In 2008, Churches Together in Keynsham and Saltford are organising a wide ranging and exciting programme for the whole community -
'More to Life 08'.

Recognising that God plays in every scene of life, 'More to Life 08' is seeking to discover spiritual signposts amidst the passions of life which engage people's hearts today.

Each month of the year will be devoted to a specific theme as detailed in the menu above.

• JanuaryTravel
• FebruaryFamily and friends
• MarchSport

• AprilHope
• Gardening
• JuneFood

• JulyMusic and Arts
• AugustOutdoor recreation
• SeptemberEnvironment

• OctoberPolitics and media
• NovemberRemembering
• DecemberCelebration

The Merry Month of May takes us into Gardening. The blooms, the colour and fragrance of an English summer. Time to get out and about, to peer over hedges, to stroll in beautiful parklands and woods. Pause awhile and take in God’s wonderful world.

Sowing Goodness

All through this month we would like to encourage everyone to buy a Pot Plant for a friend, a neighbour or a stranger.

Reflections on May:

The theme of the month was the enjoyment of gardening, flowers and plants and we wanted to encourage people to give a pot plant to a friend, neighbour or stranger. We had plant stalls at various locations throughout the month and we heard that people had given them away and this proved to have a ripple effect as more plants were then given to friends etc.

More to Life was an opportunity to rekindle the ancient quintessentially English village tradition of Maypole dancing – but claiming it for God. A lovely group of dancers danced on Queen Charlton Village Green to God-centred music played by the Ecumenical band. The ribbons of the Maypole were of mauves, pinks and purples. There was a lovely informal atmosphere. People joined us from the village, Keynsham and elsewhere … free refreshments and a plant stall.

The visit of Stefan and Beverly Buczacki was a great success with Beverley going into the primary schools and Stefan into the secondary schools. The Gardeners Question time was enjoyed by all who attended with Stefan sharing his knowledge and experience.

The Flower Festival at St Mary’s in Saltford was absolutely stunning with the church beautifully decorated; a lot of hard work and dedication had gone into it. The giving away of cream teas and a plant for everyone was a delight to all who came.

Come away with me to a beautiful Garden

It has been a great pleasure to have my garden open on several occasions during the month of May for prayer and reflection; and I was very encouraged that quite a number of people came to these occasions. There were 3 extra openings over and above those advertised – a morning when the garden was opened to the residents of Hawthorns Residential Home (with a subsequent Power point presentation at their home); a morning open to the residents of St Philip and St James Residential home, and an additional evening open to members of the public. On the evening when the weather was inclement a power point presentation of the garden meditations was shown in St Margaret’s Church. It is hoped that this garden will be part of the Quiet Garden Trust in the near future.

The car wash and café at Elim Church proved very popular and many went away with lovely clean cars, with money being raised for the Romanian Camp visit. Judith Green gave a very interesting talk about the Lavender Farm in Faukland and a coach trip has been arranged to visit the farm in June. The Compost Bin Road Show was a great hit with lots of people interested to know more about home composting. Jim Epley ‘The Ice Man’ gave a very inspiring talk about his remarkable life story.

Jeff Sawyer held the audience spellbound at the Flower Arranging Demonstration at Saltford Golf Club and many people went home clutching a wonderful arrangement of flowers. It was a pity about the downpour as everyone left. Throughout the month ‘Floral Sundays’ were held, not quite a Flower Festival but the churches, namely Victoria Methodist , Elim and St John’s, were decorated with flowers, artwork and poems as a thanksgiving to God for His creation. We also established good relationships with local garden centres, who were very generous and co-operative.

The month ended with posies and balloons being given away in the High Street as we continued the theme of sowing goodness in the community.

ALPHA course

Wednesday 7 May 7:00 pm, Keynsham Methodist Victoria Centre, High Street

This is for anyone.... Why not give this a try? Informal free way to explore the Christian faith. "Is there more to life than this?"

ALPHA course

Thursday 8 May 7:15 pm, Fry Club

An evening for anyone.... Why not give it a try? Informal free way to explore the Christian faith. "Is there more to life than this?"

Flower Festival - Professor Stefan Buczacki

Friday 9-11 May , St Mary's Church, Saltford

Stefan and Beverley will be opening the Saltford St Marys Flower Festival and the Keynsham in Bloom competition.

Floral Sunday

Sunday 11 May , St John's church, Keynsham High St

Floral Sunday (not a Flower Festival!). The Church will be decorated with flowers as part of our praise to God for His wonderful creation that we have all around us.

Come Away With Me To A Beautiful Garden - Rachel Hall

Thursday 15 May 7:30 pm, Tanglewood Barn, Queen Charlton

An evening stroll round a garden with reflections and meditations.

Car Wash, Cafe and Plant Stall

Saturday 17 May 11:30 am, Elim church, Balmoral Rd, Keynsham

"Sowing Goodness" Car Wash, Cafe and Plant Stall: 11.30am to 3pm. While your car is hand washed, pop into the cafe, and browse the plants! You can "Sow Goodness" into Romania and into our own community. Bring your Photo/Poem/Picture of Gardening/Flowers for others to see, and look around the display as it builds up. Collect yours back on Sunday evening.

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