Advent Edition of Chaplaincy News December 2015

ChaplainCy newsUNIVERSITY OF BATH

There are also many other one off bookings in the Chaplaincy so please check with a Chaplain before presuming the room is free at all other times!

We also have a piano in the Chapel and a microwave in the kitchen, as well as a small library of Christian books and many different theological journals for you to read.

RegulaR weekly events in the ChaplainCyTERM TIME EVENTS IN THE CHAPLAINCY

8.30 - 9.00pm CU Prayer Group www.bathcu.org.uk

12.30 Holy Mass for Catholics & all friends in Chaplaincy For Churches in Bath see the Local Churches section on our web site www.bath.ac/chaplaincy

12.00 - 12.15 Lunch Time Prayers Angela1.15 - 2.00pm Rosary with Fr Bill and students 6.30 - 8.00pm Buddhist Meditation Group 8.00 to 9.30 pm - 1001 Nights Society

12.15-12.45pm Midweek Eucharist/Holy Communion All Welcome 12.45-1.45pm OXFAM LUNCH – a cheap, healthy lunch of soup, bread & cheese and fruit. All profit goes to Oxfam. Staff and Students most welcome. 8.00pm SAMBA International Drumming School

12.45 - 2.00pm Globe Café International Student Lunch FREE!3.00 - 5.00pm Cath Soc Music Group 5.00 - 7.00pm Veggie Soc cooking demonstration & meal8.00-10.00pm Chinese Christian Fellowship (Mandarin Speaking)

12.30 Staff Book Club meets on a monthly basis 1.15 - 2.00pm Just Love Bath Prayer Meeting 6.00-6.30pm (as announced) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by 6.30-9.00pm Cath Soc Meeting www.bathstudent.com/socs/societies/cathsoccatholic/9.00pm CU meeting in 1W 2.101 from 7.30 continues in Chaplaincy www.bathCUorg.uk

12.00 - 12.15pm lunchtime prayers with Angela 12.15 - 1.15pm Davenport Staff Group1.20 - 2.15pm [start time varies / lasts about 15 mins] Lectio Divina Praying the Scriptures with Fr Bill OSM & students in Prayer Corner6.30 - 9.00pm J Soc Shabbat meal most Fridays, check with J Soc for dates

Sat 4.00-7.00pm Cantonese Christian Fellowship with Dan Mak

MON-FRI

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

aDvent eDitiOn OF ChaplainCy news December 2015

   

The University Carol ServiceBath Abbey

Wednesday 2nd December 7.30 pm

The service will be led by the University Chaplain The Rev.d Preb. Angela Berners-Wilson and the Chaplaincy Team

Singing led by the University Chamber Choir Conductor: Dr Michael Painting. Organist: Peter King.

Doors open at 7.00 pmAll Staff and Students and their families and friends most welcome

Come early to get a good seat!

Students, staff & families ALL WELCOME!

Chaplaincy News Dec 15.indd 3 09/11/2015 12:04

Interview with the new Methodist Chaplain, Rachael Fletcher

What do you want to do as a Chaplain at the University of Bath?I’m excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively with my colleagues in supporting students and staff of all faiths and none. As a Methodist, I believe in God’s love in Jesus for all people and for all the world – which is why I’m looking forward to contributing to a place where issues of faith, justice, and spirituality are meaningfully explored. Everyone’s a unique creation of God. So - whilst it’s good to celebrate high achievement, enterprise, and creativity – I think that Chaplains in the University have an important role in nurturing a holistic, learning community where all are welcomed.

Who would play your character in a film version of your life? Can I suggest two actors? When I was a student, I used to wonder which of the rooms in my Hall of Residence had been Emma Thompson’s some years earlier… I like her calm and intelligent style – her version of Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ is excellent. And, then there’s Rachel Weisz. Not so much for her action role in ‘The Mummy’ (!), but for her performance in ‘About A Boy’– a strong, thoughtful (and at times, amusing) film about finding meaning through community, accompanied by an evocative soundtrack.

Who are your three heroes? My first is American theologian, Barbara Brown Taylor. She offers a poetry and practice of life-changing Christianity. Read her book ‘An Altar In The World’ and you’ll begin to see the holy all around you – even in hanging out the washing! If you’ve ever been afraid of the dark (literally and spiritually), her recent book ‘Learning To Walk In The Dark’ will definitely change your perspective.

And secondly, Elizabeth Elliott, one of the women of eighteenth century Methodism. They say she was an excellent speaker, sharing God’s love and grace with many despite persecution. At just fifteen she accidentally drowned whilst on her way to lead a Sunday service. She reminds me of the need for courage and commitment – and that God calls us all (no matter what gender and age) to be involved in his Kingdom. And then, closer to home, as my third choice, my great grandfather. He was a Baptist preacher, a musician, someone who earned his living through hard, physical work – and (as I’ve just recently discovered) he was a conscientious objector during the First World War. Truly a man of courage, and Spirit-filled.

What’s your favourite colour, and why? You’ll often see me wearing black and purple. Obviously, they’re great colours in themselves… But there’s something in the Johnny Cash song ‘Man In Black’ that resonates with me – he sings about wearing black for the poor, the hungry, and ‘those who are held back’ (see: http://tinyurl.com/oeyw4zc). And, purple? I guess there’s Lydia who sold purple cloth in New Testament times (Acts 16: 14 – 15). But perhaps it’s Jenny Joseph’s fine poem ‘Warning’ (see: http://tinyurl.com/o6c55to) that inspires this wardrobe choice!

The Advent Hope

Advent starts on 29th November. The word ‘Advent’ literally means ‘coming’, it is the season when Christians wait with expectation and excitement for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Advent is not simply a time to prepare for Christmas. It is a time to open our hearts more to Christ. Advent is a breaking in, a strong reminder that God has a plan that is unfolding, even if we don’t see it. The real event is taking place in a hidden, yet powerful way. Lives are changed every day because of Christ, people are healed from sin and death, eyes are opened to new realities, and we seldom hear about them because we’re too distracted by all the other stuff.

So, this is the time to put away your iphone for a day. This is a time to turn off the News. This is a time to find some solitude. This is a season to draw apart for a little while, to read scripture, to take ten minutes and breath slowly, letting the promise of God fill your lungs with fresh air. This is a time for taking stock of what really matters and letting go of some things that don’t. People are always under stress at Christmas. Advent offers some alternatives: an Advent calendar to mark the days of waiting; a brief passage from scripture to read in the evening before bed. These are anti-stress times when people’s souls get restored among those they love. A time to sit in front of a lighted candle and remember loved ones and friends who live afar.

Most of all, we can recall a God who loves us so much that we are offered a time to prepare, a time to wait, a time to remember that underneath all that seems to be crumbling is a firm foundation, and the One who is to come. It is a time to look at our lives once again in the light of the Advent hope. To re-examine just why we celebrate Christmas, and what it means for the world that light has come out of darkness. Christ’s birth gave hope for the whole world, and still does today. None other than the Son of God, yet born in a rude stable as the pub was full. In this amazing, earth shattering event lies our salvation. The birth of a baby boy to an unmarried Mother in 1st Century Palestine quite literally changed the world.

Angela Berners-Wilson : University Chaplain

NEWS FROM Fr Bill OSM the Catholic Chaplain:

The Order of Servite Friars of which Father Bill is a member – that is why O.S.M. follows his name - , pray to be Servants of Hope: He offers an Advent message for Christmas that stands for the whole year.

Servants of Hope Servants of hope in our world that forgets God and so is unable to reach its fulfilment, falling into dissatisfaction and frustration; Servants of hope in “a world weary of its culture” and lost in a constrained globalised identity; Servants of hope in a world in which the “tyranny of relativism” makes the human person become a victim of his own whims and fancies;Servants of hope in a world thirsting for silence and longing to be heard amidst so much din and confusion; Servants of hope in an unbelieving world that needs a path of faith to lead it towards God, “ancient and ever-new beauty;” Servants of hope for those who have no voice and have lost the will to strive for justice or peace; Servants of hope who freely give without expecting repayment and gratification in a competitive and dishonest world; Servants of hope who demonstrate that life is not just about pleasure and prosperity and who believe in detachment and solidarity; Servants of hope who believe in God’s promises and the coming of a kingdom of justice and peace, holiness and grace, love and truth; Servants of hope who have only relationships of peace, mercy, justice and constructive love with all creatures; Servants of hope who know that creation is still groaning in travail, but who are also aware of being bearers of those forces that will free it from the slavery of corruption and so bring it to the freedom of the children of God,which will bring them the happiness promised by Christ that nobody can ever snatch away from them. May Holy Mary, Woman of hope, fill your hearts with that messianic joy that makes the speech to the dumb, sight to the blind see and makes the paralysed walk.

I offer to all a heartfelt best wishes for a Happy Advent bringing us to a Holy Christmas and Good New Year full of blessings and in a solidarity of faith and hope with all those who are suffering as a result of wars and tragedies.

Please see www.bath-catholics.org.uk for full details of all that is happening for Catholic students and friends at University of Bath and elsewhere in the city of Bath.

Chaplaincy News December 2015Chaplaincy News December 2015

2 3

Chaplaincy News Dec 15.indd 5 09/11/2015 12:04

Interview with the new Methodist Chaplain, Rachael Fletcher

What do you want to do as a Chaplain at the University of Bath?I’m excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively with my colleagues in supporting students and staff of all faiths and none. As a Methodist, I believe in God’s love in Jesus for all people and for all the world – which is why I’m looking forward to contributing to a place where issues of faith, justice, and spirituality are meaningfully explored. Everyone’s a unique creation of God. So - whilst it’s good to celebrate high achievement, enterprise, and creativity – I think that Chaplains in the University have an important role in nurturing a holistic, learning community where all are welcomed.

Who would play your character in a film version of your life? Can I suggest two actors? When I was a student, I used to wonder which of the rooms in my Hall of Residence had been Emma Thompson’s some years earlier… I like her calm and intelligent style – her version of Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ is excellent. And, then there’s Rachel Weisz. Not so much for her action role in ‘The Mummy’ (!), but for her performance in ‘About A Boy’– a strong, thoughtful (and at times, amusing) film about finding meaning through community, accompanied by an evocative soundtrack.

Who are your three heroes? My first is American theologian, Barbara Brown Taylor. She offers a poetry and practice of life-changing Christianity. Read her book ‘An Altar In The World’ and you’ll begin to see the holy all around you – even in hanging out the washing! If you’ve ever been afraid of the dark (literally and spiritually), her recent book ‘Learning To Walk In The Dark’ will definitely change your perspective.

And secondly, Elizabeth Elliott, one of the women of eighteenth century Methodism. They say she was an excellent speaker, sharing God’s love and grace with many despite persecution. At just fifteen she accidentally drowned whilst on her way to lead a Sunday service. She reminds me of the need for courage and commitment – and that God calls us all (no matter what gender and age) to be involved in his Kingdom. And then, closer to home, as my third choice, my great grandfather. He was a Baptist preacher, a musician, someone who earned his living through hard, physical work – and (as I’ve just recently discovered) he was a conscientious objector during the First World War. Truly a man of courage, and Spirit-filled.

What’s your favourite colour, and why? You’ll often see me wearing black and purple. Obviously, they’re great colours in themselves… But there’s something in the Johnny Cash song ‘Man In Black’ that resonates with me – he sings about wearing black for the poor, the hungry, and ‘those who are held back’ (see: http://tinyurl.com/oeyw4zc). And, purple? I guess there’s Lydia who sold purple cloth in New Testament times (Acts 16: 14 – 15). But perhaps it’s Jenny Joseph’s fine poem ‘Warning’ (see: http://tinyurl.com/o6c55to) that inspires this wardrobe choice!

The Advent Hope

Advent starts on 29th November. The word ‘Advent’ literally means ‘coming’, it is the season when Christians wait with expectation and excitement for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Advent is not simply a time to prepare for Christmas. It is a time to open our hearts more to Christ. Advent is a breaking in, a strong reminder that God has a plan that is unfolding, even if we don’t see it. The real event is taking place in a hidden, yet powerful way. Lives are changed every day because of Christ, people are healed from sin and death, eyes are opened to new realities, and we seldom hear about them because we’re too distracted by all the other stuff.

So, this is the time to put away your iphone for a day. This is a time to turn off the News. This is a time to find some solitude. This is a season to draw apart for a little while, to read scripture, to take ten minutes and breath slowly, letting the promise of God fill your lungs with fresh air. This is a time for taking stock of what really matters and letting go of some things that don’t. People are always under stress at Christmas. Advent offers some alternatives: an Advent calendar to mark the days of waiting; a brief passage from scripture to read in the evening before bed. These are anti-stress times when people’s souls get restored among those they love. A time to sit in front of a lighted candle and remember loved ones and friends who live afar.

Most of all, we can recall a God who loves us so much that we are offered a time to prepare, a time to wait, a time to remember that underneath all that seems to be crumbling is a firm foundation, and the One who is to come. It is a time to look at our lives once again in the light of the Advent hope. To re-examine just why we celebrate Christmas, and what it means for the world that light has come out of darkness. Christ’s birth gave hope for the whole world, and still does today. None other than the Son of God, yet born in a rude stable as the pub was full. In this amazing, earth shattering event lies our salvation. The birth of a baby boy to an unmarried Mother in 1st Century Palestine quite literally changed the world.

Angela Berners-Wilson : University Chaplain

NEWS FROM Fr Bill OSM the Catholic Chaplain:

The Order of Servite Friars of which Father Bill is a member – that is why O.S.M. follows his name - , pray to be Servants of Hope: He offers an Advent message for Christmas that stands for the whole year.

Servants of Hope Servants of hope in our world that forgets God and so is unable to reach its fulfilment, falling into dissatisfaction and frustration; Servants of hope in “a world weary of its culture” and lost in a constrained globalised identity; Servants of hope in a world in which the “tyranny of relativism” makes the human person become a victim of his own whims and fancies;Servants of hope in a world thirsting for silence and longing to be heard amidst so much din and confusion; Servants of hope in an unbelieving world that needs a path of faith to lead it towards God, “ancient and ever-new beauty;” Servants of hope for those who have no voice and have lost the will to strive for justice or peace; Servants of hope who freely give without expecting repayment and gratification in a competitive and dishonest world; Servants of hope who demonstrate that life is not just about pleasure and prosperity and who believe in detachment and solidarity; Servants of hope who believe in God’s promises and the coming of a kingdom of justice and peace, holiness and grace, love and truth; Servants of hope who have only relationships of peace, mercy, justice and constructive love with all creatures; Servants of hope who know that creation is still groaning in travail, but who are also aware of being bearers of those forces that will free it from the slavery of corruption and so bring it to the freedom of the children of God,which will bring them the happiness promised by Christ that nobody can ever snatch away from them. May Holy Mary, Woman of hope, fill your hearts with that messianic joy that makes the speech to the dumb, sight to the blind see and makes the paralysed walk.

I offer to all a heartfelt best wishes for a Happy Advent bringing us to a Holy Christmas and Good New Year full of blessings and in a solidarity of faith and hope with all those who are suffering as a result of wars and tragedies.

Please see www.bath-catholics.org.uk for full details of all that is happening for Catholic students and friends at University of Bath and elsewhere in the city of Bath.

Chaplaincy News December 2015Chaplaincy News December 2015

2 3

Chaplaincy News Dec 15.indd 5 09/11/2015 12:04

Advent Edition of Chaplaincy News December 2015

ChaplainCy newsUNIVERSITY OF BATH

There are also many other one off bookings in the Chaplaincy so please check with a Chaplain before presuming the room is free at all other times!

We also have a piano in the Chapel and a microwave in the kitchen, as well as a small library of Christian books and many different theological journals for you to read.

RegulaR weekly events in the ChaplainCyTERM TIME EVENTS IN THE CHAPLAINCY

8.30 - 9.00pm CU Prayer Group www.bathcu.org.uk

12.30 Holy Mass for Catholics & all friends in Chaplaincy For Churches in Bath see the Local Churches section on our web site www.bath.ac/chaplaincy

12.00 - 12.15 Lunch Time Prayers Angela1.15 - 2.00pm Rosary with Fr Bill and students 6.30 - 8.00pm Buddhist Meditation Group 8.00 to 9.30 pm - 1001 Nights Society

12.15-12.45pm Midweek Eucharist/Holy Communion All Welcome 12.45-1.45pm OXFAM LUNCH – a cheap, healthy lunch of soup, bread & cheese and fruit. All profit goes to Oxfam. Staff and Students most welcome. 8.00pm SAMBA International Drumming School

12.45 - 2.00pm Globe Café International Student Lunch FREE!3.00 - 5.00pm Cath Soc Music Group 5.00 - 7.00pm Veggie Soc cooking demonstration & meal8.00-10.00pm Chinese Christian Fellowship (Mandarin Speaking)

12.30 Staff Book Club meets on a monthly basis 1.15 - 2.00pm Just Love Bath Prayer Meeting 6.00-6.30pm (as announced) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by 6.30-9.00pm Cath Soc Meeting www.bathstudent.com/socs/societies/cathsoccatholic/9.00pm CU meeting in 1W 2.101 from 7.30 continues in Chaplaincy www.bathCUorg.uk

12.00 - 12.15pm lunchtime prayers with Angela 12.15 - 1.15pm Davenport Staff Group1.20 - 2.15pm [start time varies / lasts about 15 mins] Lectio Divina Praying the Scriptures with Fr Bill OSM & students in Prayer Corner6.30 - 9.00pm J Soc Shabbat meal most Fridays, check with J Soc for dates

Sat 4.00-7.00pm Cantonese Christian Fellowship with Dan Mak

MON-FRI

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

aDvent eDitiOn OF ChaplainCy news December 2015

   

The University Carol ServiceBath Abbey

Wednesday 2nd December 7.30 pm

The service will be led by the University Chaplain The Rev.d Preb. Angela Berners-Wilson and the Chaplaincy Team

Singing led by the University Chamber Choir Conductor: Dr Michael Painting. Organist: Peter King.

Doors open at 7.00 pmAll Staff and Students and their families and friends most welcome

Come early to get a good seat!

Students, staff & families ALL WELCOME!

Chaplaincy News Dec 15.indd 3 09/11/2015 12:04