Words from the Church Warden.

We had a very fruitful meeting with the Archdeacon at our council meeting on the 17th of January.
Things are moving forward in respect of having a Chaplain. The matter will be monitored over the next 6 months.
We have a Ministry Team meeting planned for the 31st of January when Archdeacon Peter will again join us.

The council agreed on the date, place and time of the AGM and the date for your diary is the 25th of April, 10.00 for 10.30 am. In the Salle de Raymond Quiard, Chef-Boutonne.

We will begin with tea and coffee and after the meeting there will be a Bring and Share lunch.
So, we will need volunteers for shifting and erecting the tables, supplying food, and clearing up the Salle afterwards.
It will be very special to meet everyone in person again.

This year three members are standing down as council members, having served their period of three years. So we need at least three people to come forward and offer their services to the Chaplaincy as Council members. You will need to be on the Electoral Role and complete the necessary safeguarding checks.
We also need Local Wardens for our Worship venues. Again, completion of the basic safeguarding checks is essential. We also require a second Church Warden. The Church Warden will also have to carry out the necessary Safeguarding checks which are more involved but not onerous. The Church Warden also needs to be a confirmed member of the Anglican Church.

Fund Raising for our Chaplaincy was also discussed, over 3000 euros was raised last year which was fantastic and although should not be regarded as a necessity. It certainly helps the Chaplaincy thrive. It is also a means to get our congregation together and also is good for outreach and Mission.

So, if anyone has any ideas for fund raising speak to me or a council member. Our details are on the Website.

Spring is round the corner and our thoughts are with preparing the church garden. Once made presentable we can use it for Chaplaincy events. Maybe a BBQ a garden party etc. We have the tables and chairs and two small popup marquees so we have a start.
More news on the garden will follow through the next few months.

The services in St Jean d’Angely/Courcelles. Cognac, Champagne Mouton and Chef Boutonne are well attended and we should have an increase of ministers in our Ministry Team over the next few weeks.


So, we have a lot to look forward to this coming year.

If you have anything you wish to bring to me or the council please contact us. Our particulars are in the process of being updated on the Website and should be complete by the time you read this.

May I wish you continued good health and I look forward to meeting you all at the AGM in April.

God bless and love
Carolyn

Hello
The last words from your warden for 2022.
It has been a busy year, drawing to a close with our Bilingual Lessons and Carols services in Cognac and Chef Boutonne. Pasteur Nicolas of the Protestant Church in Chef joined the service, and he has extended an invitation for our community to join a (continental) breakfast for unity during the week of prayer for Christian unity, it will take place on Tuesday the 24th of January at 9 am. At the moment there are no further details, but I will let you know as soon as I have them.
Christmas Day was celebrated in Chef Boutonne and St Jean Angeley, where we sung with gusto our favourite carols. And greeted the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our meeting with the Archdeacon was interesting. No proposals were made at the meeting, but the Archdeacon is joining us for our council meeting on the 17th of January, where we have a full agenda. One item of course will be organising the date of the AGM.
There seems to be a revival of people moving to the area and we welcome all those who came to our services over the Christmas period, and we look forward to seeing them again.
We said goodbye to Ron Cooper. He was Local Warden of our church venue in Champagne Mouton and before that Ambernac and Allou. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed. Here are some photographs of Ron from his days in the Army, his marriage to his beloved Bernice and when he thought he would do a Joan Crawford impression. Two sides of a truly nice man.
The weather is milder at the moment and the buds are beginning to shoot,
Let us look forward to 2023 with renewed vigour and hope.
I send you all my best wishes for 2023 may it be a year filled with hope, joy and peace.

Carolyn.

Word from your Church WardenJust a few updates this month on Chaplaincy life.The 30th.October is our All-Saints Day service held at Chef Boutonne, where we will remember the dearly departed.If you would like someone remembered in the service, please let me know on my email chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com.Our Remembrance Day service is the 13th. November, poppies are available this year, although they were difficult to get. We had our council meeting on the 11th. October, our Treasurer Valerie reported that the Chaplaincy is doing well financially, but that we were not yet able to recruit a Chaplain.We are awaiting a date for our meeting with the Archdeacon. More details will be forthcoming at a later date.A Safeguarding awareness week is being held from the 20th till the 27th. November, and a short presentation will be given by Paul Davis our Safeguarding Officer during the service in chef Boutonne on the 27th. November.Unfortunately Rumours of Angels had had to be cancelled through lack of Sopranos. We hope to be able to recruit more for next year.Fund Raising events are being planned and details will be available in Jubilate and on the website.The Ministry team met to discuss the Chaplaincy’s Christmas services and I can now confirm the following4th. December services in Champagne Mouton (Morning Worship) and Courcelles, Holy Communion.11th December, Cognac, Holy Communion and Chef Boutonne Morning Worship.18th December. Zoom 10:30 Morning Worship. Nine lessons and Carols Ecumenical service Chef Boutonne. 3.00 pm25th December Christmas Day service at chef Boutonne 11.00 am.So, we have a lot to look forward to.Our next council Meeting will be on the 17th. January 2023. I look forward to seeing you all around the Chaplaincy.Take CareLove in Christ to you allCarolyn

Words from your Chaplaincy Warden.Summer is approaching, and good things to look forward to. Our Chaplaincy goes from strength to strength and its finances are stable and growing.Ecumenism is a very necessary part of our Christian life. Although our ecumenical service planned for the 19th of June has had to be postponed, we as a Chaplaincy are building up ways to reach all our brothers and sisters in faith. This is of paramount importance and is part of our vision. Nicky, Stuart, and Evelyn joined the Eglise Reformé in Saint-Jean-d'Angély for a picnic lunch after the service at Cognac on the 12th of June. Our Church in Chef, with Wanda’s help, is reaching out to the Catholic Priests and congregations around the area. We had French Catholic guests at the dedication of our Church on the 1st of May.Our outreach is also an important part of our Chaplaincy life. The Christianity explored course run by Roy Carter and Paul Davis was a great success, culminating in one member deciding to go forward for confirmation.An Alpha course begins on Wednesday the 5th of October at 2.30pm. If you would like more information, contact Roy on 05 45 84 19 03 or email reverendr.carter100@gmail.comFund Raising is taking off again with William and Liz’s BBQ, which raised a whopping 1200eurosand 45 cents. and Wanda’s Beetle Drive which is to be held in our Church in chef Boutonne on the 22nd June. Contact Wanda for more information. And take a look at our website in the next week or so. Maria is in the process of revamping it. A Christmas concert is in the planning stages and if anyone feels like joining us, either helping backstage or “treading the boards” please contact me. There will be an initial meeting in September, date to be arranged.The Chaplaincy Council met on the 7th of June. It was a full agenda and there was a full and honest discussion on the following agenda items.The visit by the Architect to discuss our plans for our Church was encouraging. He agreed the colour chosen to paint both the doors and the railings, the Church sign has to be in Plexiglass and fitted in the gap between the bricks surrounding the door, the window in the kitchen is good for at least another four years, this is to be painted a cream colour. Plans for the fence that separates us from our neighbour were also discussed.We now submit our application to the Batiment de France and then once their go ahead has been received, we can proceed.The stairs have now been completed, except for the right handrail. Discussion is in progress regarding the best way forward for this area.The devis for electricity changes and the installation of the heating system have been agreed and work will take place through the summer months so that this winter we should be warm, cosy comfortable in our Church.The Council also agreed to change the administration of the Chaplaincy from Civray to Chef Boutonne so that we can enjoy, for free, all the amenities that are available. You will be advised of the new postal address as soon as Valerie has completed the paperwork.20 Bibles are to be purchased which means that each worship centre will have the use of 5 Bibles for the congregation to use.We have a further Think Tank meeting on the 24th of June where we are going over the ‘Vacancy Pack’ in preparation of advertising for a Chaplain, and our next Council meeting will be the 30th of August. I am sure that I will see some of you at services around the Chaplaincy, but may I wish you all a happy holiday period.Stay safe and take care.Carolyn CarterChaplaincy Church Warden.

Words from your Warden

Well, what a week that was.
On Tuesday we had our AGM all went extremely well, and we have two new members of council.
The members of council are Catherine Chambers, Wanda McKercher, Roy Carter, Paul Davis, Jane Thomas, Sue Wilcock, Sally Freeman and Kathryn Dean. Their contact details can be found on the website www.churchinfrance.com.
David will also be publishing their details in Jubilate. So, if you have any concerns bring them to me or to a member of Council.
There is now, only one Church Warden, but we will over the next few months, be searching for a second warden. I will be placing in Jubilate details of what a Church Wardens duties are, So that if anyone feels they are being called to this position they know what it entails.
As you saw from the reports circulated before the meeting, our financial position is improving and although we are not yet able to offer full or even a part time position to a Chaplain, we are going to begin to prepare a Vacancy Pack and work with the Archdeacon to this end. The first meeting of the Think Tank will be on the 10th of May.

Talking of Archdeacon’s we had a visitation from Bishop Robert, Archdeacon Peter and Tony Lomas our Area Dean on the 1st of May.
They met our Chaplaincy Council and then Bishop Robert led a service where he Dedicated our Church as The Church of Christ the Good Shepherd. We therefore now move forward in God’s service with renewed vigour, enthusiasm, unity.


The Ministry team and council are now in the planning stages of holding an Ecumenical service on the 5th Sunday of May. Where we can invite members of other Churches to join us in Worship and Praise to our God.
I will keep you updated with our Chaplaincy’s progress and wish you all an enjoyable time in the sunshine.
Carolyn
Church Warden

Words from the Wardens

Another good and positive meeting of the Chaplaincy Council was held on the 5th of April,
Our church in Chef Boutonne is being visited by the Batiment de France at 9 am on the 15th of April, when we will be advised of what we are able to do to the exterior of our church and its garden.
Painting work on the interior of the Church has begun and we have started to clear the garden.
The fence will be replaced when we have received the go ahead from the Batiment de France as will the sign for the outside of the building telling people who we are, and the times of the services held in The Church of Christ the Good Shepherd.
We are getting ready for the AGM which is to be held on the 26th of April at 10.30 am on Zoom. Valerie will send out, to all those on the Electoral role, the reports, Agenda for the meeting and last year’s minutes at the appropriate time, together with the Zoom link.
There are three candidates for Chaplaincy Council so far. Details of who, and how others may apply for this very important role in the Chaplaincy, will be printed in Jubilate over the next few weeks.
If you require any information on the role of becoming a Chaplaincy Council member, please contact Carolyn on chaplaincychurcwarden1@gmail.com . or Wanda on church.warden2@gmail.com
The reintroduction of the Common Cup will be an ongoing Agenda item for the Council, as it feels that it is too early to offer ‘full Communion’.
The Council will meet again on the 19th of April to finalise details for the visit of the Bishop on the 1st of May. The time of the service is 6:30 pm at Church.

Carolyn and Wanda

LUNCH AFTER FEBRUARY SERVICES AT CHEF BOUTONNE
Lunch will again be available at the Restaurant des Canards, 1 Route de Niort,
79110, Chef-Boutonne after both our February services.
The traditional Sunday roast and pudding at 12,50€ will still be available on both
dates and Sara has kindly agreed to vary the main course choices for the menu at
14€.
These are as follows:
After Morning Worship service, Feb 13th -
Salmon with cream cheese and chilli topping
OR warm goat's cheese salad (with choice of 2 desserts or cheese)
Feb 27th After Holy Communion service,
Coq au vin OR whole Trout (with choice of 2 desserts or cheese)
Please contact Wanda to reserve places, stating which date and which choices you would
like.
Bookings for Feb 13th should be sent by 10pm on Wednesday Feb 9th
and for Feb 27th by 10pm on Feb 23rd.

Interested in the following suggestions that can help you ????

We all have questions about admin and with Brexit, nothing is made easy.
Where do I get information on changing a driving licence, can I have a carte de séjour, how do I renew my carte Vitale, where do I get tax forms from, am I allowed electricity allowance given my income ????

We are looking to organise afternoons in the Chapel in Chef Boutonne with a professional who can give you explanations, leads and answers on these questions.
She is perfectly bilingual and works locally with the prefectures and administrations of all sorts.

The same kind of afternoon meeting is possible with a Notary to answer all questions on wills, purchasing, Pacs, donations etc….

The programmes would be :

Introduction
Main important recurrent themes, carte de séjour, carte Vitale or Purchases/ Wills for example.
Questions from the public on any particular situation or problem and answers from speaker.
Tea and cakes and possibility to exchange together and/or with the speaker.

Entrance of 5€, tea / coffee and cakes by the Chaplaincy fund raising group.

If you are interested, please just drop a quick line to the office at office.goodshepherd@sfr.fr letting us know which theme (or both) interest you, so we know it is worth organising and we will arrange dates as of beginning of March

Valérie

Words from the Wardens

After the hugely successful opening service at the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd in Chef- Boutonne a Holy Communion service was held on 23rd January, followed by lunch at the Restaurant des Canards. Again, the church was packed, and we have received many messages from members of the congregation, both old and new, commenting how warm and welcoming they found the experience.

AGM
At the recent Council meeting a date was proposed for this year’s AGM, Tuesday 26th April, and for practical reasons, taking into account the ongoing Covid uncertainties, it was decided that this will once again be held on Zoom. This is a very exciting time for our Chaplaincy and there are several ways in which you can become involved in its future.

Vacancies
Chaplaincy Churchwarden
Wanda will not be standing for re-election as Churchwarden at the AGM so if you are interested and feel that you would like more information on this very important role in the Chaplaincy, the Churchwardens guidelines can be made available. Please contact Carolyn.
Local Wardens
In order to successfully organise services in Courcelles, Cognac, Champagne-Mouton and now in Chef-Boutonne we need Local Wardens who, amongst their duties prepare the church, meet and greet, count collection and complete required paperwork. There is also, due to covid restrictions, the added work of disinfecting chairs and hymn books before and after the service. This may sound daunting but is very necessary and very rewarding. Safeguarding checks and training also have to be completed. There are currently Local Wardens in place in the first three centres mentioned and Wanda is to become Local Warden for Chef-Boutonne but we still need volunteers to share the load and cover for absences. We encourage you to give prayerful thought to this and to contact either of us if you feel called to serve in this way.
Council Members
After the AGM a new Council will begin to operate consisting of some existing members, but new members will also be required. Further information will be given over the coming months but, again, if you would like to discuss becoming involved in this way, please contact one of us or any other Council member you may know. Forms are available on the chaplaincy website.
Discussion also took place on the need for individual groups to help carry out the work of the Chaplaincy.
1. We need to set up a gardening team. With Spring around the corner, the side beds of our new Church will need digging over weeding and replanting. The rear however will need some professional help. Trees to be either prunes or cut down and the whole of the area will need rotavating. Kieran Marshall has kindly offered to work on the replacement fence as soon as we can get the fencing approved by the Mairie.

2. We need a Fundraising team to oversee the Summer Fete and the Winter Bazaar. These two very important events bring people into the Chaplaincy who wouldn’t necessarily do so. As well as raising an awful lot of money for the Chaplaincy. This will be an agenda item for the next council meeting so if you have any ideas on fundraising, again please contact Carolyn or Wanda.

3. We now have an events calendar; Carolyn is holding a physical one and she together with Maria are also in the process of putting one on the website. This will enable you to see at a glance the days that are free for your own venture. Contact Carolyn if you require a space.
05 45 84 19 03 or 0612137007 email: chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com

So, thinking caps on please.

The colour scheme has been chosen for the Church and will be submitted to the Maire; the Council have chosen 3004 which is Rouge Basque. So, we should be able to paint the front door and the fence as soon as the better weather allows.

So, our little Church is going to look gorgeous, well, more gorgeous than she already does.

There is still a lot of work to be done however, EDF are arriving at the end of February to update the supply and move the electricity box, and devis are awaited for the heating and the roof repairs which were caused by the recent storm.

Carolyn and Maria are in the process of either recording or live streaming the services at Chef Boutonne.
And we have the promise of a further Communion service on the third Sunday of March.

So, things are moving, some slowly others more quickly. We just need your continued love and support. Remembering the vision of Jeremiah 29 verse 11. For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
We look forward to seeing you at our services in February, details of which will be in Jubilate and on the Chaplaincy website. Until then, we hope you all stay safe and well.
Love and blessings,
Carolyn and Wanda

Words from the Wardens

The nineteenth of December was a very special day. It was the day when our first service was held in our new Church, The Church of Christ the Good Shepherd.
A group of us had spent a few weeks getting ready for the big day and the church looked gorgeous.
The Church was full, and the ministers both lay and Priestly led in procession to the altar. The new Chaplaincy choir sang beautifully, and the service was very special to everyone who was there. A few photographs for you are added.
Our next Communion service in the new Church of Christ the Good Shepherd will be held on the 23rd of January at 11:00 am. (Please note the later time of starting).
We also thought you might be interested to know that Nicky drew the raffle at the restaurant after the meal and the winner was Margaret Mace. Many thanks to Stevie Sheldon for donating the prize – Christmas cake and pudding – and for organising the raffle which raised 136€. The sale of Christmas items donated by Margaret and others after the service raised 40€. A huge thank you to everyone who supported these efforts and donated to the collection on 19th.
Meal at the Restaurant des Canards, 1 Route de Niort 79110 Chef-Boutonne :
28 of us went to the Restaurant des Canards for lunch after the service and all agreed it was excellent – delicious food, lovely surroundings and a convivial atmosphere. Consequently, we have arranged for lunch there again after the Communion service on 23rd January.
The options are traditional Sunday roast and pudding at 12,50€ or a two-course menu with choice at 14,00€. (Please note drinks are not included.) Sara has varied the main course options for the latter – roast leg of duck, pork fillet with prune and apple in a cream sauce, cod on a dill sauce or veggie Wellington. There will be a choice of 2 desserts or cheese. Please let Wanda know by 10pm on WEDNESDAY 19th JAN if you would like to reserve a place and state which option(s) you would like to order.
Please REMEMBER your PASS SANITAIRE for the restaurant - it will be checked.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to the service on 23rd. Details of future services and other activities will be advertised in Jubilate and on the website in the coming weeks.
Blessings to you all.
Carolyn and Wanda

Words from the Wardens.Firstly, the purchase of our building has been finalised and the little Chapel will now be known as the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd.We have written to Bishop Robert asking if he would visit our area during his tour of Southwest France next year, so that we can hold a special Consecration Service.A group of volunteers are going in on the 4th of December to give an initial good clean of the building and dispose of the bits and pieces left behind by the previous owner.We will then require two people who would be willing to go in once a month to give the Church a once over.We also need two people to act as Local Wardens. Also, there is the need to prepare the floral arrangements for the opening services and the ongoing services in the new Church. Again if you have the gift of flower arranging and would like to offer it or any of the required posts to the Chaplaincy Please contact: Carolyn - chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com or Wanda – chaplaincy.churchwarden2@gmail.com.Our Christmas services for December are: Times may change.5th December: Courcelles, - Champagne Mouton- St Leger. 10:30 am12th December: Cognac, Ecumenical Carols 3:00 pm and Zoom 10:30 am14th December Courcelles. Ecumenical Carol Service (time to be agreed)19th December: Opening service. 11:00am24th December: Chef Boutonne. 9 Lessons and Carols. 4pm25th December: Courcelles and Champagne Mouton, 10:30 am26th December: Chef Boutonne 10: 30am and Zoom 3:30 pm.As you can see the opening service of our new Church is going to be on the 19th of December where we will be holding a special Advent Communion Service. Full details have not yet been confirmed but the initial thinking is that it will begin at 11:00 am. We would ask the Local Maire and his colleague together with the local Catholic Priest. We are organising a restaurant meal for after the service if anyone would like to join us. We are going to start a Chaplaincy choir for special occasions and Simon Freeman has agreed to be our Choir Master and Musical Director. So hopefully we will be able to rehearse an advent Anthem for the opening service. Further occasions would be Good Friday, Easter, Advent, Christmas and possibly weddings.If anyone who loves singing would like to join us, please contact: Carolyn - chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com or Wanda – chaplaincy.churchwarden2@gmail.com.This was all discussed at our Council Meeting on the 22nd of November.At this meeting the need for more keyboard players was raised, so if anyone can play keyboard and would like to play at the services in the Chaplaincy again contact:Carolyn - chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com or Wanda – chaplaincy.churchwarden2@gmail.com.Roy and Carolyn attended a Live Streaming workshop and are looking into the different ways we can live Stream our services.So, to recap: if anyone can offer their services as Local wardens for the new Church in Chef Boutonne or volunteer to go in once a month to give it a clean.If anyone would like to join our new Chaplaincy choir to sing on special occasions.Or if there is anyone who can play the keyboard and offer their wonderful gift to the Chaplaincy.Please contact:Carolyn - chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com or Wanda – chaplaincy.churchwarden2@gmail.com.Finally, As December marks the end of the financial year in France you might like to consider the benefits from paying your monthly giving through the HelloAsso page on our website. It is quick to set up, informs you how much tax relief you get on your donation and administration is easier than for giving via the envelope scheme. Help and guidance can be given to anyone who is unsure about it. Again, contact the wardens Carolyn - chaplaincychurchwarden1@gmail.com or Wanda – chaplaincy.churchwarden2@gmail.com.Or our Treasurer: Valerie on - office.goodshepherd@sfr.frWe now begin a very exciting time in our Chaplaincy’s Life. Let us go forward together and revive and revitalise our Chaplaincy and bring more people into God’s Kingdom here in Poitou Charentes.Thank you all and may God bless you.Carolyn and Wanda.