Category: Church

In July we will be holding some of our Sunday services in the various benefice churches, in addition to the 9.30am Zoom Service.   If you would like to attend one of these services then please could you book your place by e-mailing services@bartonbenefice.org.uk or phoning 01869 347350, as we still have to comply with Covid regulations.

Sunday services in churches around the benefice

As we are still in uncertain times, please keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and church
notice board/noticesheets in case of any last minute changes.

Duns Tew church continues to be open for private prayer, generally between 9am and dusk. For
opening times of other churches in the benefice check the website http://www.bartonbenefice.org.uk.
Visitors to our churches are requested to observe all current Covid-19 regulations and
recommendations according to the NHS Covid 19 Track and Trace app. If you can, do download the NHS
app to your phone https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/ and scan the QR code when visiting
our churches.

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom in June. Log-in is from
9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am. Please email zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk for further details on
how to join.

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Log-in details are on the
weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet. For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826
studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk.

Coffee and Prayer Group on Zoom

A Zoom Coffee and Prayer Group continues to meet on Wednesday mornings at 11.30 am. This is an
informal group for parishioners in the Barton and Cherwell Valley Benefices which lasts about half an
hour. Information on joining the group, queries or prayer requests can be emailed to
prayergroup@bartonbenefice.org.uk or by contacting Frances or Sally Anne on 01869 345689.

Benefice Facebook Page: Do look at our Facebook page (you don’t need a Facebook account) and
follow us on https://www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/.

Coffee Morning

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who baked, bought and came to our coffee morning in June. The
weather held up and it was wonderful to see everyone again. We a raised a fantastic £353.

Save Our Angels: Apologies for any disruption caused by the work to repair and conserve the stained
glass windows.

Churchyard: Any gardeners who can spare an hour or so to help weed/tidy the churchyard are very
welcome. There is a list of suggested jobs on the noticeboard in the porch.

Other Events in the Benefice

Celebration Week in the Bartons 10-17 July

Saturday, 10 July Jazz Concert (open air) bring your own picnic, tables, chairs or blanket. A wine tent
will be onsite (in Richard and Ann Taylor’s field next to WB Church). Tickets £12 each available from
Kate tel 07775 750903.

Sunday 11 July Barton Abbey Gardens Open 2-5pm and Flower Festival in Steeple Barton Church.

Saturday, 17 July Bartons Dog Show & live music at Middle Barton school, 10.30am to 4pm.

Friday, 23 July 6pm Ledwell & Sandford Social on Ledwell Green (celebrating Mary Magdalene Feast
Day) BYO Picnic supper.

Sunday 25 July at 11am Bishop Gavin will be with us for a Celebratory Benefice Service at Steeple
Barton. Please do come along and meet our new bishop.

Our Charities

Charity of the Quarter

Samaritans (Banbury) We are supporting Samaritans (Banbury) from July to September. Even
before coronavirus hit, the Samaritans 20,000 volunteers nationally were answering a call for help
every six seconds. It is more important than ever for Samaritans to be there 24/7 for those who need
them. If you would like to donate while church services are suspended please make an on line payment
to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No:00096480 reference ‘Sams’, or drop off a
cheque payable to Duns Tew PCC to Carol Rigby, Nonesuch, Hill Farm Lane.

For more information on how to make a donation through the PCC, please contact Carol Rigby
(dunstewpcc@gmail.com) or phone 340632.

Christian Aid Week (10-16 May)

Thank you to everyone who made donations to Christian Aid and to those who acted as collection
points. £467 + Gift Aid was raised.

Dementia Oxfordshire

Thank you to everyone who supported our previous charity of the quarter. We would also thank you to
Trish Heron from Dementia Oxfordshire who came and gave us a talk in June about the work the charity
undertakes in the local area.

Polly

Polly continues to work with the homeless and vulnerable in Banbury. She regularly helps up to 15
people and she would really appreciate it if you could spare any food items suitable for someone living
in one room or sleeping rough (tins/biscuits/packets etc). Please make sure they are all in date!
Otherwise cash or cheques (payable to Polly Preedy) are also welcome. Alternatively you can donate to
the PCC Bank accounts details above, reference ‘Polly’. Please bring any items to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill
Farm Lane, Duns Tew, OX25 6JH or ring Clare on 01869 347382. Polly has enough clothing at the
moment. Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382
DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk . Thank you for all your help.

In addition to our 9.30am Sunday service on Zoom, we are now regularly holding a second service either outside or inside one of the benefice churches at 11.00am. 

The venues for the 11.00am services in the next few weeks are given below. If you would like to attend one of these services then please could you book your place for by e-mailing services@bartonbenefice.org.uk or phoning 01869 347350, as we still have to comply with Covid regulations.

Sunday services in churches around the benefice

For outdoor services please bring your own chair.  If the weather is very poor we may need to make alternative arrangements.  Keep an eye on the website, Facebook page and church notice board for details.  

Duns Tew church is also open for private prayer, generally between 9am and dusk. For opening times of other churches in the benefice check the website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk.  Visitors to our churches are requested to observe all current Covid-19 regulations and recommendations according to the NHS Covid 19 Track and Trace app. If you can, do download the NHS app to your phone https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/ and scan the QR code when visiting our churches.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) 

This year’s APCM has been re-scheduled and will now be held in the church/churchyard after the 11am service on Sunday 6 June 2021. 

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom in June.  Log-in is from 9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am.  Please email  zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk for further details on how to join. 

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm.  Log-in details are on the weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet.  For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 

studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk. 

Coffee and Prayer Group on Zoom

A Zoom Coffee and Prayer Group continues to meet on Wednesday mornings at 11.30 am.  This is an informal group for parishioners in the Barton and Cherwell Valley Benefices which lasts about half an hour.  Information on joining the group, queries or prayer requests can be emailed to prayergroup@bartonbenefice.org.uk or by contacting Frances or Sally Anne on 01869 345689. 

Benefice Facebook Page:  Please remember to look at our Facebook page, and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/.  You can still look at our Facebook page even if you do not have a Facebook account

Church June Coffee Morning/Cakes To order – 5 June

We will be holding a coffee morning (within Covid-restrictions) in the Village Hall on 5 June 10.30am-12.30pm in aid of the church building.  

We will also be selling cakes which you can either select at the coffee morning or which can be pre-ordered and collected from the Village Hall or delivered to your door.  

The list of cakes, which you can pre-order, will be available to view from Tuesday 1 June on the church noticeboard, Village website, Village Facebook page and WhatsApp group. Please contact Joan on 349861 or joancull@btinternet.com for further information.  First come, first served!

Plant Sale

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who donated and bought plants at our plant sale in May.  We raised a fantastic £500! 

Save Our Angels:  We are hoping that work will start to repair and conserve the stained glass window in June, so there may be some disruption inside the church and in the churchyard.

SAVE THE DATE!   TABLE TOP SALE

On Saturday 31 July in the morning, we are planning to hold a Table Top Sale in the Village Hall.

So if you have any crafts, bric a brac or unwanted items, either new or in good condition, which you have always wanted to sell, why not put your name down for a table and buy a pitch for £10 in the Village Hall/Village Hall Car Park/Churchyard.  More details in next month’s newsletter. Contact us by email on dunstewpcc@gmail if you would like further information

Our Charities

Charity of the Quarter

We are supporting Dementia Oxfordshire (www.dementiaoxfordshire.org.uk)  from April to June.  Dementia Oxfordshire is a partnership between Age UK Oxfordshire and Dementia UK.  It provides specialist dementia services, available free to people living with dementia and their families living in Oxfordshire.  The charity’s aim is to ensure that people have the best available information, advice and support they need to live the life they have to the full. For more information on how to make a donation through the PCC, please contact Carol Rigby (dunstewpcc@gmail.com) or phone 340632.

Christian Aid Week (10-16 May)

Thank you to everyone who made donations to Christian Aid and to those who acted as collection points.

Polly

Polly continues to work with the homeless and vulnerable in Banbury. The “lads and lasses” are doing OK thanks to your regular gifts of food and funds. She regularly helps up to 15 people. If you can spare any food items (tins/biscuits/packets etc), or cheques (payable to Polly Preedy), please bring them to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane, Duns Tew, OX25 6JH or ring Clare on 01869 347382. Polly has enough clothing at the moment. Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382 DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk .  Thank you for all your help. 

From 25^th April we aim to hold a service on Zoom at 9.30am and a second service outside/inside one of the churches at 11.00am.

These are the venues for the 11.00am services in the next few weeks, please book a place by e-mailing services@bartonbenefice.org.uk or phone 01869 347350

For outdoor services please bring your own chair.  If the weather is very poor we may need to make alternative arrangements.  Keep an eye on the website, Facebook page and church notice board for details.  

Duns Tew church is open for private prayer, generally between 9am and dusk. For opening times of other churches in the benefice check the website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk.  Visitors to our churches are requested to observe all current Covid-19 regulations and recommendations according to the NHS Covid 19 Track and Trace app. If you can, do download the NHS app to your phone https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/ and scan the QR code when visiting our churches.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – Revised Date

This year’s APCM has been re-scheduled and will now be held in the church/churchyard after the 11am service on Sunday 6 June 2021. 

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom in May.  Log-in is from 9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am.  Please email  zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk for further details on how to join. 

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm.  Log-in details are on the weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet.  For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 

studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk. 

Coffee and Prayer Group on Zoom

A Zoom Coffee and Prayer Group continues to meet on Wednesday mornings at 11.30 am.  This is an informal group for parishioners in the Barton and Cherwell Valley Benefices which lasts about half an hour.  Information on joining the group, queries or prayer requests can be emailed to prayergroup@bartonbenefice.org.uk or by contacting Frances or Sally Anne on 01869 345689.

Benefice Facebook Page:  Please remember to look at our Facebook page, and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/.  You can still look at our Facebook page even if you do not have a Facebook account

Resources for worship at home on-line The benefice website publishes the reflections, readings and prayers for each Sunday. On this website you will also find, amongst other things, the Notice Sheet, order of service, details of up-and-coming services and groups and when churches are open for private prayer. Just visit: www.bartonbenefice.org.uk

Plant sale for May 

We are planning to hold a plant sale in the churchyard on Saturday 8 May between 10am-12noon. So please pot up any spare herbaceous plants or sow a few extra seeds to donate.  These can be left at Corner Cottage, 2 Longfield, or 5 Hill Farm Lane anytime between 1 May – (6pm) 7 May. 

Lockdown Pop-Up Church Bistro 

Thank you to everyone who supported our recent Pop-Up Bistros.  We are delighted to announce that with your help we have raised over £2,000. 

Our Charities 

Charity of the Quarter

We are supporting Dementia Oxfordshire (www.dementiaoxfordshire.org.uk)  from April to June.  Dementia Oxfordshire is a partnership between Age UK Oxfordshire and Dementia UK.  It provides specialist dementia services, available free to people living with dementia and their families living in Oxfordshire.  The charity’s aim is to ensure that people have the best available information, advice and support they need to live the life they have to the full. For more information on how to make a donation through the PCC, please contact Carol Rigby (dunstewpcc@gmail.com) or phone 340632.

Christian Aid Week (10-16 May)

This year, Christian Aid focuses on people who are greatly impacted by climate change and their search for clean water.  We will be delivering envelopes for donations through your doors and, although there will be no house to house collections this year, your envelopes with donations can be returned by Sunday 23 May to the following locations: 2 Longfield, 5 Hill Farm Lane,  5 Field Court, ‘The Old Forge’ Middle Barton Road and 14 Dashwood Rise. Please help support Christian Aid. For more information, contact Sarah Taylor 340827

Polly 

Despite the latest lockdown, Polly continues to work with the homeless and vulnerable in Banbury. She feels her “lads and lasses” need her support more than ever at the moment. If you can spare any food items (tins/biscuits/packets etc), or cheques (payable to Polly Preedy), please bring them to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane, Duns Tew, OX25 6JH or ring Clare on 01869 347382. Polly has enough clothing at the moment. Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382 DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk  .  Thank you for all your help. 

Giving to the work of your parish church & benefice While we continue to meet on Zoom more frequently than in our churches, we ask for your continued support through giving, if you are able to do so. We cannot take a collection during online services but encourage offerings in a number of ways. For more information do see the website (select the “Giving” button on the homepage) www.bartonbenefice.org.uk or email: accounts@bartonbenefice.org.uk.

This month our benefice services are continuing to take place on Zoom, although with the easing of lockdown restrictions we hope that we may be able to hold some services in church. As this is an ever-changing situation, please check the Benefice website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk, the church notice board (located to the left of the lychgate, the benefice Facebook page, or contact Clare Burgess DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk for the latest information with regard to services.

Duns Tew church is open for private prayer, generally between 9am and dusk. For opening times of other churches in the benefice check the website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk. Visitors to our churches are requested to observe all current Covid-19 regulations and recommendations according to the NHS Covid 19 Track and Trace app. If you can, do download the NHS app to your phone https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/ and scan the QR code when visiting our churches.

Easter Day Service

Our principal Easter Day service will be at 0930 on Zoom. This will include plenty of music and singing. Please email zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk if you would like to be sent the link for this. There will also be a very short open-air Eucharist in Steeple Barton at 11.00, principally for those who cannot access or do not feel comfortable with online services. All Covid-19 guidelines will still be in place, including no singing at this service.

Duns Tew church will have some flower arrangements from Easter Sunday onwards, if anyone would like to visit. Please use hand sanitiser before entering and follow the Covid-19 guidance.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

This year’s APCM will be held in the church on Sunday 25 April 2021 at 11.30am.

Benefice Service and Monthly Eucharist on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom in April. This is normally a short service apart from Easter Day and the last Sunday of every month when it will take the form of a slightly longer Eucharist service. In April, the Eucharist will be on Sunday, 25 April. Log-in is from 9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am. Please email zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk for further details on how to join. There will be Zoom coffee and chat after the service.

If you would like to receive weekly church notices by email, contact Clare 347382, email: DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk. Copies of the Reflection and Prayers from each service can be delivered to your door, if you would find this helpful.

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Log-in details are on the weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet. For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk.

Coffee and Prayer Group on Zoom

A Zoom Coffee and Prayer Group continues to meet on Wednesday mornings at 11.30 am. This is an informal group for parishioners in the Barton and Cherwell Valley Benefices which lasts about half an hour. Information on joining the group, queries or prayer requests can be emailed to prayergroup@bartonbenefice.org.uk or by contacting Frances or Sally Anne on 01869 345689.

Christian Aid Week (10-16 May)

As you may be aware Christian Aid week normally takes place in May. Due to the pandemic last year, we were unable to deliver envelopes and collect donations from Duns Tew. It will be similar this year, but with some changes. We will be delivering envelopes through your doors, but there will be several addresses where you can return the donations to during Christian Aid week 10-16 May. Details of collection points will be given next month and will be attached to the envelope. For more information, please contact sarahtaylor27.st@gmail.com, Tel: 340827

Benefice Facebook Page

Please remember to look at our Facebook page, and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/. You can still look at our Facebook page even if you do not have a Facebook account.

Resources for worship at home during Lockdown

The benefice website publishes the reflections, readings and prayers for each Sunday. On this website you will also find, amongst other things, the Notice Sheet, order of service, details of up-and-coming services and groups and when churches are open for private prayer. Just visit: www.bartonbenefice.org.uk or

Looking for volunteers to help with a project to explore live-streaming services from our churches

We would like to explore live-streaming services so that when we are back in church, we can be in touch with as many people as possible. If you have a little time and/or experience of audio-visual technology or live streaming and could help us with a bit of research into this project, please contact Clare or Fran. DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk frances@bartonbenefice.org.uk

Church Fete 2021 deferred to 2022

We have decided not to hold our usual fete this year because of the uncertainty over the timing of the end of all Covid restrictions. We feel that it is also likely that people’s priority will be to catch up with family, friends and trips away, where possible. We will continue with our monthly fund-raising, so keep a look out for forthcoming events throughout the coming months.

Plant stall for May

We plan to hold a plant sale in some form in May, so please pot up any spare herbaceous plants or sow a few extra seeds to donate, if you can.

Lockdown Pop-Up Church Bistro

Thank you to everyone who supported our recent Pop-Up Bistro. We will be having our fourth lockdown pop-up church bistro on Saturday 3 April, subject to any change in the current situation, which will be a 2 course supper. All to be delivered on Saturday, 3 April.

Price £10.00

Giving to the work of your parish church & benefice

While we continue to meet on Zoom more frequently than in our churches, we ask for your continued support through giving, if you are able to do so. We cannot take a collection during online services but encourage offerings in a number of ways. For more information do see the website (select the “Giving” button on the homepage) www.bartonbenefice.org.uk or email: accounts@bartonbenefice.org.uk.

Our Charities

Charity of the Quarter

We are supporting Dementia Oxfordshire (www.dementiaoxfordshire.org.uk) from April to June. Dementia Oxfordshire is a partnership between Age UK Oxfordshire and Dementia UK. It provides specialist dementia services, available free to people living with dementia and their families living in Oxfordshire. The charity’s aim is to ensure that people have the best available information, advice and support they need to live the life they have to the full. For more information on how to make a donation through the PCC, please contact Carol Rigby (dunstewpcc@gmail.com) or phone 340632.

Polly

Despite the latest lockdown, Polly continues to work with the homeless and vulnerable in Banbury. She feels her “lads and lasses” need her support more than ever at the moment. If you can spare any food items (tins/biscuits/packets etc), or cheques (payable to Polly Preedy), please bring them to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane, Duns Tew, OX25 6JH or ring Clare on 01869 347382. Polly has enough clothing at the moment.

Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked.

Any queries: Clare 347382 DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk . Thank you for all your help.

Church 

As the country has entered a new period of lockdown, we have re-located all the benefice church services onto Zoom.  However, as this is an ever-changing situation, please check the Benefice website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk, the church notice board (located to the left of the lychgate, or contact Clare Burgess DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk  for the latest information with regard to services.  

Duns Tew church will be open for private prayer, generally between 9am and dusk. For opening times of other churches in the Benefice check the website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk.  Visitors to our churches are requested to observe all current Covid-19 regulations and recommendations NHS Covid 19 Track and Trace app. If you can, do download the NHS app to your phone https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/nhs-covid-19/ and scan the QR code when visiting our churches.

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom.   Log-in is from 9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am.  Please email  zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk for further details on how to join. If you would like to receive weekly church notices by email, contact Clare 347382, email: DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm.  Log-in details are on the weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet.  For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk

Coffee and Prayer Group on Zoom

During lockdown there will be a Zoom Coffee and Prayer Group on Wednesday mornings at 11.30 am.  This will be informal and group-led for parishioners in the Barton and Cherwell Valley Benefices which will last about half an hour.  Information on joining the group, queries or prayer requests can be emailed to prayergroup@bartonbenefice.org.uk or by contacting Frances or Sally Anne on 01869 345689. 

Advance Notice

Women’s World Day of Prayer, 7pm, Friday 5^th March 

The service this year has been written by the women of Vanuatu, islands in the South Pacific. It will go ahead as usual, but most probably on Zoom. More details next month, but if you would like to play a part please contact DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk.

Benefice Facebook Page:  Please remember to look at our Facebook page, and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/.  You can still look at our Facebook page even if you don’t have a Facebook account.

Keeping In Touch During Lockdown

As we are in lockdown and many of us have to self-isolate again, these winter days can seem very bleak.  So, if you fancy a regular phone call to stay in touch please contact one of us on the list below. This is in addition to the ‘Spreading Kindness Duns Tew’ initiative.

Lockdown Pop-Up Church Bistro

Following the success of Dine In Delivered last July and our Italian Supper in January, we are intending to offer, subject to any change in the current situation, a 2 course supper with a box of homemade chocolate for Valentine’s.  All to be delivered on Saturday, Feb 13th Valentine Meal. Deadline for orders is 6 February. Price £12.50 or £5 for an extra box of chocolates.

Lockdown pop-up Church bistro | 0.00 KB

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Lockdown pop-up Church bistro chocolates | 0.00 KB

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Our Charities 

Charity of the Quarter

We are supporting SeeSaw from January to March.  This charity provides bereavement counselling for children, young people and their families in Oxfordshire through appropriate and timely support, including telephone conversations, home visits and tailored individual support for instance when a parent or sibling is dying.  For more information: https://www.seesaw.org.uk/

Thanks to generous donations during 2020 the following support was given to the following Charities of the Quarter: MOP £132, Samaritans £135, Polly £917 and Katharine House £194.  In addition, the Christmas appeal raised £225 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, £185 for the Children’s Society and £150 for Open Doors.  Thank you for your support.

Polly 

To continue to make donations to Polly both financial and in kind please either make an on-line payment to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference ‘Polly’.  Alternatively, please take cash/cheques (payable to Polly Preedy) and any clothing or food (baked goods/tinned/packets) to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane.  

Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382 DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk. 

Thank you for all your help. 

Church 

Whilst the latest Lockdown 3.0 continues, there will be no “in person” services in any of the Benefice churches for the time being. Our friendly Zoom services will continue for the foreseeable, every Sunday at 09.30am. If you would like to join us, please email Zoom@bartonbenefice.org.uk . All you need to do is click on the link that will be sent to you, at the relevant start time.

Duns Tew Church will be open for private prayer from approximately 9am to dusk each day. Please sanitise your hands on entering and leaving.

For details of resources for worshipping at home, please check the Benefice website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk, the church notice board (located to the left of the lychgate), or contact Clare Burgess (347382, DTclare@bartonbenefice.org.uk). There are Weekly Bible Study and Prayer groups within the Benefice, plus a variety of programmes on BBC TV and Radio, and free apps etc.

When services in church resume, they will be advertised on the church noticeboard. Under Covid-19 restrictions if you wish to attend one of the services in church, please let Steph Lacey know by the afternoon of the day before each service, by phoning 347350 or by emailing services@bartonbenefice.org.uk

Come into the Light

Thank you to everyone, children and adults, for braving the awful weather to come to our “Come into the Light” event.  We so enjoyed hearing the children re-tell the Christmas story, which had a definite 2020 twist!  Many thanks to everyone who read and acted, to Diane Thornton for her script, to Gareth and Beth who lent us the sound system and to everyone who came.  Thank you also for the many messages sharing appreciation for the goody-bags and for the amazing collection of photos. 

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom.   Log-in is from 9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am.  Please email  dunstewpcc@gmail.com for further details on how to join. If you would like to receive weekly church notices by email, contact Clare 347382, email: clarebugress@gmail.com

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm.  Log-in details are on the weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet.  For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 

studythebible@bartonbenefice.org.uk. 

Benefice Facebook Page:  Please remember to look at our Facebook page, and follow us on 

www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/.  You can still look at our Facebook page even if you don’t have a Facebook account. 

Choir News Not Yet …….. But Soon!

Although there are still many restrictions around singing in churches, we want to be ready to launch our two new choirs as soon as we are able.  We want to welcome children, young people as well as adults to make music at our services in all the different villages of our Benefice.

We are planning to offer uplifting modern music as well as ancient motets and time-honoured favourites.  So let us know if you are interested in singing, accompanying, learning encouraging, playing instruments or percussion or participating in any way at all!  To register potential interest (no need to commit yourself yet), or ask for more information, please email choir@bartonbenefice.org.uk or ring Frances on 07880 518744, or Clare on 01869 347382

Christmas Lights for the Church 

A very big thank you to freelance lighting designer, Tony Simpson, who designed and installed the amazing lights for the outside of Duns Tew Church and back lit some of its windows.  Our thanks also go to Matt Ilott of Christie Lights who helped with the installation and to White Light Ltd who sponsored the lighting.  It brought some much needed festive cheer to the village in these difficult times. 

If you enjoyed the lights you can make a donation to Tony’s chosen charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, details of which can be found in the charities section below. 

Our Charities 

Charity of the Quarter

We are supporting SeeSaw from January to March.  This charity provides bereavement counselling for children, young people and their families in Oxfordshire through appropriate and timely support, including telephone conversations, home visits and tailored individual support for instance when a parent or sibling is dying.  For more information: https://www.seesaw.org.uk/

Not too late to support our Christmas Charities: We supported 3 additional charities over Christmas this year.  These were: Open Doors (International aid for persecuted Christians.) www.opendoorsuk.org. The Children’s Society (Helping children who are victims of abuse, exploitation and neglect.) www.childrenssociety.org.uk. Thames Valley Air Ambulance (Providing the best possible chance of survival and recovery when the worst happens) www.tvairambulance.org.uk.

You can make a donation, via the PCC, in a number of ways: online to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference Christmas if you wish your donation to be shared equally between the three charities, or to donate specifically to one use the following reference:

Open Doors: Doors    
Children’s Society: Child
Thames Valley Air Ambulance: Air

Cheques payable to Duns Tew PCC or cash can be dropped off at 2 Longfield or Nonesuch, Hill Farm Lane.

More information next month on how much was raised.

Polly – Reverse Advent Calendar Boxes

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Reverse Advent Calendar Boxes for Polly. Polly was so touched when I took the first batch of food and gifts for the poor. She loves her work with these vulnerable people, but your help makes it much easier for her to help them.  In addition we were able to give her £450 through your generous donations.

To continue to make donations to Polly both financial and in kind please either make an on-line payment to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference ‘Polly’.  Alternatively, please take cash/cheques (payable to Polly Preedy) and any clothing or food (baked goods/tinned/packets) to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane.  

Please do not leave items outside the church if it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382.  Thank you for all your help. 

Duns Tew Book Group 

Book Group – On Thursday 14 January at 8pm we will be holding our annual book group social and planning meeting on Zoom. So, why not drop in, with a glass of something in hand, and help us select our books for 2021.  As 2020 was not a year for travel and as there is on-going uncertainty as to where we will be able to go in 2021, we thought that perhaps travel could be a theme for our book choices.  Meetings are held monthly, usually on a Wednesday at 8pm, currently on Zoom, but we will hopefully be able to revert to meeting in person during the year. The journey begins on Wednesday, 10th February when to start things off we will be discussing Middle England by Jonathon Coe – “a wry, mercilessly funny novel of modern Britain and the madness of Brexit”.  If you would like to join us please contact Carol Rigby (nonesuchcarol@gmail.com) for further information and zoom details.  

Due to Covid-19, our Advent and Christmas celebrations will look different this year, with many of our regular features having to be cancelled or done in a different way. However, living in a year of uncertainty the one thing we do know for certain is that what we are permitted to do can change very quickly. So please check the Benefice website www.bartonbenefice.org.uk, the church notice board (located to the left of the lychgate, or contact Clare Burgess (347382 clarebugress@gmail.com) for the latest information with regard to services and the opening of the church. The proposed schedule for December around the Benefice is:

Any services in the churches will be under Covid-19 restrictions. If you wish to attend, please let Steph Lacey know by the afternoon of the day before each service, by phoning 347350 or by emailing services@bartonbenefice.org.uk (please note this new address). Please wear face-coverings whilst in church.

Come into the Light

This will take place on Sunday, 13 December, at 3.30pm when we will celebrate Christmas as a time when Jesus brought light and love into the world. It is for all ages and we hope to hold this event in our churchyard, against the wonderful backdrop of our lights. Bring chairs, torches and dress up as your favourite character in the nativity story. If we are unable to hold it outside due to either Covid restrictions or the weather, then the event will transfer online to Zoom. So please check on social media and our website beforehand. Please book your space beforehand by phoning 347350 or by emailing services@bartonbenefice.org.uk.

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom. Log-in is from 9.20am for a prompt start at 9.30am. Please email dunstewpcc@gmail.com for further details on how to join. If you would like to receive weekly church notices by email, contact Clare 347382, email: clarebugress@gmail.com

Benefice Bible Study on Zoom

The bible study group continues to meet on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Log-in details are on the weekly email which accompanies the notice sheet. For more details contact Maria on 01869 340826 m.coonick@btinternet.com.

Benefice Facebook Page: Please remember to look at our Facebook page, and follow us on www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/. You can still look at our Facebook page even if you don’t have a Facebook account.

Christmas Lights for the Church

We are delighted that freelance lighting designer, Tony Simpson, will be designing and installing some very special lights for the outside of Duns Tew Church. In a year of such uncertainty we hope that this will bring a sense of festive cheer to the village.

The lighting is kindly sponsored by White Light Ltd, one of the biggest lighting suppliers in the UK. www.whitelight.ltd.uk. Tony has worked with and for White Light for over 25 years and is currently lighting the Christmas@Stourhead lights trail for the same company that produces Christmas@Blenheim www.tonysimpson.com.

We had hoped that everyone would be able to attend a big switch-on, but sadly due to the current restrictions this will not be possible, but hopefully you will enjoy them as you visit or pass by the church during December.

If you enjoy the lights, please consider donating to Tony’s chosen charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance. See Christmas charities section below.

Christmas Is Coming

This year there are 4 very different Christmas cards available (50p each) for Christmas, not necessarily what you would normally expect to see inside the church!

In addition to the cards, an A4 spiral wall calendar entitled “Duns Tew Up Close & Local” is also available showing 12 different local views and is priced at £7. To place an order for the cards and/or calendar email us at dunstewpcc@gmail.com or phone Carol Rigby on (340632). Proceeds towards the upkeep of the church.

Our Charities

Charity of the Quarter

Katharine House Hospice provides specialist palliative care for adults who live locally with life limiting conditions as well as support for symptom management and pain relief. The care is offered throughout the local community including at the hospice in Adderbury, in people’s homes and care homes. For more information: www.khh.org.uk. To donate while church services are suspended please make an on-line payment to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference KHouse.

Christmas Charities

3 additional charities are being supported over Christmas this year:

• Open Doors (International aid for persecuted Christians.) www.opendoorsuk.org
• The Children’s Society (Helping children who are victims of abuse, exploitation and neglect.) www.childrenssociety.org.uk
• Thames Valley Air Ambulance (Providing the best possible chance of survival and recovery when the worst happens.) www.tvairambulance.org.uk

Please make your donations via the collection in services, or make an on-line payment to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference Christmas if you wish your donation to be shared equally between the three charities, or to donate specifically to one use the following reference:

Open Doors: Doors Children’s Society: Child Thames Valley Air Ambulance: Air

Cheques payable to Duns Tew PCC or cash can be dropped off at 2 Longfield or Nonesuch, Hill Farm Lane.

Polly – Reverse Advent Calendar Boxes

Once again we would like to set Duns Tew the challenge of making Reverse Advent Calendar Boxes for Polly’s homeless and vulnerable people in Banbury The idea is that each day, throughout December, you collect something suitable for someone who lives in hostel type accommodation or is sleeping rough. This could be a gift of sweets or chocolates, toiletries, a packet of biscuits, some tins of soup or even a pair of warm gloves, however, please don’t wrap the individual items. Please bring your bags/boxes to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane, Duns Tew, OX25 6JH by 22nd December. Ring 347382 for more info.

Polly is extremely grateful for all our continuing support, particularly, as many of her normal sources of surplus food and clothing have dried up due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To continue to make donations to Polly both financial and in kind please either make an on-line payment to Duns Tew PCC, Sort Code: 30-90-42 (Lloyds) Account No: 00096480 reference ‘Polly’. Alternatively, please take cash/cheques (payable to Polly Preedy) and any clothing or food (baked goods/tinned/packets) to Clare Burgess, 5 Hill Farm Lane.

Please do not leave items outside the church while it is locked. Any queries: Clare 347382. Thank you for all your help

2020 December Church newsletter | 0.00 KB

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