Rescheduled Concert by Bilton Grange School

To raise money for two important charities, the All Saints' Church Roof Appeal and Hope and Homes for children, musicians at Bilton Grange Preparatory School are preparing to perform at All Saints’ Church, Braunston at concert on Friday 26th February at 7pm. All are welcome at the concert, which is free although there will be a retiring collection and the money raised will be divided equally between the two charities. Hope and Homes for Children is a UK based charity working in central and Eastern Europe and Africa to help deprived children grow up within the love of a family and the security of a home; it is a charity that All Saints' Church have supported for over 10 years.

The concert will feature a wide range of music that will appeal to all, and which will be performed by the School’s senior choir (ages 10-13), the junior choir (ages 8-10) and the concert band, as well as several solo performances. Well known music such as the theme from Harry Potter and ‘Wishing you were somehow here again’ from Phantom of The Opera.

This is not a ticketed event and all are welcome.

Diary for December and January at All Saints' Church

CHURCH SERVICES – DECEMBER 2009

Wednesday 16th December
4pm CHRISTINGLE- ALL WELCOME!
Saturday 19th December
3pm DCTiD- Carol Singing outside Waitrose in Daventry
Sunday 20th December
8am Holy Communion
11am Family Communion
5pm Ashby Carol Concert
7-30pm NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS – Braunston
Tuesday 22nd December
6.30pm CAROLS @ THE VILLAGE- start outside Londis
Thursday 24th December
2pm CRIB SERVICE – Ashby
3.30pm CRIB SERVICE – Braunston
11.00pm MIDNIGHT MASS – Braunston
Friday 25th December
CHRISTMAS DAY
11am Joint Christmas Family Communion- Braunston
Sunday 27th December
11am Team Holy Communion at Welton
NO SERVICES at Braunston

CHURCH SERVICES – JANUARY 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sunday 3rd January
9.15am Holy Communion- Ashby
11am Holy Communion - Braunston
Monday 4th January
2pm Little Fishers – Parish Room
7.30pm Choir Practice
Wednesday 6th January
10am Holy Communion
4-30pm Evening Prayer - Ashby
Sunday 10th January
8am Holy Communion
9-15am Holy Communion– Ashby
11am Family Service
Monday 11th January
2pm Little Fishers – Parish Room
7.30pm Choir Practice
Wednesday 13th January
4-30pm Evening Prayer – Ashby
7pm Holy Communion
7-45pm PCC Meeting – Parish Room
Sunday 17th January
8am Holy Communion
9-15am Holy Communion – Ashby
11am Holy Communion with kids club
Monday 18th January
2pm Little Fishers – Parish Room
Wednesday 20th January
10-30am Holy Communion
4-30pm Evening Prayer – Ashby
Sunday 24th January
8am Holy Communion
9.15am Holy Communion- Ashby
11am Holy Communion
Monday 25th January
2pm Little Fishers – Parish Room
7.30pm Choir Practice
Wednesday 27th January
10-30am Holy Communion- Braunston
4-30pm Evening Prayer- Ashby
Sunday 31st January
8am Holy Communion
11am Family Communion
4pm Family Service –Ashby

December Vicar's Talk

Dear friends,

“Merry Xmas everyone!”

As you receive this magazine the count down to Christmas will be well and truly underway. Although this time of year is very special, the preparation for Christmas is not for the faint hearted! There are a lot of things to tick off the list before December 25th …

Ø Ordering the turkey
Ø Buying presents
Ø Making costumes for the children’s nativity play
Ø Writing Christmas cards and
Ø Not missing the last date for posting overseas!
Ø Attending work parties
Ø Etc,etc,etc….

The lead up to Christmas swings from celebration, even elation, to times of stress. And of course for some Christmas is a time to be tolerated- a painful reminder of the fact that someone special is not around this year. We are very mindful of the families who are without someone special because of them serving overseas- and they will be very much in our prayers.

There is a danger – in the shops, on TV adverts and even when writing Christmas cards ( particularly when suffering writers cramp!) that the celebration is abbreviated to ‘Xmas’.Yet to miss out the word ‘Christ’ altogether is to empty the festivity of all it’s true meaning.

All that’s best about Christmas: goodwill to all people, charitable giving, time with the family, giving and sharing- is summed up not in the word ‘X’ but in the word ‘Christ’.
For as it says in Hebrews Chapter 1: ‘He is…the exact imprint of God’s very being.’ When this little baby was born in the back streets of Bethlehem in the Middle East 2000 years ago not only the shepherds but the angels sang for joy. For God became one of us- so that we could be led back to Him. The DNA of God is in his son- this little baby would grow up to show us the way- the way of love, justice and mercy.

Christmas is an opportunity to sing a song to God of thanks for His gift to us- the gift of His Son. For ‘love came down at Christmas’.

Have a wonderful Christmas this year - but please don’t leave Christ out of Christ-mas.

‘Come and worship Christ the Lord!’

Revd Claire Rose-Casemore

CONCERT CANCELLED

CONCERT CANCELLED

Tonight - Friday 13th at 7pm-
the Bilton Grange School Concert has sadly
had to be cancelled owing to many
of the children being ill with a bug
that is going around the School.
The Concert will be postponed until
next year-
so do see this website for news of
when that will be.
Apologies for any inconvenience.

Best wishes to the children and staff
at Bilton Grange School. We hope and pray they
will soon feel better.

Revd Claire and All Saints Church PCC

November Services and Events

CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS NOVEMBER 2009

ALL SAINTS DAY - Sunday 1st November
11am Team Holy Communion – Braunston
Monday 2nd November
2pm Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
Wednesday 4th November
10.30am Holy Communion – Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Remembrance Sunday 8th November
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
9.15am Holy Communion - Ashby
11am Family Service on the theme of ‘Peace’– Braunston
3pm British Legion Uniformed Service – Braunston
Monday 9th November
9.30am Deanery Chapter Holy Communion- Braunston Church
2pm Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
Tuesday 10th November
1.30pm ‘Teddy Tuesday’ Service for the Under 5s at holy Cross Church
Wednesday 11th November
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
7pm Holy Communion – Braunston
7-45pm PCC Meeting – Braunston
Friday 13th November
7-00pm Bilton Grange Concert- Braunston
Saturday 14th November
2pm Christmas Fair – Village Hall Braunston
Sunday 15th November
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
9.15am Holy Communion - Ashby
11am Holy Communion – Braunston
6-30pm Joint Choral Evensong – St Martins, Welton
Monday 16th November
2pm Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
7-30pm Friends of Ashby Meeting – Braunston Rectory
Wednesday 18th November
10.30am Holy Communion – Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Thursday 19th November
7.30pm Churches Together Meeing - Daventry
Saturday 21st November
7-30pm Swinglers Concert – Braunston Church
Sunday 22nd November
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
11am Family Communion – Braunston
4pm Family Service- Ashby
Monday 23rd November
2pm Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
Wednesday 25th November
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Thursday 26th November
7-30pm Ashby PCC – Ashby
Sunday 29th November
11am Joint Team Holy Communion - Staverton
No Services at Braunston and Ashby
6-30pm Deanery Advent Carols – Holy Cross, Daventry

November Vicar's Talk

Dear friends,

Having just got back from Iona I picked up a tea towel for my parents with this Celtic Prayer on it:

Deep peace of the running waves to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of peace to you.

The person who wrote this obviously found his or her peace in Creation, and walking in nature. Where do your find peace? I’m sure if you have children it can be difficult! But when they are playing happily there is that inner peace which is quite special.

In our busy world it can be hard to find peace, especially as we receive news of the war in Afghanistan and in our own personal lives experience troubles. Strife without and within ourselves can cause stress and anxiety.

On Remembrance Day we will be thinking not only of the men and women who laid down their lives for World peace- the most amazing sacrifice- which is still hard to comprehend. But in the morning All age Service we will be thinking about where we find peace and how we celebrate it- in ourselves, and between ourselves. Please do come and join us on November 8th for the 11am All Age ‘Peace’ Service or 3pm Remembrance Day Uniformed Service.

At this time of year we think of those who paid the price yesterday so that we can enjoy freedom today. It’s good to reach our full potential and use the many talents we have to say ‘thank you’. Reaching for the sky! Children are great at this- seeing there are no limits to what you can do- and if you have a good teacher ‘wow’ the opportunities are endless! Bilton Grange School is coming to Church to put on a Concert on the evening of November 13th and I’m sure we will be bowled over by their talent. It may even encourage us to develop our own talents- particularly if they haven’t been aired for a while! The school are very kindly supporting All Saints Church with our roof appeal and the Village Charity: ‘Hope and Homes’-so please come and support them/us that evening. The Swingle Singers are also coming to the village on November 21st and supporting us. They have to be heard to be believed- such is their talent- so please do put that date in your diaries!

Good Teachers are important as role models. At School this Friday we have ‘heroes and saints’ day. I have as yet not chosen who I’m going to dress up as … but I can think of many people who have inspired me- both heroes and saints. I’m sure we could all make up quite a list! Our Church is named not only after one Saint- but All the Saints! And on the 1st November we have our Team Service- 11am at Braunston to celebrate our Patronal- it will be an hours Service and there will be activities available for the children. Do come!

Hidden in this Vicar’s ramble you may have picked up the fact that we have a ‘roof problem’ at Church. The present roof has served us for 160 years and it showing signs of wear and tear. Over 10 years we need to gradually replace it. If you have any suggestions as to how we might fundraise I’m sure we would be grateful to receive them. The great thing is working together we know all things are possible- so thank you for your on going support.

Peace be with you.
Revd Claire


May I add my own personal thanks to all those who gave so generously towards this Harvest . The gifts of produce were plentiful and people’s donations very generous. Thankyou too to Brenda Hobbs for her planning, Belinda Poore from ‘Hope and Homes’ for her inspired talks at both the School and at the Harvest Supper. Thank you too to those who provided and served the food at the Supper and thank you to our renowned Auctioneer- Barrie Thompson! As well as being a lot of fun- we will have helped many people to plant and sow for a better Harvest in Africa.

November Vicar's Talk

October Diary

CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS OCTOBER 2009

Wednesday 30th September
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Thursday 1st October
7.30pm Confirmation- Kislingbury
Saturday 3rd October
11.15am ASHBY PATRONAL celebrating 800 YEARS- Ashby
Sunday 4th October
9.15pm Holy Communion- Ashby
11am HARVEST FAMILY SERVICE - Braunston
3pm Harvest Songs of Praise – Braunston
6.30pm Gospel Concert- Ashby Church
Monday 5th October
2pm Harvest Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
6.30pm Harvest Supper- in the School Hall
Wednesday 7th October
10.30am Holy Communion – Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Thursday 8th October
7.30pm Confirmation class- Holy Cross Church
7.30pm Ashby PCC
Sunday 11th October
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
9.15am Holy Communion - Ashby
11am Holy Communion – Braunston
Monday 12th October
2pm Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
Wednesday 14th October
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
7.45pm Braunston PCC
Thursday 15th October
7.30pm Confirmation Class- Holy Cross Church
Sunday 18th October
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
9.15am Holy Communion- Ashby
11am Parish Communion – Braunston
Monday 19th October
2pm Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
Wednesday 21st October
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Thursday 22nd October
7.30pm Confirmation class- Braunston Rectory
Sunday 25th October
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
11am Family Communion – Braunston
4pm Family Service- Ashby
6.30pm Team Service of Remembrance and Light- Holy Cross, Daventry
Monday 26th October
HALF TERM 2pm No Little Fishers, in the Parish room – Braunston
Wednesday 28th October
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Sunday 1st November
11am ALL SAINTS PATRONAl – Braunston

Car Treasure Hunt

Car Treasure Hunt

Friday 7th August

Cars leave from All Saints’ Church between 6pm & 6-30pm

£10 per person for Treasure Hunt, Two Course Meal & Wine

(Family tickets are available, please ask Rev Claire)

The meal is served at 8-30pm in the Parish Room at Church

Come for a brilliant & fun evening!

Church Services for August 2009

CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS AUGUST 2009

Sunday 2nd August
9.15pm Holy Communion- Ashby
11am Holy Communion - Braunston
No All Saints’ Kids Club (Sunday School broken up for School holiday,
back on September 6th)
6.30pm Evensong- Braunston
Wednesday 5th August
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
7.30pm CtiD –Methodist Church- Daventry
Friday 7th August
CAR TREASURE HUNT
Start from Church between 6.00pm-6.30pm, followed by a meal
back at the Church and the results-All welcome!
Saturday 8th August
2.30pm Wedding- Braunston
Sunday 9th August
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
9.15am Holy Communion - Ashby
11am Family Service- Braunston
Holiday Club runs from 10th- 14th August
9am-12pm. At the Methodist Church, Daventry
Wednesday 12th August
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Sunday 16th August
8am Holy Communion - Braunston
9.15am Holy Communion- Ashby
11am Parish Communion – Braunston
5.30pm CtiD BBQ at Braunston Rectory
Wednesday 19th August
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Friday 21st August
11.30am Wedding- Braunston
Sunday 23rd August
8am Holy Communion
11am Parish Communion- Braunston & Ashby
Wednesday 26th August
10.30am Holy Communion - Braunston
4.30pm Prayer at Ashby Church
Sunday 30thAugust
11am Joint Team Service- Catesby
No Services at Ashby or Braunston-
Please turn up at All Saints’ at 10.40am
for a lift to Catesby
Mondays 7.30pm Choir Practice
Mondays 2pm (silent Bellringing Practice) and
Thursdays 7.30pm Bellringing Practice

August Vicar's Talk

Dear friends,

As I was deliberating what to write for this month’s BVN I received one of those ‘round robin’ e-mails. It’s a true story of how a Pastor in Broklyn enthusiastically began at his new Church in October. The Church was run down and dilapidated and he and his wife set a goal- that everything would look ship-shape for the Christmas Eve service. Things were on track – but then on the 19th December there was a huge storm and when the Pastor went into take a look inside the Church on 21st his heart sank. The roof had leaked and behind the pulpit was a 20ft x 8ft area where the plaster had fallen off. He reconciled himself to thinking that they wouldn’t be able to have the Christmas Eve Service after all.

Then on the way home in the local town he noticed a local business was holding a jumble sale for charity. Amongst the items for sale was a tablecloth. It was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with fine colours and a Cross right in the centre. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall and that’s what he did.

When he returned to put the tablecloth up he noticed a lady who had just missed her bus and she was standing in the snow. He invited her into Church to receive shelter and went ahead fastening the tablecloth to the wall. When he had finished he noticed the lady looked very white. She asked where he had got the table cloth from and he explained- she asked him to check the bottom right hand corner- it said EBG. She explained that she had made that tablecloth 35 years before when she and her husband had lived in relative prosperity in Austria. Then the war had come and although she escaped to safety her husband had been captured by the Nazis, sent to prison and she had never seen him again.

The pastor volunteered to give her back the tablecloth- but she said he was to keep it for the Church. Gratefully the pastor insisted on driving the lady home.

The Christmas Eve Service did happen- and it was a joyful and happy occasion. The Church was full. At the end of the service there was one man who hadn’t moved from his seat- and who was staring at the tablecloth. He asked where the pastor had got it. He said it was identical to the one his wife had made 35 years ago, before the war, before he was imprisoned. Since then he had never seen his wife again.

The pastor said he would take the man for a ride. He drove to the same house where he had taken the woman three days earlier. They climbed the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment and then he witnessed the greatest Christmas reunion you could ever imagine!

Well that was the story I received tonight. And you may think it far fetched or sentimental- or a very moving story. But when I read it I thought of those ‘co-incidences’ that I come across in ministry- which so often are God-incidents. They are stories I hear from you. Like ‘I was in the right place at the right time’, ‘I met so and so and s/he said something which has really changed my mind about something.’ Or ‘we have been put in touch with someone who can really help us’. I don’t think these are accidents. I think if we believe in God and His care for us ‘things do work out’. Maybe they work out in a way we would never predict, but none the less they work out. Sometimes I find God seems as though He has gone on his holiday- and then I hear one of your stories and my heart gives a leap. ‘Sorry Lord when I doubt you!’

So look out for these stories- maybe during the holiday we have more of an opportunity to hear and tune into the remarkable works of a loving God in all our lives!

God is blessing you- just listen and look!

Have a wonderful holiday,

Revd Claire

Historical Plans

The Church Plans Online website has some interesting historical plans of All Saints' church.