St Francis of Assisi, in Links Road, has cared for the people of North Radford since 1939. The first church was bombed in the war, and the damaged building was later converted into the church hall. The present church was opened in 1959 and on 24^th January 2009 the congregation will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the building (and the seventieth anniversary of the parish). A service of thanksgiving will be led by the Dean of Coventry, who is our Priest in Charge, followed by refreshments in the church hall. We would love as many people as possible to join us for the celebration, especially those who in the past worshipped or were christened, confirmed or married at St Francis, or belonged to any of our youth groups. If you would like to join us, please contact Joan Merritt on 024 7659 5178

 

Due to popular demand the Ladies Lunchtime Meditations at Coventry Cathedral are now taking place monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 12.45-2.00pm in the Lecture Hall. The next one is on 4^th December 2008.   Do bring your friends (and your lunch!) and enjoy a cup of tea with others, then an hour of guided peace and relaxation with God. Free, friendly and informal, this is ideal for all women, whatever age or background. For more information contact Canon Yvonne on 024 7652 1223.

 

Following an extremely successful campaign in 2008, Country Life magazine is supporting a second competition - the Village Church for Village Life Award 2009 - worth £10,000.

 

The award seeks to discover the finest example of an historic, rural parish church that has successfully engaged the wider community to create a focus for village life in the 21^st century.

 

Those who nominate churches will be asked to demonstrate that the whole community – worshipers and non-worshippers alike - has played an active role in the relevant project. In addition, this year the award is being expanded to include projects that make use of ‘God’s own acre’ (the churchyard), and to recognise those that have attempted to make their churches environmentally sustainable.

 

The 2008 competition received an unprecedented response. Nominations came in from across England with 30 of the Church of England’s 43 diocese represented. The quality of the entries was high and provided a startling insight into the level and diversity of projects being undertaken by communities across the country.

 

The Mercers’ Company have generously agreed to support the award for another year, donating prizes of £10,000 for the winner, and £5,000 for the runner-up.

 

Entrants from last year are encouraged to take part in this year’s competition. 

 

An article by Sir Roy Strong, together with an entry form and the full criteria for nominations, will be published in the 17^th December issue of Country Life to launch the award. An online version of the article and entry form, together with details of last year’s award, will be available at www.countrylife.co.uk/villagechurch

 

St Botolph’s Church will be open on the weekends of the 6^th and 7^th, and 13^th and 14^th December from 12 noon until 6pm. The church will be filled with over 60 Christmas trees, each one individually decorated and lit by members of the community. Entrance is £2.00 for adults, accompanied children free. Light refreshments will be available.

Coventry Cathedral will be hosting the new Anne Frank exhibition throughout January (open 4th to 30th January 2009.   Precise dates to be confirmed).

 

This exhibition has raised considerable public interest where it has been on display in the last few months. Coventry Cathedral is honored to be given this opportunity, which, it is expected, will attract many thousands of extra people to the Cathedral.

 

We are looking for people to steward the event (in two hour shifts throughout the day from 8.30am until 6pm - last shift being 1.5 hours). Two people need to be there at any one time in addition to the usual volunteers on the door.

 

Anyone interested should contact David Williams at the Cathedral Offices on 024 7652 1265 or email david.williams@coventrycathedral.org.uk 

 

***Training will be given and the posts will be subject to clearance with the Criminal Records Bureau.***

Saltmine Theatre Company presents ‘Three Wise Men and a Baby’ on Monday 8^th December 7.30pm Warwick Road United Reformed Church, Coventry. This is an hilarious all-singing, all dancing Christmas musical that will have you laughing, crying and carolling along. Eric, Doreen and Brian all rank amateurs are trying to stage a Christmas musical while director, Marjorie is obsessed with trying to get a live camel on stage. Tickets £9.00 (Concs £7.50) from Wesley Owen, 21 City Arcade, Coventry Tel: 024 7622 2064 or Box Office 01384 454808

There’s no shortage of Christmas cards in our shops but very few mention Jesus or contain a verse from the bible. Wesley Owen, the Christian bookshop has an extensive range of Christian Christmas cards many of which support charities such as Compassion, Tear Fund and The Leprosy Mission.

 

Wesley Owen is at 21 City Arcade, Coventry (just up from IKEA and Argos)

Goodnight and God Bless: A Guide to Covent and Monastery Accommodation in Europe is a new travel guide which is of particular interest to Christian travellers and holiday makers looking for unique, safe and cheap holiday accommodation.

 

The first volume is out now and covers Austria,

 the Czech Republic and Italy. The second volume covering England, Ireland and France will be released in mid 2009.

 

The book makes a unique gift and is available at Waterstones and all good bookshops. It can also be ordered online www.gazellebookservices.co.uk

Would your church like to run a bookstall?

 

St Andrew’s Bookshops have a scheme where you can do this and be paid 10% commission for your church funds on most items sold.

 

To achieve this, all you need to do is to contact your local St Andrews bookshop, pop in and choose a range of products or ask for a bookstall in a box, then when you have finished with it, take the bookstall back to the shop.

 

For further details contact www.standrewsbookshop.co.uk

 

The Revd Jill Tucker has a new email address revjill.tucker@tiscali.co.uk

 

Mr Peter Griffiths is the new Treasurer for Chesterton replaced Mrs Marjorie Smith who has died. His address is The Old Tractor Shed, Windmill HillFarm, Windmill Lane, Chesterton, Leamington Spa CV33 9LB Tel 01926 614913

 

New address and phone number for The Revd Penny Hughes who has retired from Berkswell. Her details as follows 8 Albany Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 5LP Tel 01926 330204 Email penhughes@aol.com

 

Mr Ian O’Hara has moved address to 139 Waterside Walk, Grindle Road, Longford, Coventry CV6 6DS Tel: 024 7636 1577 email address ianoh@sky.com

 

The Revd James Perryman Priest in Charge of Leek Wootton, Stoneleigh and Ashow has a new phone number 01926 850610. Please delete 01926 854832

We would like to apologise for the error in omitting the entry for Radford St Francis in the Diocesan Directory for 2009. Please see below the entry.

North Radford Patron: The Bishop

Grid Ref 432768, 281587

PinC                 Very Revd John Irvine

CW                  Mrs Sue Williams 232 Sadler Road, Coventry CV6 2LP

CW                  Mrs Gillian Hayward, 47 Benedictine Road, Coventry CV3 6GW

NSM                Revd Martin Hayward

Sec                   Miss Kate Hughes, 59 Mossdale Close, Radford, Coventry CV6 3HG

Trs                   Miss Barbara Rushton, 292 Grangemouth Road, Coventry CV6 3FL

Enquiries Parish Office:             024 7659 5178

 

 

The Diocesan Secretary together with his staff wish you and your congregations a very Happy and Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.