This week's news

Our Community Kitchen Cupboard (CKC)

is proving to be a success as we have had many things taken from it. Plus we are getting lots of lovely donations. Thanks to all involved.
As you can see from this photo, some of the items have just reached (or are just about to reach) their best before date.
We have separated them out and invite anyone who comes to church (not just CKC users) to please take them away if you would like to have them, so they don't go to waste. As we approach the Season of Creation we look to reducing food waste amongst other ways to help our beautiful planet. Thank you.

The Parish Walk took place on Sun 18th August.

It was a lovely stroll for a few miles down to the River Frome and back up to St John Fisher Church (with a quick visit into the Church on the common too)
There were 17 of us, including a dog and 2 kids, and we were lucky with the weather. On arrival at St John Fisher's we had a lovely welcome from the Orthodox Church using St John Fisher's and a blessing from Fr Michael, their priest, all with much welcomed cups of tea!
Thanks to David for being the photographer for the day!

Share in the latest news from Clifton Diocese and see how the Lourdes Pilgrimage is progressing with daily updates on the website.
https://cliftondiocese.com/pilgrimage/lourdes/

Vacancy advertised by Clifton Diocese.

Secondary RE Adviser - Schools & Colleges Department
The department are seeking to expand the team by appointing a part time, term-time only Secondary RE Adviser to support the RE Lead. The successful applicant will have recent and relevant experience of teaching and/or advising RE in the secondary phase (and preferably post 16) with a willingness to contribute to the Primary work of the Diocesan team.

The successful candidate will need to offer RE advice, training and consultancy to schools, Single academy trusts, and our three Multi academy trusts. The applicant will be knowledgeable about the new Religious Education Directory, the Prayer & Liturgy Directory, and experience as a CSI inspector would be an advantage. You should be confident in designing and delivering training, as well as conducting accurate reviews of schools.

The role will be 14 hours per week, based at Alexander House, Bristol, but will require extensive travel around the Diocese, as well as some evening work.

For further information and application form, visit Working for us | Clifton Diocese using the link below.

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Mary Cox, Director of Schools & Colleges, or Paula Asquith, HR, on 0117 902 5599.

Closing date for applications: 27th September 2024
In-person interviews in Bristol: 11th October 2024

See attached link:
https://cliftondiocese.com/diocese/working-for-us/

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
1st Reading from the book of Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-8.
This book is very important, maybe the most important book of the First Testament. It could be argued that the text constitutes Israel as the People of God. Moses is affirming that these Laws that he sets before them, presents the people of Israel with the profound connection between keeping the Promised Land and behaving in the way that God asks. The theme of becoming a wise and knowledgeable people runs throughout Deuteronomy, emphasising that these laws are in no way oppressive; they are a gift to them from God. The people are drawn ever closer to God; their intimacy with God is something we can learn from our Jewish forebears. We are amazingly blessed in absorbing this teaching contained within Deuteronomy, it is a teaching that sets us free to live our lives for each other, as God’s own children, loved by and becoming loving like God.

Psalm 14: 2-5.
The theme of this song sets before us, is the fulfilment of absorbing God’s teaching and laws for it enables us to become the guests of God. “He who walks without fault.”, “Who acts with justice”, and “speaks truth from the heart.” All the listings apply to the person who comes close to God through the wisdom of absorbing God’s Laws. “Brotherly Love”, being wary of the “godless”; admiring those who “fear the Lord”. The men who stand firm take no bribes and do not claim interest on a loan. We often hear these virtues encouraged by Jesus in our formation.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. James. 1: 17-18, 21-22, 27.
This letter of James is very Jewish in its’ style. It is addressing the Twelve Tribes of the Diaspora, a term meaning Jews living outside the Holy Land, but is obviously addressed to Christians who are members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Everything that is good comes from the Father, James refers to this idea which Paul is often talking about, the “first-fruits” of the new creation, which has been heralded by Christ’s resurrection. We need to Act upon the word which has been planted in us and not just listen to it. The word is an active power within us and drives us onward to “help the orphans and widows whenever they need it.” The “word” calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is not an option; it is a requirement. Finally, we are not to be absorbed by the thinking of the world, but to influence the world with Jesus’ teachings.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23.

We now know that when the Pharisees and scribes gather round Jesus that trouble is brewing. They quite rightly point out to Jesus how they are amazed and saddened by the fact that some of the disciples were eating without washing their hands first. It was a Jewish tradition to always wash their hands up to their elbows before eating. Jesus quotes Isaiah 29: 13, as a repost “This people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” What counts for Jesus is not observing man-made traditions but nothing else than doing the will of God. Jesus argues that his opponents tend to evade that will. In this text we have Jesus telling us that it isn’t food that makes us unclean, but what is within us that makes one unclean. It is from the heart that evil intentions emerge, and Jesus lists a catalogue of life destroying sins which corrupt a person. “All these evils come from within and make a man unclean”. It is essential for us to keep our minds and hearts focussed upon God and following the Word, which is implanted within us at Baptism. Let us keep close to our God and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

God grace us to avoid all temptations that could disturb our peace. Deacon Vincent.

This week's news

A prayer for all receiving results during August and for their paths ahead to be positive.

"Loving God, we thank you for all who are graduating and receiving results at this time of the year. You have blessed them during their years in education with wisdom, friendships, and skills. You continue to challenge them to make this world a better place because of their education.
Help them to look forward to their next steps: continuing in their education or entering the work world. Particularly help those who are seeking employment to find a job suitable to their education.
Give them faith and a sense of purpose in their next steps.
Show them how to serve others in effective ways.
And may they be always be aware in everything they do that they will find fulfilment in doing your will, that you will be with them always, and that you will bring to completion the good work you have begun in them.
Amen."

*Thank you to Marquette University for the prayer

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the book of Joshua 24: 1-2, 15-17, 18.
The Hebrew Joshua, when translated into Greek is “Jesus”; so, it was a bit of a shock for Christians, when they read it in Greek. Joshua is the main character in this book, we need to remember that Moses had to leave the people of Israel as soon as they saw the land of Canaan; Joshua is their new leader under God’s guidance and the theme of the book is the story of the children of Israel entering and slowly conquering Canaan. It can be a bit of a cultural shock, reading this book in the light of our revised thinking on the rules of warfare and treatment of prisoners, but it is worth keeping on reading. The selection for us today is set at the virtual annexation of the land of Canaan. There was a temptation amongst the people to be seduced by the fertility cults prevalent in the land. Joshua states his case for following the Lord and the people respond likewise, they decide they will follow the Lord who had brought them out of the Land of Egypt, from slavery to freedom. They make this strong decision that will bind them henceforth, to the Lord.

Psalm 33: 2-3, 16-23.
This week continues the song of “Thanksgiving” to the Spirit of God. It might well have been the song of the Israelites upon eventually finding their homeland, under God’s guidance.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 5: 21-32.
This week Paul concludes his guidance for Christian behaviour concentrating on the family. He thinks we should model our relationships, twixt husband and wife on Christ’s relationship with his bride; The “Church.” Although not very tactfully phrased if we read it carefully, it turns out that husbands and wives should treat each other with love and compassion regarding each other as equals. As Paul rightly states at the conclusion, “This mystery has many implications”, but his prime motivation is applying it to “Christ and the Church.”

The Holy Gospel according to John 6:60-69.

In the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus always brings division. Some accept him, but he horrifies others. Those who disagree with him find the “Word” too harsh for them, but Jesus does not retreat one inch. Jesus insists that he is from above, “What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?” Jesus knew those who would leave him, for many of the disciples no longer went with him. Although he knew they would leave him it was still a body blow for him. “Do you want to go away too?” He asks of the Apostles. It is Peter who gives that wonderful statement,” Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know you are the Holy One of God.” How many times have we hit that brick wall of doubt and had to make the same choice as Peter. We don’t always understand or cope with following the Word; but where can we go? Jesus really is the Holy One of God; no substitute can lift us up when we fall or love us into continuing the journey to an encounter with God the Father.
God give us the Courage and Faith to continue the Journey with Jesus. Deacon Vincent.

*I fully acknowledge the assist given me by Nicholas King’s Study Bible in this and all my reflections. For his insight into the books and writings of the Holy Bible. He has been my inspiration and insight into the wonders of Holy Scripture. *

Inclusion for all - are hosting a conference on Saturday 19th October for those who would like to attend and get involved in the discussions.
See poster for details and registration.

This week's news

Here are some Reflections for Ninteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B from Deacon Vincent.

1st Reading from the first book of Kings 19: 4-8.
The book of Kings is a type of history, but more a narrative of God’s relationship with the people of Israel under the Monarchy. The Monarchy had taken Israel to great riches and influence, but things declined, and successive kings moved away from following God’s covenant. King Ahab really did move away from God and became attracted to Baal, a fertility god, and had married Jezebel a fervent follower of this Baal. Whilst she is away from Israel on a foreign visit, Elijah challenges Ahab to bring the priests of Baal to the Mount Carmel for a trial of strength. The priests of Baal prepared an altar and placed their sacrifice for Baal to come and consume, despite calling dancing shouting gashing themselves with knives nothing happened. Elijah come evening told them to stand aside. He destroyed their altar and restored the Altar to God on twelve stones for the tribes of Israel. He soaked the wood and offerings in water and called upon God to consume the sacrifice, whereupon a fire came down and consumed everything. The people were amazed, and Elijah had the priests of Baal executed, whereupon when Jezebel returned and king Ahab related what Elijah had done, she promised to kill Eljah. Our reading takes up his story of flight and how he collapses with despair, but the Angel of the Lord brings him water and scones to strengthen him for his flight to Mount Horeb, where he hides in a cave. However, God has not finished with Elijah just yet. The books of Kings are a good read and full of exciting tales, well worth exploring.

Psalm 33: 2-9.
This song of thanksgiving might well be a song that Elijah would have sung in thanksgiving for his deliverance.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 4: 30- 5: 2.
We continue reading Paul’s moral teaching on the appropriate behaviour of the followers of Christ. Once again, a reminder to the people to remember how Christ made himself a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God for our forgiveness. Hence, we should readily forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. A timely reminder in troubled times.

The Holy Gospel according to John 6: 41-51.

The people recognise the “I AM” statement and they are baffled for how can he have come down from God, when we know his mother and father and his relatives. The idea of eating human flesh shocked the hearers. Jesus is using very crude language to explain the action of the Spirit. Christians have always interpreted this speech as referring to the Eucharist which has been celebrated every Sunday since the Resurrection. Jesus is really challenging his hearers, as well as we, who hear this speech being read for us today. It is asking people to make a huge leap of faith in realising that the bread and wine we consume at this Mass is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ given for us to assist us on our journey, (like Elijah), to an encounter with God for everlasting life. Just imagine the shock of hearing this for the first time, in the presence of Jesus. Some will find the language intolerable and will no longer walk with him. Jesus will be badly hurt by these defections. We are challenged also to believe on the word of Jesus, that the Spirit will accomplish this for us.

God grant us the Faith to believe in Jesus, whom you sent to us. Deacon Vincent