Latest news

'Bible in a Day' workshop led by the Chaplain

50 pilgrims from different church congregations throughout the Chaplaincy came to Monflanquin (Lot-et-Garonne) to discover more about the Bible. ‘The Bible in a Day’ was a lively, well put together, very informative and helpful day which was over much too quickly…. Ending with challenges to us to read and study the Bible more, and I suspect many of us will do. Thank you to John for inspiring teaching, and to Charlotte Halsby (Doudrac) for hosting us for a memorable day together.

Remembrance Service at the Allied Forces Cemetery in Talence

Chaplain John Bavington led this year’s Remembrance Service in Talence, organised by the Royal British Legion which included French Veterans, official dignitaries, the Royal Air Force representatives, the Bordeaux British Community, and members of the Bordeaux Anglican Church. 

We had the opportunity to humbly … »pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and our fellow men and women: that we may help, encourage and comfort others and support those working for the relief of the needy and for the peace and welfare of all nations. »

The beautiful Celtic cross, initially in front of St Nicholas Church and now at the Allied Forces Cemetery in Talence, dates from the mid-1920s and the names on it correspond to local residents killed in WW1. Those who died in WW2 were, of course, added later. It’s no surprise that the Remembrance Service at St Nicholas Church included singing both « God Save the Queen » and « La Marseillaise »! When the church was sold, and thanks to the active assistance of the Mairie of Talence, the cross was moved to its present site.

We give thanks for this yearly celebration to remember before God those who died for their country in war, so that we may be free today.

Climate & Spirit Workshop - 24th September

A very meaningful day led by Ania Grobicki was enjoyed by a group of twenty. As well as acknowledging the facts of issues caused by Climate Change, which as we know often hurts the poorest people in the world, we were greatly encouraged by the work being done all over the world to learn from what is and has been happening and to launch projects to minimise the impact and make great improvements for people to be able to live in some of the hardest hit areas of the world. 

 

We discussed issues and prayed together and ate a delicious lunch, and raised 190 € for the Henry Henderson Institute (Christian school in Malawi) in support of their efforts to offer safe education to children and expand using renewable green energy sources to provide for their needs.

Celebrating Harvest and Giving Thanks

We rejoice in the vibrant life and growth, nature bursting with colour and energy, the prairies of cornfields undulating like waves, the grapes ripening on the vines, the bees buzzing from flower to flower. Harvest is a time of abundance, maturity and the moment to experience these wonders which remind us of God’s generous gifts. The Scriptures describe the cycles of season as being created to provide sufficient living for the people on the earth.

We are truly blessed to be able to gather in churches throughout Aquitaine for worship and praise. Lord of the Harvest, we give thanks for your abundance and grace.

Summer services throughout the Chaplaincy

We rejoice in being able to gather to worship & praise the Lord, and share fellowship together in so many wonderful and diverse church communities here in south west France.

We give thanks for our new Chaplain John and his wife Jeanie, and our team of priests and lay worship leaders who travel to lead our services, sharing the Gospel message to support our Christian journey.

200th anniversary celebration on Pentecost Sunday

Alleluia, Christ is Risen!

Chaplaincy Council meetings

The next meetings of the Chaplaincy Council will be held on:

  • Saturday 15th November, in person at the Temple in Eymet

If you would like to suggest any items for discussion, please contact a Chaplaincy Warden:

aquitainewardens@gmail.com

If you would like to join the Chaplaincy Electoral Roll, please contact the Chaplaincy Administrator: admin@churchinaquitaine.org

Chaplaincy Magazine: 'Spreading the Word'

Our monthly Magazine provides interesting articles on various topics, as well as monthly updates and photos from all the different sectors, as well as Chaplaincy-wide events and news.

Contributions are always very welcome and should be received no later than the 20th of the month. Please send to the Editor, Gill Sweetman: bobgillsweetman24@gmail.com.

If you wish to subscribe to receive « Spreading the Word » by post , please contact Gill for more details.

If you would like to receive a copy of « Spreading the Word » by email, please contact: chapaq.office@gmail.com.