Believing in Devizes 2009

Saturday Prayer

2010-06-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Following on from our Partnership week in 2009 the churches in Devizes have come together to offer to pray for people on the street every Saturday morning.

You'll find a small team sitting by the Post Office opposite Sainbury's and Devizes Books. If you want prayer for anything just stop by let us know - we want Devizes to know that God cares about you, and that church doesn't stop when you step outside the building.

Follow Up Meeting Results

2009-10-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

At the meeting, we looked back at the week of “Believing in Devizes” in June. The week had been packed with different events and we watched Pauline Hawkins’ film, recording those seven days, with great delight.

We discussed how working and sharing with our friends, form different Churches, had been such an uplifting and inspiring experience. How we had felt encouraged and enabled to reach out together to the people of our Town. We thought about how we might take some of those ideas forward.

We decided that our aim would be:-
- To establish a regular Prayer Station in Town; ideally a weekly presence, always on the same day, at the same time and place.
- Inter-Action with folk on the canalside: We are aiming to join in the celebrations in 2010 to mark the 200th Anniversary of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
- Carer’s Lunch: The group who lead the Services for Healing, Wholeness and Peace, intend to continue to reach out to carers, offering them love and support over a simple lunch and with a short Service, during the year.
- We also felt the need to meet together for prayer and worship, within our Partnership of Churches, in order to learn more of each other and work more closely together as we reach out to our Town.

Therefore we will: Hold Prayer Breakfasts – possibly quarterly, meeting in each church in turn, and praying together in that Church’s tradition.

There was a call to Worship Together more often, and also to experience worship in different traditions by moving around the Churches on a regular basis.

We do hope and pray that you will support us and join with us as we form a closer bond within our Partnership of Churches and reach out together to the people of our Town.

Juliet Bennett

What's Next?

2009-09-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Believing in Devizes
Tuesday 6 October 7.30 pm
Sheep Street Baptist Church
OPEN MEETING
WHAT NEXT?
Do come along and join our discussion on how to reach out to our town
A regular presence?
Prayer station?
What do you think?

Prayer, Pies, Praise and Disguise

2009-06-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Friday morning dawns, and the team gathers in St Peter’s Church for prayer, according to the Book of Common Prayer, and many good conversations over breakfast. Then Bishop Stephen, Becky [Childrens and Families Worker] John and I went to St Peter’s school next door for collective worship. The theme – Staying Healthy – was well demonstrated by the team being asked by the Bishop to take exercises in sprinting, egg and spoon racing, and careful use of dieting – especially avoiding sugary foods. The children were engaging and we spent a happy time there – especially when they showed us some of their X-Factor acts, as part of their Wake and Shake activity.
Afterwards we headed out to Hayden’s Bakery where we had been invited to tour the factory, and see how millions of pies, tarts and cakes were produced, and most importantly meet the staff and managers. We could blog this even for weeks to come – with photos, and text about the amazing facts and products we were confronted with. Facts such as 19 nationalities are represented on the workforce; 1.5 million mince pies will be made there before Christmas; when we visited the “high risk” dairy product department, we wore two layers of protective clothing, and washed our hand four times before we could enter the inner sanctum, where cream and other delicious desserts were assembled. It was very impressive!!
As the photos showed, my beard was considered a risk, and the hospitality extended by all we met was just wonderful, and we listened to a vision for developing the workplace into a healthy and happy environment, where the football team analogy, was well understood, and every member of the team strives to be “match fit”. +Stephen’s interest in doughnuts and jam seemed to be matched by Justin Bradbury’s weakness for custard tarts!

A-Mazing Grace

2009-06-20T02:05:00.001-07:00

One of the on-going events at the Believing in Devizes week, has been the Labyrinth at Southbroom House. A maze has been carefully mown into the lawns, and a number of reflections have been placed within the route. It has been great to see people just spend some time exploring the journey of their lives, and many have written comments in the visitors book, such as "a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the day", "a spiritual oasis in a busy week - thank you".
The idea is an easy one to copy, and it could well be used inside a church, hall, as well as any garden. The route is about a third of a mile, and people say they can spend an hour working around the labyrinth. Contact the Ramsbury office to get details.

Time to Chat

2009-06-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today’s post sleep-out activity has been mostly around spending time and listening and talking to Devizes folk. The other team members will tell you what they’ve been up to, and I’d like to share where my time has been spent.
It was pure bliss to get into the shower and shave off the surplus stubble this morning! Then on to St John’s for morning prayer [Common Worship] and some really good reflective prayer following yesterday’s work. The t-shirts are really making an impact on the town, and as I walk down the streets I can see people reading the “Believing in Devizes” logo, with the blog address, and some people saying, “There is another Believing in Devizes t-shirt!” The prayer gave thanks for this impression, and I trust that the shirts will be used [after a good wash of course] well into the future.
Breakfast at St John’s included the bacon butty, alongside toast and cereals, and was so appreciated. There is a great ministry in extending hospitality to all people, for in doing so, we entertain angels! That ministry of hospitality extended further for me, as I joined the St Andrew’s Foodbank Coffee morning, and met up with Sue and the staff of the Foodbank, and a bevy of people from Devizes and beyond who wanted Market day coffee before heading back home – so people as far as Swindon.
The feeding frenzy continued as the team gathered at the Crown Centre [a former coaching inn called the Crown] now converted into a café, dining rooms and assorted meeting and office spaces. They offer a really nice two course lunch for around 50 people, for a reasonable £3.50, and anyone over 18 can ask to join the club, although most people were from the post-employment era. Afterwards we were treated to a tour of the premises and a good chance to listen to the staff and their perceptions about the facility and the Town. With a supper at the Hour Glass pub tonight before Bishop’s Question time, I’m going to have to watch those scales at the end of the week!
More later …

Bedtime Stories

2009-06-18T02:34:00.000-07:00

As Rachel left us last night we were indeed settling down for who knows what! The bedding consisted of a polythene sheet on the pavement, and then a layer of cardboard, and we used our own roll mats, sleeping bags and other assorted clothing. It had rained heavily about an hour before, but now the clouds had lightened and we looked forward to a warm and cosy sleep.

The first thing that we felt, was that we were very exposed to the passing traffic, both vehicles and pedestrians. We were opposite a busy hotel, where a free concert was being given by a funk group, and we expected "passing trade". I was assigned first watch, and all the others made a good impression of sleeping. I was immediately struck by the interest we were attracting from all those in the Market Place. Soon people wandered across and chatted to me - who were we, what were we doing, and why? I answered then all, and was really struck by the generosity of spirit and kind. Good for you! Can we make a donation to the Alabaré charity? Here, I've brought you some cake. Can I take a photo? You might like this soup in the early hours. People holding glasses of wine, people on their way home from events, people just whiling away some time.

The local Police car drifts pass, and the officers ask if all is OK, and assure us they will come and check from time to time. Local young people, proudly displaying their old but beautifully cared for small cars, drive into the car park and chat to each other through open car windows.

The night draws on, each quarter hour marked by the striking of the church clock, and we notice dew or condensation forming on the sleeping bags of the sleeping figures surrounding the Market Cross. It is midnight now, and the concert goers, and the evening staff are all making their way home, and the night belongs to the young drivers, and a few cyclists who seem to ride up to the hole-in-the-wall cash points and then cycle off - one cyclist appearing three times during the evening. What is this all about?

Between midnight and 0200, there are a steady flow of young people who break the silence with their chatter, which cannons off the elegant architecture, echoing into the blackness of the night sky. It is actually very bright in the Market Place - shop window lights flooding the pavements; street lights helping the CCTV identify the citizens [we wave at the cameras - but who knows if anyone is actually watching?] Cars pass, and toot their horns and people shout unhelpful choruses, creating not anxiety, but restlessness.

My colleagues sleep on, gently snoring in an orchestrated lullaby, pierced by an elegant descant. At 0200 I gently wake John, who has been assigned the 0200 - 0400 watch. As he sits up, and opens his reading material, I pull off my trainers, put on a second pair of socks, and climb into a dew covered sleeping bag, pull my hat over my eyes, and close my eyes.

Seconds later in my mind's eye, it is 0400, and the market traders' white vans are corralling in the Market Place, and voices shout as stalls are snapped into position and the day's fruit and veg are assembled to feed the citizens of Devizes. A barrow-lady comes across to us, and saying that we are doing something special, gifts us two large punnets of strawberries for breakfast. We roll up our mats, stow our sleeping bags, fold the cardboard and swig a welcome mug of butternut squash and sweet potato soup, which has kept piping hot in the donated thermos flasks, and we head off for a shower, brush our teeth, and coffee before our day begins.

What must it be like to do this day after day? Street homeless need washing facilities, somewhere sheltered and safe to rest, without being disrupted, some company to break the isolation, but above all, to know that people care about them, and that as God's children, the church cares and will provide for them too.

Night-time Comforts

2009-06-18T02:27:00.000-07:00

It is now 2230hrs on Wednesday night, I am warm and comfortably set up for the night but I have left the three men of the team with Jenny, Paul and David in the Market Place preparing to sleep out tonight in order to highlight the needs of the homeless. Are they warm and comfortable? They say that they are, there are sleeping bags, cardboard and various other things to help keep the warm in and the elements out and a supper of fish and chips eaten. The fashion style is for comfort rather than elegance (I expect photos will abound in the days to come). My hope is that some sleep is gained in the Market Place tonight.

I will next see them in St John’s church for breakfast, although I have a suspicion that food will have been eaten earlier with the market traders – and so day five will begin.
The days have been filled with so many contrasts that it is no surprise that tomorrow is no different.

Foodbank First-timers

2009-06-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

Devizes Foodbank had an influx of new volunteers this morning. The arrival of Bishop Stephen meant that the order for a forklift truck could be put on hold. The Archdeacons of Wilts and Sarum were with much careful training perhaps more help than hindrance.
We were impressed and shocked. Shocked that in Devizes there is such an obvious need for emergency food packs for families and individuals. However we learnt that any of us can fall on hard times and need that sort of support at any time. We were impressed by the organisation of the Foodbank and the generosity of so many in local churches and the wider community which made all this possible.
Demand has for food packs has increased in recent months and some food items were in short supply. If you would like to support the Foodbank contact them via their website http://www.devizesfoodbank.co.uk/
But thank you from Bishop Stephen, Alan and myself for making us so welcome today and thank you for this very practical support you offer in and around Devizes.

Rachel's Prayer Partners

2009-06-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

For the last two days I have been in The Brittox at the prayer station. Not only do we hand out leaflets but also talk to people some of whom wanted us to pray for them. Most of the time people didn’t want to stay for the prayers but relied on us to pray for them. On one occassion someone was in a hurry and called to us to pray for him on another we talked to a Muslim about the similarities of our faiths. Others return later in the day.
It is (for I’m back out later this week) a good experience and I have met some lovely people. What does interest me is that many thought we were selling something and were quite taken aback when we said that it was all free. I hope this week shows people that churches can work together and that there are times when we do give freely.
if you have the time come and visit the prayer station, it’s outside Haynes and Smith, you woudl be very welcomed. You recognise us by the brightly coloured tee shirts we wear.

Rachel Bussey

2009-06-17T01:18:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about this week in Mission in Devizes is the welcome and hospitality we are offered. Even at 7.30 am it is a huge privilege to sit and share breakfast and prayer with a different group of people each day.

We have been fortunate to have prayed Lauds with the Roman Catholics, and then extemporary prayer with a Psalm meditation at the Christian Fellowship, and this morning we had open prayer with St Andrew's within our breakfast with a passage from 2nd Corinthians.

It is a great opportunity to chat and get to know each other. Thank you.

Visit to Devizes Bowls Club

2009-06-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Commission in Colour

2009-06-15T13:08:00.001-07:00

Sunday evening saw a good number of people from the churches in Devizes gather in St John's Church for the launch of Believing in Devizes and commissioning of the team. In the morning the team had attended a number of the usual Sunday morning services, with Bishop Stephen at Sheep Street Baptist church; John Wraw, Archdeacon of Wilts attending St Andrew's Methodist/URC church; Rachel Bussey, Transitional Ministry Adviser for the Ramsbury Area supported the Devizes Christian Fellowship at the Salem Chapel, and Alan Jeans, Archdeacon of Sarum, attending the congregation at St Peter's Church.

Many of the Team, and the planning group, and their supporters wore the distinctive Believing in Devizes t-shirts, which come in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. Members chose colours to either compliment their complexion, or to suit other interests. Alan is wearing a fetching red, to match his MGF sports car, with green as a back up; whereas John has gone for yellow and orange - making the sunshine even brighter at every event he attends. Rachel has gone for red, and the Bishop has yet to fight his way out of the traditional purple.

The service at St Johns' was a moving mixture of hymns, prayers and introductions. The introduction to Devizes was a useful measure of the past; a statement of the challenges and changes of today; and great ambitions and hopes for the future. The intercessions were focused around the various needs for young, and not-so-young, the various sectors in the town, such as commerce, industry, education, and social needs. Bishop Stephen spoke about the reliance in trusting in the God who created us, and continues to love us, and believe in us, even when we can't seem to make sense of who we are, or where we should be heading. Bishop Stephen reminded everybody that at the end of the week of mission activity, the work really begins as we seek to build on the contacts and make the momentum to serve the whole community of Devizes each and every day.

The service ended with great excitement and expectation about the coming week, and the Team and congregation enjoyed refreshments before heading home for some rest before the action begins.

Every Day

2009-06-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Throughout the week some great events are taking place - please take the time to stop by and think about what 'Believing in Devizes' means to you.

Prayer Labyrinth - in the garden of Southbroom House, London Road, Mon - Sat, 10-5pm

'The things that are not' Exhibition of works by Paul Hobbs
Thurs 18th - 23rd June, 10-6pm, St Mary's Church, New Park Street

Prayer Station - come and bring your prayer needs to the stand on the Brittox, Mon 15th - Sat 20th June

Flower Festival 'Celebration of the Sacraments in Flowers', Fri 19th - Sun 21st June, Church of the Immaculate Conception

Please check the post below for the programme of individual events going on throughout the week.

God Loves Devizes!

2009-06-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

We're all getting ready for pilgrimage - and looking forward to the many events planned for next week - here is the prayer of the churches in Devizes that we have been praying since the start of the year:

Father of Glory,
We praise you that you embrace all people in the tender heart of your Son, Jesus.
Reveal your glory to the people of Devizes. Inspire our hope for the greater health and prosperity of our town.
Open our hearts to find our true wealth in the depth of our faith, the joy of our love and the generosity of lives poured out in the service of others.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.

Getting ready for Believing in Devizes!

2009-05-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Believing in Devizes blog. Check back here for all the up-to-date news on events that are happening in Devizes in the week of 14th - 21st June.

Dates for your diary so far...

Sunday 14th
6:30pm at St John's, Partnership Mission Launch Service

Monday 15th
8pm at St Andrew's Church, Evening Debate with Bishop Stephen and Michael Ancram MP **APOLOGIES - CANCELLED**

Tuesday 16th
7:30pm at St James', Lacey Theatre Company 'The Story So Far'
Also, 'Be Still For a While Evening' - learning to stop and be still in the busyness of our lives, 7:30pm onwards in St John's Churchyard

Wednesday 17th
9pm Overnight Sleepout for Alabare in the Market Place

Thursday 18th
7:30pm 'Pints of View' at The Hourglass, Marina

Friday 19th
7 - 9pm Magic Show, St James'

Saturday 20th
10am onwards, Devizes Church Trail - collect 'Believing in Devizes' stickers at all the churches of the partnership - and climb the towers of St John's, St Mary's and St James' churches!
2pm - 4:30pm 'Tackling the Locks' Walking Caen Hill Locks with Bishop Stephen
6 - 7:30pm Duggie Dug Dug Praise Party, Ages 3-11s, Nursteed School

Sunday 21st June
11am United Partnership Celebration Service, led by Bishop Stephen and Bishop Declan (Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton) The Green, Devizes followed by Family Picnic