The Parish Church of St Swithun, Bathford.

Passion for life

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:02:27 GMT

A Passion for life is a national week of mission in March 2010. A series of local events leading up to a visit by John Dickson from Australia will begin in February.

Lent Lunches continue at 12.30pm on Tuesdays in the Parish Rooms

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:59:22 GMT

Lent Lunches continue at 12.30pm on Tuesdays in the Parish Rooms. This year the proceeds are being split between the local charity Bridgecare and international medical emergency health care charity Medecin Sans Frontieres (MSF).

Bridgecare runs Bridgemead House, in St John's Road, Bathwick, which provides residential, day, and respite care for older people in Bath. Bridgemead House has a Christian ethos and selects clients on the basis of their need and not their financial circumstances.

MSF is a well respected international humanitarian organisation which provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 70 countries.

Ladies Friendship Group

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:55:32 GMT

Ladies Friendship Group Monday 15th March 7.30pm. Dennis Pearson will talk about his experiences as a Street Pastor in Bath

Rev David Parr

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:36 GMT

Rev David Parr will be licensed as team vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Melksham on Tuesday 9th March at 6.30pm. If you would like to support David at this service please contact Gerry Miller.

Who do you think you are?

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:49:45 GMT

The series on TV called "Who do you think you are?", where famous people trace their ancestors, has proved to be so interesting that it may be one of the reasons why there is now an upsurge in many folk doing the same. The increasing number of websites where you can search for information on family history certainly bears witness to this.

When I cleared out my mother's house I came across birth, marriage and death certificates of parents and grandparents and this has given us a starting point in what is proving to be a very absorbing interest.

I'm looking forward to turning up a few skeletons in the cupboard but so far the most unusual thing we have discovered is that my great uncle, who fought in the First World War, returned home wounded, having been shot in the buttocks. We found this amusing but I'm sure he didn't! And no, his name wasn't Forrest Gump. When he returned to the front he was wounded again and taken prisoner but received good treatment from the German doctors and, unlike many of his comrades, eventually returned home at the end of the war.

To my amazement I have found there is a real sense of being connected to these relatives that I have never met but far more important than knowinq where we have come from is knowinq where we are going to. Although belonqinq to an earthly family is great (most of the time) it is important to be part of the family of God.

Right at the beginning of John's Gospel we are told how this can happen:

" to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

So perhaps the question we should be asking is not "Who do you think you are?" but:

"Who do you think Jesus is?"

Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, one part of the Trinity, and through him we have access to God the Father. He demonstrated God's deep love for mankind throughout his life and particularly in his death.

This period of Lent is an ideal time to reflect on these truths in the lead up to Easter and to consider what it cost Jesus to make us members of the family of God.

May God bless and guide our thoughts throughout Lent so that we may be drawn closer to Him and to each other.

Gillian Gilbert

Electoral Roll

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:07:55 GMT

If you would like to be on the electoral role ‘official list’ of church members please complete a form (available in church, titled "Belonging to St Swithuns") and hand it to a warden. If you are unsure whether you are on the electoral role or not, or any other questions – please ask.

Fairtrade Fortnight 22nd Feb – 7th March.

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:06:52 GMT

The campaign for this year is called ‘What’s your swap?’ asking us to consider all our purchases and the difference we can make with one small change. We are thinking about the implications this could make to us as a church. Please sign the sheet in the church if you think we should became a Fairtrade church.

Women’s World Day of Prayer

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:05:57 GMT

This year the service will be held on Friday 5th March at St Nicholas Church Bathampton at 2.15 pm. The service has been prepared by Christian women of the Cameroon. The speaker: Mrs Marilyn Thomas, The theme: Let everything that has breath praise God. Everybody is welcome, Refreshments will be served.