Mary says "Thank you" to all those who have supported the Children's Society this year.

The boxes yielded £1057.89 and the Craft & Christingle afternoon raised a further £61.52.

If there is anyone who would like to support this worthwhile cause by having a box then please see Mary

Thank you to Paul, Lucy and Geoffrey for clearing the path on Sunday!

This year sees a complete renewal of the Church electoral roll.
In a year of renewal no names are carried over from the old roll and new applications need to be made.

Electoral roll forms are available at Church, and on completion should be returned to Mary

Proudly it stands upon a hill, this little church of ours.

It has no stained glass windows, or tall and loft towers.

But it stands in a lovely churchyard green,

Where for miles it can be seen.

Built in 1779 the many plaques around the church tell of its history.

In the Rectory across the road the poet Kilvert was born

And watched the sun-rise over its roof on many a summer morn.

We love to gather every week and join in prayer and praise.

To hear the word and happy voices raise.

Muriel Dighton 1920-2018

Dick says:-

St. Nicholas' school is a purpose built specialist school, it is for young people with a wide range of problems.

It is currently under threat of closure. Could you please pray for all those affected by the loss of this valuable resource to Chippenham.
 

On the morning of February 17th we are invited to St. Paul’s Church, for Holy Communion at 10:00am when the celebrant will be Bishop Viv.

There will be no services at St. Nicholas that day.

The annual accounts for 2018 have now been prepared and independently examined. A copy is on the noticeboard in church but if anyone wants a copy to study, in advance of the church annual meeting in April, please let Jane know your email address or ask her for a paper copy. Jane will try to answer any questions you might have on the figures.

The PCC decided that our mission giving and donations to other charities would now be made annually. Our policy is to give 10% of our income from church collections and standing orders. Based on our accounts for 2018 the amount to be given now is £1,952.

We have mission partners working with Wycliffe Bible Translators and Gary Ion with the Church Mission Society. We will continue to support them but would welcome suggestions of other charities to be considered. It would be helpful if you could say why you would like us to support a particular charity and to share any publicity material which you have.

Please let Jane, or any member of the PCC, know.

Archdeacons

Ven Christine Froude retired as Archdeacon of Malmesbury on 30 September 2018.

Revd Canon Graham Archer is being seconded from his role as Director of Ministry at CPAS as Acting Archdeacon of Malmesbury until Easter 2019.

Ven Michael Johnson continues as Acting Archdeacon of Bristol until summer 2019, by which time a substantive Archdeacon of Bristol will have been appointed.
 

The new Archdeacon of Malmesbury
is to be the Revd Christopher Bryan,
who is currently Rector of Gauzebrook and Area Dean for North Wiltshire. He is to take up the post in the Spring.
 

Message from our treasurer, Jane Woodman.

“It’s not too late to make a donation (of any amount!) towards the cost of our new carpet. Please use an envelope. Mark it ‘Carpet Fund’ and then either put it in the collection or give it to Jane. If you are a taxpayer please say so that the church can claim Gift Aid”

St. Nicholas Church is now open for prayer / coffee each Tuesday morning 10.30 - 11.30
All welcome.
 

Please remember …

Our churchyard is a lovely, peaceful place, despite its proximity to the road.
Many people come to tend the graves of those they have loved and lost, and spend a few moments remembering them.
Sadly, recent visitors have been distressed to find the area being inappropriately used by someone exercising a dog.
We welcome everyone to come and visit the churchyard, but please remember that for many it is the last resting place of someone they loved, and they regard it as a sacred space.
 

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) for 2018 - 2019 consists of Churchwardens Paul Davis and Mark Sheppard; Treasurer Jane Woodman, Secretary Deborah Loveday and Deanery Representative Angela McClean. Other members are Brenda Bird, Chris Scott, Judith Eckersley and Cynthia Smith. The team clergy are also members. Electoral roll officer is Mary Clarke.

To see the minutes please ask Deborah.
 

Dates for your diary!

Easter Egg hunt on April 13th!

19th April Good Friday
21st April Easter Day
26th April 2019  End of the Track Choir at St. Nicholas Church.

Dates of Future Deanery Synods: 

7 March 2019
6 June 2019
7 November 2019

Women’s Union

Details Barbara Wood 655413

From Si’s PIC report

Jesus 1st - Nothing else 1st but Jesus - Jesus is God - Jesus is His plan - Jesus is the way the truth & the life.

We are not God - Any plans we have are insignificant by comparison.

We offer ourselves to Him, through His Spirit & in Jesus name