PCC stands for Parochial Church Council and meets to discuss various aspects of the running of the church and make decisions concerning Bodicote Church.

These have been a very special part of parish life for the last 4 years going to a variety of places for easy cycling, ‘thoughts/prayers for the day’ lead by different members of the group, lots of laughter and a chance to allow God to reach us in ways and places that we might have thought unlikely. Here is the write up of the trip last year.

Our cycling correspondent Lynn Wilson reports:

What words could possibly capture the essence of this year’s Parish cycling trip? Companionship? Laughter? Perseverance? Custard? Tapas? All except the latter were strongly in evidence.

Put a large disparate group of people in a youth hostel for 4 days and what happens? Big Brother pales in comparison! On Friday night as I trailed around the supermarkets, buying enough food to cook a meal for 60 – with vegetarian and child-friendly options – I wondered what I was doing and why I was so tired: cycling was the last thing I wanted to do. However, once we had found our way to Welsh Bicknor, negotiating the unmade road and hairpin bends, I began to unwind. After a hurried lunch (we were 2 hours late) we set off on our first cycle ride, allegedly on the flat. “It’s all on the flat” and “We’re nearly there” soon began to lose meaning over those few days.

Everyone on the holiday had a role to play, whether cooking, leading our thoughts for the day, route planning, washing up or just being the cutest baby on the trip. Wendy and team drove the bikes around, risking the wrath of the constabulary on one occasion by parking recklessly in a gateway on double yellows; Amanda and Tim provided music, Kevin took the roll call when a rogue hair appliance set off the fire alarm. Special mention has to go to Julie Hart who organized us and sent out for emergency rations of Marmite. For me, those 4 days were a chance to renew acquaintances, get to know people better, share experiences and catch up with friends, all of which can be missed in our busy lives.

Lots of things surprised me: people’s stamina, the level of cooperation, and the fact that it was such fun. One of the highlights was the Pentecost Day service, held in the open air, where we sang new and rather lovely hymns. The latter were used to good effect as we canoed into Monmouth in the rain: goodness knows what the locals thought! Peter said that Infectious or contagious laughter summed up the trip for him and I think it is a tribute to Ben that he has such a united and close-knit congregation. Our family are already clamouring to go on the next venture – wherever that may be.

Some time ago, it was realised that lay members of the parish could successfully help the vicar in ministering to the bereaved and those facing other problems. A group of 10 volunteers was formed and to give them the necessary level of understanding and listening skills, a preparation programme was undertaken spread over two months and each member benefited from the mutual support from each other. They are not counsellors but informed listeners and maintain strict confidentiality. They visit a number of house bound and hospital bound people. The group continues to meet on a regular basis and to learn from each other.

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Bishop Loveday School

The present CE Aided Primary School was built in 1967 through the Church’s initiative and it must be stressed that the link between the Church and School underpins a great deal of the Church’s involvement with the wider community and its outreach. The vicar is an active member of the governors The Head Teacher is also a member of the Parochial Church Council.

The vicar takes the Monday assembly each week, introducing the theme that is explored throughout the week in daily acts of worship. In addition to this, each “phase” of the school has a short assembly type service in Church on a Wednesday on a regular rota basis. The vicar also goes on one of the year 6 residential activity week trips. The school draws a large proportion of its children from outside the boundary of Bodicote and therefore there is a pastoral ministry to a number of families not resident in the village.

Each year the Church and School combine to run the village fete with each organisation providing the committee chairman on an alternating basis. The entire village is involved and the proceeds are split between the Church and the School with an amount going to a nominated charity.

For more information visit Bishop Loveday School's website.

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Welcome Leaflet

The Church (with the Mothers’ Union) put together a leaflet of village activities and associations for those moving to the village to make them feel welcome and let them know what Bodicote has to offer. Residents have taken on responsibility for one or more streets and when they see someone moving in, they visit them and leave a copy of the welcome leaflet. Copies are also available in Church.

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Fairholme House

This is a residential home for the elderly located near the Church and a regular monthly communion service is organised for the residents, some of whom also attend services in church.

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The Village Festival

Following the church’s invitation to celebrate the millennium in a big way in all the village, every summer a large marquee appears heralding a weekend of music, barn dances, morris dancing, open gardens, competitions and shows. It begins with a coral evensong and ends with a brass band led Songs of Praise. This brings neighbours and everyone together. During the year events are held to raise funds in order to cover the celebrations, the duck race being the highlight. New members and ideas are always welcome. Please contact John Washburne for details (01295) 251754

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Helping Those In Need

Bodicote Church has always had a responsibility to those less fortunate and to support the aims of the Church worldwide. Regular meetings of the Giving Committee distribute allocations of around 10% of our income to charities, especially those concerned with the propagation of the gospels, charities helping those in poorer countries and the less fortunate in our society. We also sponsor the annual Christian Aid door-to-door collections in the village and the December Gift Service collections are given to the Children’s Society.

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School In Africa

Through a local contact, Bodicote Church has adopted a multi-racial school in South Africa, The Hermanus Christian Academy, which is situated near the squatter town of Hermanus in Cape Province. Our Church has helped with donations to buy teaching aids, which would otherwise not be available. Members of the congregation have visited the school and regular communication is maintained.

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Our Links With Holy Trinity Church, Surrey Hills, Melbourne

Following a six-month exchange of vicars in October 1999, strong links have been forged with the Parish of Surrey Hills in Melbourne, Australia. Regular contact is being maintained by both Ben and Derek Jones, their incumbent, with each other’s parish and members of the congregation. A plaque in church commemorates the exchange and a tree, donated by Bodicote, was planted in the grounds of Holy Trinity to celebrate their recent building works. It is intended that the link is maintained and strengthened.

Click here to visit their website.

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St. Matthew's Church, Addis Ababa

In 2005 we have begun to build a link with this church, in Ethiopia, which has a significant ministry with refugees from the Sudan. Revd Andrew and Janice, our USPG partners working there, are coming to visit us on the 25^th of June.

For more information visit www.StMatthewsAddis.org and www.USPG.org.uk.