Upper Itchen Benefice

19th January 2022

NOTICES FOR THIS WEEK

Baptism

Please pray for Isabella May Elizabeth MORTON who will be baptised on Sunday 23^rd January at Bramdean.

First Sunday – Mission Sunday

Beginning in February 2022, our first Sunday of the month provision in the benefice will be two new services. First a 10:15 ‘Sunday Station’ at Bramdean intentionally reaching out to families in an informal ‘play and pray’ style service; and second a 18:00 Eucharist (with hymns) at Cheriton, reaching out to new adults and including those who cannot attend morning services. There will be no other benefice service on a first Sunday in this initial plan.

Come along to find out more at the launch party on Saturday 29^th January at 14:00-15:00 hours at Ss Simon and Jude, Bramdean. 

Come and Sing Evensong

Saturday 5^th February at 15:00 Cheriton there is ‘Come and Sing’ evensong presided over by the Rector, with Cheriton Singers and Fr. Mark preaching.

Alresford Deanery Farm Church is also taking place on Saturday 5th February at Upper Farm, Bradley beginning 15:00 hours . The theme is ‘Sow the Seeds’ .

EVENTS

Confirmation Classes

Monthly confirmation classes are beginning, as well as those wishing to be confirmed the classes are for those already confirmed who wish to learn more about faith, the bible and scripture. Hour long classes will be held on Thursday evenings beginning January 20^th at 19:00 hours. Further details are published in Church and Village.

Additional class dates are February 17^th, March 17^th, April 21^st, May 19^th, June 16^th, July 28^th, August 18^th, and September 22^nd, 2022.

Four of these sessions will follow Rowan William’s “Being Christian” (ISBN 978-0-281-07171-50).

The Benefice Confirmation Service will be on Sunday 2^nd October.

STOP PRESS!  The Real Jesus

Starting Wednesday 19^th January 19:15 hours for five weeks.

Led by Rev Peter Walker, Rector Itchen Valley Churches, Alresford Deanery

From Wednesday (19 January) Rev.d Peter will be starting a 5-week course for anyone in the church family who would like to take a fresh look at the figure of Jesus whom we read about in the Gospels. Meeting meet via Zoom from 7.15pm each Wednesday for some ‘coffee-chat’ and then watch one of the videos from my In the Steps of Jesus Film Series. We’ll also open the pages of Mark’s Gospel and take note of the thing that Mark particularly wants us to see.

To join please use the link below:

Topic: Introducing the Real Jesus
Time: Jan 19, 2022 07:15 PM London
Every week on Wed, 5 occurrence(s) Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83838001949

Meeting ID: 838 3800 1949

Benefice Servers/Sacristan/Chalice Assistant Training Evening

Tuesday 15^th February, 19:00 hours, at Cheriton Parish Church

For all people who prepare the altar table, and who offer the precious blood of Christ during the Eucharist.

All welcome: those who would like their annual refresher, and those new to the role.

‘Plan B’ COVID19 Risk Assessment

Every parish of the benefice has now adopted an updated Step 4 COVID19 Risk Assessment. Good ventilation via open doors and windows, and being sensibly careful about one another, remain at the heart of our approach. In short, singing by congregations is permitted; facemasks are mandatory (except when singing, eating/drinking, and reading aloud); and the common cup may be offered but is not necessary for full, valid, and officious reception of the sacrament. Every Church building is now open every day for private prayer. For full details, please contact your Churchwardens. (The full risk assessment is also printed and displayed in every church porch.) To provide care to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters, the wearing of a facemask and social distancing remain mandatory for both side aisle pews in Cheriton, and the transept social distance chairs at Bramdean. If you are unable to attend church for some time, please be in touch about Home Communion. Revd. Christopher (Rector)