Chaplaincy of Aquitaine

2019

Inspiring November Taizé service

Our Taize service on the evening of Sunday, 17th November was led by our Chaplain, Rev'd Tony Lomas. The Taize music led us into our meditation and a sense of ‘oneness’, valuing the silences between readings and music for private prayer. During the service we were invited to light a candle and place it on the large cross which had been placed at the foot of the altar. Thanks go to those for the preparation and music for this service.

June and July, singing and praise!!

On Sunday, 2nd June, we welcomed Rev'd Bramwell Bearcroft to celebrate our service of Holy Communion. It was also a pleasure to see the family of baby Spencer Jones who was baptized at this time last year at Doudrac. We were blessed with the annual visit of the University of Central Lancashire Choir who once again enriched our service with their voices. During the service they sang, A Hymn to the Virgin. B. Britten, O Magnum Mysterium. T Luis de Victoria, and Christus Factus Est. A Bruckner. The theme of Rev Bearcroft’s sermon was ‘Music ‘ as were the readings and the choir finished our service with the song, Joyful, Joyful from Sister Act, which they sang whilst exiting the church. Of the 92 attendees that morning, 62 received Communion. After the service coffee was served in the Salles des Fetes giving us all the opportunity to chat with the choir and offer our thanks.

Such a joy, on the hot afternoon of Sunday 21st July, to enjoy the cool, peaceful ambiance created by committed people of our congregation, who had prepared the church for our Taizé-inspired service of worship. Twenty-three people from various congregations attended the service, enjoying the prayers and songs of peace and unity. The beauty of the music is in its simplicity and has been expressed as ‘A Spring of Water’. Thanks to Rev’d Liz Morris who led the worship and Belinda who organised the music. It is planned to have another Taize service in the not too distant future.

Doudrac church on Easter Day

As people arrived and passed the Salles des Fêtes to enter the church, they were met with the smell of a roast dinner being prepared for our Easter meal to be enjoyed after the service. Weather-wise, it was not the sunny day we were promised, but inside the church the warmth and light were truly evident. The 11am Holy Communion service, led by Rev Louise Courtney, opened with the joyous hymn of ‘Jesus Christ is Risen today’. This was followed by the Peace. The readings were full of promise as, indeed, was the sermon on the Resurrection; ‘No despair – Christ is Risen. Alleluia.’ After Communion, a small choir sang “Deo Dicamus Gratias’ by Victor C. Johnson. There were forty eight attendees including a number of children, and thirty six communicants. We finished with the congregational favourite, ‘Thine Be the Glory’.

After the service we assembled in the Salles des Fetes to celebrate Easter together with great food and fellowship. We are most grateful for all those involved in preparations for the service and the splendid meal.

June 2019 BBQ to raise funds for WaterAid charity

On a very hot evening, 25th June, 70 people gathered at the home of Liz and Dave Rolfe for a barbecue. Dave and Richard had the unenviable task of manning the barbecues, Dave Wybrow, assisted by Lesley, looked after the bar, while Marian and the two Liz’s trotted back and forwards with dishes of food and bottles of water. Being such a warm evening meant that a lot of water was drunk which made it all the more poignant that we were raising money for Wateraid. In total, €730 was raised for this worthwhile charity. We were well entertained by musicians Gail and Stuart May and a wonderful Elvis impersonator, Rob Russell. Thank you to them, to all who helped, to all who attended and to those who were unable to come but made a donation anyway!

March 2019 fundraising: Beetle Drive and Tea and Cakes!

Friday 15th March in Montauriol: Members from various churches invited their friends to enjoy a Beetle Drive organized by Tina and David Marshall at their home. Half way through the evening, nearly forty of us sat to enjoy a chili supper cooked by David and Liz Rolfe and a selection of desserts provided by others. The evening finished on a high with a good number of raffle prizes being won and a bottle of champagne given to John MacLeod, the winner of the Beetle Drive. Thanks to those who made it such a memorable evening. The evening made 490 €, which will be split between Eymet Temple and Doudrac for fund raising projects and chaplaincy funds.

Wed 20th March in Naussanes: What a delightful afternoon of Tea, Cakes, and Books! People were coming and going at the home of Christine and John MacLeod, who together organized second hand books for sale around their home, and tea and coffee in the kitchen with a delicious assortment of cakes and cookies to tempt every palate. The event was in aid of chaplaincy funds, and raised 100 € for the Chaplaincy, and 50 € for Toilet Twinning.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019

This year, in the Lot et Garonne, we were blessed with three celebrations. The first on 22nd January, was held at the church of St Etienne in Villeneuve sur Lot. There were around 40 people present and was led by three priests: Père Richard Bouchet, Roman Catholic abbé of Villeneuve, Pasteur Bonheur Agudze of the Eglise Reformée du Vallé du Lot and our own Rev. Liz Morris.

The second, on 23rd January, was held in the Maison Paroissale at Port St Marie, led by Père Jean-Jacques Fauconnet with a total of nine people present.

The third, on 24th January, was held in the church of St Pierre de Tonneins, led by Père Michel Olivié and Pasteur Bonheur Agudze. There were also around 40 people present.

The forms of celebration at Villeneuve followed the guidelines set out by the churches in Indonesia, on the themes of Justice and Peace and included readings, prayers, a homily by Père Richard and hymns and sung responses led by Bernadette Rivassou. Following the service there were refreshments and time for fellowship.

At Port St Marie, it took the form of a discussion on the reading – Deuteronomy 16, verses 11-20 and Psalm 85 on what the bible was telling us what Justice means in all its forms. Thanks to Carol Spires and Pippa Fabré for their involvement.

The programme of celebration at Tonneins mirrored that of Villeneuve, with readings, prayers and hymns, led by a cantor and with a homily by Pasteur Bonheur. Afterwards we enjoyed time to get to know one another over cake and soft drinks.

Christian Unity

January Christian Unity service (2018)

It's a joy to share these photos from Tuesday's event at Castelmoron for the Villeneuve and Lot Valley Ecumenical Group. The service was very well attended, with 5 ministers including our Chaplain, Rev'd Tony Lomas. The address was given by Pasteur Bonhomme of the Eglise Unie Protestante on the theme of the unity of prayer from below and above, working in both directions: Jesus, Jesus in God, Jesus praying to God, and God reflecting that prayer back.

Christian Unity celebration of our shared faith (2016)

The week of prayer for Christian unity in the Lot Valley was celebrated in the chapel of the old Benedictine monastery attached to the Eglise Ste Catherine d'Alexandrie. Representing the Anglican church, Rev'd Liz Morris took part alongside, for the Catholics Monsigneur Herbreteau, Bishop of Agen, Abbé Richard Bouchet,  Père André Konstanty and Pastor Marie-Francoise Vialard of the Lutheran church. 

As part of the celebration, members of the ecumenical group lit candles at the altar and offered salt to the congregation following the tradition of the Lithuanian churches who set the formula this year. After the service everyone enjoyed time to talk together over a cup of hot chocolate and a slice of cake, exchanging similarities, asking questions and enjoying our shared faith together.

Remembrance

2018 Remembrance service at Moulinet, Lot et Garonne

At 5 o’clock on Sunday 11th November 2018, more than 100 Moulinetoise and their neighbours joined with the congregation of Lot et Garonne in Moulinet’s church to remember those British, Commonwealth and French people who fought and died during the Great War. The event comprised an oecumenical Christian service, led by Rev'd Liz Morris and Père Mbock, assisted by our Chaplain, Rev Tony Lomas, combined with British, French and Belgian WW1 poems, read by Liz Rolfe and Dave Wybrow, hymns, Vivaldi’s Domine Deus sung beautifully by Eve Warner-Howard, accompanied by David, her husband, and 4 songs by Meli-Melo, Cancon’s very good choir. After the service we processed behind French and British banners and a troop of Pompier cadets to the War Memorial where the Senateur and Chef des Gendarmes read the President’s message to the people.

Following the reading of the names of the fallen of Moulinet, wreaths were laid by the Senateur and Graham Davison. Last Post, Rouse and two national anthems were played on the trumpet by Martin Earle. As darkness fell, we were invited to a vin d’honneur by the Maire and joined in an Auberge Espagnole to close this moving and memorable remembrance service.

Franco British Remembrance service in Moulinet, Lot et Garonne (2016)

On 5th June in the church of Moulinet, the English and French local "parishes" held a remembrance service in tribute to the British, Commonwealth, and French casualties of the Battle of the Somme. Led by Père Patrick Cassaigne and Rev'd Liz Morris, the ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Moulinet, many French and British, and one Australian couple. As well as flag bearers there were 15 cadet pompiers (firefighters) who formed a "guard of honour" into the church and around the war memorial. There was also wonderful singing and piano accompaniment by Eve and David Warner-Howard and the congregation. Martin Earle played the bugle for the Last Post and Réveille and the cornet for the two national anthems, and flower wreaths were laid at the War Memorial. Many thanks to Graham Davison (Doudrac) for organising and conducting the event.

Hioly Week and Easter

Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter services

It was a cold and windy morning, but it was lovely to see old and new friends at the service at St Médard, which was followed by our Local Annual Meeting, chaired by Rev'd Liz Morris.

The choir was in good voice as usual, and helped us with the singing in our walk around the church, despite the wind.

Our thanks must go to Stuart May, Peter Grey Hughes and Alexandra Orliac for their dramatized reading of the Gospel. Also to Paul Mazzotti for suggesting it, and adapting the Gospel reading. It was very well done and brought the gospel  alive. Some of us enjoyed a bring and share lunch afterwards with some hot soup to warm us up.

Allez

Harvest Thanksgiving gifts

A big thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the collection of foodstuffs at our Harvest Festival in September. These gifts have now been passed on to Restos du Coeur.

We held our Harvest Festival Holy Communion on the 4th September with the Chaplain, Paul Vrolijk, officiating. Including the choir, we were 35 in the congregation, strongly supported by Marilyn Morrow and Chant- Allez.

After the service, 15 of us went for lunch at the local routiers cafe, a relaxed time to catch up with people and talk things over together.

We collected two boxfuls of non-perishable foods, and these have been passed on to the Restos du Coeur in Marmande, who were very grateful for the donation; Jean-Pierre, the Manager, showed us around, told us what they do and how they are organised. They feed over 350 families in Marmande on a regular basis and we both felt we wanted to try to help them where we could in the future, particularly the children.

Busy Easter weekend! 

For Allez, it was a busy Easter weekend. Our worship started with a suitably quiet and contemplative service of meditation, prayers and readings on Good Friday.

Then on the Tuesday after Easter, we celebrated with a service of Readings and Music created by Colin Pratt, first used last year and this year led by Sue Blomley, standing in for Roger Verrall.

‘Chant-Allez’, led by Marilyn Morrow, played a key role in this service, singing their own pieces or leading the large congregation in a broad selection of hymns. Interspersed with the music we were treated to a wide range of readings. The church had been beautifully decorated by Gail May and Annette Howard whose flower arrangements made a wonderful backdrop. To round off the evening, everyone had a chance to share a drink and biscuit. Our thanks are due to everyone who played a part in making this service so successful.

Allez remains quiet now until 5th June when we look forward to welcoming everyone to Holy Communion. We are planning a slightly earlier start of 11.00 am, which will provide time to associate after the service with a warm drink before we go to lunch in a local restaurant.

Dondas

2016 Palm Sunday Procession

Our service of Morning Worship on Sunday, 20 March fell on Palm Sunday and was led by Revd Liz Morris. After the blessing of the Palm Crosses we started with a reading of the Palm Gospel. We then processed round the centre of the village holding our Crosses and singing All glory, laud and honour before returning to the church for our service which was interspersed with a dramatised reading of the Passion Gospel.

2013 Carol Service well attended

Our Carol Service on Wednesday, 11th December was led by the Chaplain. About 80 people, British and French - including our Maire, his wife and one of his Adjoints, whom we are always glad to welcome - joined us to sing carols and listen to readings in both English and French. The church was looking particularly good because, as last year, a splendid Crèche and Christmas tree had been put up on either side of the high altar by members of the local community.

The service always ends with everyone processing through the village to the Salle des Fêtes singing Adeste Fideles (a tradition started by Colin Pratt) for the customary mulled wine and mince pies. This year everyone, and particularly the choir, was grateful that the weather was fine, unlike last year when it poured with rain! As ever, we are most grateful to Chant’Allez and Marilyn Morrow for so ably leading our singing.

Pastoral visit by the Bishop of Agen: November 2012

During the week beginning 19th November the Bishop of Agen, Mgr Hubert Herbreteau, made a Pastoral Visit to the parish of St Benoît en Pays de Serres, of which Dondas forms part.

He had specifically asked to meet the local Anglicans in Dondas, so on the afternoon of 21st November a small group of us, including the Chaplain, were among those in church when he arrived accompanied by our Parish Priest, Abbé Antoine Tran, and our relais local or parish representative, M Roger Austruy.

After the Bishop and the Maire of Dondas, M Mario Dalcin, had spoken, Sara James was invited to outline the background to how the Chaplaincy had come to hold services at Dondas and to answer any questions the Bishop might have. The Chaplain, who had previously met the Bishop when he came to Monteton, also said a few words to put Dondas into the wider Lot-et-Garonne and Chaplaincy context.

Mgr Herbreteau is obviously extremely well-disposed to our presence here, referred to us as “nos amis Anglicans” and insisted on having his photo taken with us before he left. It was a very friendly occasion and it is good to know that we are so welcome in the Diocese of Agen.

Doudrac

40 Acts during Lent - and a good church clean!

A number of us met during Lent to discuss the ’40 Acts’, an Anglican study which arrived daily by email setting out a number of challenges for the day. We discussed together each week how we were able to respond to these tasks and decided to do something together.

Armed with buckets, mops, and various cleaning materials, we gave Doudrac church a good spring clean – we even got our pianist doing the vacuuming! It was a beautiful day, so after work we sat on the grass and had a picnic lunch.

Delightful Advent and Christmas!

The first of our Advent candles was lit by Rev Louise Courtney as she led our service of Holy Communion on Sunday morning, 2nd December . Rev Louise’s sermon began with a story of birds trapped in a cage and being bought to be set free, setting her theme for the rest of her sermon about redemption. “Because every Christmas, God sends us the greatest gift that we could ever receive … the promise of redemption, wrapped up in our hearts and renewed, every year.”

We chose to hold the Service of Lessons and Carols, on the morning of Sunday, 9th December, at the church at Envals. The church was decorated with fresh green leaves, laden with red berries and pine cones which were hung at the entrance of the church and placed along the altar steps with tiny lighted candles. There was a Christmas tree adorned with lights, and below the altar three beautiful icons, painted by Marian Evans, completed our Christmas scene. The service opened with a warm welcome from Rev Liz Morris and the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was sung by a member of the choir. All the carols were sung heartily by the congregation; how we love carols! The small choir sang ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’ C.Lee Williams, ‘The Shepherds Farewell (from l’enfance du Christ) Hector Berlioz and ‘The Truth from Above’ R. Vaughn Williams. Following the service, 37 members of the congregation gathered together at the home of Dave and Liz Rolfe, directly opposite the church, to enjoy a superb Christmas lunch. What a splendid way to begin our Christmas celebrations!

Christmas Eve Holy Communion at Doudrac was led by Rev Liz Morris. The church was decorated much the same as at Envals with the addition of the crib. In the first reading we were reminded of the prophesy in Isaiah of the coming of our Saviour, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given’ , and the second reading from Titus telling us of the Christ among us – ‘The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.’ The familiar Christmas story, told through the Gospel of Luke chap. 2, reminded us of the many wonders of that night, but Rev Liz drew our attention to verse 19, ‘But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.’

Blessed June 2017 baptism service with choir

The church at Doudrac was packed for the service on June 3rd, over a hundred seats were taken with people standing for the Holy Communion service, which included the baptism of baby Spencer Jones. The service was led by Rev'd Bramwell Bearcroft who baptized baby Spencer at the front of the church providing a good view for all. Bramwell used a bilingual French and English liturgy for the baptism.

We were blessed to have the choir from The University of Central Lancashire who sang before and during the service.

Terrific 2017 Christmas Carol service and lunch at Doudrac

On Sunday morning, 10th December, a congregation of nearly sixty gathered at Doudrac to enjoy the service of Lessons and Carols, led by Rev Liz Morris. Candles were lit, and greenery heavily laden with red berries and gold ribbon decorated the altar steps. There was also a Christmas tree and a crib, and of course, a beautiful Advent Wreath. The first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was sung by a member of the congregation and thereafter, all carols were sung most heartily. More Christmas gifts for children were donated, as they had been the week before, to be distributed by Resto du Coeur. We also had a retiring collection for the Bishop’s Advent Appeal.

After the service we gathered in the Salles des Fetes for our Christmas lunch. It was a joyous time of eating, drinking and catching up with friends. Thanks to all those who gave their time to cook such a delicious meal. A good number of church members and visitors attended our Holy Communion service on Christmas morning, which was led by Rev Liz Morris. For the last time in 2017, we enjoyed singing carols in the candle-lit church of St John’s in Doudrac before hurrying off to be with our own families and friends on this special day.

April 2nd 2017: Service of blessing for our pets

Sunday 2nd April brought some special visitors to our Morning Worship. Rev Liz Morris led ‘The Blessing of the Animals’ service.  The congregation and their pets gathered in the car park opposite the church and the service was opened with prayer. Everyone then made their way to the church where Rev Liz blessed each dog as it entered – yes, our visitors were all dogs.

Many pets were unable to join us, so Terry Davison had the job of pinning photos of them on to cork boards which were then placed below the altar. It was good to have the opportunity to thank God together for pets, past and present, that give us such friendship and comfort.

Hymns took on a different harmony that morning, but nevertheless enjoyed by all.  All creatures, great and small, were most well behaved, no anti-social behaviour whatsoever!!

2016 AGM hosted by Doudrac

Doudrac hosted this year’s AGM on Saturday, 9 th April. The Salles des fêtes was packed with people who had travelled near and far. During the meeting, Charlotte showed videos of various activities through the year and Madelaine Holmes spoke about General Synod. Some time was spent discussing fundraising  which was then followed by lunch – needless to say the tables were well laden.

After lunch we celebrated Holy Communion. The Rev’d Brian Davies led our service, during which David Albrecht and Janis Adams were sworn in as our Chaplaincy Wardens. A good number of hymns were sung and the service ended with our pianist playing ‘Intrade in Jazz’ by Johannes Michel – a very jolly piece portraying the general mood. A most successful and satisfying day.

November Sunday School and December Nativity Play at Doudrac

Some 17 children and teenagers presented a beautiful Nativity tableau at Doudrac  on Sunday 13th December. It even featured live animals ! 

Successful Victorian Music Hall Evening - September 2013 

A great evening was enjoyed by more than 70 people who filled the Salle des Fetes in Doudrac. Many came dressed in the style of the Victorian era. After aperitifs and canapés and an opportunity to eat our picnic meals, the show began.

Our chairman Stuart was a veritable virtuoso of verbosity and entertainingly introudced each act – and they just kept on coming!

It was a true 'Variety Show' – we had singers from Diva Eve to shy, retiring Popsy (!) and many others. We had a Pearly King and Queen; a strong man and his assistant; dancers; a poem recital and much, much more. The evening closed with a sing-along of a medley of well-known songs from that era.

Many, many thanks go to all who planned, helped, prepared, attended, performed and cleared up. A special thanks go to Gail and Stuart who lent us their lighting and sound equipment as well as being great entertainers.

The evening made €675 for Chaplaincy funds; a great result. Thank you. - Rev'd Liz Morris

April 2013 Songs of Praise was truly a blessing

On 12th April we had our Songs of Praise service which was greatly enjoyed by all who attended.

Again, this service was followed by refreshments – thanks to all who organised and all who brought a plate of something.

2012 August Baptism at Doudrac

We were pleased to welcome Natalia Woollard to the Christian family...her baptism took place on Sunday August 5th, at a packed church in Doudrac.

Her older sister Katarina was also baptised by Rev'd Bramwell Bearcroft at the church in Doudrac in June of 2009...

Our congratulations to little Natalia and her family!

Spring 2012 Lillies and Lunch in Latour-Marliac

On 24th May, the first sunny day of the month, it seemed, a group of worshippers of Doudrac Church made a visit to Le Latour-Marliac, le Jardin des Nenuphars, in Le Temple sur Lot.  For some, the day started with a car rally, organised by Evan Mackenzie, from Cancon to Le Temple through the glorious countryside of that area.  Having thwarted a flock of sheep by walking around them to find the answer to one of the challenging questions, which some (the runners up) thought to be cheating, John Wilson beat Marion Evans to the finish line by a minute, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd who had resisted the challenge.

Having assembled in the magnificent gardens we were shown around by the proprieter, Mr. Sheldon, an American in France, so to speak. Did you know that Latour-Marliac developed the water lily from a wild white sterile plant to the magnificent array that now exists and that any water lily you might buy nowadays has its roots, so to speak, in Latour-Marliac's garden.

The tour was followed by a gorgeous lunch served in the Bambousserie and as much time as we wanted afterwards to look at, photograph or paint the beautiful flowers and frogs (green ones).  

We would recommend you visit the gardens between late May to mid-September (we were a bit early because of the bad weather this spring).  If you want to see lotus flowers as well, make it July.  There's a pleasant restaurant and cafe as well.

Envals

June BBQ to raise funds for WaterAid charity

On a very hot evening, 25th June 2019, 70 people gathered at the home of Liz and Dave Rolfe for a barbecue. Dave and Richard had the unenviable task of manning the barbecues, Dave Wybrow, assisted by Lesley, looked after the bar, while Marian and the two Liz’s trotted back and forwards with dishes of food and bottles of water. Being such a warm evening meant that a lot of water was drunk which made it all the more poignant that we were raising money for Wateraid. In total, €730 was raised for this worthwhile charity. We were well entertained by musicians Gail and Stuart May and a wonderful Elvis impersonator, Rob Russell. Thank you to them, to all who helped, to all who attended and to those who were unable to come but made a donation anyway!

May service and Tony's joyful birthday celebration!

The Chaplain, Rev Tony Lomas, celebrated Holy Communion at Envals on Tuesday, 14th May 2019 at 11.30am. Rev Lomas preached on trust, he began with the reading from Acts 9, an actual account of something that really happened; Peter’s trust in the Lord that his prayer would be answered for Tabatha’s life to be restored. We as Christ’s flock must have faith and trust, but we don’t know if we can trust Him – until we do! “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24).

As it was Rev Lomas’ birthday the following day, the congregation heartily sang ‘Happy Birthday’ after the service. Lunch was served in the library, during which our hostess, Liz Rolfe, presented him with a cake and a birthday gift of a bowler hat to add to his collection of various head wear.

Delightful Christmas Carol service and lunch

We chose to hold the Service of Lessons and Carols, on the morning of Sunday, 9th December 2018, at the church at Envals. The church was decorated with fresh green leaves, laden with red berries and pine cones which were hung at the entrance of the church and placed along the altar steps with tiny lighted candles. There was a Christmas tree adorned with lights, and below the altar three beautiful icons, painted by Marian Evans, completed our Christmas scene. The service opened with a warm welcome from Rev Liz Morris and the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was sung by a member of the choir. All the carols were sung heartily by the congregation; how we love carols! The small choir sang ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’ C.Lee Williams, ‘The Shepherds Farewell (from l’enfance du Christ) Hector Berlioz and ‘The Truth from Above’ R. Vaughn Williams. Following the service, 37 members of the congregation gathered together at the home of Dave and Liz Rolfe, directly opposite the church, to enjoy a superb Christmas lunch. What a splendid way to begin our Christmas celebrations!

'Cream Tea' fundraiser

On the hot afternoon of Wednesday, 20th June at the L’Ecole ancienne at Envals , tables were laid with pretty china and vases of flowers for a ‘Cream Tea’ afternoon. In the library a large table bore a wonderful variety of sandwiches and cream cakes, whilst willing helpers carried pots of tea to groups of friends catching up with their news.

The fund raising event for the Murugi Project for the sponsorship of an apprentice raised nearly 400€. This means we have reached our target for the year for this charity; a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who supported this event.

Delightful Advent and Christmas!

The first of our Advent candles was lit by Rev Louise Courtney as she led our service of Holy Communion on Sunday morning, 2nd December . Rev Louise’s sermon began with a story of birds trapped in a cage and being bought to be set free, setting her theme for the rest of her sermon about redemption. “Because every Christmas, God sends us the greatest gift that we could ever receive … the promise of redemption, wrapped up in our hearts and renewed, every year.”

We chose to hold the Service of Lessons and Carols, on the morning of Sunday, 9th December, at the church at Envals. The church was decorated with fresh green leaves, laden with red berries and pine cones which were hung at the entrance of the church and placed along the altar steps with tiny lighted candles. There was a Christmas tree adorned with lights, and below the altar three beautiful icons, painted by Marian Evans, completed our Christmas scene. The service opened with a warm welcome from Rev Liz Morris and the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was sung by a member of the choir. All the carols were sung heartily by the congregation; how we love carols! The small choir sang ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’ C.Lee Williams, ‘The Shepherds Farewell (from l’enfance du Christ) Hector Berlioz and ‘The Truth from Above’ R. Vaughn Williams. Following the service, 37 members of the congregation gathered together at the home of Dave and Liz Rolfe, directly opposite the church, to enjoy a superb Christmas lunch. What a splendid way to begin our Christmas celebrations!

St Médard

Sept 11th Harvest Festival at St Médard 2016

It was with great pleasure we welcomed Rev'd Tony Lomas and his wife Ingrid, to St Medard. Harvest festival is a joyous occasion, and last Sunday was, in every way, even the weather was perfect. People were most generous in their contributions of items for the association, ‘ Accueil et Partager’ in Port Ste Marie, a food bank for local families in need. This year we have quantities of baby food too, which will certainly will be appreciated.

The service was followed by our traditional bring and share picnic on the farm of Alex and Jean Marie Orliac, surrounded by fields and apple trees. This year we put the tables and chairs in the 'charmille'. Alex explained to us that this was planted in grand houses, to form a shady walk, almost like a cloister. Charme is Hornbeam.

Harvest service 2014

On September 21st we celebrated our Harvest Holy Communion led by Rev’d Liz Morris with Roger Verrall. Our service was enhanced by the beautiful singing from the Chant Allez choir and great singing from our congregation, too.

Following our service we all enjoyed our bring and share picnics; we have some very good cooks! It was truly a joyous celebration of harvest. Thanks to Liz and Roger for a splendid service.

July 2014 service - thunder and rain! - followed by lunch 

Another lovely service in our pretty church in St Medard. Thank you, Liz Morris. We do hope you and Richard were able to get back to the farm before the rain, to continue with the harvest.

During the service the rain poured down, making very interesting sound effects as it gushed from the roof. We then enjoyed our bring and share lunch, while listening to distant thunder!!

See you all here for Harvest festival on Sunday 21st September, which will be followed by a  bring and share picnic on the farm of Alexandra and Jean Marie Orliac.

2013 Harvest service followed by lunch 

An enormous thank you to everyone who attended our Harvest Festival Holy Communion on Sunday 15th September, and to our Chaplain Paul Vrolijk for leading the service.

Thank you to Marilyn Morrow and Chant Allez for leading us in those familiar and well loved hymns for Harvest Festival. The Choir singing ‘Gloria sei dir gesungen’ by J S Bach, was so lovely. During the service there was a collection of tinned and dried goods, for Accueil & Partage in Port Ste. Marie, an organization that aids people in need.

Manuel Fernandez, président of Accueil & Partage asked us to pass on his ‘heartfelt thanks for the generous gift of food stuffs collected on Sunday.’

Our thanks also go to Alexandra and Jean Marie Orliac for hosting us on their farm, for a bring and share picnic after the service, everybody enjoyed a very good lunch, and had a very jolly time! Although not as sunny as last year, it was still fine enough to be outside. Thanks also go to Alexandra, Jean Marie and their family, for providing the produce from the farm, for our wonderful decorations in the Church.

It was a pleasure to welcome new friends, and old. We hope to see everyone here again at Christmas, for our Service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas, on December 20th 2013, at 18.30.

 July 2013 service followed by lunch 

Once again a lovely service, thank you Liz. It's so nice to meet with friends, although the extreme heat kept some at home.

Lunch was fun, with lots of good things to eat.

September 2012 Harvest Thanksgiving

Sunday 16th September was Harvest Thanksgiving for our new community, here in St Médard. We had a lovely service here in our village church, led by Rev'd. David Jones.

Followed by a picnic lunch on the farm of Alex and Jean Marie Orliac.

Our next service will be Friday 7th December at 18.30, a bi-lingual service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas, with local Priest Pr Taillade and our Chaplain Paul Vrolijk and friends and neighbors from the local community. No doubt followed by mince pies!