It's two months since the last regular Peternews, and so much has happened since early November. Briefly running through them, we had the Autumn Fair on 19th Nov. raising £1281 for Church funds. This was followed by a superb concert by the Chippenham Male Voice Choir raising a further £546, Then we got into the Christmas season with the double Christingle raising £414 for the Children's Society; the Carol service produced £175 for the Bishop's Church Urban Fund, followed by the heart-warming Crib Service and Midnight Mass. The decoration of the Church was again so seasonal, and thanks are due to all who helped.

    The Communications Survey (early December) produced 37 replies, and we are in the process of working out what it all means and how we might respond, but it is quite clear that the three favourite ways of communication are the Pulpit Notices, the Weekly Notice Sheet and this Peternews (that's nice to know; thanks). The PCC is due to debate this next week. The half-connected topic of the Christmas Peternews also has room for debate - not one comment, written or verbal, has been received - perhaps it was still-born?

    The departure of Rachel Pound at Christmas has left a couple of holes in our Church community. Apart from us all missing her personal presence, the Ministry team is covering for her missed support in services. Again, Rachel looked after our Traidcraft operation, so we are looking for someone to run that. Otherwise, we may well have to run it down and shut up shop.

    The Registers have been fairly quiet recently. On 12th November Sarah Whittaker and Andrew Littleford tied the knot, and we wish them every happiness in the future. Still in November we record the funerals of Rose Frampton (17th) and of Stanley Fuller (21^st); we offer our condolences to the respective families and friends.

    About 50 people took part in the Winter Workshop on 7^th January. On offer were introductions to various activities: knitting - yes, knitting - especially knitted sheep for an Alison Love project later in the year (see weekly Notice Sheet); flower arranging - did you see how beautifully decorated the Church was the following day? Banner making - a small group is working on a couple of new banners for Church; Building a model church - a consideration of the purpose and requirements of a church whilst building a cardboard model- it's on display in the Narthex; how to play a guitar- Martin, Adrian and Rick showed what can be done (see Martin for lessons, and he is starting informal sessions on Saturday mornings); puppetry- the youth enjoyed this and gave a creditable performance which we all enjoyed at the end of the Workshop; there was a Caring Group discussing approaches to the pastoral care we provide; a quick guided tour (curtailed by time) is sure to prove popular next time. Next time? Everyone enjoyed this one so much that when Andrew suggested a follow up/repeat in 3-4 month's time, there was much enthusiasm. Watch this space!

    Meanwhile, we are still short of Altar Servers - none came forward at the weekend. If the word "Server" puts you off, think of it as Waiting at Table, i.e. helping the priest at Holy Communion.

    School holidays are: Feb 10 - 20; Apr 30 - May 16; June 1- 11; July 20 - Sep 3; Oct 24 - Nov 5.

    Our Aspire Dance Group is negotiating dance dates in local schools. There's outreach for you!