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Churches Together in Barnes Annual Forum
2008
We were delighted this year to be the guests of St Osmund’s School
and we would like to thank them again for their hospitality. Special
thanks go to Headmistress, Mrs Maria Walbyoff, who gave a most interesting
and informative presentation about the school and how its Christian
ethos finds so many forms of daily expression. Pride in the school –
what has been achieved and what it is – is palpable. We are fortunate
to have so many good schools and wonderfully dedicated teachers in Barnes.
Thank you all.
The following ‘Review of CTiB Activities in 2007-2008’ was
distributed at the meeting. Among other things it lists the amazing
amount of activities carried out by the six churches. But are there
other things we could do (or do better) to help increase understanding
of and give better expression to our Christian faith in Barnes, our
workplace, our schools, etc.? If you have any suggestions please let
you CTiB Church representatives know (listed at the end of this article).
2007
November:
- The Annual Forum was held at the Baptist Church where
we discussed the work of CTiB and reflected on what we were doing
well and what could be improved and considered what we are not doing
now that we should be doing. The regular events detailed below were
felt to be appropriate and meeting the needs of the community, though
it was felt that communication between Churches could be improved
and new ideas should be explored.
- Visit to Shree Ram Mandir Hindu Temple in Southall where
12 people from all the Churches were welcomed and had explanatory
talks from the the President and the Pandit. The President’s
wife distributed gifts as the group left. This was the second in the
series of interfaith visits.
December:
- Advent Carol Services at St Michael & All Angels and
the open air service at the Wetlands Centre which was attended by
554 people from Barnes and beyond – a record!
- Distribution of CTiB Christmas card to all homes in Barnes.
We are very grateful to Helen and Philip Bladen who organised this
and to Jan Pienkowski who once again judged the entries and prepared
the winning designs for publication.
2008
January:
- Annual Covenant Renewal Service at the Methodist Church.
January/February:
- Revd Prof Raymond Chapman annual series of lectures, this time
on the subject of ‘Reconciling the Differences’.
March:
- Women’s World Day of Prayer.
- Lent Groups, ‘Stop & Stare’ by Nick Fawcett,
with around 40 people participating.
- Annual Procession of Witness on Good Friday. This was
notably more silent this year and it was a beautiful day. The Police
team were both new this year and were extremely helpful and supportive.
When we reached St Osmund’s Church for prayers, readings and
singing there were 160 people assembled of all ages.
April:
- ‘The Offer of Jesus – Life in all its Fullness’
was a series of five sessions at Holy Trinity Church facilitated by
Jean, Graham and Roger exploring Christianity through conversation,
meditation and a simple shared meal.
May:
- Pentecost Banquet Lunch – with over 80 attending
this was a big success thanks to the army of volunteer drivers, cooks
and servers and to the wonderful singing of Fergus and Deirdre O’Kelly
with Roger at the piano.
- Goings and Comings – In the summer we said goodbye to The
Revd Roger Hutchings who left the Methodist Church in Barnes
to retire to Salisbury and in September we welcomed Dr Ebute Obiabo
and his family to Barnes. And at the end of September Father Logan
retired after 20 years at St Osmund’s and we welcomed Father
Dominic Allain, who had looked after the Parish a few years ago
during Father Logan’s illness, when he returned as Parish Priest.
October:
- FiSH ‘awareness raising’ – with a talk
in each Church to remind people of the services our Neighbourhood
Voluntary Care Scheme can offer to those in need, and appealing for
volunteers. Please make sure those who need help know about FiSH and
if you can give some time, however little, as a volunteer please contact
Jenny on 8876 3353.
November:
- Launch of the Barnes Bereavement Visitors – trained
volunteers are committed to helping people in our community through
the difficult times following the death of a loved one and partners
of people suffering from Alzheimer’s. Leaflets available in
all Churches and see report in Nov BiC. If you know someone who might
like their help, or you want to know more, contact Katherine Phillips
on 8408 0133.
- Annual FiSH Service held in East Sheen.
AND….
- Executive Committee meetings held in January, March, May,
July, October.
- Barnes in Common published bi-monthly and available free
through the Churches and in the library, doctors’ surgeries
etc. It is an ‘excellent read’ – thanks to the hardworking
Editorial Team from all six Churches. We need to find more income
to help cover the costs e.g. more advertising – do you run a
business locally or know someone who does who would like to advertise
at very reasonable rates? Contact Theresa Munford, Chair of the Editorial
Group, if you can help – 8748 3737.
CTiB is represented on the Executives of FiSH and The Barnes Workhouse
Fund as well as being part of Churches Together in South London.
Members of the CTiB Executive Council as at January 2009
Catherine Sacré CTiB Secretary
Baptist Church
Rev Graham Pulham CTiB Chairman
Susan Broadley
Jane Thomas
Holy Trinity
Rev Jean Boulton-Reynolds
John Richmond
St Mary’s
Revd Ross Collins
Rosie Findlater
Christine Ljunghammar |
Riq Willitts CTiB Treasurer
Methodist Church
Dr Ebute Obiabo
Julia Moorhouse
Mary Withall CTiB Vice Chair
St Michael & All Angels
Rev Paul Holland
Jane Gardiner
St Osmund’s
Rev Dominic Allain
Maria Gibbons
Fiona Keen |
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