May 2023
see lower down for services!
Dear Friend
We have been encouraged by the King to do some voluntary work on the Coronation Bank Holiday Monday (8th May); and then – ideally – to continue doing voluntary work. Many of our local/village organisations rely heavily on volunteers.
A few days before, on Thursday 4th May, local elections will have been held and, whatever you might think about local politics, I am grateful that we have volunteers who give their time and energy to serve our community on our Parish Councils. I am also grateful to all those who serve our community and church in different ways – as members of our Parochial Church Councils, grass-cutters, flower arrangers, cleaners, readers, treasurers, school governors, organists and, many more besides, who help us keep our ancient church buildings in good heart and help foster the sense of community locally. Thank you.
I came across this cautionary ‘hymn’ for those who serve on committees, I hope you will enjoy it!
O Thou who seest all things below,
Grant that Thy servants may go slow,
That they may study to comply
With regulations till they die.
Teach us, O Lord, to reverence
Committees more than common sense;
To train our minds to make no plan
And pass the baby when we can.
So when the tempter seeks to give
Us feelings of initiative,
Or when alone we go too far,
Chastise us with a circular.
Mid war and tumult, fire and storms,
Give strength, O Lord, to deal out forms.
Thus may Thy servants ever be
A flock of perfect sheep for Thee.
All organisations – the church, schools, voluntary groups, councils – are now more bound up with administration and bureaucracy (I know only too well!), not least to help protect people. Even so, there is much joy and satisfaction to be gained by being a volunteer and making a difference to our community and our neighbourhood. If you have skills, time, interests you would like to share – please do let me know, and we can explore the possibilities about how you can help our communities here in the Ampneys.
And for those who are volunteering – THANK YOU!
As ever - John
Services and Events in May 2023
Friday 5th May Coronation Eve
6.30pm A Royal Variety with the Coronation Choir Poulton
7.30pm Jazz and Coronation Cocktails Poulton
8pm Vigil Prayers for the King Ampney St Peter
Saturday 6th May Coronation Day
9am Prayers for the King’s Majesty Driffield
Sunday 7th May Coronation Sunday 5th Sunday after Easter
8am Holy Communion Ampney Crucis
10am Coronation Songs of Praise Down Ampney
10am Coronation Songs of Praise Poulton
6pm Coronation Evensong Ampney St Mary
Friday 12th May
7pm Pub Night – come along for a drink Ampney St Peter
Saturday 13th May
Noon Wedding – India and Andrew Driffield
3pm Wedding – Bryony and Martyn Ampney St Mary
Sunday 14th May Sixth Sunday of Easter
8am Holy Communion Poulton
10am Parish Communion Driffield
Wednesday 17th May
11am Funeral of Colin Cammack RIP Down Ampney
Thursday 18th May ASCENSION DAY
Noon Holy Communion Harnhill
2.30pm Memorial Service - Peter Bullock RIP Ampney Crucis
Friday 19th May
11.30am Funeral of Joe Tinson RIP Cheltenham Crematorium
Sunday 21st May Sunday after Ascension Day
8am Holy Communion Ampney St Peter
10am Parish Communion Ampney Crucis
2pm Baptism of Romilly Gillibrand Poulton
Wednesday 24th - Wednesday 31st May
10am-6pm 'Knowing That All Was Now' - Art Exhibition Bibury Church
by Paul Hobbs
Sunday 28th May PENTECOST
8am Holy Communion Harnhill
10am Parish Communion Poulton
Contact
Please do get in touch with the Rector - John Swanton - for more information.
01285 851309