(Photo © John Kennett)
|
(Photo © C R Drone Services Limited)
|
A warm welcome is extended to all those who join us. It is a joy to gather in the Lord’s name and to break bread in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It is an equal privilege to welcome among us those of other faiths as well as those who search for meaning in their lives and refreshment on their journey.
We hope you will join us at one of our services - use this link to check up-to-date details. You will be very welcome. There is, also, information below.
May we all catch in this holy place a glimpse of God's glory and to come to know and do His will, now and in all eternity. May God bless you.
Let there be silence in your mind, warmth in your heart and peace in your soul.
May your day be filled with blessings. May your heart be filled with God’s love.
May your day be filled with blessings. May your heart be filled with God’s love.
PLEASE NOTE: we are sorry to have to advise you that the church will NOT be open to visitors on Mondays and Fridays in October. I will advise you at a later date about November.
ABOUT US
We are a 'Traditional Anglican' church. Our church building is a very large and fine medieval church enlarged and developed by the Victorians. It is a grade II listed building first mentioned in 1088. It has a superb collection of Kempe stained glass windows and plenty of original medieval furnishings. Sitting on the top of Church Hill, seen for miles around, St Bart's has been at the heart of Wednesbury for centuries. (Click here to find out more about our history.)
We do not have a parish priest at the moment but are pleased to welcome visiting clergy on some Sundays. Currently, we have one service at 11 am each Sunday. For up-to-date information on services and activities please have a look on the Services page as the page will be updated regularly.
Each week the Weekly Notices are updated. Use this link to go to the page. We produce a newsletter each month with information regarding past, present and future events. You can find this on the Newsletter page using this link or on the page in the drop down menu. Also, if you have missed photos that have been posted in the Weekly Notices or other pages, you may find them on the Photo of the Week page.
Church Hill
Wednesbury
WS10 9DG
ABOUT US
We are a 'Traditional Anglican' church. Our church building is a very large and fine medieval church enlarged and developed by the Victorians. It is a grade II listed building first mentioned in 1088. It has a superb collection of Kempe stained glass windows and plenty of original medieval furnishings. Sitting on the top of Church Hill, seen for miles around, St Bart's has been at the heart of Wednesbury for centuries. (Click here to find out more about our history.)
We do not have a parish priest at the moment but are pleased to welcome visiting clergy on some Sundays. Currently, we have one service at 11 am each Sunday. For up-to-date information on services and activities please have a look on the Services page as the page will be updated regularly.
Each week the Weekly Notices are updated. Use this link to go to the page. We produce a newsletter each month with information regarding past, present and future events. You can find this on the Newsletter page using this link or on the page in the drop down menu. Also, if you have missed photos that have been posted in the Weekly Notices or other pages, you may find them on the Photo of the Week page.
Church Hill
Wednesbury
WS10 9DG
URGENT NOTICE
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH NEEDS YOU
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH NEEDS YOU
Do you know or remember the promises that were made to Jesus when you were baptised?
In 1961, the US President John F Kennedy, spoke some challenging words at his inauguration: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Likewise, our nation's churches are asking you to consider the question, "Ask not what your Church can do for you, ask what YOU can do for your church."
Many of us, if we’re honest, have felt a sort of hesitation about going to church. In those moments or seasons, it doesn’t take much to stop us, such as: the weather; a sore throat; a looming work deadline on Monday, etc. Your church needs you to be there, and you need your church to be there for you.
For centuries St Bartholomew's Church has been there for the people of Wednesbury and beyond. It has been there when you have needed it most in your life, whether it be a bereavement, a baptism or a wedding.
Some people attend church for certain services only such as Christmas or Easter. Very often however, those people are very rarely seen again afterwards.
In many churches now, congregational size is small with only a few faithful people willing to work hard to keep churches going. So, if you want the church to continue to be there for you when you need it, are you willing to attend more regularly?
Financially, too, churches are suffering. With a small congregation, very few people are contributing each week. Most churches have congregations who generously pay a monthly standing order to ensure some funds are available to keep the church running.
Like so many other churches, St Bartholomew's Church has bills to pay, whether people attend church or not. Would you consider, therefore, in making a financial contribution on a regular basis, or even a one-off donation? Use the link to the Donations and Payments page to make a payment.)
Are you also able to perhaps offer some time to help keep the church running efficiently. Your help could mean that St Bartholomew's Church is there for generations to come but, more importantly for the moment, to enable the church to be available when you need it the most?
Our Sunday morning worship is at 11 am. We hope you will join us for that.
God bless you.
In 1961, the US President John F Kennedy, spoke some challenging words at his inauguration: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Likewise, our nation's churches are asking you to consider the question, "Ask not what your Church can do for you, ask what YOU can do for your church."
Many of us, if we’re honest, have felt a sort of hesitation about going to church. In those moments or seasons, it doesn’t take much to stop us, such as: the weather; a sore throat; a looming work deadline on Monday, etc. Your church needs you to be there, and you need your church to be there for you.
For centuries St Bartholomew's Church has been there for the people of Wednesbury and beyond. It has been there when you have needed it most in your life, whether it be a bereavement, a baptism or a wedding.
Some people attend church for certain services only such as Christmas or Easter. Very often however, those people are very rarely seen again afterwards.
In many churches now, congregational size is small with only a few faithful people willing to work hard to keep churches going. So, if you want the church to continue to be there for you when you need it, are you willing to attend more regularly?
Financially, too, churches are suffering. With a small congregation, very few people are contributing each week. Most churches have congregations who generously pay a monthly standing order to ensure some funds are available to keep the church running.
Like so many other churches, St Bartholomew's Church has bills to pay, whether people attend church or not. Would you consider, therefore, in making a financial contribution on a regular basis, or even a one-off donation? Use the link to the Donations and Payments page to make a payment.)
Are you also able to perhaps offer some time to help keep the church running efficiently. Your help could mean that St Bartholomew's Church is there for generations to come but, more importantly for the moment, to enable the church to be available when you need it the most?
Our Sunday morning worship is at 11 am. We hope you will join us for that.
God bless you.
The 5 Marks of Mission - Church Society
We pray that all of our congregation and the people in our parish may find this uplifting.
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom;
- To teach, baptise and nurture new believers;
- To respond to human need by loving service;
- To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to seek peace and reconciliation;
- To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and renew the life of the earth.
We pray that all of our congregation and the people in our parish may find this uplifting.
ST BARTHOLOMEW'S DAY - 24th AUGUST
The Church of England and other Anglican churches honour our patron saint, St Bartholomew, on this date.
Bartholomew (‘God has given’) was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He has been identified as Nathanael or Nathaniel who appears in the Gospel of John when introduced to Jesus by Philip (who also became an apostle). Saint Bartholomew was a missionary who lived in the first century AD. He is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects.
When told about Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael was quoted as responding "What good can come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46) Since there are no throw-away phrases in the Gospels, especially in John's Gospel, what could this mean? Was it just that Nazareth was a rural, backwater sort of place? He looked down on Nazareth, but he was shocked that a saviour could come out of such a place. There was no deceit in him and he followed his God, doing the best he could for his Lord.
We meet prejudices all the time. I saw a quote recently that said "Those people who have told you to your face that nothing good can come out of you, or family and friends who have looked down on you, will be amazed by what God will do in your life. Focus on improving your life, cut out negative people from your life and don’t lose hope in God." Such a powerful message to us all. Don’t be put down by people who mock you because of your Christian faith or because of your ethnicity, accent, shape, sexuality or your choice of career, music, books etc.
One tradition has it that Apostle Bartholomew was executed in Albanopolis in Armenia. According to popular hagiography (biography or anthology), the apostle was flayed alive (skinned alive) and beheaded. He is said to have been martyred for having converted Polymius, the king of Armenia, to Christianity.
Bartholomew (‘God has given’) was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He has been identified as Nathanael or Nathaniel who appears in the Gospel of John when introduced to Jesus by Philip (who also became an apostle). Saint Bartholomew was a missionary who lived in the first century AD. He is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects.
When told about Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael was quoted as responding "What good can come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46) Since there are no throw-away phrases in the Gospels, especially in John's Gospel, what could this mean? Was it just that Nazareth was a rural, backwater sort of place? He looked down on Nazareth, but he was shocked that a saviour could come out of such a place. There was no deceit in him and he followed his God, doing the best he could for his Lord.
We meet prejudices all the time. I saw a quote recently that said "Those people who have told you to your face that nothing good can come out of you, or family and friends who have looked down on you, will be amazed by what God will do in your life. Focus on improving your life, cut out negative people from your life and don’t lose hope in God." Such a powerful message to us all. Don’t be put down by people who mock you because of your Christian faith or because of your ethnicity, accent, shape, sexuality or your choice of career, music, books etc.
One tradition has it that Apostle Bartholomew was executed in Albanopolis in Armenia. According to popular hagiography (biography or anthology), the apostle was flayed alive (skinned alive) and beheaded. He is said to have been martyred for having converted Polymius, the king of Armenia, to Christianity.
We are very fortunate to have a local artist, Matthew Pritchett, who paints wonderful pictures of our church. He has given permission for me to use these paintings on our Facebook page, website and other church social media. All paintings: © Matthew Pritchett
THANK YOU:
A huge thank you to Joyce Turner who donated the new sign for the church hall. We are very grateful to Joyce for all the work she has done over the years for our church. The sign looks great now it is in situ. Thanks Joyce.
WELCOME BACK 2020
This first service during Covid was lovely. Several of us commented on how nice it was. Despite not being in our beautiful church, the service seemed very personal even though we were all socially distanced from each other. Well done Fr Mark.
The Open the Book banner that Marg Wood created during the early part of lockdown was on display on the stage and it looked wonderful. Well done Marg.
(This banner is now in church.)
This first service during Covid was lovely. Several of us commented on how nice it was. Despite not being in our beautiful church, the service seemed very personal even though we were all socially distanced from each other. Well done Fr Mark.
The Open the Book banner that Marg Wood created during the early part of lockdown was on display on the stage and it looked wonderful. Well done Marg.
(This banner is now in church.)
WORSHIP DURING A PANDEMIC, AUGUST 2020
(Photos taken just before the 10 am service on 16th August 2020.)
At the beginning of 2020 who would have thought we would not be able to attend church for many months and then only in the Church Hall and following strict social distancing measures, sanitising and wearing face masks? Thank you to Linda Russell for taking the photos. Thank you to Fr Mark for making it possible for us to worship together (albeit a different type of service) and to be able to take communion.
At the beginning of 2020 who would have thought we would not be able to attend church for many months and then only in the Church Hall and following strict social distancing measures, sanitising and wearing face masks? Thank you to Linda Russell for taking the photos. Thank you to Fr Mark for making it possible for us to worship together (albeit a different type of service) and to be able to take communion.
Please pass on this information to anybody you think will benefit from it.
BBC Radio 4
If you’re not already aware, Radio 4 is broadcasting each day a ‘Thought for the day’. So if you know somebody who does not have a computer or who is blind, please pass on this information. This is a great way of connecting to faith.
‘Thought for the Day’ is a daily scripted slot on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 offering reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news. It is broadcast at around 7.45 each Monday to Saturday morning. If you prefer to listen to them from your laptop or other device, you can access the daily sound clip and previous sound clips, using the weblink below. They will be available for a year. You will more than likely need to log in but it’s easy if you haven’t registered before.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00szxv6
Diocesan Digest Sound Magazine
This service from Lichfield Cathedral gives Church news, local and national; comments and features; Diocesan Bishop’s letter; news and letters from Spotlight; music, organs, bells and choirs; ‘Thought for the month’; recipients' letters; magazines; interviews and events. It is available for anyone who is blind or visually impaired and qualifies for the Royal Mail’s 'Articles for the Blind' scheme. It is produced and run by independent volunteers. If you know somebody who is blind who might benefit from this service can you tell them please? If they would like to receive the Diocesan Digest they need to contact Lichfield Cathedral by telephone or email, as follows:
Tel: 01543 306030 | 07986 954 859
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.bwbf.org.uk/player/?url=http://www.bwbf.org.uk/localtns/lichfieldcathedral/TOPD_playlist.pls
CHURCH OF ENGLAND’S DIAL-IN WORSHIP SERVICE LINE
There are a number of churches providing Podcasts (digital audio files) and Videocasts (a podcast with video content) that you can open from their websites but what about if people don’t use a computer? They will not be able to access those or see the service documents, reflections, readings and prayers that we have on our Facebook page and on this website.
Also, what about if people are blind and they don’t use screen readers to access their computers?* (Of course, some blind people might not have a computer, anyway.)
I am pleased to advise you that the Church of England launched a dial-in worship service at the end of April where you can access hymns, reflections and prayers. You can read about it on the website links lower down.
The telephone number is 0800 8048044 (don’t worry, this is a free number so it won’t cost you anything, no matter how long you are on the call). When you are first connected, you may hear The Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. If not press the asterisk key (*). If at any time during the call you want the main menu press 0 for the options (see the information below).
Please remember that everybody at St Bartholomew’s is thinking about all of you.
Thank you to Vera Malton who passed on the above telephone number to Joyce Turner who, in turn, passed it on to me to post something about this service on our Facebook page and website.
The following website links will give you more information about the service:
Also, what about if people are blind and they don’t use screen readers to access their computers?* (Of course, some blind people might not have a computer, anyway.)
I am pleased to advise you that the Church of England launched a dial-in worship service at the end of April where you can access hymns, reflections and prayers. You can read about it on the website links lower down.
The telephone number is 0800 8048044 (don’t worry, this is a free number so it won’t cost you anything, no matter how long you are on the call). When you are first connected, you may hear The Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. If not press the asterisk key (*). If at any time during the call you want the main menu press 0 for the options (see the information below).
- * The Archbishop of Canterbury
- 0 Main menu
- 1 Hymns for that day
- 2 Hymn line (different daily hymns)
- 3 Prayer line
- 4 More Options (which then takes you to a list of other options):
- 5 Church of England's weekly service
- 6 Morning and Evening prayers
- 7 Latest Government advice on Coronavirus.
- 8 Mothers’ Union midday prayers
Please remember that everybody at St Bartholomew’s is thinking about all of you.
Thank you to Vera Malton who passed on the above telephone number to Joyce Turner who, in turn, passed it on to me to post something about this service on our Facebook page and website.
The following website links will give you more information about the service:
- https://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/stories/view?articleid=3277
- https://www.itv.com/news/2020-04-26/church-of-england-launches-dial-in-worship-service/
April 2020
Here we have a couple of photos from 23rd April 2020 (in that first Covid lockdown) taken by Fr Mark, who was our vicar at the time, showing the beautiful display of Forget-Me-Nots growing above the wall along the pathway.
The meanings of the Forget Me Not flower are:
* True and undying love
* Remembrance during partings or after death
* A connection that lasts through time
* Fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, despite separation or other challenges
* Reminders of your favourite memories or time together with another person
* Growing affection between two people
* Helping patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
* Caring for the poor, disabled, and needy
How appropriate is that at this time, with us not being able to go into church? As you look up the path towards our beautiful church it’s as though God is feeling lonely and is asking us not to forget him. It’s also reminding us to care for others.
As the name suggests, the flowers are given or used to decorate gifts with the hope that the recipient will not forget the giver. Its name came from the German word vergissmichnicht which means 'forget me not’. Another name is Myosotis from the Ancient Greek μυοσωτίς which meant "mouse's ear” and the foliage is thought to resemble that.
Our churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined.
"Dear God, when evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts torture us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide. We pray we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will. Amen"
The meanings of the Forget Me Not flower are:
* True and undying love
* Remembrance during partings or after death
* A connection that lasts through time
* Fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, despite separation or other challenges
* Reminders of your favourite memories or time together with another person
* Growing affection between two people
* Helping patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
* Caring for the poor, disabled, and needy
How appropriate is that at this time, with us not being able to go into church? As you look up the path towards our beautiful church it’s as though God is feeling lonely and is asking us not to forget him. It’s also reminding us to care for others.
As the name suggests, the flowers are given or used to decorate gifts with the hope that the recipient will not forget the giver. Its name came from the German word vergissmichnicht which means 'forget me not’. Another name is Myosotis from the Ancient Greek μυοσωτίς which meant "mouse's ear” and the foliage is thought to resemble that.
Our churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined.
"Dear God, when evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts torture us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide. We pray we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will. Amen"
ARE YOU FINDING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES DIFFICULT?
The Church of England has published resources to help those who seek hope, reassurance and comfort at this time.
They can be accessed at:
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/mental-health-resources/supporting-good-mental-health/supporting-good-mental-health
Additional help and advice is also available from the Mental Health Foundation website at:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
You might, also, find this useful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQGTInPpZU
(Acknowledgement: 'music meets heaven' Leeland - Way Maker (Lyrics) https://Leeland.lnk.to/BetterWord
There are other links to suitable music on the Weekly Notices that you might find beneficial, including links to virtual garden tours. Please use this link or use the menu bar at the top of the page.
The Church of England has published resources to help those who seek hope, reassurance and comfort at this time.
They can be accessed at:
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/mental-health-resources/supporting-good-mental-health/supporting-good-mental-health
Additional help and advice is also available from the Mental Health Foundation website at:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
You might, also, find this useful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQGTInPpZU
(Acknowledgement: 'music meets heaven' Leeland - Way Maker (Lyrics) https://Leeland.lnk.to/BetterWord
There are other links to suitable music on the Weekly Notices that you might find beneficial, including links to virtual garden tours. Please use this link or use the menu bar at the top of the page.
NOTICE FOR OUR REGULAR CONGREGATION MEMBERS
A few of you have asked how you can continue to donate your regular weekly giving. May we suggest 3 ways you can do this.
NOTICE FOR OUR REGULAR CONGREGATION MEMBERS
A few of you have asked how you can continue to donate your regular weekly giving. May we suggest 3 ways you can do this.
- Set up a weekly or monthly standing order.*
- Do a weekly or monthly bank transfer.*
- Set aside whatever sum you wish to give each week and bring to church once we can resume services.
This banner was presented to the church - it is a joint effort by members of the Craft Club. See more information on the Photo of the Week page. You will need to scroll down on that page quite a way.
Thank you to Ryan Brookes who has agreed for us to post the following aerial photos.
For a drone and tripod video of our church and grounds please click on this link. Thank you to John Kennett who has kindly shared it with us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76FC8HfJ4RE&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0DZMKhy4vvot96vLyWtwCSQ9GN1MkDH7x9I8wJpX1g9cg6EVaoPmQIKXw
Hopefully, the photos in the following slide show will give you a flavour of our church life and some can be viewed in the gallery:
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StBartsWednesbury/.
