Wychwood

Benefice

Can you help?

We urgently need to fundraise for Shipton’s ongoing roof repair work. As you can see the oak has now arrived for the repairs!

We have set up a monthly draw which starts at just £36 a year for one number (12 x £3) though you can have multiple numbers if you like. There will be a prize each month of £100.

If you think you can support this new fundraising effort  download the application form for the Monthly Draw here.

MONTHLY DRAW APPLICATION NOV 20

Login Details:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83839976916?pwd=Uk5DcmRJamY1V0YrMFo0czdUdGZydz09

Meeting ID: 838 3997 6916
Passcode: Service

Join us for our first Sunday Zoom Service this Sunday 11-11.30am, then make a quick coffee and join us for conversation 11.30-12

We are proposing to introduce a short Sunday service on Zoom starting on 24 January at 11am followed by conversation 11.30-12.

The idea behind this is that, with the current severity of the virus, an increasing number of people are feeling that it is not a good idea for them to meet in church, even with all the safeguards. This suggestion would enable people to be present albeit virtually at a live service with the opportunity to stay on afterwards for conversation, over a cup of coffee – or just come to see everyone for the conversation at 11.30.

Geoffrey will continue to lead one communion service a Sunday, rotating round the churches of the benefice and will post a recorded communion service on the website/Facebook each Sunday. It is proposed that Anne should lead or at least participate in this service, which will provide an alternative means of meeting for worship, including a bible reading, prayers and either a short talk or other presentation within a simplified order of service, which can be followed on your screen. People will be encouraged to participate if they wish, or just enjoy being present.

If you haven’t tried zoom before and would like some help, get in touch. Contact  Anne 01993 830160
or Liz 01993 684286.

15 January 2021:
Last week large pieces of oak were delivered and are now being cut to the correct shape and size. Also, this week the scaffolders arrived to put up access scaffold outside. This is for the work on the Victorian cast iron ties which hold the upper walls of the nave clearstory as well as the replacement of stone coping on the nave parapet. A visit to Shipton church for your daily exercise will reveal all the above is its full glory.

lumps of oak arriving for shipton’s roof repairs

Shaped oak ready to go

securing the church for the next stage of the work

view of the scaffodling from the outside of Shipton church

The team of workmen getting ready

signs going up to secure the safety of the church

Shipton church is still open

putting up more scaffoldng before work begins

You can download the latest version of the Church News here: Church News 31 January 2021 final

You have a choice of services this Sunday:

9.30am Holy Communion Candlemas Service in Milton Church

A pre-recorded Holy Communion Service (online from Sunday morning) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpnWCSzeOm2futnYBw6P7Ig

11am Live Zoom Service (followed by coffee and chat 11.30-12)
Login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83839976916?pwd=Uk5DcmRJamY1V0YrMFo0czdUdGZydz09
Meeting ID: 838 3997 6916
Passcode: Service

Orders of Service:

Download the Candlemas order of service for the service in Milton and the pre-recorded service here:
Candlemas Communion pew

Download the order of service for the live zoom service here (this will also be on the screen during the service)
Online Epiphany Sunday Worship

Download the latest Church News here with details of our zoom service: Church News 24 January 2021 final

Watch the service for Sunday 17 January – Epiphany 2, recorded in Idbury church here:

Read the latest Church News here: Church News 17 January 2021 final

5 January, 2021

Dear Friends

Following the announcement of a new lockdown Monday evening I have given some thought to how we will go forward with our Sunday Services.

The Church of England has issued a statement part of which reads:

“…The Prime Minister’s words tonight underline the severity of the situation for the country, as the virus continues to spread rapidly. At a time like this, the Church is here to offer comfort and spiritual support to everyone. We have a duty to care for each other, but particularly those who are vulnerable or who may be most at risk.

“The Government has chosen not to suspend public worship in England at this time and we will continue to follow the guidance and ensure that churches remain as safe as possible. The Government guidance on the safe use of places of worship makes clear that those attending a place of worship must not mingle with anyone outside their household or support bubble.

“However, some may feel that it is currently better not to attend in person, and there will be parishes which decide to offer only digital services for the time-being…“

I am proposing that for the time being there will be only one service of Communion each Sunday for the duration of the lockdown as well as the Wednesday Service in Milton. An online service will continue to be posted for those who wish to stay at home.

These will be simple said services, I do not wish to oblige anyone to attend who does not wish to, this includes sides-men/women or sacristans, readers, intercessors, so please can we suspend any rotas for the duration. I will bring my own Chalice and Pattern to minimise the involvement of others. I urge you to think seriously about attending these services, your safety must come first, and I will not be disappointed if there is no one attending.

The pattern would therefore be:

January

10^th Fifield 11am

17^th Milton 9:30

24^th Idbury 11am

31^st Milton 9:30 am

February

7^th Shipton 11am

14^th Fifield 11am

17^th Ash Wednesday 10.30 am Milton

21^st Milton 9:30 am

28^th Idbury 11am

plus a Wednesday mid week Holy Communion service in Milton Church at 10.30am.