Lisa Ware

NEW Electoral Roll 2025

This year we must prepare a brand new Electoral Roll. This means that if you want to be on the electoral roll for St. Michael’s WIthout you MUST fill in a form even if you’ve done so in the past.

Forms can be obtained in person from Ruth, on a Sunday, from the Church Office, or you can download and print one HERE.

Please see the notes on the second page of the form for the rules concerning joining the Electoral Roll.

Completed forms should be returned to Ruth Holden, or the Church Office by Sunday April 13th.

Many thanks.

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We invite you to take part in the 2025 Lent Cross Challenge!

The challenge provides a simple daily focus in the 40 days leading up to Easter and aims to keep the cross at the heart of Lent.

The idea is to spot, find, discover, make, bake or create a cross shape each day of Lent, which you could choose to photograph and make into a collage yourself, or share with church family via the weekly email. With enough contributions we could create our own collage for display, either in church or online.

Each challenge has a corresponding bible reading and it’s all available in the guide produced by the Diocese which you can find on the Lent Cross Challenge page HERE

We will also publish each challenge via the weekly email, in advance and if you would like to share your results, email them to office@stmichaelsbath.org.uk

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Our next Sermon Series will look at nine ‘practices’ we can follow, forming the rhythm of daily life, which demonstrate our commitment to following the way of Jesus.

The Practices are:

Rest is the practice of joining God in the renewal of all things by doing our work with integrity, so that we can then rest by ceasing from work knowing that our identity is not in what we do but in what Christ has done for us.

Prayer is the practice of creating space daily for us to talk to God, talk with God, listen to the Holy Spirit and be with God – leading us to pray for the needs of the world and those around us.

Scripture is the practice of creating space daily for God to speak to us through His living and active word, the Bible, so that we are formed into a people for God’s Kingdom and purposes.

Fasting is the practice of praying with your body as you offer your all to God increasing our dependency on Him and in seeking for Him to bring breakthrough.

Gathering is the practice of gathering regularly as the body of Christ to worship God, celebrate communion, hear from the Bible and pray together.

Do join us at either 9.30 or 10.45 from 9th February, for this new series.

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Cafe Concerts return in 2025!

We are delighted to host a new season of Cafe Concerts by Trio Paradis in 2025. Held on the last Friday of each month, each event is a well crafted programme of interesting and accessible music, curated around a theme.

We also look forward to welcoming new member Ruth O’Shea on violin!

Our cafe is available to purchase drinks and cake before the concert starts so do come early to get a good seat…

January’s concert is a collection of music by South American composers to bring some sun to dark winter days… including dances (Tango, Rumba and more), alongside classical and reflective pieces. Composers include Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, the king of Argentinian Tango, Astor Piazzolla, fellow Argentinian Magdalena Garcia Robson, Cuban brother and sister composers Ernestina and Ernesto Lecuona, Mexican Manuel Ponce and Carlos Guastavino, ‘the Schubert of the Pampas’.

See you there!



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We will, once again, have a Christmas Offering Tree this season! This means our tree will have lights but no other decorations. Anyone can make a donation of £5, £10 or £15 through our card shop or cafe tills and every donation adds a star to the tree…

We will also have a collection box if you would prefer to donate a physical item. The priority needs identified currently are for Men’s Clothing, including:

Jeans (30, 32, 34)

Trainers

Boots (not steel toe)

Gloves/Hand Warmers

Jumpers

Vest Tops

Socks

Also, Men’s and Women’s Coats.

You can find out more, as well as other ways to give, on the Genesis Trust website. Click HERE.

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Cards For Good Causes

It has been an annual tradition for many years now, that we host a pop up shop for Cards For Good Causes. We opened this year on 16th October and trade is off to a good start!

For those unfamiliar with the organisation CFGC is the trading arm of the 1959 group of charities - a multi-charity membership organisation which currently has 11 member charities:
These are:

By working together as a collective group, the member charities can ensure more of every penny paid by the customer makes its way to those that need it most. In addition, the Group encourages and promotes voluntary work by local community groups and the general public.

A broad range of charities participate each year with their individual range of cards and CFGC print their own multi-charity cards, as well as decorations, advent calendars and gifts which support all their charities.

You can read more about how the organisation works HERE.

As a host venue, we are supplied with the stock and run the shop each year between October and December. Of course we couldn’t do this without the support of so many volunteers who help with stock and serving customers!

In addition, St. Mike’s chooses to partner with a range of smaller, local charities who would not normally be able to provide the volume usually required for retail stores. This year our partner charities are Focus Counselling, Connect Bath (formerly Bath Open Christmas), Bath Mind (cards and colouring books!) and the Genesis Trust.

The shop is open during cafe hours - Monday to Saturday, 9.30am - 3.30pm.

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Safeguarding Sunday

On Sunday 17 November 2024 St. Michael’s will join thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions across the UK to shout about safeguarding and help protect vulnerable people.

This initiative, spearheaded by Thirtyone:eight invites communities to come together to reflect on their own safeguarding journey, and to highlight and celebrate all the good work that is being done by so many behind the scenes.

“Protecting vulnerable people from harm and speaking up for their rights is an integral part of our scriptural mandate as Christians (Proverbs 31:8)" (Thirtyone:eight website). Sadly the church has not always done this well but we seek to address and change these issues as a matter of priority.

The theme for this year’s Safeguarding Sunday is ‘Let’s Talk About It’ - with a focus on open and honest conversation about what has gone wrong and what we are getting right.

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All Saints Day

What Is All Saints Day?

All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, is observed on November 1st (or the closest Sunday) in Western Christianity.

It is when we celebrate the honor of all church saints, whether known or unknown. It is a day set aside to honor all the saints who have lived righteous and holy lives in accordance with Christian teachings.

Though many associate the word ‘Saints’ with icons, statues or stained glass images the bible teaches us something different. God calls all who trust in Christ for salvation a ‘saint’ - therefore all those who follow Jesus are saints!

"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)

While the focus and manner of celebration may differ across denominations, the common theme is celebration of family and remembrance of those who have passed

"To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours" (1 Cor. 1:2)

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International Day of Older People

The UK Network of Age-friendly Communities will mark International Day of Older People, this October 1st. This year’s UK theme is: “The part we play”: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities

Background

Each year on 1st October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilize the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.

Introduction to the UK theme for 2024

Older people play an integral part in strengthening our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. But these vital contributions are often overlooked, or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers. 

As well as helping others, volunteering has been shown to improve our social connections, enhance our sense of purpose and self-esteem. Paid work can have a positive impact on wellbeing as well as finances. Despite this, many older people find themselves encountering barriers to getting involved in all the ways they would like to.  

We all have a part to play in making our communities and neighbourhoods better places to age, and in celebrating and enabling the contributions of older people. 

To read more about the day and find out what might be happening click HERE.

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Cafe Concerts Continue!

We are delighted to say that, after a series of successful monthly Cafe Concerts here at St. Mike’s we will now be a regular venue for Trio Paradis!

Trio Paradis are Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge (violin) and Linda Stocks (cello) - a classical piano trio who perform Café Concerts at community venues across Somerset and Wiltshire: informal monthly daytime events, with music in a variety of styles, brought together in a themed programme.

No tickets required, but you are invited to donate to the retiring collection. Donations go to cover costs and towards the other work the performers undertake, including concerts in care homes.

You can read more about the trio, their work and the concerts on their website HERE.

Or watch them in action HERE!

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Out Sermon Series for September and October is ‘Encounters with Jesus’. All are welcome to join us at the 9.30 or 10.45 for the following:

September

1st: The Road to Emmaus Luke 14
8th: Nicodemus Encounters Jesus
John 3:1-21
15th: Thomas Encounters Jesus
John 20:24-29
22nd The Shaping of Simon Peter
John 1:35-42
29th: The Rich Young Ruler
Matthew 19: 16-22

October

6th: Feeding the 5000 John 6:1-14
13th: Healing of the Paralysed Man
John 5
20th: Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet
Mark 14
27th: The Road to Damascus
Acts 9

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Summer Sermon Series

We have an interesting time to come during August when a variety of speakers will share thoughts on a Christian book that has inspired them in some way.

Join us each week of August at the Cafe Church service to hear more!

Coffee served from 10.15am for a 10.45am service start.

EVERYONE WELCOME

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The bees need plants!

You may have noticed there are now three new planters at the front of the church!  Wonderful for the bees, but a little more work for us...

With the approach of Britain in Bloom at the end of this month we would love to get everything tidied up and looking lovely (for the judges and the bees..),  So if you have a bit of time to spare on Friday 21st June, from 10am please come along with your tools!  

We would also be grateful for any plants to go in the older planters, as they're currently rather barren.  Anything insect-friendly, and preferably currently in bloom, that you might have in your garden is so welcome.

Thank you so much!

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Generosity

In response to a number of requests here is last Sunday’s sermon, given by Jane Pleace, on the subject of generosity:

“Are we willing to submit our finances to God? Do we really trust him?
Jesus warned us about the dangers of wealth and possessions. He cautioned that money can become an idol that distracts people from pursuing God and righteousness.

In Matthew 6:24 Jesus taught that “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”

This is really challenging teaching and Jesus knows that. He understands we need money to survive but he wants to ensure we don’t become enslaved to money and miss out on God’s plans and purposes. Jesus encourages us to be generous and in return God will be generous to us….

Click to download full talk

The easiest way to give to St Michaels regularly (or as a one-off) is through the Parish Giving Scheme, Their website can be found here: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/home/

Once there, click on the Give Now section at the top left of the menu and from there you can find St Michael's Church in Bath. From there it is a very simple process to Register and to then select your level of giving.

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APCM

It’s time for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting!

Join us on Monday 29th April from 7.00pm to celebrate the past year at St. Michael’s Without, welcome new PCC members, a new Church Warden, and give thanks.

The Annual Report is available to download HERE and the financial statements HERE. Hard copies will be in church on Sunday and at the meeting itself.

See you there!

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