Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
July/August 2006

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Baptist Church   |   Holy Trinity   |   Methodist Church
St Mary's   |   St Michael's   |   St Osmund's

Baptist Church

An excellent buffet meal followed by fun games and copious laughter were evidence that our Church anniversary social hit the mark. It's particularly rewarding to see folk who aren't too mobile having an opportunity to enjoy an evening out. The late spring and summer months will provide plenty of other opportunities to get out and enjoy fellowship – this time working on the church garden in an attempt to keep on top of the 'enemy's work' (see Mat 13.28, where the answer to the question would, in our case, be 'yes'). We begin with worship and confession, move on to pray for the world, nation and community and then set aside a special time for personal ministry. These evenings have, I believe, been a blessing in more than one way. The Ladies' Tuesday meeting continues to be a small but very enjoyable gathering – and any further 'visitors' would, I'm assured, be most welcome. Our Sunday sermon series on the Holy Spirit (am) and The Armour of God – 'How to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power' are now drawing to a close. Hopefully their spiritual and practical impact will continue to be a blessing.

Graham Pulham

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Holy Trinity

It has been a busy time since our APCM. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead and exploring ways in which we can grow. "Common Worship" has been the theme of three sermons concerning past and present forms of the Liturgy and we at Holy Trinity need to be "updated". A liturgy Planning Group has been formed, with a very successful first meeting. We will be looking forward to the "New Order of Service" due to be launched in September, we will then continue to work on the seasonal alternatives.

Recently a service was held to commemorate the Laying up of Colours for Holy Trinity Barnes Sea Scouts. These historical flags were dedicated after they were given back to us by the O'Connor family following the death of 'Grace', a long standing member of our congregation. This service was very well attended and afterwards refreshments were served by the local group at their Sea Scouts Hut.

Trinity Sunday was a very special service, our new PCC who were elected in April were presented to the congregation and given a special blessing, followed by lunch in the church hall. The Trinity Sunday celebrations concluded with a choral evensong.

Jean Boulton-Reynolds

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Methodist Church

Normally, Veronica Faulks would be writing this, but as she's been interviewed elsewhere in this edition, the lot falls on me. Deserved, fulsome praise and thanks will be heaped upon Veronica as she retires, and for the month of August we'll be (officially) in the nearest thing Methodists have to an interregnum. In September I shall be taking over, on a part-time basis, as the minister in Barnes. However, since I'm already part of the Station Road scene, the gap won't be difficult.

Anyway, Veronica will be back in September, because that's when we celebrate our actual Centenary with a special service. The preacher on September 24th will be the man who's been the President of British Methodism this year, the Revd Tom Stuckey. By now we're very much at home in our redeveloped premises, and that weekend we're also going to have a banquet in the new hall. It'll be fun!

Methodism in London is being re-organised this autumn. The new London District will have three Chairs (which means sort-of bishops), and 250 churches within the M25. We're looking forward to the inaugural celebrations of that District on September 2nd at Westminster Central Hall.

I look forward to working alongside the other CTiB clergy in serving this neighbourhood: its a great place to live and work.

Roger Hutchings

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St Mary's

The Barnes Anglican Team's third annual Children's Festival takes place on 2nd July at St Mary's. There will be a whole range of activities following a special 11.30 family service for all children up to the age of 11. There will be a welcome return of the Springs Dance Company for the service where they will be performing their classic 'the Devil is Bad' routine and they will then be leading workshops in the afternoon. There will, as usual, be a barbecue for all and a beer tent for parents. There will also be drama workshops and some arts and crafts activities. All children are welcome to come to this and we look forward to seeing many at the service and afterwards. There is no charge.

Ross Collins

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St Michael's Church

A group of us last month went on a pilgrimage to Peterborough Cathedral, where we were met by Canon Bruce Ruddock, a former vicar of St Michael`s. The theme was "Healing" and our preacher was the Reverend Beatrice Brandon, who was responsible for the Church of England handbook A Time To Heal. This was a very happy occasion with lunch supplied by the Cathedral in a private dining room.

In July we shall be going to Walsingham for our annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady. Travelling together is a really good way of getting to know one another. In the past we have always had superb weather for our walk from the Anglican Shrine to the Roman Catholic "The Slipper Chapel".

Our summer Fair will be on the 24th of June around the church and in the Vicarage garden. All are welcome.

On the 9th of July the Bishop of Kingston, the Rt Revd. Dr. Richard Cheetham, will be at St Michael's for the confirmation service.

Our Jazz dance this year was a great success with all the tickets being sold at an early stage. This is our major fund raising event of the year so we are very grateful for all who make it such a good occasion.

Paul Holland

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St Osmund's Church

At her Requiem in early April we prayed for Georgette Rolland and commended her to God. She first came to this country in the late 1930s, returned to France for the war years and settled here soon afterwards. She taught for many years in a school at Ashford (Middlesex). Of a bright and enquiring disposition, she appreciated Fr Dominic's stay here and their conversations in French after Mass. He ministered the last rites while she was in Kingston hospital.

Our most recent celebration has been the first Holy Communion of 29 young parishioners over the weekend of 20-21 May. Numbers dictated that the contingent of St Osmund's pupils led us in prayer and praise at Mass on the Saturday.

A group of parents have been meeting to plan for a youth club. We feel there is a need to foster the sense of ownership of the parish among the 12-16 year olds, scattered as they are among diverse schools.

We look forward to seeing Fr Romano Ouma back again from his remote parish in the diocese of Gulu, northern Uganda, during August.
Preparation has started for candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation; Archbishop Kevin McDonald is due here in September. It will be his first visit to the parish.

Fiona Keen and Father Logan

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