RECTOR:  REVD LYNDA RANDALL
THE RECTORY, 55 CHURCH STREET, BYFIELD
lynda@chrislyn.demon.co.uk
Tel: 01327 260204

 

THE BENEFICE OF HOLY CROSS, BYFIELD
WITH
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, BODDINGTON
AND
ST LEONARD’S, ASTON LE WALLS

CHURCHWARDENS AND TREASURERS:

Holy Cross Church, Byfield: Chris Cross (01327 260764) and Chris Buck (01327 260977).
Treasurer: Pam Hicks (01327 261257), with Barry Thompson as Deputy Treasurer.

St John the Baptist Church, Boddington: Sandy Pattenden and Peter Marsh.
Treasurer: Angela Dore.

St Leonard’s Church, Aston le Walls: Johnnie Lloyd-Morgan and Mike Beevers.
Treasurer: Susan Fagg.

DATELINE:  MONDAY 8TH MARCH 2010

BENEFICE CHURCH SERVICES:

Wednesday 10th March:
9.45am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Sunday 14th March – Mothering Sunday:
8.30am  Holy Communion at Byfield
10am  Benefice Special Mothering Sunday Service at Boddington
Posies will be handed out at both Services

Wednesday 17th March:
9.45am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Sunday 21st March:
8.30am  Holy Communion at Boddington
9.30am  Family Service at Aston le Walls – with special focus for all who help in the church
11am  Holy Communion at Byfield
1pm  Baptism of Harriet Broughton at Byfield

Wednesday 24th March:
9.45am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Sunday 28th March – Palm Sunday:
8.30am  Holy Communion at Boddington
10am  Benefice Holy Communion and procession with Johnny the pony at Aston le Walls
6.30pm  The Bible in an Hour at Byfield

Wednesday 31st March:
9.45am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Thursday 1st April – Maundy Thursday:
7pm  Benefice Holy Communion in the round at Byfield, followed by the Vigil until 9pm

Friday 2nd April – Good Friday:
9am  Said Prayers and Readings at Aston le Walls
11am  Worship for All at Byfield Village Hall.  Followed by the Cross being placed on The Green, and prayers said, then coffee and hot cross buns back at the Village Hall.

Saturday 3rd April:
The church is prepared with flowers.

Sunday 4th April – Easter Day:
5.30am  Dawn Service of Holy Communion at Byfield, followed by breakfast at The Rectory
8am  Holy Communion (BCP) with hymns at Aston le Walls
9.30am  Holy Communion at Boddington
11am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Anyone requiring transport to enable them to attend a service should contact The Rectory on 01327 260204 or a relevant Church Warden.

WELCOME!
Maddox Gordon Jarvis was welcomed by baptism into the wide Family of the Christian Church on Sunday 28th February, as was also Kyle Peter Haynes on Sunday 7th March, both at Holy Cross Church, Byfield.

Welcome to the Family.

RIP
We give thanks for the life of Carly Louise Wilkinson, and pray for comfort for her husband, Stephen, and their two small children, and pray for their families and friends in their time of loss.

Carly’s funeral service was held on Saturday 6th March in Holy Cross Church.

May light perpetual shine upon her.

COLLECT FOR THE WEEK
Eternal God,
Give us insight
To discern your will for us,
To give up what harms us,
And to seek the perfection we are promised
In Jesus Christ our Lord.

2010

HOLY CROSS CHURCH & GIFT AID
Gift Aid is an easy way for charities to increase the value of gifts of money from UK taxpayers by claiming back the basic rate tax paid by the donor.

The church can claim back 25% of your donations to collections, fund-raising, etc., if you simply fill in a Gift Aid envelope with your name, address, and signature.

In 2009 Holy Cross Church received over £1,500 from HM Revenue & Customs as a result of all the Gift Aided donations we received.

This was a tremendous boost to our fund-raising efforts, and we ask everybody to consider giving money in this way in the future.

Thank you.

Pam Hicks
Hon. Treasurer

FEBRUARY

BODDINGTON’S JUST DESSERTS!
A fund-raising evening at Russet House, The Orchard, Upper Boddington, called ‘Just Desserts’ was held on Friday 19th February, and I would like to thank all who enjoyed and supported the Bell Appeal by eating all those gorgeous desserts!

The sweet sum of £573 was raised for the Boddington Bells Appeal.  Well done – and thank you!

COFFEE MORNING
Thank you, too, to all those who came and supported the Coffee Morning on Saturday 20th February at Aston le Walls.

It was a good morning of buying and selling, plus catching up with friends, finding a bargain, and enjoy coffee and cake – and raising £210 for the Tower Appeal at the same time.

MEN’S BREAKFAST
John Brehcist gave members an interesting talk and potted dissertation on quantum mechanics in a talk tantalisingly entitled “MRI Scans, Red Blood and Burst Pipes” at their meeting on Saturday 27th February.

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Saturday of the month at 8.30am in the Lower Annexe of Byfield Village Hall, and all men are welcome.

At their next meeting, on Saturday 27th March, Russ Mallace will be talking about his time in civil aviation, following on from his previous talks on his service in the Fleet Air Arm.

WORLD CHALLENGE DISCO
Byfield Village Hall was full of happy, hippy, people for the 70s/80s Disco that Byfield lads Robert Oliver and Nathaniel Head presented on Saturday 27th February to raise money to make a difference to the lives of people in Nepal.

Robert and Nathaniel were delighted to see so many people supporting them at the disco, and would like to thank them all for attending and having so much fun.

They would also like to thank everyone who donated raffle prizes and who helped out on, and before, the night.

They will be spending four weeks in Nepal during July under the auspices of World Challenge, a company which sends expeditions to countries less fortunate than our own, to complete sustainable projects such as renovation or construction work in schools, working with and benefiting the local community.

MARCH

BYWORD DEADLINE
Contributions to the April/May issue of The Byword should have been with the Editor, Pam Hicks, by Sunday 7th March.

She can be contacted at 01327 261257, or copy should be sent to her at pam@hicks54.fsnet.co.uk, or 1 Edwards Close, Byfield.

LENT SESSIONS
Meetings will be held in different houses across the Benefice each week, and all are welcome.  The sessions are informal and everybody’s input is valued.

The third session will be at Daphne Adkins’ home on Tuesday 9th March, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Contact The Rectory on 01327 260204 if you would like to attend.

MOTHERING SUNDAY
Mothering Sunday falls on 14th March this year, and posies will be given out at both services on this day – the 8.30am Holy Communion at Byfield and the 10am Benefice Special Mothering Sunday Service at Boddington.

BYFIELD COMBINED CHARITIES
The deadline for applications to the Byfield Combined Charities is Monday 15th March, and late applications will not be considered.

There are two funds to which application may be made: the Causeway Fund, for village organisations, which can’t make substantial grants, but can offer support to small projects; and the Poors Allotment Fund, for individuals resident in Byfield, which can, among other things, make grants to assist students in higher education with the cost of their courses.  These applications should be supported by a book list or estimated costs.  All other applications should be supported by receipts.

Completed forms, which are now available from the Post Office, may be returned to any of the Trustees – see the leaflet for details.  The Combined Charities Committee will meet on Wednesday 24th March, to consider applications.

BIG BREAKFAST
A Big Breakfast in aid of the Holy Cross Action Project will be held in Byfield Village Hall on Saturday 20th March, from 9am – 1pm.

The same great team will be cooking the same great menu, for the same great people at the same great price – £5 adults, £3 children.  See you there!

Further Big Breakfasts have been arranged for 5th June, 2nd October, 6th November, and 11th December.

A SPECIAL CLOTHES SALE
A fund-raising sale from 10am until 3pm at Aston le Walls Village Hall on Saturday 20th March – details later, just mark your diaries now!

200 CLUB
If you want a chance to win in future draws contact Chris Cross on 01327 260764, and for just £12 per number you have 24 chances to win a prize over twelve months.

The draw for the two prizes on offer - £50 and £25 – is usually made on the second Sunday of the month, and is in aid of the Holy Cross Action Project.  However, please note that the March draw will take place on Sunday 21st March.

CHURCH ANNUAL MEETINGS
The Annual Meetings will take place on Monday 22nd March in Boddington, 7pm for 7.30pm start in church;

Tuesday 13th April in Byfield, 7pm for 7.30pm start in church;

and Monday 19th April in Aston le Walls, 8pm in church.

If you would like to be included on the Church Electoral Roll please ask the Churchwardens, who will point you to the right person.

Please consider offering to serve on the PCC.  Ideas and energy are always welcome on the PCCs.

Byfield needs a Treasurer – could you fill this role?  You would be given plenty of support.

Discover and use your particular gifts for the Church and community.

CONSECRATION
The Venerable Donald Allister, currently Archdeacon of Chester, is to be Consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Thursday 25th March, prior to his being installed as the new Bishop of Peterborough at 3pm on Saturday 17th April.

He succeeds the Rt Revd Ian Cundy, who died in May last year.

MEN’S BREAKFAST
At their meeting on Saturday 27th March Russ Mallace will be talking about his time in civil aviation, following on from his previous talks on his service in the Fleet Air Arm.

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Saturday of the month at 8.30am in the Lower Annexe of Byfield Village Hall, and all men are welcome.

THE BIBLE IN AN HOUR
Last year’s performance was amazing, hence the repeat this year on Palm Sunday – 28th March.

More details later, but mark your diaries now for 6.30pm.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES AND EVENTS
Do try and set aside time to really enter fully the Easter story.

The story begins with Palm Sunday, hearing the cheers of the people as Jesus enters Jerusalem; vulnerable and humble he comes riding a donkey.

8.30am  Holy Communion at Boddington
10am  Benefice Holy Communion and procession with Johnny the pony at Aston le Walls

Sunday evening we look with wide eyes as the Bible opens before us through drama and song; taking us to new understanding.

6.30pm  The Bible in an Hour at Byfield.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we make extra time to pray and be still, knowing what is to come, wanting to turn away, yet, to follow Jesus we must travel with him.  The Communion service on Wednesday helps us in this time of waiting.

9.45am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Maundy Thursday we gather around the altar as we recall that precious night, the washing, the breaking of bread, signs, sacraments of what will become the ground of Christian belief: service to others and the receiving of the body and blood of Christ to nurture our very selves.

7pm  Benefice Holy Communion in the round at Byfield.  We shall wash hands as has been our tradition.

Following the service we enter the Vigil, staying quiet in church as Jesus did in the garden until 9pm.

‘Could ye not watch one hour with me?  Stay awake and pray ..... the spirit is indeed willing but the flesh is weak’.

Good Friday, the dark hours of suffering and death.  Together with young families, old and young alike, we relive that day.  Would we have been like Peter or Mary?  We begin to know once we face our human frailty before the Cross.

9am  Said Prayers and Readings at Aston le Walls
11am  Worship for everyone at Byfield Village Hall.  Afterwards the Cross is placed on The Green and prayers said.  Then back to the Hall for coffee and Hot Cross buns.

Saturday we wait.

The church is prepared with flowers.  Offers of help and flowers are always welcome.  There will be a list in church if people wish to give lilies.

Easter Day dawns, and we gather in the cold morning air, lighting the first fire, hearing the ancient cry ‘Let my people go’.  The Pascal candle is lit and the Light enters the dark church, and a new cry goes up ‘Christ is risen’.  He is risen indeed.  Alleluia!  The organ blares out, the bells ring, we raise our voices in hymns of praise.  The Easter celebrations begin.

5.30am  Dawn Service of Holy Communion at Byfield, followed by breakfast at The Rectory
8am  Holy Communion (BCP) with hymns at Aston le Walls
9.30am  Holy Communion at Boddington
11am  Holy Communion at Byfield

Come and enter the Church’s great liturgy and discover for yourself the mystery and awe of the Easter story.

APRIL

HIDDEN TALENTS
There will be a special fund-raising event in Byfield Village Hall between 10am and noon on Saturday 10th April in aid of the Holy Cross Action Project.

Do you have any unwanted bric-a-brac, books, cds, and dvds that you could donate to the cause?

Items can be delivered to Chris Cross at 28 Bell Lane (01327 260764 ) or Pam Hicks at 1 Edwards Close (01327 261257) or taken to Byfield Village Hall half an hour before the sale.

There will also be a cake stall, coffee and tea, and a small exhibition of paintings and crafts done by local people (hence the name 'Hidden Talents').  If you have anything you can lend for display get in touch with Chris Cross.

Any profits made will go towards Holy Cross Church Action Project which at the moment is saving hard for new lights.

BYFIELD CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday 13th April in Byfield, 7pm for 7.30pm start in church.

CONCERT
Collegium Regale, Choral Scholars from King’s College Cambridge, make a welcome return to St Leonard’s Church, Aston le Walls, for a fund-raising Concert on Saturday 17th April.

Tickets are available from Mrs Thorneycroft at ‘The Gate House’, Aston le Walls, for £15 a head.

ASTON LE WALLS CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting will take place on Monday 19th April in Aston le Walls, 8pm in church.

LOOKING AHEAD

BYFIELD CHURCH VILLAGE FÊTE
To avoid conflicts mark your diaries now with the date of this year’s Fête: Saturday 12th June, 2010.

The committee that brought you Byfield Church Village Fête 2009 (and more) under the chairmanship of John Thorp has agreed to stand for one more year, so a replacement committee is required for 2011.

Please think about whether you might like to be involved, and contact the Rector, Rev Lynda Randall, for more details (01327 260204).

AT ANY TIME

LIGHT THE SPIRE
If you have a special occasion coming up, why not mark it by having the church spire lit up?

It still only costs £5 per night, and is easily arranged: just contact either The Rectory on 01327 260204 or Jean Hicks on 01327 261257 and tell them the date you wish to have the spire lit.

It could be for a birthday or an anniversary, to mark the passing of someone special, or for someone who’s passed an exam or driving test; for some-one who has everything or is difficult to buy for, to say ‘Good Luck’ to someone going to University or moving away – or just to say ‘I love you’ to a special someone!  No-one else needs to know why the spire is lit – but you will!

So for that special gift or occasion – light the spire!