In August, we are continuing with our 9.30am Sunday Zoom service together with an 11am service at one of the benefice churches.  Whilst restrictions have been lifted, we anticipate that many individuals will wish to reduce risk by continuing to wear face masks and by keeping suitably distanced from others outside their immediate household.  We will also continue to have hand sanitiser available and a QR code for scanning.   

Sunday services in churches around the benefice – all at 11:00 except for 09:30 Zoom service

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 www.bartonbenefice.org.uk.  Please continue to scan the QR code when visiting our churches and make use of the sanitizers provided.

PCC Members

We would like to congratulate Rijke Haschen on becoming our newest member of the PCC team (Parochial Church Council). She will already be a familiar face to many of you who come to our Zoom services and hope that you will join us in extending a very warm welcome to her. 

Benefice Service on Zoom

The 30 minute internet-based Sunday morning service will continue on Zoom in August.  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 is having its summer break and will re-start on 7 September at 7.15pm.  It will then meet regularly on Tuesdays at 7.15pm on Zoom.   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 www.facebook.com/bartonbenefice/.  

Table Top Sale

Thank you to everyone who came and participated in our first Table Top Sale. A great deal of fun was had by all!

Save Our Angels

We are pleased to let you know that the glass conservators have now completed the cleaning and repair of our stained glass and in particular our wonderful Hardman East Window. Do pop in and have a look for yourself!

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.

SAVE THE DATE!

Ride & Stride Sponsored Bike Ride – Saturday 11^th September

The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust Ride & Stride event is going ahead this year! The website gives further details including some suggested routes. Whatever sponsorship you raise, half will go to our church in Duns Tew and half to the Oxfordshire Trust who help all churches with grants for repairs.

Please register using the Sign up on the Ride + Stride website https://ohct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/ or ask Sarah Taylor, 340826, for a sponsorship form or for more details.

SAVE THE DATE!

Fundraising Supper on Saturday 25 September 2021, 6.30pm

Duns Tew Village Hall, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, in aid of the Spafford Children’s Center, Jerusalem www.spaffordcenter.org.

Supper based on recipes from celebrity Palestinian chef Joudie Kalla’s famous book, Palestine on a Plate (signed copies available to buy). 

Tickets £30 to include two courses and mint lemonade; wine available to buy or BYO.

Booking details to follow.  Inquiries to Sara Bristow sara.cunningham3@btinternet.com or Susie Partridge susie@thepartridges.com 07974 916444

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.

Dementia (Oxfordshire) Update

We are very pleased to report that the final amount donated to Dementia (Oxfordshire), our charity of the quarter for April to June, was £700.  A big thank you to everyone who donated. 

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.