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Happy New Year To know Jesus Christ and to make him knownTo know Jesus Christ and to make him knownTo know Jesus Christ and to make him knownTo know Jesus Christ and to make him known....

January January January January 2018201820182018

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And so we embark on another new year – 2018. Someone remarked to me the other day that getting to the millennium seemed to take a very long time, but once we were there the years seemed to slip past at a great rate. So here we are!

We will all be wishing each other A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year, but what does 2018 hold for us and for the world as a whole? If 2017 is anything to go by – more of the same and probably worse! Sorry, am I becoming overly pessimistic? No, I think I’m simply being

realistic – reading the signs of the times.

In Dinorah (the choral society attached to Ploërmel Music School), we have recently been singing a song entitled ‘Give us hope’. It’s written with young people in mind – there is a line which goes ‘we are the future’ – yes, I know! But it is right, without hope we have nothing, and when we look at the world, the hope wears a little thin.

A couple of weeks ago I preached on Romans 15.13. ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’. It is to those words that I must return, and to which I want to direct you.

There isn’t much hope in the natural order of things, but if God really did send Jesus so as to reconcile us to himself because he loves us, if Jesus really did die on a cross for love of us and to fulfil his Father’s will, if God really did raise him from the dead and if we can thereby come into a personal relationship with God through whom the universe came into being, (you notice I only say if) then we owe it to ourselves to discover the truth and act one way or the other, or we could be in danger of missing out on something that can only be life-changing. Now read this paragraph again, leaving out if and see what the result is!

We can look for hope only in the God of hope, and we can find joy and peace in him alone. May we all discover this for ourselves before 2018 is out, and we’re looking ahead to 2019. Nevertheless, I want to wish you all a really Happy New Year!

Jeremy

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Rarely been to France! Never been to Brittany! We liked living in the UK, liked travelling and travelled quite extensively but we never really ever had the urge to live elsewhere.

It is hard to pinpoint when all this changed, or even how I came to be reading about the chaplaincy of Christ Church Brittany. The churches at Huelgoat and Rostrenen were far out in the west, quite some way from Ploërmel and their Priest in Charge. Believing that God had placed the thought in my mind that I should go and be useful, my husband Steve and I set off for a

week in June 2016 house hunting. Our map was marked with the locations of the two most westerly churches and only properties within a 10 mile radius of each were considered. God’s plan came together with considerable ease and our new house was purchased in December 2016.

Having given ourselves a year to begin some work on the house and to complete all our commitments in the UK we moved on 16th November. A time of great excitement but also sadness saying goodbye to so many people. Steve took early retirement from Social Ser-vices, I had taken early retirement in 2016 but continued to work part time for Social Ser-vices, work part time as a Dementia Friendly Church Enabler and serve as Associate Min-ister at St Joseph of Arimathea, in Wolverhampton.

That’s how I came to be here but now to say something about me and what I enjoy. While undertaking the dementia role, I encouraged people to make memory boxes filled with things that represented areas of their lives that are important to them that they would want people to talk to them about if they were experiencing memory problems. Here’s a quick glimpse in my box: A bible, a hymn book, a holding cross, pictures of my family (Steve and 3 children, Chris the teacher – living in Vietnam, Oliver the social worker, Liz the radiog-rapher married to Ryan living in Melbourne with our lovely granddaughter Isla), a race number, cycling glove and swimming hat (from years of fun with sport), an OS map with lots of contours, a copy of the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and of course a DVD of Star Trek – Next Generation.

I am really looking for-ward to getting to know you all and finding out about the things you would put in your box. I am also really looking forward to finding out the plans God has for me here and how I can be useful in his service.

Rev

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Joy pronouncing The Blessing at Huelgoat carol Service

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fter hearing Laura preach on the last Sunday before Advent, also known as the Feast of Christ the King, at Rostrenen, the subject matter dealt with the very

existence of Christ Church here in the heart of Brittany. As our dedication is Christ Church it is a day when Laura reminded us of the necessity to give thanks for our very existence. She led us through the very early days of the chaplaincy and talked about our former Bishop in Europe, Dr Geoffrey Rowell, who died earlier this year, and who suggested that we keep the day as our patronal festival. As Laura explained, we have not made much of this over the years but it provided, now, the opportunity to look back and give thanks for the way God has guided us and brought us to where we are today. It was a sermon which was delivered in the time frame appointed only allowing Laura to present this extremely interesting and important record “in a Nutshell”, something which proved inspirational and left many desiring more. Such was the interest, that even on the Sunday afternoon, I as the editor of the newsletter, received emails requesting that I approach Laura in the hope that she would provide a transcript of her sermon for publication.

If I were to ask Laura and Robin directly, they would instinctively stroke their chins and smile in their typically self-effacing and slightly embarrassed way, at the thought of their taking any sort of credit for the very important part they have played in making our chaplaincy the successful place it is today. So, instead I asked if I could interview them and, in that context, extract some cherished detail of theirs and others, not always forthcoming at first hand. As a result, the interview took place and Laura has provided me with much historical information with which I am able to refer and quote from directly.

It is likely to be a lengthy and interesting article but one I, and indeed others, wish for it to be placed on record. So, starting next month I shall present the first episode.

There will be amongst our readers those who may have been involved from the early beginnings of Christ Church and have something with which to contribute. If that is the case, will you please let me know, heading your mail “History Christ Church Brittany”

Editor

Such was the interest, that even on the Sunday afternoon, I as the editor of the newsletter, received emails requesting that I approach Laura in the hope

that she would provide a transcript of her sermon for publication.

AAAA

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Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us — and all of us will experience them — we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God.

The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God’s power to lift us

above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.

The wise man wrote, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future” (Eccl. 7:14). Solomon fairly well summarized life. There are good and bad days that attend our lives. Make the best of both. When things go well, rejoice and praise God; when they go wrong, and adversity attacks the soul, rest on the assurance that God is there and he cares. His goodness is shown in the providential help he offers in time of need.

“Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help (us) in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.

The Bible says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” —Isaiah 40:31

Eagles in a Storm

The Bible says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like

eagles.” —Isaiah 40:31

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When I received an email from the Handbell Society of Australasia to invite me to be guest conductor and featured composer at the HSA National Festival – “Bells by the Beach” – in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, I accepted pretty promptly. My daughter Stephanie and family live in Sydney, so it was a golden opportunity to visit them at the same time. I flew out

to Oz in mid-September to stay with Stephanie and to do the Grandad bit during the approaching school holidays.

The festival took place at the Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills, a few miles south of Port Macquarie. This beautiful venue is just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach (hence the festival title). As the festival was scheduled for the September/October holiday weekend, the family decided to come too. Stephanie booked a beach house for us all at a holiday resort – only 30 seconds from the beach!

Handbell teams from all over Australia, as well as New Zealand, took part in the festival. It was demanding weekend, but very enjoyable.

The festival took place at the Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills, a few miles south of Port Macquar-ie. This beautiful venue is just 10 minutes’ walk

from the beach (hence the festival title).

Francis Retreat Chapel

Port Macquarie, New South

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As guest composer, I had three handbell works and a choral piece performed (It’s nice when people like what you do, especially internationally). As the Festival was named “Bells by the Beach”, one of the organisers asked me if I would compose a fanfare around the tune “I do like to be beside the seaside”. I put

together a short fun-piece, which was performed as the opening number in the final concert.

On Sunday 1st October there was a service in the Francis Retreat Chapel, which is set in the beautiful grounds. As I took my seat, I noticed that there was no-

one sitting at the piano, but as I was early I just assumed that the accompanist would appear before the service began. With five minutes to go, in came some of the delegates with handbells. All the songs – “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow” (tune: Tallis’s Canon), “Glory be to God in heaven” (tune: Song of joy) and “Here I am, Lord” – were accompanied by bells alone. The service was taken by Dr Ruth Ellis, a minister who was attending the festival. It was a unique and memorable experience for me.

Sunday continued with workshops, final massed ringing rehearsals (Stephanie and family came to watch the latter, followed by lunch with us) and, of course, the final concert, which went very well. As the concert hall was largely taken up with handbell groups and their tables and bells, the audience members were squashed in everywhere as well as listening outside, such was the demand.

As guest composer, I had three handbell works and a choral piece performed (It’s nice when

people like what you do, especially internationally).

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Francis Retreat Chapel Grounds

This was followed by a Farewell Dinner with entertainment, and a good time was had by all. By the way, all the meals were excellent, prepared by friendly and helpful Francis Retreat staff. It was a great weekend, and it was a pleasure for me to work with such a cheerful, enthusiastic and friendly group of people, all sharing a passion for handbells.

After the festival ended, I rejoined the family (I’d only been with them late at night and in the early morning). They’d had a great time at the beach without me, so no problem. We spent an extra day there, vis-iting Port Macquarie on the Tuesday. But – guess what? – it started

raining! We still enjoyed the day – there are indoor things you can do, even in Australia. On the Wednesday we drove back to Sydney, where I spent the next week with the family and then returned to France. A happy three weeks!

Michael Coe

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Contributions for the January Newsletter accepted up to Mid Day Sunday 21st January

MINISTER :MINISTER :MINISTER :MINISTER :

The Rev Jeremy Cross Tel: 02 97 93 27 24

E-mail: jandscross@aol.com

CHURCH OFFICECHURCH OFFICECHURCH OFFICECHURCH OFFICE :14 rue Général Dubreton, 56800 Ploërmel

Web Site: www.churchinbrittany.com

CHURCHWARDENS AT PLOCHURCHWARDENS AT PLOCHURCHWARDENS AT PLOCHURCHWARDENS AT PLOëëëëRMEL: RMEL: RMEL: RMEL:

Norma Parker Tel: 02 97 75 42 37

e-mail: normajaneparker@rocketmail.com

Chris Wilson Tel: 02 97 72 19 29

e-mail : wilson.christopher@orange.fr

HUELGOAT: HUELGOAT: HUELGOAT: HUELGOAT:

Carole Turner Tel: 02 98 78 24 68

e-mail: carlen2@hotmail.co.uk

ROSTRENEN:ROSTRENEN:ROSTRENEN:ROSTRENEN:

Laura & Robin Hillman Tel: 02 97 51 74 2 6

e-mail kermoran@orange.fr

Contacts

NEWSLETTER: NEWSLETTER: NEWSLETTER: NEWSLETTER:

Editor: Editor: Editor: Editor:

Alfred Adgey e-mail church.newsletter@orange.fr

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Christ Church Brittany .. Christ Church Brittany .. Christ Church Brittany .. Christ Church Brittany ..

1. All things new, the year to come and CCB with our new Chaplain, Robin. We thank

God that he has heard our prayers, looked after us during the vacancy and we trust him to help us fulfil all his plans.

2. Jeremy, Interim Minister, and Suzanne, with our love and gratitude for his care of us all during the vacancy. We pray that they will now enjoy a peaceful retirement.

3. Robin and Donna as they make their preparations to come to Brittany and that their move and travel go smoothly and safely.

4. Diocesan Bishop Dr Robert Innes; Bishop David Hamid; Archdeacon Meurig Williams; Rural Dean Debbie Flach.

5. Joy Dale and her household.

6. The Ploërmel congregation. Père Pierre and the people of the RC parishes of the area in Brittany.

7. Service at Ploërmel 1st. Sunday of Epiphany Baptism of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

8. †ell - the good news of Jesus - "to know Jesus Christ and to make him known". CCB's witness to Christ among English speakers living in Brittany.

9. The Churchwardens, Norma and Chris assisted by Carole, Rob, Robin, Graham and Sue.

10. An outcome to the Brexit negotiations that allows for stability and a continuation of our lives in France.

11. The Chaplaincy Council meeting today at Rostrenen. The members of the Church Council and its officers, that they will prayerfully make the right decisions.

12. Our treasurer, Lena Linton, and all those who attend to the financial wellbeing of the Chaplaincy.

13. The Huelgoat congregation and the Worship Team. For Père Lommig and the people of the RC parishes of the area.

14. Services at Huelgoat, Ploërmel and Rostrenen. 2nd. Sunday of Epiphany

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah

Please pray for:

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Christ Church Brittany .. Christ Church Brittany .. Christ Church Brittany .. Christ Church Brittany .. .. Prayer Diary .. Prayer Diary .. Prayer Diary .. Prayer Diary JanuaryJanuaryJanuaryJanuary

15. †end - to those in need by loving service with the compassion of Jesus. The ministries of Les Mains Ouvertes, and Les Restos du Coeur.

16. Causes that the Chaplaincy supports, Friends of TREAD and Les Frères de La Mennais.

17. All forms of Outreach in CCB. That it continues to reach people and draws them to Church to hear about salvation through Jesus Christ.

18. The week of Prayer for Christian Unity

19. Service for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Church of St. Guénolé in St. Brieuc at 8pm.

20. Christian Unity and our Christian family all over the world, often struggling to worship in freedom.

21. Service at Ploërmel 3rd. Sunday of Epiphany

22. †ransform - situations where there is conflict, violence, exploitation or suffering from natural disasters. The migrant/ refugee crisis. Troubled parts of the world where people live with fear, injury and death.

23. Christian Unity. Lay Worship leaders: Carole, Chris, Graham, Kate, Maureen, Norma, Henk, Janet, Patrick and Joy. That they continue to be guided by the Spirit.

24. Everyone who works to maintain the growth and development of CCB.

25. Christian Unity on the last day of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

26. Robin Hillman, Secretary, Chris Wilson, Safeguarding Officer assisted by Alfred Adgey.

27. The congregation at Rostrenen; Père Jean-Marc and the people of the RC parishes of the area.

28. Services at Huelgoat, Ploërmel and Rostrenen 4th. Sunday of Epiphany Service for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity at Ploërmel

29. Robin and Donna arriving in Brittany. We thank God for sending them to us and we pray that they will achieve all that God asks of them and us.

30. †reasure the earth that God has created through and for Jesus.

31. Our neighbours at St Bartholomew's, Dinard, & Christ Church, La Manche.

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How often have we heard that said in our years of attending church, which means it’s usually time to appear to be busy doing something very important and claim later you never heard what was said! However on this occasion it was followed by “to learn how to bell ring” and I thought now that could be fun. It was the early eighties and we had moved to the small village of Corley in Warwickshire and had soon joined the parish church. There was a shortage of ringers and with a handful of weddings during the year we had to rely on help from the church in the next village to make up a team. So I had a chat with Arthur our bell captain and he convinced me I would be a natural, claiming I had the look of a campanologist and would soon “learn the ropes” I was quite impressed and said yes, I learned later I was the only volunteer and he was getting desperate! I was also impressed that ringers at a wedding were paid £10 on the day - cash. I also learned later that this was donated back to the church bell fund. So you can imagine that some of the appeal (no pun intended) had worn off as I arrived for my first lesson on a cold wintery evening. We don’t need the heating on, you will soon warm up said Arthur wearing a woolly hat and gloves, his breath forming clouds in front of him and a small droplet hanging on to the end of his nose for dear life. Now Corley church is one of only two or three in the

UK which has no actual bell tower, the bells are housed in the roof with the ropes hanging inside the church between the chancel and the nave. This is not the safest place to have bell ropes in operation during a service, but more of that later. I had therefore, watched the bells being rung on the odd service or wedding, I had also “volunteered” as emergency verger - fee donated back to church funds - you’re starting to get the picture. I have to say it looked fairly straightforward, there was even a 12 year old there that evening ringing away quite effortlessly albeit standing on a box, so I was ready to get started and more importantly get warmed up. Not yet said Arthur, I want to show you the bells and explain what damage can be done in the hands of a novice ringer. Show me the bells? All I could see was five bell ropes disappearing into small holes in the ceiling, Arthur starts squeezing himself behind the big pipe organ at the back of the church and reappears with a huge wooden ladder. Now he

was the local farmer, a big man who could probably carry a flock of sheep on his back through a snow drift and yet he was clearly struggling with this ladder. He pointed up 30ft to a small trap door, probably 3x2ft in size, clearly built for the 12 year old, and said that’s where we were going. And we did……… Next time…..Clappers, stays, sally, plain bob, call changes and the pub. Graham

“We don’t need the heating on, you will soon warm up said Arthur wearing a woolly hat and gloves, his breath forming clouds in front of him and a small

droplet hanging on to the end of his nose for dear life”.

Ready when you are GRAHAM!!

Step forward Graham ! Lay worship leader We need some volunteers”

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Visit La Source English Book Library and Visit La Source English Book Library and Visit La Source English Book Library and Visit La Source English Book Library and

Information Centre at Ploërmel Church.Information Centre at Ploërmel Church.Information Centre at Ploërmel Church.Information Centre at Ploërmel Church.

14 rue Général Dubreton, 56800 Ploërmel

Friday: 10.00 Friday: 10.00 Friday: 10.00 Friday: 10.00 –––– 12.0012.0012.0012.00

Sunday: 10.00 Sunday: 10.00 Sunday: 10.00 Sunday: 10.00 –––– 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 and 12.00 and 12.00 and 12.00 and 12.00 –––– 13.3013.3013.3013.30

THE PANTO PLOERMEL SOCIAL NIGHT

FRIDAY 26th JANUARY 2018 STARTING AT 7.00 PM

It is that time of year again folks (oh yes it is!) and this year’s promises to be even better than the last.

If you would like to come along and join in the fun pop your name down on the booking form located in the coffee room or let me know.

The cost is 7.50 Euros per person for a light 2 course supper (tickets need to be paid for in advance) but please remember to bring your own

drinks.

(Vegetarians can be catered for, please tick the ‘V’ box on the booking form)

elaine.wilson@orange.fr

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Gabby, a touching story.

The memory is a funny thing, it can be jolted by a smell, sound and all those old memories come flooding back. Last week we had a gale, it bought down a couple of trees across the road at the back of my house. It was similar in its nature to a storm over 4 years ago when Gabby came into my life. Like most people I put food out in the wintertime for the birds and over the years have tried to help other of God little wildlife, sometimes they stay for a short time to rest and a meal before flying off. Just like like a small hedgehog I was given to "look after" which

stayed for over 6 weeks to gain enough weight before leaving his temporary home. Others you know will not make it as a one way trip to the vet ensures they go peacefully and without pain. Gabby was my most difficult one to help, it was after a storm when I went up to the town centre I first saw him, or it could well have been a her, I don't know, sitting huddled in the corner of a second story flat window ledge. I knew the lady who lived there so I rang on the doorbell and said, “A new friend”? on realising what I was referring to, she yelled “get rid of it”. How she thought it could harm her when he was the other side of the window, I don't know. It shows how weak he was, as he let me pick him up without a fuss, so wrapped in an old towel and shoved under my coat, to bring his body temp up, I took Gabby home with me. I named him Gabriel after the archangel after the one with wings out of the Bible and he needed all the help he could get. Gabby was a little Tawny owl with its baby fluff among its feathers, he was cold and wet, after a small amount of warm water and honey given though a dropper he was placed into a cat basket on a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and another on put over the basket to keep the heat in and put in darken space, so he would stress less. The next problem was food, I had nothing in the house suitable for him, so I went up the road to a friend and asked for help, I did get an odd look, after all it’s not often a veggie asks for a beef burger but after explaining who it was for they went to the freezer and got one, he even defrosted it for me. A few bites later and after changing the hot water bottle I went about finding out the best meal plan for him. Another friend who is good with computers looked up on the net about owls. Another who lives next to a chicken farm asked the framer for any day old chicks who never survived to the next day. I am sure the French think all English people are a bit crazy but nevertheless a good food supply arrived over the weeks he was with me.

Karen’s corner

“I named him Gabriel after the archangel, after the one with wings out of the Bible and he needed all the help he could get.”

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Jez, my cat did her bit by bringing in mice and other titbits for him. I am not sure she was that happy, but an exchange of teats helped a bit, she was fascinated with Gabby and watched him at meal times. My whole life was turned upside down, it was like having a baby in the house as his body clock work at night time, so breakfast was about 10 at night then I got up a couple of time for snacks and supper about 6am. It was hard work and sometimes sitting there by candle light (I did not want to put on the light, in case it hurt his eyes) telling a small owl, you will never get big enough to fly off unless you eat, just a bit more mouse Gabby. He would sit on my lap on anoth-

er old towel and look at me with those big, beautiful eyes, some-times he would blink, and I thought, what long eyelashes you have. It was when Jez walked in his body would be one way and he could turn his head right round and watch her, he was so lovely. Af-ter a bit the cat basket was too small so with oddments of wood, wire, nails and a hammer and more luck than judgment I made a cage, of sorts in the garage for Gabby and he went outside, I tell you it’s a lot, lot colder at night at meal times in there. As he got bigger, stronger and could fly better the time for him to leave came, the weather forecast was for nicer weather in the days to come so with sadness one late evening I took him a mouse and told he it was time for him to make a life for himself and opened to door wide telling God go with you, I went inside as I could not bear to see him leave. There are times when I hear an owl calling out, I think of little Gabby and wonder if he did "make it". When you think of it, all those people who when asked for help rallied round to do so, it shows to kinds ness of others, even for a small owl. Thanks again Karen, this one really tugs at the heart strings. Editor

“……..so breakfast was about 10 at night then I got up a couple of time for snacks and supper about 6am. It was hard work and

sometimes sitting there by candle light (I did not want to put on the light, in case it hurt his eyes)”

The next Church Council will take place on Thursday 11th January. At 11.00am at ……………………..

This is you opportunity to engage with your councillor and have any matter on which you feel needs airing, raised at the council

meeting.

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A true friend When it comes to someone’s leaving our community and discovering it from “the pulpit,” shock permeates the gatherings. This was played out last week on Sunday when Jeremy quite casually announced, that “this is the last time I shall be taking services here at Rostrenen and Huelgoat”.

At our cosy chats over coffee, after the services shock was indeed palpable. Jeremy and Suzanne have served us well and their impromptu personal warmth will be greatly missed.

With Jeremy, we have become accustomed to his unique style, a style which is most engaging

allowing him to communicate freely and educate us in the way of Christ and the part we as his children must play in securing everlasting peace. The message is never dull or stuffy and the ability he possesses in that leisurely thumb through the bible, to find that supporting passage and deliver it with such conviction, makes one wish to hear more. It is a style, a warmth, a tangible love which permeates those privileged to hear him deliver the gospel.

I have perhaps been able, as the editor of the newsletter and member of the Rostrenen congregation, to get to know Jeremy a little more, in that when I have found it necessary to call on his advice, when editing, as I come across something with which I am unsure, his response has always been amiable, relaxed and what’s more, decisive. This is a quality I know many have encountered and one of the main reasons your guidance and support will be truly missed.

Jeremy, you and Suzanne have given freely, non-stipendiary too, great devotion, leadership and friendship that we shall miss. We earnestly hope that we may be privileged to hear you again sometime when perhaps, the lovely summer months entice you this far west. Our deep appreciation. Editor

Jess, Always the quietest

member of the congrega$on !

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A Packed Huelgoat Church

for Christmas Carols For the congregation at Huelgoat, the Christmas carol service is always very special. Firstly, it is a lovely warm and inclusive service with a chance to sing some of our favourite Christmas carols. But it is also a moment of real sharing and integration with the surrounding French communities. The church is full and, wonderfully, full of as many French as British, as many Catholics as Church of England, all meeting together in a single purpose; all trying to sing familiar and sometimes very unfamiliar words; all saying the Lord’s prayer

simultaneously in English and French and amazingly ending at the same moment; all excitedly rushing for a hot drink and piece of cake at the end.

Reverend Joy Dale lead the service, introducing herself in both languages, pointing out in beautiful French (OK, maybe a tiny little help from her husband with this) that she had only arrived in the country 4 weeks ago. This was met by a round of applause! She sat at the front, flanked by 4 French clergy, seemingly unfazed by the slightly unexpected arrival of extra children bearing candles, or offerings which moved place in the order of things, or even by the a cappella singing of 2 Breton Christmas carols.

Père Lommig brought us the Christmas message in French, with a translation given in English, a slightly sombre message recognising the pain in the world at this present time, but with the shining hope of Christmas still piercing the dark.

‘Si Dieu est avec nous, l’un de nous désormais, alors tous les espoirs nous sont permis : l’humanité peur relever la tête, l’avenir est à la joie, à la confiance et à la fraternité.

If God is with us, one of us now, then all hopes are allowed: humanity can raise its head, the future is one of joy, trust and fellowship one with another.

Janet

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To Locarn on a cold, wet afternoon. We very nearly changed our minds about going - not so much because of the weather but because we couldn’t find the advertised “parish church” on Google: several chapels in the surrounding area but no church identified. I toured the village using Street View and, lo, a glimpse of a spire and it is found. And, had we not gone, what an occasion we would have missed.

There were about 140 in the congregation. Being still very unfamiliar with the English-speaking family it was hard to estimate the split. But it was good to hear the voices of children who sounded at home in the church.

The crib was fully stocked, including the Magi and candles in an arc in front of it. One was lit before each reading. It was a sort of extended Advent wreath.

I never imagined 9-lessons-and-carols existed outside the Anglosphere (the format is less than 100 years old) but that is what we were treated to. A gallop through Advent: Penitence and the Second Coming, the Annunciation, the Journey, the Joyful News, and the Mystery. Christmas is the one time of the year when we appear unembarrassed about giving Mary centre stage.

The service was conducted by the Parish priest, a retired priest, a priest visiting from Haiti, and our own Revd. Joy. We were caught off-guard at the first French carol. Their convention is to start with the chorus, not the verse. Fortunately, the French family put us back on track. The second French carol, “Berger de Dieu, réveille-nous” (Shepherd of God, wake us up) was particularly beautiful.

It was fun seeing our French neighbours struggling as much with English as we were with French, and even more fun when we were all struggling with the carol in Breton.

Luke’s Nativity was read in Breton by the retired priest. He told Maggie that he knew no French until he went to school. I liked the Breton word for inn:“hostaleri” sounds far less respectable!

It was a dignified, measured, ceremonial delight managed with a very light touch.

William

Célébrer Noël à Locarn, 9 December

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How quickly the request for "mince pies again" goes out to the regular participants of our annual Christmas carol services in Redon and Ploërmel. It hardly seems like a year ago! The church in Redon is warm and welcoming and had been Christmassified by Alan and Bronwen with their usual flair. The Christchurch choir, under the leadership this year of Suzanne, as Michael was indisposed, had been practicing for weeks, and their 3 carols interspersed through the service gave a nice variety for the 150 congregation. The Christmas story unfolded in both English and French, with alternating carols and bible readings in both languages, and then Jeremy's talk was both amusing and thought provoking, and also translated as it went along so that nobody missed out on the true

message that he was giving. The following Sunday we did it all over again in a different venue. The Maison Mère in Ploërmel was out of action, so the Brothers had kindly offered us another room. Once again the singers, and a moving solo sung by Arthur, added to the feeling of celebration of the meaning of Christmas, and Jeremy led us through another bilingual service. Less people had found this different venue, but those who did were rewarded with a candlelight procession by the choir, and mulled wine and mince pies afterwards! It has become a popular feature of our carol services, and the mince pies are an added attraction for our French friends! Maybe next year there will be handbell ringing again to add another dimension to the service. Maybe next year we will increase our congregation numbers. Maybe next year I will manage to fit in all the French words to the carols and not arrive at the chorus with a line of French words unsung!! Joyous occasions and thanks to the many people who made it all possible." Sue

Carols at Redon and Ploërmel

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Sunday Services January Ploërmel 7th Epiphany 1 – Holy Communion 11.00am

14th Epiphany 2 – Prayer and Praise 11.00am

21st Epiphany 3 – Holy Communion 11.00am followed by a picnic lunch and then a joint Ecumenical service at 2.30pm to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. 28th Family Service with Holy Communion 11.00am

Rostrenen 14th Epiphany 2 – Holy Communion 10.30am

28th Epiphany 4 – Morning Prayer 10.30am Huelgoat 4th Epiphany 2 – Holy Communion 2.00pm

28th Epiphany 4 – Word and Worship 2.00pm

The views expressed in the contents of this Newsletter are those of our

contributors and not necessarily the views of Christ Church.

FAVOURITE HYMN SURVEY As so many of our congrega!ons are away for Christmas, the FINAL date to let me have

your favourite two hymns will now be 12th JANUARY 2018. The ‘Top Ten’ will then be in the FEBRUARY Newsle4er.

There are plenty of seats up Mmmmm