Brexit is a cause of great celebration for some and great sadness for others. But now is the time when we must come together to serve the common good in our city, our nation and in our relationship with the rest of Europe. Whatever the future holds, Christians believe that we can entrust the future to God; therefore there is always hope.
The Archbishops and our own Bishops too have urged us all to listen to one another and to pray together too. Whether you voted leave or remain, what are the three main things that we have in common that we can build on for a better future as a community?
You are invited to gather to discuss this question and others over coffee in the schoolroom at Discover DeCrypt on Friday 31 January 11.00-12.30. Let’s find common ground together and commit the future to God.
Canon Nikki Arthy
Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday 25 February 3.00-7.00pm
Join us in the Schoolroom for pancakes on Shrove Tuesday any time between 3.00pm and 7.00pm. Our willing chefs will be preparing delicious pancakes with a range of toppings including bananas and cream, maple syrup with strawberries…and lemon and sugar for the die-hard traditionalists! Tea and coffee will also be available.
‘Shrove’ comes from the verb ‘to shrive’ which means to confess. In the Middle Ages Christians went to confess their sins the day before Ash Wednesday, which marked the start of Lent. As Lent was a time of fasting, when meat and dairy were prohibited, Pancakes were eaten on Shrove Tuesday to use up all the forbidden eggs, cream, butter and milk.
Donations will go to the Church Urban Fund. CUF was established by the Church of England as a practical response to unmet need and has been active in local communities for over 30 years. It works through the Church of England’s local parish networks, and alongside other faith-based and secular organisations, to bring about positive, long-term, sustainable change in neighbourhoods. It works through building trust, empowering local people to have a go at addressing the areas of greatest need in their communities, and speaking out against injustice.
Every Friday:
Coffee, Cake and Conversation 10.30am-12.30pm
Prayers for the City 1.00pm
LGBT+ Rainbow Cuppa @DeCrypt Wednesdays 29 January & 26 February1.00-3.00pm
We are delighted to be co-hosting the Rainbow Cuppa together with LGBT+ Partnership Cheltenham, Gloucestershire & connected areas and Age UK Gloucestershire. Come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a safe, friendly and calm space for all LGBT+ folk and allies, supported by the broader community.
New to Discover DeCrypt the first of a monthly
FUNtastic Community Fair
Saturday 8 February 10.00am-3.00pm
“Cake is a symbol of joy, celebration, belonging, friendship and love.”
Viva O’Flynn grew up in the Philippines where she learned to bake from her grandmother, helping in the kitchen from the age of 5. For Viva, you eat cake to enjoy life.:
“The wafting aroma of freshly baked homemade goods transports me back to my childhood years and I’m filled with love. Whenever I bake, I listen to love songs, so my secret recipe, which isn’t so secret any more, is love.”
Viva studied as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu, London. Since marrying and settling in Gloucestershire, she has started a highly successful business, Love Viva Cakes and Crafts, last year winning Creative Business of the Year Runner Up and Best New Business Finalist awarded by the Women’s Business Club.
Her latest enterprise is a series of ‘Funtastic Craft Fairs’ to be held here at Discover DeCrypt once a month. The first is on Saturday 8th February from 10.00am until 3.00pm. There will be delicious cakes, lovely handmade crafts, gifts and lots of shopping for everyone. And it’s free entry. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, stop in for a taste of Viva’s cakes and crafts and take home a little love!
Half Term Creative Crafty Club Wesdnesday 19th February Thursday 20th Friday 21st 11.00am – 12.30pm
Looking for some free, fun family activity over Half Term?
Come and get creative with paint, pens, glue and glitter. We’ll be taking our pencils for a walk, painting to music, exploring watercolours and thinking colourfully about spring…Ideal for 7-12 year olds, but younger children will manage well with a bit of adult help. There is no charge, but we invite a donation to help cover the cost of materials. More information on the website http://www.discoverdecrypt.org.uk
Gardening in the Churchyard
The birds are singing, green shoots are struggling up through the mud and spring is on the way….how about a little gardening? Starting with the weekend of February 1st and 2nd, we will be inviting enthusiastic volunteers to join us in the churchyard on the first weekend of each month for whatever seasonal tasks are required. This month it will be mainly weeding, clearing brambles and nettles and litter picking. You don’t need to be a knowledgeable gardener (though gardeners are most welcome!) just be sure to bring a pair of gloves and any tools you might have. Discover DeCrypt will offer hot tea and coffee and a place to warm up when your fingers get chilled. Let’s make the churchyard into a beautiful and safe community space for all to enjoy.
Reminder: the churchyard is in the care of the City Council, which provides a team periodically to do the heavy work. Discover DeCrypt is joining with neighbours, residents and local gardeners to form a community group for maintaining and improving the churchyard. If you’d like to get involved, come along to a gardening weekend and introduce yourself.
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