![\"\"](\"https:\/\/svbcofe.org.uk\/cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ChrisB_232x234.jpeg\")
<\/a>Welcome to St John\u2019s Church at Chipping Sodbury and to the Sodbury Vale Benefice.<\/strong><\/p>\nI would like to warmly welcome you to our Church and thank you for visiting us and taking this welcome pack, I hope you will find it helpful. I would also like to express a huge thank you to everyone who has had a hand in producing it.<\/p>\n
The current vision for our Church is:<\/p>\n
\u2018Welcoming, Growing, Connecting with God and our Communities.\u2019\u00a0 As part of that vision, we strive to be an inclusive welcoming community, knowing that we are all a work in progress, connected by our love of God, each other and the world he has created.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n As the local parish Church, we are here for the whole community and as part of that we work closely with the other church denominations in our area.<\/p>\n If there is anything else you would like to ask (theological or practical) please do feel free to contact myself or others named in this pack and we will do our best to help you.<\/p>\n With every blessing<\/p>\n Chris<\/p>\n Reverend Christine Butler\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0rectorchris@svbcofe.org.uk<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/a><\/p>\n Download a PDF copy<\/a> of our Welcome Pack[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2e5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/span>We hope you enjoy your time with us and that you find this welcome pack useful as an introduction to our church fellowship.<\/strong><\/p>\n We like to meet new people and work together to show God\u2019s love in whatever way we can.<\/p>\n If you are considering Baptism or Confirmation or wish to enquire about weddings please contact the office.<\/p>\n Bereavement is a very difficult and sensitive time. If you would like to talk to someone please contact the clergy.<\/p>\n We are one of four parish churches which make up the Sodbury Vale Benefice (part of the Wotton Deanery) and located in the southern extremity of the Diocese of Gloucester.<\/p>\n <\/a>The other churches in the Benefice are:<\/p>\n St. John the Baptist, Old Sodbury https:\/\/svbcofe.org.uk\/os\/<\/a><\/p>\n St.Adeline\u2019s, Little Sodbury\u00a0 https:\/\/svbcofe.org.uk\/ls\/<\/a><\/p>\n St. James the Elder, Horton https:\/\/svbcofe.org.uk\/horton\/<\/a><\/p>\n These peaceful village churches are situated a mile or so to the east on the Cotswold Edge.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n We will do all we can to ensure that our worshipping communities offer the safest places for children and vulnerable people.<\/p>\n Our nominated parish safeguarding officer is<\/p>\n Hannah Saunders 07515915976 Hannah works closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at Gloucester, the team can be contacted on 01452 835516 \/ 07744680320.<\/p>\n Please contact Hannah if you have a concern about suspected abuse of a child or a vulnerable adult<\/p>\n top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Clergy Team<\/strong><\/p>\n Rector 07985 708707\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 rectorchris@svbcofe.org.uk<\/u><\/p>\n Associate Priest 07498 878164 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 revjanejw@gmail.com<\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Church Warden<\/strong><\/p>\n Anne Vickers<\/p>\n 01454 850942 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a.e.vickers@talk21.com<\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Church Office<\/strong><\/p>\n Michelle Jenkins<\/p>\n Monday \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9 – 12 01454 325160\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com<\/u><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0 Services begin at 9.30am<\/em><\/p>\n 1st Sunday\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St. John\u2019s Praise (informal)<\/p>\n 2nd Sunday\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Holy Communion<\/p>\n 3rd Sunday.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 All Age Communion<\/p>\n 4th Sunday\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Holy Communion<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 5th Sunday\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United Benefice Service \u2013 This service is held at 10.30am<\/em>.<\/p>\n Every Thursday Morning <\/strong>at 10.00am<\/p>\n A Said Holy Communion service is held in the Church Centre (just across the Wickwar Road from the Church).<\/p>\n Zoom Morning Prayer on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Mornings<\/strong> at 8.30am if you\u2019d like the link to join this service please email admin@svbcofe.org.uk<\/p>\n top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n All the things you need to know and didn\u2019t realise you needed to know!<\/p>\n How are things organised? What is the PCC responsible for?<\/strong><\/p>\n Ensuring that the buildings are well maintained. An inspection known as the Quinquennial is carried out on behalf of the Diocese every five years, which identifies any repair work to the church, which needs doing.<\/p>\n How is the church funded? [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can you get involved? We make use of IT, with our Sunday service being live streamed and uploaded to You Tube. Our web site www.svbcofe.org.uk\/<\/a><\/u>is full of up to date information on all the churches in the benefice, forthcoming events, the magazine and interesting articles.\u00a0 If you would like to join our regular mailing list, contact Frank at admin@svbcofe.org.uk\/<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n Please do have a chat with one of us if you would like any further information.<\/p>\n top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n In the Sodbury Vale benefice we are proud to support three church schools:<\/p>\n St Johns\u00a0 Mead\u00a0 <\/strong>Voluntary Controlled Church of England federated with Horton <\/strong>Church of England Voluntary Aided Old Sodbury <\/strong>Voluntary Controlled Church of England Our schools have a Christian character and are confident about their Christian identity and values. These values mean that our schools are inclusive and welcoming and personal spiritual space is respected for all. We see our church schools as part of what the church is rather than one of the activities that the church does.<\/p>\n We try to work with the schools to discern, identify and name the activity of God in all that contributes to the well\u2013being of pupils.<\/p>\n We seek to support and deepen the ethos and the worship of the schools and to support\u00a0 the school as it educates pupils in all that promotes the flourishing of the children within Gods creation, prizing not only knowledge but wisdom and understanding.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We see our Church schools as fundamental to the church’s mission as children and families encounter Christianity through local schools. There are benefits for the whole community when good relationships exist between our church and its local schools.<\/p>\n How do we do this?<\/em><\/p>\n top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Bell Ringing** \u00a0<\/strong>At St. John\u2019s Chipping Sodbury Book Club<\/strong>\u00a0 To read and discuss current\/classical fiction Eco Church**<\/strong>\u00a0Sustainable Living. We have attained Bronze award. Fellowship Group<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bible Study and Fellowship (Evening Meeting)\u00a0\u00a0 Frank Gray 07740 192268<\/em><\/p>\n The Church Centre\u00a0 Fellowship Group<\/strong>Prayer, Bible study and fellowship Revd.\u00a0 Steve Abbott 07904 500417<\/em> Fellowship of\u00a0Meditation\u00a0<\/strong>To spend contemplative time in silence to encourage our sensitivity to God\u2019s word in our lives. Global Action <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prayers for the mission agencies \u2013 local and overseas\u2014 that we support. Inclusive Church\u00a0Action Group\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>A group working towards becoming an\u00a0inclusive and dementia friendly church. Mother\u2019s Union<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0A worldwide fellowship of Christians, united in prayer, worship and service. Old Sodbury Together Group\u00a0<\/strong> Zoom Meeting for Bible study and Prayer (Evening meeting). [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Bible Storyteller<\/strong>\u00a0 Taking Bible stories with \u2018action\u2019 to the local church schools of St. John\u2019s and Horton. Bible Storyteller<\/strong>(2)\u00a0 As above but held at Old Sodbury School. Pastoral Care Group\u00a0 <\/strong>Supporting clergy in taking the Christian message of caring for others beyond the walls of the church building. StorKies<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Carer\/Toddler group run by the Church for all in our local communities. Sunday School<\/strong> ** On the fourth Sunday of the month, bible teaching for children attending the 9.30am service with their parents.<\/span> SVB Strollers\u00a0 <\/strong>A relaxed, friendly walking group for all ages [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Index<\/h3>\n
\n
Safeguarding Nominated Person<\/h3>\n
safeguarding@svbcofe.org.uk<\/em><\/p>\nUseful Contact Numbers<\/h3>\n
<\/strong>The Revd. Chris Butler<\/p>\n
<\/strong>The Revd. Jane Jones-Williams<\/p>\n
Tuesday \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9 – 12
Thursday \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9 – 12<\/p>\nServices at<\/h3>\n
St. John The Baptist Church<\/h3>\n
Chipping Sodbury<\/h3>\n
Locations within the Benefice<\/p>\nWhat makes St. John\u2019s tick?<\/h3>\n
<\/strong>The Rector, Assistant Priest, two Churchwardens (who are elected for a maximum of six years), and the PCC (Parochial Church Council) enable the church to function.
The PCC consists of Secretary, Treasurer, two Deanery Synod reps and members, who serve for three years. All these are confirmed or elected at the APCM (Annual Parochial Church meeting), which is usually held in April. To be an active member and vote you have to be on the electoral roll (this is not the one you go on to vote in political elections!). The PCC is normally chaired by the Rector but there is a lay chair, elected annually. It meets between six and ten times a year and may have sub-committees. Anything can be raised by you by speaking to one of the members, whose photos are on the noticeboard near the door.<\/p>\n\n
<\/strong>The PCC is responsible for good stewardship. Gloucestershire Diocese pays the Rector and provides their house but in return we pay a large sum of money each year to the Diocese, called the Quota.\u00a0 The money for this, the upkeep of the buildings, administration and running costs all come from us, either through our giving or through fundraising.\u00a0 Most people, if they are a tax payer, now give what would have been their collection money, by direct debit or standing order so that we benefit from reclaiming the tax, but for anyone still offering cash at a service, there is a collection plate which is taken up to the altar or a card machine on the bookcase.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Getting involved is part of the fun of belonging to a community.\u00a0 Offers of help on a Sunday and with the running of our church are always welcome. We invite you to:<\/p>\n\n
Church Schools in the Sodbury Vale Benefice<\/h3>\n
in Chipping Sodbury
www.stjohnsprimaryschool.org.uk\/<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n
in Horton village.
www.hortonprimary.org.uk\/<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n
in Old Sodbury village
www.oldsodbury-pri.s-gloucs.sch.uk\/<\/a><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n\n
Useful Contacts for Groups held within the Sodbury Vale Benefice<\/h3>\n
Tower Captain Dave Clark\u00a0\u00a0 07414 191777<\/em><\/p>\n
Revd. Chris Mason 07749 903658<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0Revd. Chris Axford\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/em>email chris@robaxford.plus.com<\/em><\/p>\n
(Meets 2.30\u20134.00)<\/p>\n
Roger Nailer 01454 312228<\/em><\/p>\n
Frank Gray 07740 192268<\/em><\/p>\n
Revd. Chris Mason 07749 903658<\/em><\/p>\n
Helen Hope-Bell 07979 318716<\/em><\/p>\n
Joy Fussell 01454 314074<\/em><\/p>\n
Revd. Catherine Coster\u00a0\u00a0 07702 349691<\/em><\/p>\n
Sheila Purdom 07470 890500<\/em><\/p>\n
Christine Stephens 01454 314621<\/em><\/p>\n
Revd. Catherine Coster 07702 349691<\/em><\/p>\n
Simon Parsons 07980 803287<\/em><\/p>\n
Anne Vickers 07956 300091<\/em>
top<\/a><\/p>\n
\n May the Lord bless you<\/em>
\n And watch over you<\/em>
\n May he turn lovingly towards you<\/em>
\n And fill you with his peace<\/em>
\n May he let his face<\/em>
\n Shine upon you<\/em>
\n And show you his mercy <\/em>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#5ea2a5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n