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

This week's News

Thank you to our lovely Preschool who have given us the important task of keeping their sunflowers alive until they return in September.

Simon was out watering them for us today - thanks Simon.

They are starting to open up and look beautiful!

 Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections on the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the book of Exodus 16: 2-4, 12-15. Exodus is the story of God and God’s people, who are first freed from oppression in Egypt, who are then formed into his chosen people in the desert. God is the prime person who is in dialogue with the people of Israel, with Moses caught between the two. Exodus is quite clear that there is only one God, and this is made abundantly clear by God’s victory over Pharoah. The title is Greek and means “going out”, or “exit”. Our extract takes place after they have come out of Egypt and are wandering in the desert. They have a shortage of food and start to complain against Moses and Aaron. God instructs Moses to tell the people that it was a test to see if they could walk in God’s Laws, so God sends quails who must have been migrating and came down to rest, which enables the people to catch and eat their meat, then in the mornings they could go out and collect a fine powdery substance which will suffice for bread and sustain them until such time as they come into areas where food can be harvested. It was called “manna” a corruption of “man hu?” meaning “What is that?” It became “bread from heaven”. This reading sets the theme for today, feeding with bread from heaven, the Eucharist is the way Jesus will interpret the giving of himself to us, as our sustenance for the journey of life. The Bread of Angels.

Psalm 77: 3-4, 23-25, 54. This psalm is an instruction on learning from the history of God’s people. It is a thumb nail sketch the happenings of the people of Israel with God. This selection is highlighting God feeding the people in the wilderness. This is an instruction to trawl through Holy Scripture to constantly remind ourselves of the greatness and caring of our God.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 4: 17, 20-24.
Here Paul is instructing us how to behave within the Body of Christ, his Church. We are to put off the desires that surround us and encourage us to participate in. The world has little to offer compared with following God’s way which will guide us to goodness and holiness in the truth. Our model is Jesus who illustrated and taught us how to behave. We need to go from Gospel to life, and life to Gospel, a constant toing and froing till we become more Christlike.

The Holy Gospel according to John 6: 24-35.

This starts with the people asking Jesus when he came to this place? If you remember, Jesus had just run off to avoid being taken and made King. He scolds them for only looking for a free handout of bread, the bread that does not last. Work for the food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food that the Son of Man is offering. Then there is this demand for a sign! God gave our fathers bread from heaven to eat, what sign can you give so we should believe in you? Now Jesus has brought them to the point that he wants to teach them about the coming Eucharist. “It wasn’t Moses who fed the people but God”, says Jesus. Then he explains that the bread God gives comes down from heaven and brings life to the world. “Give us that bread always “, they clammer. This is where Jesus has wanted to bring them to this amazing statement, “I AM the bread of Life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.” This startled them, and Jesus will be disappointed at the way a lot of his followers found this intolerable language. Jesus with the “I AM”, is adopting the position of God. That was astounding for Jews to hear and throws them into confusion and disbelief. We have the benefit of the whole Gospel in our hearts so the full import of this moment flows over us without the shock waves this statement would bring.

God, Our Father, grace us to always trust and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Deacon Vincent

Congratulations to all the wonderful children within our Parish who celebrated the sacrament of communion.

Congratulations to all the wonderful children within our Parish who celebrated the sacrament of communion.

The children enjoyed a beautiful First Holy Communion Mass after a year of hard work learning more about our Faith.
Thankyou to all the families for supporting the catechists in guiding the children in their next step to becoming adults within our Church. It was lovely to see such excitement and they all participated perfectly in the readings, the offertory procession and in singing so joyfully.
We continue to offer our prayers and support to our young people as they continue to grow in faith.

Beautiful Photos, with thank, by Stewart Clark Photography
https://scphotography.co.uk/

This week's news

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections on the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the second book of Kings 4: 42-44.
What we call “books” in the Old Testament, are in fact “scrolls”, and not necessarily written at the same time. Books of Kings continues the story of Israel. Elisha was Elijah’s disciple and continues God’s work in guiding the people of Israel. In this passage Elisha receives a gift of twenty barley loaves and fresh grain in the ear. Elisha instructs the servant to give it to the people. The servant is incredulous, how can this meagre portion feed one hundred men? Elisha insists that the Lord said, “Give it to the people to eat, and there will be some left over”. The servant does as he is told and indeed there is food left over. We are witnesses to a multiplication of loaves 600-560 BC. Much as some modern theologians like to discount miracles such as this. The people accepted these happenings without any hesitation. Maybe we might show the same respect and realisation that God is not bound by our restrictions.

Psalm 144: 10-11, 15-18.
A psalm of God’s greatness and goodness. God opens his hands to fill every living creature with pleasure. God enhances gifts to embrace those whom God wishes to bless. The Psalmists all have respect and are sure that God is not bound by human restrictions. We need to learn more about God’s ways and trust fully in God’s love for us.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 4: 1-6.

We continue our reading of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul re-emphasises the unity that we should have through the same Spirit in all of us. We need to strive for unity of faith and knowledge as Sons of God. Marvel at the wonder of humanity, and grow into fulness in Christ Jesus, so that we are no longer infants, but fully fledged adults not tossed by the storms within the community, or carried here and there by every breeze or idea, and be aware of the craftiness of human beings, and avoid anything that could lead us away from the Lord God. Paul’ whole life is centred on oneness with Christ Jesus, as the antidote of every evil. We might try and emulate his faith.

The Holy Gospel according to John 6: 1-15.
This episode of the feeding of the five thousand is also in all the Synoptic Gospels. The Old Testament is reflected in the New Testament and vice versa. We have an almost identical story of how Elisha fed the crowd, slightly smaller than Jesus’ crowd. But still the same effortless way that the men of faith can ask the Father to bless the small offerings and multiply them to feed the people who had gathered around God’s chosen ones. Jesus, like his Father is a good Shepherd and will feed his sheep. All three readings today are steeped in Eucharistic significance. Paul insistence of our oneness in Jesus, Elisha feeding the people around him at God’s request, and the same with Jesus, ensuring that his followers will be fed. No one goes hungry, unless they wish to. God open handedly gives in abundance to those who hope and trust in Him. The crowd will mistakenly wish to make Jesus King at this feeding, but we shall see at the end of his life Jesus is indeed king, but not in the sense that they understood.
God, always bless us with that bread from heaven, especially at the end of our Lives.
Deacon Vincent.

This week's News

NEW FOOD BANK INITIATIVE, together with school & pre-school,

our ‘Community Kitchen Cupboard’ is now up & running!

(The 'C.K.C.')

This informal, free service is for anyone in our community who might be struggling or just needs a bit of extra help ~ please, just come & help yourselves from the shelves.

As you can see from the video, come on into the entrance of the church which is open each day (even if the door is shut, please try it, as it is usually unlocked from approx. 8.45am-4pm, or later on days where there is evening Mass) including during the summer holidays.
The Community Kitchen Cupboard is at the end of the entrance area - take a bag and take what you need for you / your family.

Also, if anyone is in a position to donate tinned & packet items for the CKC please leave items in the box at the bottom of the cupboard for our team to sort out and label.

We have loads of pasta and tins of beans/veg/pulses/soups etc at the moments but would love some more toilet rolls, tea, coffee, lunchbox snacks such as individual biscuits or dried fruit boxes etc, tinned or packet desserts (rice pudding / custard etc) and sanitary items.

We hope this will be a useful initiative for our community and we would welcome any helpful feedback and offers to join the team of people checking and re-stocking on a rota basis each day.

Cream Tea Time
"Sunday 14th July, a notably busy day for many between Glastonbury pilgrimage, children’s celebrations and THAT game on TV! Yet 30 or so people from our parish community and beyond came together to enjoy home baked scones, clotted cream, jam, home baked cakes, hand made crafts and enjoy a quiz for which Mike Ryan’s answers were not always 'the final answer'!
All these treats, food and joy lead to a healthy £348.12 for our parish projects - Brandon Trust's Playlinks scheme in South Gloucestershire and Little Sisters Of The Poor's new lift and call alarm system in their residential home."
Tim Johnston.
A big thanks to the team who put this lovely afternoon event together and to all who supported it.
Look out for more events coming soon!

Thanks Deacon Vincent, for your Reflections for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the prophet Jeremiah 23: 1-6.
In this passage Jeremiah is trying to instil hope into the desperate Exiles in Babylon. There had been a series of cataclysmic rebellions against Babylon, which had resulted in the destruction of the Temple and major parts of Jerusalem and the leaders and prominent people together with craftsmen were deported. People were in despair, and God has prompted Jeremiah to say that the Shepherds of the people of Israel had failed to listen to God’s warnings and had encouraged the people to adopt pagan ways and practices. But God is saying that they must retain hope, for there will be a restoration, and a return to Israel for a remnant; then Jeremiah is filled with God’s inspiration and proclaims the coming of a Messiah, of the House of David, who will fill the land with righteousness. We are not sure who Jeremiah had in mind, but early Christians immediately equated this passage as referring to Jesus. But we make a mistake in thinking of prophecy as foretelling the future; when in fact, it is, that prophets reveal the way in which God operates. When the early Christians looked back into scripture to see how they could understand the Jesus narrative, that is what is meant by “prophecy”.

Psalm 22.
Here we have the most well-known of the psalms, the beautiful description of God as the Good Shepherd. Christians immediately saw Jesus reflected in this psalm, which is natural as he is God’s only Son. We continue God’s theme of how a shepherd of God’s people should behave. God make us holy as you are holy.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 2: 13-18.
This reading points to the centrality of Christ, in uniting Gentile and Jew in his risen body. By his death and resurrection, Christ has united us all. Christ makes a tangible difference to all our lives. Through him we have through the one Spirit been given a pathway to the Father. This passage is a theological vision of the work of the Eucharist within our Communities. We are all united in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that God envisaged for the restoration of God’s Holy People.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 6: 30-34.

The Apostles return to Jesus filled with joy and excitement of what they had done and taught. It is one of the most joyous occasions in Jesus Ministry to realise that his Apostles really could carry out His Mission. Jesus now knows that the Gospel will be proclaimed after he is taken from us. Look at his concern for their welfare. You must rest, come away to a lonely place and recoup. We follow this practice when we seek a quiet retreat. It is important not to overwork ourselves for we become vulnerable to the temptations of the wily one when we are exhausted. But the people guess where they are going, and they dash round for more from them. But it is Jesus who takes up the baton and teaches them, allowing his Apostles some respite. We encounter the loving and caring Jesus in this Gospel passage and once again have a picture of what a Good Shepherd we have in Jesus. Jesus cares about our welfare and in his Gospels, he leaves an image of how he has become God’s special Shepherd who is always at hand to look after God’s sheep (all of us) and guide us to the Father.

God grant us the grace to follow Jesus more closely and so come close to you.
Deacon Vincent