Latest news

We rejoice in the Licensing of Heather Gardiner

On Sunday 18th February, many from around the Chaplaincy gathered in Bordeaux to attend the Service of Licensing of Heather Gardiner as a Lay Minister (Reader), by our Chaplain Rev'd Tony Lomas. What joy to be able to celebrate and give thanks for Heather's dedication and training. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this such a special day, praise the Lord!

 

Singing Christmas Carols throughout Aquitaine

What a blessing to sing Christmas carols, announcing the holy birth in so many churches throughout Aquitaine. Many thanks to all the volunteers coming together: church decorations, musical rehearsals, serving refreshments, we are grateful for the team efforts to extend a warm welcome to these festive gatherings, shining Christ's light of hope in the darkness.

 

Delighted to return back to worship in Bertric Burée church!

After twelve months since the church at Bertric-Burée was closed due to a loose stone in the chancel roof, we are now able to return to worship in this treasured place. Over the past year, we have been extremely blessed with God's provision of the Upper Room and in the summer it was wonderful being able to worship in the open air of the garden. What a joy and a blessing to be worshiping in nature with the birds singing in the background.

Eventually, we saw that the scaffolding had come down and we were given permission to go back into the church, which meant it needed cleaning, and a group of 24 volunteers came together with ladders, mops, buckets and cloths to clean the church. As they say, ‘many hands make light work’, and it was such a wonderful day of fun, fellowship, comradery, blessings and an atmosphere of spiritual togetherness. The Lord was definitely present. One couple described the day as more spiritual rather than physical, which seemed to emanate from the church saying, ‘Welcome and Thank You’. In a time that may have tested us as a congregation, we have come so far, and pray that that spirit of togetherness continues to bind us together as one in Christ.

 

Autumn services, we will remember

 

Giving thanks for the Harvest

 

Commissioning Congregational Worship Leaders

Over the past year Tony and Brian have been working with a group of new Congregational Worship Leaders, and we are now at a stage where we are able to welcome them fully into our Ministry Team. Over the next couple of months, as Tony visits the different parts of the Chaplaincy, he will be commissioning these new CWLs (and in many cases re-commissioning our existing CWLs). We give thanks for the dedication of these service leaders to the worshiping life of our Chaplaincy.

Watch this space for more photos of commissioning services to come!

 

We rejoice in summer services!

It's such a blessing to be able to gather for worship in our churches throughout the Chaplaincy, welcoming back summer visitors, family, friends old and new.

 

European Anglicans

European Anglicans: summer edition 2023

This edition is all about journeys; some actual and some of faith and service.

The magazine is a reminder that we are all on a journey; it's often haphazard, not quite taking us where we expect to end upand challengingf us to trust that, even if we don't know exactly what is in store, God has a plan. Click here to read the Diocese in Europe magazine.

 

Chaplaincy Celebration Day, Sat 27th May

We gathered to celebrate at the beautiful abbey of St. Avit Senieur, travelling from across the 4 corners of the Chaplaincy to celebrate with friends old and new. Tony' sermon reminded us that we are all united in Christ, and Tina Marshall-Cottam and David Albrecht were sworn in as Chaplaincy Wardens. The prayer stations created in the abbey provided an opportunity to quietly reflect on the “I AM teachings of Jesus”. Gill's treasure hunt walk through the village was a delightful time out in the spring sunshine.

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this such a memorable day, especially those behind the scenes, setting up the sound system, bringing in the soft cushions, setting up the tables and benches, serving refreshments. Thanks be to God!

 

Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

We are blessed to be able to gather for worship and praise here in Aquitaine. On Sunday 7th May, many of our churches served drinks and food afterwards to celebrate the coronation, and toast the beginning of a new era. Jesus is the key to us, like King Charles, discovering the ways of gentleness and the paths of peace and lead us into the Kingdom of the King of Kings.

 

Rejoicing with Easter services!

Christ is Risen indeed, Alleluia! What joy to celebrate Easter with singing, prayer, and thanksgiving!

 

 

 

 

Chaplaincy Council

chaplaincy council

Chaplaincy Council meetings

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

Tuesday 19th March, 10:00am online (Extraordinary Council Meeting)

Chaplaincy AGM: Saturday 20th April 2024, online

Chaplaincy Day Celebration: Pentecost Sunday 19th May 2024, Monbazillac church and salle des fêtes

Tuesday 18th June, 10:30am online

Tuesday 24th September, 10:30am online

Tuesday 26th November 2024, 10:30am online

 

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

David Albrecht (05 53 36 55 97 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

or

Tina Marshall-Cottam (06 64 48 21 88) - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chaplaincy Magazine

spreading the word

 

 

 

 

Chaplaincy Magazine: "Spreading the Word"

Our monthly Magazine is just brilliant, providing 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..