The Nativity Family Service at St Peter’s will be on Sun 13 Dec at 11am, where the Sunday School and Lazers will give presentations. There will be a Crib Service involving St John’s children’s groups and 15+ at Guilden Sutton Village Hall on Sunday 20 December at 4pm.
Community Carols
There will be Community Carol Singing, with miscellaneous items, on Monday 21 December at 7.30pm in Guilden Sutton Village Hall.
Holy Communion
There will be ‘midnight’ communion services at St Peter’s (1662) and St John’s (Common Worship) at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve. The Christmas Day communion services (9.30am St Peter’s, 11am St John’s) will be for all ages.
Christingle Family Services
These services celebrate the light of Christ and are in support of the Children’s Society. St John’s service will be held in Guilden Sutton Village Hall on Sun 3 Jan at 11am. St Peter’s service will be on Sun 10 Jan at 11am.

New Life for an Old Bell

2009-12-09T14:53:00.002Z

The bell from the old school in Mickle Trafford (now the Village Hall) has been lying in the vestry of St Peter’s Church on top of the safe for many years after it was rescued by Walter Johnson and mounted ready to be put on display. Nowhere seemed quite the right place, so there it stayed, until this centenary year of the present Mickle Trafford Village School, when it was realised that the school was the proper place for it to live. Thanks to Ian Tucker and Walter Johnson, the bell and its mount were cleaned and polished, and presented to the school on its anniversary, 19 October. It is sited on the wall, high enough to be out of reach of small hands, inside the entrance area. A plaque below says: “The original Mickle Trafford school bell was presented by St Peter’s Church Plemstall to Mickle Trafford Village School to commemorate its centenary 19 October 2009”. We don’t know how old the bell is, but for many years it would ring out across the fields to call children to the school. It now many not be regularly rung, but it now helps to carry a message across time rather than space, linking the present school with its heritage.

Advent Taize Service

2009-12-09T14:51:00.001Z

On the evening of Advent Sunday the 15+ group led a service in the style of Taizé, using the distinctive Taizé songs, interspersed with readings, prayers and silence. St John’s Church was lit with over 120 candles which created an appropriate atmosphere for the theme of light. One of the Bible readings was in French and another in Spanish, reflecting the spirit of Taizé which draws people from around the world and expresses with some clarity the Church’s life as a people for all humanity with barriers removed. Here is a description of what happens at Taizé:

“On a hill in southern France you’ll find a community of brothers that has opened its door to the world as an act of hospitality. Young people from around the world flock to Taizé to be near the brothers, to pray, to be silent, to be simple, to be faithful. But what is it about this place that draws the youth of the world? Surely there are plenty of other more interesting vacation spots.

Youth come seeking the space—external and internal—in which to meet God. Their lives (and ours) are so wrapped up in to-do lists (on which one would find items such as church, youth group, Bible study, and so on) that we seldom find the space or the clarity to simply listen to the voice of God speaking deep into our hearts. That’s what goes on at Taizé—the freedom and space to hear God’s voice.

Time in Taizé is more like a melodic, holy rhythm than the frenzied pace of everyday life. Three times a day visitors are called to prayer by the chiming of bells. The prayers are not like ordinary prayer meetings or worship services. Instead of coming together to talk to God, the community gathers to listen. Instead of talking about the Scripture, the Scripture is read and left to speak for itself in the silence. By singing simple songs of prayer over and over again, the mind calms and the soul opens up; God speaks and the heart hears.” (from Jenny Youngman, Worship Feast: 20 Complete Services in the Spirit of Taizé, Abingdon Press, 2004)

The 15+ group led the worship with some skill, especially given that it is was such a new style for so many people. We hope to provide similar opportunities for reflection and contemplation in the future.

Prayer for Growth

2009-09-13T14:57:00.000+01:00

We above all need to pray in preparation for our planning for growth. This is something we can do in a limited way in our weekly worship.

We can also pray at home. You may use the GAP prayer and think through all the different parts of the life of our churches as you pray.

But it is important also that we make more space for prayer together. It is not easy to do this in our Sunday worship, so there will be four evenings set aside just for prayer, one each week over the four weeks before St John’s GAP Evening and St Peter’s GAP Away Day, .

Each evening is for both parishes, wherever it is held.

Please do not feel you have to come for the whole hour. You may come and go as you please, as you have time, but it would be a great sign of our commitment if nearly everyone could make the time to come to part of at least one evening.

Each evening will include short readings, set prayers, open prayer and music, but with significant silences in between. It will be less structured than our normal services, making it easier to drop in or out at any point.

Dates & Venues, 8-9pm each evening:
Thurs 17 Sept—St Peter’s
Tues 22 Sept—St John’s
Mon 28 Sept—St Peter’s
Wed 7 Oct—St John’s

Growth Action Planning - What it's all about

2009-09-13T14:48:00.002+01:00

Over the next 3 months both our churches will be engaged in “Growth Action Planning” (GAP), and we hope that everyone will contribute in some way to help us to discern the way forward. Bishop Peter gives an overview of GAP:

“Growth Action Planning encourages all parishes in the Diocese to ask some very important questions: What should our church be like five years from now? What are the two or three priorities our church should focus upon in the coming year? To begin to answer these questions each church will need to listen very carefully to God in prayer and consult widely with people in the church and beyond.

If a church answers these questions carefully and prayerfully then it will find that it is focused upon important things, the priorities of the church will be godly priorities. You may also find that your church is doing fewer things but doing them better. Through GAP you will find that the quality of your mission and ministry is enhanced.

It is for these reasons that I commend Growth Action Planning to all the churches in the Diocese. My prayer is that you will find through GAP that you can rejoice together in what has been done well and review and adapt the things that do not reach their full potential. And I am hopeful that through GAP you will find you have more time and energy to do well what is truly of God in your parish.”

Above all we should be prayerful as we approach this task. I would encourage you to have this in mind in your prayers on your own, or in homegroups, and in our Sunday worship. You may find the “GAP prayer” helpful:

Lord Jesus Christ, you command and inspire your church to make disciples: may our church become a joyful and vibrant community of welcome, worship and service, spreading hope to those around us and attracting others to the fire of your love; may your Spirit be at work through our Growth Action Planning, helping us to catch a vision for your church and to serve you faithfully, to your glory and honour. Amen

In different ways we will be asking people from both parishes for their thoughts. Find out about the GAP Evening (St John’s) and the GAP Away Day (St Peter’s).

Each of us may think and pray about all this now. What should our priorities be such that our churches may grow? Grow in maturity, and grow in numbers. What are we doing well? What could be done better? What should we stop doing? What should we do that is new, that we have the resources for?

The aim is to establish a small number of clear priorities which are particularly focused on growth. The aim is not to question everything we do as a church. We don’t need to ask whether we should continue to worship, baptise, pray, sing, read Scripture etc. We do need to believe that God’s purpose is the growth of his kingdom, and we therefore must seek to discern how our energy should be directed, that by the help of the Spirit it may bear fruit.

Lent Course

2009-02-03T08:18:00.000Z

This will be held on the following 5 Wednesdays in Lent:
11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar, 1 Apr, 8 Apr in St John’s Church Hall, 8-9.30pm.
We will use the “York Course” for this year. The format involves hearing recorded short talks by a range of speakers, followed by discussion.
The title is:
These three... Faith, Hope and Love and is based on the three great qualities celebrated in 1 Corinthians 13. This famous passage begins and ends in majestic prose. But the middle paragraph is practical and demanding. St Paul's thirteen verses take us to the heart of what it means to be a Christian.
The sessions are headed:
1. Believing and Trusting
2. The Peace of God
3. Faith into Love
4. The Greatest of these
5. All shall be well
The speakers are:
Abbot Christopher Jamison, Anne Atkins, Bishop Tom Wright, Professor Frances Young
There is a course booklet for each person which needs to be purchased in advance (£2.99). Please sign the sheet at the back of church or phone Mark if you wish to order.

Remembrance

2008-10-07T10:29:00.004+01:00

“The services on the Day of Remembrance were quite well attended, and at the special service at 10.45am I was glad to see some of our ex-service men and women present, though I cannot refrain from expressing my disappointment at not seeing the few who should have been present but were not. How soon some forget what they owe to Almighty God.”
So wrote the Revd Hugh J Allen in the Guilden Sutton “Parish Paper” of December 1946, shortly after his induction on 25 November as the first Rector of the united benefice of Plemstall & Guilden Sutton. Who would have thought that clergy needed to complain about attendance at Remembrance services in 1946? Numbers have certainly declined since. In years past there was standing room only at St Peter’s. May all consider making the effort this year, if they possibly can.

Light Party

2008-10-07T10:29:00.003+01:00

As in previous years it is planned that there will be a Light Party for primary school age children in Guilden Sutton Village Hall on the evening of Friday 31 October as an alternative to Hallowe’en. Watch out for publicity and details of tickets.

All Souls' Service

2008-10-07T10:29:00.001+01:00

On Sunday 2 November at 6.30pm there will be an All Souls’ service at St John’s Guilden Sutton for both parishes. This is provided as an opportunity to remember loved ones, to hear their names read prayerfully, to light a candle, to give thanks to God for their lives, to look to God for comfort, and to renew our hope found in Jesus Christ. All are welcome, and if help with transport is required, please tel. 300306.

St John's Churchyard

2008-07-15T09:44:00.002+01:00

From around the middle of July we will be trying to contact as many people as possible who visit graves at St John’s. Copies of a letter from the Churchwardens and of the Diocesan Regulations for Churchyards will be made available in the church porch. At present many graves have flowerbeds planted, or pots and ornaments spread across. This contravenes the regulations, which we have no local power to vary, and which are there partly to make the maintenance of the churchyard easier. Please collect a copy of the letter and regulations if applicable, and do get in touch if you wish to discuss this further.

St John’s Projection Facilities

2008-06-02T15:50:00.001+01:00

A public notice is currently posted at St John’s regarding an application for permission to fit projection equipment. The proposal is to locate a rear projection screen behind the beam nearest to the east wall, not visible from the west when raised and lowered as required by a remotely operated motor. A projector will be located on a portable stand against the east wall when in use. Cabling will be routed to the screen, to the location of the projector, to operation points for a laptop computer and to the sound equipment at the rear of the church. It is proposed also to purchase a large portable rear projection screen for use with the projector/computer in the village hall.

These facilities will be used in a variety of ways: in family and morning praise services for the display of songs and liturgy; for the display of background images; for sermon illustration where appropriate; during holiday club; for school services in church; for other occasional events, courses, visiting speakers. It will take a little time to learn to use the equipment effectively, and we are not unaware of the danger of overuse and distraction, however, the PCC are agreed that this will be of valuable service in our worship. It is estimated that the total cost will be around £8500. Any questions and comments are welcome, and the plans are available for viewing in St John’s church.

Open Farm Sunday – Thanksgiving Service

2008-05-07T09:29:00.001+01:00

1 June is “Open Farm Sunday” and The Grange, Warrington Rd, Mickle Trafford will be open from 10am to 4pm. A short service of thanksgiving will be held in the barn at 1pm. There will be guided farm tours when you will be able to see the rare breed Red Poll cattle with their young calves, as well as the three bulls, Larry, Gus and Bernie. You will be able to see the environmental stewardship work, including hedge laying and traditional willow tree management in the form of coppicing. There will be guided tours of the Grade II listed Mickle Trafford Water Mill during the day. There will be a formal opening of the new permissive footpath and bridleway network.
Everyone is welcome – do come along and join in with the service of thanksgiving.

St John’s Sunday Club

2008-05-07T09:28:00.000+01:00

The following report was given at the recent annual meeting:
Sunday Club meets in the Church Hall at every 9.30am service during term time before joining communion at the end of the service. During the last year, 27 children have attended, with approx. 18 regularly.

Every session starts with time together – playing a game, singing and prayer time. This last term we've been starting to learn the Lord's Prayer. The children then split in to three groups following Scripture Union material: 3-5s “Bubbles” - Lesley; 6-8s “Splash” – Ruth; 9-11s “Xtreme” – Dave. We are very grateful to our young helpers Grace, Emma and Matthew who organise the game for us and are a great help during the craft activities. We are also grateful to Karen who looks after Rebecca for Dave & Lesley to allow them to run their groups.

At Christmas, as part of the Christmas Praise Service in the Village Hall, we performed “Whoops-A-Daisy-Angel” which the children all enjoyed doing and we hope the congregation enjoyed it too. We have learned a number of new action songs which we have introduced to the Village Hall Family Services.

We are keen to attract more children to Sunday Club, particularly some more boys. We would also be keen to attract some more leaders to help to share the work as the sessions involve a lot of preparation, particularly the craft activities.
Lesley, Dave & Ruth

Agnostics Anonymous

2008-04-15T08:30:00.001+01:00

At the moment, the disciple Thomas is in my mind, in preparation for Sunday’s sermon. It is most unfair that he is called “doubting Thomas”. He did doubt, but he also believed, and on his lips is the most faithful response to the risen Jesus: “My Lord and my God”.

Which person of faith has never had a shred of doubt about any aspect of the faith? Only someone whose faith has never been tested, or who has never exercised any search for understanding. While doubt is not to be sought after as a virtue, in the experience of many it is the route to a stronger and deeper faith in God.

I have for some time thought that it may be helpful to provide space for a kind of “Agnostics Anonymous” group. It would be open to anyone, certainly not just Christians. “Agnostic” can have the precise meaning of someone who claims with certainty that it is not possible to know that God exists. It can also have a broader meaning, of someone who is not a “Gnostic”, someone who does not claim a direct line to all truth.

I would hope that such a group could bring together people who, whilst each having some firm beliefs, would be able respectfully to listen and contribute, and be open to fresh insights and understanding as a result of such a process. The focus would be on the ultimate questions of life, but the agenda and format would be set by the group, not by me.

At present this is just a thought, so please let me know if you may be interested.

Timber Treatment - St Peter's

2008-02-28T09:58:00.001Z

A survey has been made of the woodwork inside St Peter’s church, revealing the presence of death watch beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) and common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) in numerous places, in the screens and panelling. It is impossible ever to eradicate completely such problems in a building of this age with so much timber, but it is necessary, as the current stewards of the building, that we do our part to keep things under control. It is therefore necessary for a programme of work to begin immediately after Easter, requiring the church to be closed for 3 or 4 Sundays.

The list of services indicates the arrangements. On 30 March, the Sunday after Easter, there will be a joint service at St John’s Guilden Sutton at 9.30am. On the following Sundays, 6 April and 13 April, and possibly on 20 April, the services will be held in Mickle Trafford Village Hall.

The work will cost around £4-5000. Any contributions would be most welcome!

40th Anniversary

2008-01-09T16:57:00.001Z

Today, Wednesday 9 January, the Plemstall Fellowship celebrated its 40th anniversary. About 30 ladies were present. Pictured are Mrs Johnson and Mrs Hughes, who are both founder members, cutting the cakes made my Mrs Gill Jones. The fellowship meets monthly and is still very well supported, and led by a committed team.

Lent Talks

2008-01-08T15:15:00.000Z

In previous years during Lent we have run a course composed mainly of group discussion. This year we have arranged a series of substantial talks by four different people with opportunity for questions after each one.

The Psalms have been the hymns of the church down the centuries but are now often neglected. These talks are designed to help us to know how to use the Psalms in our worship and private prayer.

The talks will all be held on Wednesday evenings at St Peter’s Plemstall, starting at 8pm and ending at 9.30pm.

20 February – Reading the Psalms – How are they written? Why were they written? How should we read this kind of poetry?
Mr John Scrivener (General Synod member and Plemstall PCC Secretary)

27 February – Hearing the Psalms – How can God speak to us through the Psalms?
The Ven Donald Allister (Archdeacon of Chester)

5 March – Praying the Psalms – How can Christians pray with the Psalms today?
The Rt Revd Alan Chesters (former Bishop of Blackburn)

12 March – Singing the Psalms – How have the Psalms been sung? How can we learn to sing them now? This evening may include practical exercises!
Mr David Poulter (formerly Director of Music at Chester Cathedral, now Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral)

Who's this?

2007-12-15T15:23:00.000Z

See & Know Christmas party today. Father Christmas visited, as usual. Does he look familiar? Did you wonder what he did when the grass stopped growing?

Advent Prayer

2007-11-13T12:50:00.000Z

During the season of Advent there will be prayer on the following occasions:
Monday 3,10,17 December – Evening Prayer, 5pm, St Peter’s
Tuesday 4,11,18 December – Compline, 8pm, St John’s
Wednesday 5,12,19 December – Morning Prayer, 7.30am, St John’s
Thursday 6,13,20 December – Morning Prayer, 9.30am, St Peter’s
Recently we were reminded of the parable of the importunate widow (Luke 18) which Jesus told to teach us that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart”. These prayer times are opportunities for us to listen to God and to wait on him to act. Please consider whether you can come along on at least one occasion. That way the services will be well supported and we will be able to express the strength of our desire for God’s kingdom to grow.

Support for Missions & Charities

2007-11-13T12:48:00.000Z

In 2007 St Peter’s Plemstall PCC have donated the following:
£280 USPG: Anglicans in World Mission
£280 The Bible Society
£280 Chester Clergy Family Trust
£280 The Church Army
£280 Adoption Matters
£280 The South American Mission Society
£280 Churches Action on Substance Misuse
£280 Church Pastoral Aid Society
£680 Save the Family
£280 The Children’s Society
£680 Chester Aid to the Homeless
£280 The Barnabas Fund
£280 The Church Mission Society
£280 Christian Aid
£280 Chester Schools Christian Work
£200 Chester Cathedral Choir
In 2007 St John’s Guilden Sutton PCC have donated the following:
£200 Church Pastoral Aid Society
£200 The Bible Society
£200 The South American Mission Society
£200 The Church Mission Society
£350 Chester Schools Christian Work
£1250 Interserve
£200 Scripture Union
£200 Lifewords
Information on many of these agencies is regularly placed at the back of the churches. Also, links to their websites may be found here. It is thanks to the generosity of church members that we are able to continue this level of support for the wider church and for other charities, which is a vital part of our mission.

Visiting Preachers

2007-10-29T14:30:00.000Z

On 18 November the preacher at both services will be The Revd Ian Arch, Chaplain of Chester University. On 25 November the preacher at both services will be The Revd Canon Christopher Burkett, Residentiary Canon of Chester Cathedral and Chaplain to the Bishop of Chester.

Light Party

2007-10-22T14:24:00.000+01:00

A Light Party will be held on Wed 31 Oct, 6.30-8pm in Guilden Sutton Village Hall, tickets £2 for all primary school age children. Parents / toddlers free. Come as a family.

All Souls' Service

2007-10-22T14:23:00.001+01:00

On Sunday 4 November at 6.30pm there will be an All Souls’ service at St Peter’s Plemstall for both parishes. This is provided as an opportunity to remember loved ones, to hear their names read prayerfully, to light a candle, to give thanks to God for their lives, to look to God for comfort, and to hear the hope found in Jesus Christ. All are welcome, and if help with transport is required, please tel. 300306.

Uganda Gap Year Report

2007-09-15T15:46:00.000+01:00

Caroline Brindle has now returned from Uganda and begun university. Look here for a report on her experiences.

Back to Church Sunday

2007-08-28T14:23:00.002+01:00

In June we published an article by Donald Allister on Back to Church Sunday (here on diocesan website), an initiative which has proved successful in other dioceses and will be widely used in parishes in Chester Diocese on 30 September. It is simply a Sunday when there will be a particular focus on inviting people to church, especially personal invitations to people who perhaps used to attend in the past. Coming back to church can be a difficult step to take. An invitation, someone to go with, and knowing that others will on that day be taking the same step, can all make it easier. See the service diary for times on 30 September. Everyone is very welcome to attend, as at any service. Please consider whom you may invite and use the invitations which are available at the back of each church.

Disabled Access - St John's

2007-08-28T14:23:00.001+01:00

The buildings committee of St John’s PCC are actively exploring options for how to improve access to the church, both externally and internally, for persons with disability. This is a difficult process as there is no realistic solution which provides the standard of access normally required. We are in discussion with our architect and disability advisers in order to assess the advantages and costs of different approaches. We will consult with parishioners in due course and would welcome feedback at any time on this matter. The committee is chaired by Peter Reid (Churchwarden). Other members are: Joan Emerton, David Everton, Mark Hart, David Hudson and Richard Worth.

Breakfast Before 7 October Family Service

2007-08-28T14:19:00.000+01:00

After the success of the breakfast before June's Family Service (ask those who came), we are going to do it again in October before the Harvest Family Service! It's served from 9.45-10.30am in the Marigold Room, so that you can come straight into the service afterwards. It's a good chance to get to know each other better and one less thing to do in the Sunday morning rush. A full cooked breakfast as well as lighter options are available with just a donation to help cover costs (any surplus goes to church funds). We hope even more can make it this time and it will become a regular part of the calendar. It is helpful to get a reasonable idea of numbers beforehand, so please fill in the form at the back of church, or let us know by phone, but don't let that stop you just turning up on the day or bringing friends along. Remember it's all done by the "men of the parish"!

Confirmation Service

2007-08-28T14:18:00.001+01:00

Please note that on Sunday 23 September there will be just one service at 10.30am at St Peter’s Plemstall, a confirmation service with holy communion. This will be led by the Rt Revd Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead, his first visit to our parishes.

Re-Decoration - St John's

2007-08-28T14:15:00.000+01:00

Many thanks to those who helped with the painting of the walls of St John’s, especially Dave & Chris Everton who did the bulk of the work. The area which had been affected by damp in the South-East corner is now looking in good shape and the whole church looks cleaner and brighter. The East wall, previously in light blue, is now magnolia, matching the other walls.

Holiday Club Week Begins...

2007-07-30T19:28:00.001+01:00

The Pyramid Rock holiday club began today in Guilden Sutton Village Hall. 85 children came along, the weather stayed fine, and everything got off to a great start. We're learning about how God was at work in the life of Joseph and his family for the blessing of the whole world.
p.s. Many thanks to all who helped to make the holiday club such a great success. The main responsibility was carried by Pauline Holgate, Simon Langmead and Peter Walker, and a huge effort was put in by the whole team and numerous others who have supported in various ways. The weather was brilliant and the children, about 90 each day, thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Parish Weekend Away

2007-07-24T09:30:00.001+01:00

A booking has been made for a parish weekend away at Cloverley Hall for 17-19 October 2008. Please make a note of this now! Further details will be available in due course. Cloverley Hall lies midway between Whitchurch and Market Drayton, about 5 miles from each.

Rain Stops Pray

2007-07-23T12:43:00.001+01:00

Apologies to any who tried to come to the 11am service at St Peter's yesterday. Plemstall Lane was flooded. The photo was taken later in the day when the water had subsided.

Handy Rails

2007-07-16T10:53:00.000+01:00

New handrails have been fitted on the path approaching St John’s, and handles at the door, to improve access since many less able people understandably have difficulty. Our thanks go to James and Jenny Dandy who have provided this in memory of Gladys Dandy who was long associated with St John’s. Born in the village, Gladys was baptised, confirmed and married in the church. Gladys died at the age of 90 in 2005 and is buried in the churchyard.

Breakfast in the Village Hall

2007-06-05T16:42:00.000+01:00

Breakfast was enjoyed in Guilden Sutton Village Hall on Sunday 3 June before the Family Service - cooked and served by the men! Here are a couple of photos! Is the chef adjusting his hat or has he got a headache? What happened next with that frying pan?
Watch out for a repeat event - possibly in October. All welcome!

Holiday Club 2007

2007-05-08T13:22:00.000+01:00

This will take place from Monday 30 July to Friday 3 August at Guilden Sutton Primary School (10am–12.30pm) for children currently attending school from Reception to Year 6. There will be an introductory Family Service on Sunday 29 July and a concluding Family Service on Sunday 5 August.
This year the J team presents ‘Pyramid Rock’ featuring the mad archaeologist Dr Potty, and his niece Denise, who go in search of an ancient artefact that dates back to the time of Joseph (the one with the coat of many colours). Throughout the week the exciting story of Joseph unfolds helping the children learn how Joseph was enabled to trust God and put his faith in him throughout all his many adventures.

Annual Meeting - St John's Guilden Sutton

2007-05-08T13:21:00.000+01:00

At the Annual Meeting of Parishioners on 15 April, Joan Emerton and Peter Reid were elected to be churchwardens for the year 2007-2008, and also thereby to the PCC.
At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 15 April, Keith Emerton and Jane Williams were elected to the Parochial Church Council and Denise Campbell was elected as representative on the Deanery Synod. Other PCC members remaining in office are: Gordon Bebbington, Fred Brown, Ruth Dalgarno, Bridget Earlam (Deanery Synod), Mark Hart, David Hudson, Barbara King, Libby Owen, Julie Reid, Jean Worth, Richard Worth. The following were elected as sidespersons: Adrian Bunnell, Pat Bunnell, Denise Campbell, John Campbell, Jenny Dandy, Bridget Earlam, Chris Everton, David Hudson, Christine Oliver, Libby Owen, Stan Pugh, Julie Reid, Ian Rivers, Jane Williams, Jean Worth, Richard Worth.
Our thanks go to Jean Dwyer and Ian Rivers for their years of service on the PCC as they step down this year. Thanks also, especially, to David Everton who enters a well earned retirement from his roles of churchwarden and treasurer.

Financial Review - St John's Guilden Sutton

2007-05-08T13:19:00.000+01:00

The total receipts for the year 2006 were £44631, with no exceptional items being recorded.
In order that St John’s could comply with the requirements of the new system for the Parishes Diocesan Quota it was necessary to pay an 18% increase which resulted in a revised Quota of £21229. St John’s is subject to a significant transitional arrangement within the new Quota system which places the parish in a group of the highest contributors in the Diocese. Consequently it will be necessary to make provision for a further increase of 22% or £4800 for 2007.
The total expenditure for 2006 was £33608 with repairs to the church fabric costing £900. There were no other exceptional items.
The increase in giving and tax reclaimed on planned giving for 2006 was 8.8%. The net result for the year was therefore an excess of income over expenditure of £11023. This will undoubtedly be required to help offset the rise in Parish Quota for 2007 and subsequent years unless there is a marked increase in our main source of income i.e. our overall giving.
David Everton (Treasurer)

Song of Praise

2007-04-23T15:42:00.000+01:00

The cathedral are planning a Songs of Praise on Trinity Sunday, 3 June, 6.30pm with a special invitation to local churches, and an opportunity for them to choose hymns. Please let us know if you think you may like to attend this event.

Lunch - Sunday 13 May

2007-04-23T15:40:00.000+01:00

There will be a BRING & SHARE LUNCH at St Peter’s following the Family Service on 13 May. All welcome. Please let us know if you wish to come along. A special invitation will go to baptism families from recent years.

Financial Review - St Peter's Plemstall

2007-04-17T09:51:00.001+01:00

Total receipts for the year 2006 were £51,943 including donations totalling £3016 towards the purchase of new chairs to replace the existing wooden loose chairs.
The new system of assessing Parishes Diocesan Quota continued with the payment of £25,129 representing an increase of 7.7% on 2005. St. Peter’s is not subject to any transitional arrangements and the increase for 2007 is 6.1%
Payments for the year totalled £61,321 including the re-ordering of the Barnston Chapel, provision of new lighting, new chairs and painting of the Church ceiling. The increase in giving, the main source of income, rose by 10.5%. The net result for the year was therefore an excess of payments over receipts of £9,278. This deficit was entirely due to the expenditure on the Church detailed above, all of which was met from reserves except for the new chairs. If such exceptional items are excluded from the calculation then receipts exceeded payments by £5,164. The funds balance at the year end was £35,730 including donations of £1906 for the purchase of further chairs.

Annual Meeting - St Peter's Plemstall

2007-04-17T09:50:00.001+01:00

At the Annual Meeting of Parishioners on 25 March, Mike Lowry and Hazel McBriar were elected to be churchwardens for the year 2007-2008, and also thereby to the PCC.
At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 25 March, Pauline Holgate was re-elected to the Parochial Church Council: Other PCC members remaining in office are: John Dernie, Sue Dernie, Mark Hart, Walter Johnson, Ted Pargeter (Deanery Synod), John Scrivener (Deanery Synod), Jean Stafford, Diana Langmead, Simon Langmead, Tim Pilcher, Fred Shaw. The following were elected as sidespersons: Shirley Pargeter, Ted Pargeter, Hazel Myatt, Mary Worth, Pat Bradley, Margaret Bradley, Ben Jones, Chris Wright, Linda Wright, Maureen Gleave, Margaret Reade, Ann Lambert, Jean Stafford, Carol Schumann, John Scrivener, Pat Scrivener, Fred Shaw, Edna Jones, Sue Dernie, Mary Willis.

Doorway Course - Term 3

2007-04-17T09:49:00.001+01:00

This term the Doorway Course will be held on the following dates: 18 April, 25 April, 2 May, 9 May, 13 June, 20 June, 4 July, 11 July. It will be concerned with practical Christian living, and how we may apply our faith to issues such as global warming, genetic modification, poverty and medical ethics. All sessions will be held in St John’s Church Hall at 8pm, coffee from 7.45pm. Typically we have had about 16 people each evening so far, with 20 different people attending when they can. New people are welcome to this part of the course.

Cathedral Choir Visits Plemstall

2007-03-18T14:59:00.000Z

Today, Mothering Sunday 2007, the Girl Choristers and Lay Clerks of Chester Cathedral visited St Peter's for a communion service, led by David Poulter (Director of Music) and Philip Rushworth (Organist). We enjoyed music by T L de Victoria, Maurice Durufle and C V Stanford.

Lent Course

2007-02-06T11:17:00.000Z

Our Lent course is part of the Doorway course which is running through the year, but stands alone as 4 sessions, so do not be put off if you have not been attending the Doorway course. It will be held on Wednesdays: 28 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar. All sessions begin at 8pm, coffee from 7.45pm, and are held in St John’s Church Hall. It will cover the following areas:
What is the church for?
Why do Christians go to church & why do we do what we do?
What do we think the church is?
How did the church get to be this way? Why are there different churches? (An overview of Church history)
Ministry - just for vicars?
The What and Why of Worship: Developing a life of worship
What's going on in communion?
Let us Pray…Prayer and spirituality, rule of life
Following God in the Fast Lane - how do we pray in everyday life?
All are welcome to attend.

Electoral Rolls

2007-01-22T09:00:00.000Z

The electoral rolls of both parishes will be completely renewed this year. All current members will receive letters and application forms. Others are free to join and forms are available. The roll for this year's annual meeting will be closed on 9 March (for St Peter's) and 30 March (for St John's).

New Bishop of Birkenhead

2007-01-16T21:00:00.000Z

The next Bishop of Birkenhead is to be the Revd Keith Sinclair, currently Vicar of Holy Trinity, Coventry – the same parish from which David Urquhart came. He is married to Rosie and has three children: Peter (14), Anna (13) and David (10). Keith will be consecrated in York Minster at 11am on Thurs 8 March and there will be a service of welcome in Chester Cathedral at 2.30pm on Sat 10 March. He is due to visit Plemstall on Sunday 23 September for a service at 11am.

Light Party

2006-11-01T09:21:00.000Z

Yesterday evening, 31 October, a Light Party was held in Guilden Sutton Village Hall for the 4th year running. About 80 primary school age children were there, with parents and younger children. Lots of games and craft activities, with many young people running the stalls. The hall was lit only by fairy lights!

Caroline Brindle's Gap Year

2006-10-31T15:04:00.000Z

Caroline set off for Uganda on 10 September. After two days in the capital, Kampala, Caroline and her partner Eilidh travelled to Bubaare, in the south of the country. Bubaare is a village about 5 miles from the town of Kabale, set high in the mountains near the border with Rwanda. The area is poor and the local economy almost entirely based on agriculture. Kabale was established by the British in 1917 and still retains some evidence of the colonial lifestyle, including an Old White Horse Inn! Bubaare is fortunate to have a local benefactor, who has helped to build the local church, the school and to establish a dairy farm.

There is a great deal to learn from living in this welcoming but fairly remote community. The girls, who are both teaching at the secondary school until the end of July 2007, are appreciating how challenging life in a relatively underdeveloped country can be. Aids is a big problem, as is infant and maternal malnutrition. However, the church provides valuable leadership and a focus for community activities. Also, as Ugandans are unfailingly cheerful and generous, the girls soon felt “at home” and have already made many good friends.

To share her experiences with friends and family, Caroline is keeping a “web log” or on-line diary. She is posting every other week or so, and is covering a variety of topics to help us visualise what life is like in this part of the world. I think her diary also gives a good idea of the value of this kind of voluntary experience for young adults. If you’ve not heard how she is getting on already, it may be helpful for you to read her initial postings for some background to the projects that she is working on.

If you would like to send Caroline an e-mail, her address is:
caz_j_@hotmail.com

Caroline’s partner volunteer, Eilidh, has set up a web-page for the school. If you click on “information” on the home page, you’ll get a good idea of the school’s situation.

Caroline has gone on her gap year with Project Trust. If you know anyone who is planning a gap year, we all highly recommend this organisation. The selection, training and supervision that they provide for volunteers is excellent.

Thank you all for your prayers for Caroline and for the other young people from the parish who are travelling abroad this year.

Kate Irving

Barnston Chapel

2006-09-28T13:57:00.000+01:00

Following the reordering, new chairs have been ordered at £79 each. It was suggested at PCC that people may wish to contribute a chair, and a few offers have already been made. Please let the Rector or Wardens know if you wish to take part. The re-ordering of the chapel is now complete (apart from the laying of a carpet). Also, throughout the church the ceiling has been redecorated, and new lighting has been fitted, making a significant improvement to the appearance. Come along to see for yourself!
p.s. update here with photos

Holiday Club

2006-08-14T11:25:00.000+01:00

The Xpedition Force Holiday Club was held last week. It was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by the children and leaders. Here are a few photos - of some of the children playing with the parachute; the team of leaders; and a leader taking on an Xpedition Challenge.

Thanksgiving Sunday

2006-07-31T11:18:00.000+01:00

Thanksgiving was held on 21 May when there was the opportunity to express our gratitude to God and support for his church by pledging our giving for the coming year, through the planned giving scheme using either the printed envelopes or standing order. Thank you to all who have renewed their pledges or joined for the first time. The total increase in pledged planned giving, from existing and new members, including tax recovered, is:
St John’s—£3113, 9.7% increase
St Peter’s—£5250, 15.2% increase
Let us be encouraged, but not complacent! There is still opportunity to complete a pledge form, to renew an existing pledge, or to join the planned giving .

Guilden Sutton C of E Primary School Trust Fund

2006-06-29T13:02:00.000+01:00

If you are a former pupil or parent of Guilden Sutton C of E Primary School you may wish to show your support for the school by means of a regular small donation. It can amount to significant help for the development of an educational establishment if many who have benefited in the past make such a pledge. This is possible via the School Trust Fund which is a charity allowing tax efficient gift aided contributions. The fund aims to support needs which cannot be met from the school budget or via other grant or award schemes. Examples of what may be funded in the future are all-weather surfacing for the climbing frame, audio-visual equipment and purchasing of services such as sports coaching. For further information contact the school, tel. 300353.

Well Dressing 2006

2006-06-25T15:26:00.000+01:00

This week is the annual opportunity to see the Well Dressing at Plemstall. Plegmund's Well is on Plemstall Lane on the way towards St Peter's Church, and since the year 2000 each summer the well has been dressed, in the manner which is a traditional custom in Derbyshire, with different themes. A short service of blessing was held at the well today, with Chester City Band. Many from the village work hard in the weeks before to prepare the display, this year on the theme "We plough the fields and scatter". The Village School prepared a separate board shown to the left to celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday. The board to the right was displayed at the Cheshire Show last week.

St John's Golf Team

2006-06-21T19:02:00.001+01:00

l to r: Keith Emerton, David Everton, Bob Williams and John Campbell from St John's, triumphant after taking 3rd place last Friday in a match at Hill Valley Golf Club, Whitchurch organised for the Chester Link-Up churches.

Visiting Choir

2006-06-18T14:29:00.000+01:00

This morning we had the pleasure of welcoming members of the choir of First Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia, USA (pictured) to a service at St Peter's which was held jointly with St John's. We enjoyed their lovely singing at various points throughout the service and shared lunch afterwards. The choir were visiting Chester for the 22nd International Church Music Festival.

Peru, Bolivia & Uganda

2006-06-03T08:30:00.000+01:00

Back in February the newsletter featured Caroline Brindle, Rosemary Oliver and Joanna Reid who were all preparing for gap year projects. Rosemary has just returned from Peru this week and writes:

I have been a member of St John's Guilden Sutton all 19 years of my life. This year I took time out before university to travel. I have just returned from 3 months in Peru. It was an incredible experience, I taught English for 10 weeks, and then travelled round the south of Peru for 2 weeks. The time went so quickly and I learnt a lot about their culture and their way of life. It's surreal being back in an English-speaking country with hot water and roads with a traffic system! The two photos are from the Inca Trail, a four day hike with the magnificent Machu Picchu at the end. The scenery was amazing! I miss it already.

Meanwhile, Joanna is still in Bolivia. You can follow the progress of her project with Latin Link here, and spot her in a photo. Caroline will be teaching in Uganda for a year from the Autumn, at the school shown here.

Christian Aid

2006-06-01T13:26:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all who helped with the collection in Christian Aid week and who donated. In Plemstall a total of £871 was raised. In Guilden Sutton just under £500 was raised from only two-thirds of the village. It is hoped to cover the whole village next year.

Bishop David

2006-05-27T21:25:00.000+01:00

The Bishop of Birkenhead, the Rt Revd David Urquhart, has been appointed to be the next Bishop of Birmingham. He has been effective and popular, has visited our parishes on a number of occasions and confirmed many of our young people, and while we will miss him, his appointment is good news for the C of E as a whole. He will leave at the end of July, and on Wed 19 July there will be a farewell service at St Saviour’s Oxton at 7.30pm.