Dear All,
I write two days after the death of our renowned and beloved Queen Elizabeth II and the day after the Accession of King Charles III. The 8th September 2022 will be forever marked a landmark date in the history of our nation and the Commonwealth. Still, we reflect on the example our late queen gave to all who are willing to serve their fellow human beings.
Coincidentally, there is a new start for our primary school in Frenchay. The church and school maintain their close relationship, despite the fact that they are several hundred yards further apart now. The opportunities for worship in the new hall will be different from those in the traditional building. But there will still be occasions when our church building will host parts of the school community for events. Many may not be aware that there has been a Church Schools Partnership award given to Frenchay. This was awarded in 2020 and we have been seeking to build on this ever since. Open the Book was wonderfully introduced to Collective Worship several years ago, and this involves a drama team made-up of different members of our local churches, who involve the children in acting out a dramatization of a Bible story. Last Easter we experimented with Easter in a Box which is a quality resource produced by Bristol Schools Connection, enabling the children to imagine scenes of the Easter story with beautifully made artefacts and mini-film set designs.
I hope that all this is giving you great hope that the Church and what it stands for is as relevant today as ever for the young people, as well as for all ages in this community. We have been experimenting with a season of Sunday afternoons ‘Open Church’ in which visitors are welcome without needing an appointment. We are also well on the way to installing a permanent ramp to create easier access for disabled people. We would like ideas from the community for the future use of our building, that will come within the ethos of our purpose as a place of prayer where people of all backgrounds are welcome to encounter God.
Meanwhile, may our vision be inspired by our late queen’s shining example of faith in action.
Rev Charles
