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The annual May celebration and blessing of the cheeses
Since 1998 there has been a 'Sharing Agreement', that is the Church building,
services and activities are jointly run by both C of E and Methodist members. It
is a bright and welcoming church, with the John Wesley Room attached to
accommodate the Sunday Club and other church groups. Decisions are made by
the Randwick Church Council, elected annually in the Spring, with wide-ranging
working groups.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM 1999/2000, UNTIL IT HAS BEEN
UPDATED PLEASE CONTACT BRIAN STANLEY FOR INFORMATION /
CLARIFICATION. THE REMAINING CONTACT NAMES AND NUMBERS MAY NO
LONGER BE APPROPRIATE. UPDATING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE NEXT FEW
DAYS.
The Local Ministry Team began training in early 1999 , with the aim of sharing in
the task of ministry within the Benefice (which includes Whiteshill and Paganhill
Churches). The Bishop was due to mandate the Team in November 2000.
The Ministry Team consists of:
To be updated, for info contact
Brian Stanley (750207).
Church Officers: Churchwardens: To be updated
NORMAL MONTHLY SERVICE PATTERN
1st Sunday: 9.00am Communion;10.30 Morning Service;6.30pm Evening Service
2nd Sunday 10.30am Morning Service 6.30pm Songs of Praise
3rd Sunday 10.30am Communion 6.30pm Evening Service
4th Sunday 10.30am Family Service 6.30pm Communion
WHEN THERE ARE 5 SUNDAYS IN A MONTH
4th Sunday 10.30am Family Service 6.30pm Communion
5th Sunday 10.30am Communion. 6.30pm United Service (with W'hill &Paganhill)
(See Runner and Sunday Supplement for any late changes)
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
BAPTISM
There is no age limit. Both Methodist and C of E practise 'Infant Baptism', as well
as that of older people, and it is hoped that this will be followed in due course by
'confirmation' by the person concerned of her / his own faith. It is usual for the
parents to live within Randwick parish or, if from outside, to be regular attenders
so that support for the baptised person from our church community can continue.
As baptism can only be done by an ordained minister, it is normally included in a
service on the 4th Sunday morning. Please inquire as early as possible from the
Vicar, Methodist Minister, a Churchwarden or Steward (tel. numbers above).
MARRIAGE
It is the rule for weddings to be held in the parish where the bride (or groom)
lives, so if one of the partners lives within Randwick parish the procedure is
straight forward; she/ he is entitled to be married in Randwick Church. Very
occasionally there is a special reason why a couple, neither of whom lives in the
parish, wishes to be married here (e.g. if it is a family home or a student or
someone with temporary accommodation elsewhere). It might then be possible
to arrange to have the marriage here, but one of the couple would need to be on
the Church's Electoral Roll and attend some services during the six months
before the event. Please make contact with the Vicar or Churchwardens as early
as possible to discuss any snags and dates. Because of difficulties fitting in with
receptions, it is worth noting that weddings can be arranged for any day of the
week, including Sunday.
FUNERAL & BURIAL/ CREMATION
When someone dies, please contact the Vicar or Methodist Minister. They are
always concerned to comfort the bereaved. The next-of-kin may wish to have a
funeral service in Randwick Church followed by a burial or cremation, though
sometimes a family may prefer just to have a service at the crematorium. Burial
spaces are limited to those who live in Randwick parish or are on its electoral
roll. The Methodist churchyard is now closed. If in doubt, please check with the
Vicar and Churchwardens.
ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY CLUB
Provides a constructive, activity-packed 'club' for all children from age 3
upwards. It meets on Sundays at 10.30am in the John Wesley Room behind the
church, except on the 4th Sunday in the month when children join in the family
service. There is a team of six parents who take it in turns to run things. For
information, contact Val Wicks (765597).*
BELL RINGING
The Group holds practices every Monday 7.30 - 9pm in Randwick Church, and
rings before some services and on special occasions. Affiliated to the
Gloucestershire and Bristol Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers.
Training and group meetings are offered, and visiting ringers are welcome.
Tower Captain: John Schoen (759214)*
MUSIC GROUP
Meets about twice a month on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings to play/
practise recent Christian hymns/ songs, and plays for both ordinary services and
special occasions in Church. Any instrumentalists and vocalists welcome.
SOCIAL / FUND-RAISING
An activity is usually held each month: a barbecue, coffee morning etc., plus
some larger scale events during the year. This may be in conjunction with some
other village group, such as the Gardening Club or Wap Committee, in a spirit of
co-operation, not rivalry. Details are published in the Runner and Sunday
Supplement.
SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT
A free monthly church news-sheet is delivered to 100 homes in the parish to
those interested in being kept in touch with what is happening at the Church.
For copies call Val Flack (757136)*
FRIENDS OF RANDWICK CHURCH
Launched at the start of 1995. An opportunity for all villagers to support the fabric
of the old church and churchyard, by contributing £10 p.a. to its maintenance and
development (and/or perhaps offering a little time to keep it in good order). For
details contact Isabel Stanley (750207)*
BEFRIENDING GROUP
Members of Randwick, Paganhill and Whiteshill Churches offer short-term help to
those in need, such as collecting prescriptions, reading, prayer, form-filling,
transport to hospital, etc
Co-ordinator: Brenda Chamberlain (765892) * |