SPHERE

The Magazine for and Trinity, Gregson Lane Methodist Churches Contacts at Bamber Bridge

Minister: Rev. Andrew Webb Tel: 01772 323818 Email: [email protected] BBMC Church office 01772 379954 Web site www.bbmchurch.co.uk

Church Officers Office holder Telephone Church Council Secretary Dr. Tony Andrews 697480 Church Treasurer Mr. David Evans 337644 First Contact Steward Mr Don Roscoe 498774 Organists : Miss Audrey Bibby [313501] Mr Ron Sumner [462090} Kurios Superintendent Mrs Nicola Quegan 613652 Worship Leaders : Mrs Kath Roscoe [498774] and Mrs Sarah Webb [323818]

Regular Church Activities

Kurios meets on the 1st and 4th Sunday of each month. SPACE events are on the 2nd Sunday & Pick & Pick services are on the 3rd Sunday Brownies Mondays 6-30pm to 8-00pm - During term time Contact: Doreen Flannery Tel: 498762 Coffee Morning + Thursday 10am/11.30am Saturday 10 am/12 noon Women`s Fellowship + 3rd Thursday in the month at 2.00 pm + Contact: Mrs Lesley Ross Tel: 334127 Youth /Music Group * * Each Friday 7-30 pm to 9-00pm Youth Group * Contact : Rev Andrew Webb Tel:323818 Music Group * Contact : Mrs Kath Roscoe Tel: 498774 Lighthouse - Junior Alternate Thursdays 6pm /7-30pm Tel : 323818 Youth group Contact : Mrs Sarah Webb SPHERE CONTACTS Eric Chatburn - BBMC Email:- Tele : 01772 337495 [email protected] Gordon Whittle - TGL Email :- Tele: 01254 853144 [email protected] Cuerden Church School Tel : 335033

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 2 Page 2 : Useful contact numbers Page 3 : Contents page Page 4 : Minister`s Message Page 5 : A prayer for Advent Page 6 : Advent/Christmas Worship Page 7: Carols for Christmas Page 8 : The 12 Days of Christmas Page 9 : 12 Prayers for Christmas Page 10 : It`s a Blue Peter Badge Page 11 : Michael and the Blue Bus Page 12/18 : Christmas Greetings Page 19: This day in History - 25th December Page 20 : Health & Safety !!! Page 21 : A Wordsearch Page 22 : A page to colour Page 23 : Birthdays and Anniversaries Page 24 : Children`s birthdays Page 25 : Thank you from the NET school Page 26: Dates for the Diary Page 27 : Local services adverts Page 28 : Local services adverts

Items for the next issue to be sent to Eric Chatburn or Gordon Whittle no later than 3rd February 2019

The next issue of Sphere will be available from 3rd March 2019

[See page 2 for their contact details]

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 3 Minister`s Message Dear Friends As I write his letter I am in a time of waiting. I am waiting to find out where the Methodist church is stationing me for my next ministerial appointment. As churches you are also waiting to find out who your new minister will be. Waiting is never easy and means living with uncertainty which we can find unsettling. Yet part of waiting is also about trust. We have to trust that God will lead and guide us in the future plans he has for us. Advent is a time of waiting and also a time of trust. We wait once more to celebrate the birth of Jesus but in doing so we also trust that through advent God will journey with us. It is interesting that for us in the UK advent comes at the darkest time of year when the days are getting shorter. This is our lead up to Christmas, one of increasing darkness. It is good for us to remember the words of John chapter 1 which we often read at midnight on Christmas eve as we gather at church. ‘ The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.’ For each of us this waiting time will be different. I am aware of those who are waiting in hope for babies in the spring. Of those waiting in anxiety for operations or treatment. Those waiting in excitement as new beginnings and opportunities make themselves known. Those in uncertainty because of job uncertainty or financial pressures. Whatever our advent is like may we know the presence of the God of love and light. May we know the joy and peace his presence can bring, and when Christmas comes may we be ready to celebrate once again ‘Immanuel’ or ‘God with us’.

Grace and peace Andrew

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 4 Surprised by God a prayer for Advent/Christmas

Creator God, once again we hear your story. An old woman and a young woman meet. Each bears the seed of your creation; Both surprised to find themselves “with child”. Both trusting in your purpose.

We too are created in your image. We too find ourselves surprised. We too carry your love within. May our hearts jump for joy as we greet your Son anew this Christmas.

Prayer is courtesy of the Methodist Church website

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 5 Sunday 9th December - Trinity, Gregson Lane All Age Worship & Nativity service at 10-30am Sunday 16th December - Bamber Bridge Pick & Mix all age service with Nativity at 10-30am Carol Service at 6-30pm Sunday 16th December - Trinity, Gregson Lane Carol Service at 4-00pm Monday 24th December at Trinity, Gregson Lane Christingle service at 4-00pm Monday 24th December at Bamber Bridge Christmas Eve Communion Service at 11-15pm

Tuesday 25th December - Christmas Day All Age Celebrations 9-30am at Trinity Gregson Lane 11-00am at Bamber Bridge

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 6 Carols at Christmas “Coffee and Carols” Saturday 15th December - 10am to 12 noon Come and enjoy the “Methodist Voices” choir at Bamber Bridge Methodist Church ======“Open Air” Nativity Saturday 15th December at 1-00 pm Experience the Nativity Story live on the streets of Bamber Bridge starting at St Aidan`s Church ======Radio presents Lancashire “ Sings Christmas “ Thursday 20th December - from 7pm to 8pm at the Conservative Club, Cranbourne Street, Bamber Bridge and at Nets Bar in Gregson Lane ======“ Light and Soul “ Party Sunday 23rd December at 5-30pm at Bamber Bridge Methodist Community & Worship Centre

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 7 December December December

December December December

December January January

January January January

The 12 days of Christmas are the 12 days that separate Christmas Day on December 25th and ends on January 5th, with the next day being Epiphany, January 6th. In the Catholic tradition, January 6th may mark Christ`s baptism or the day that the Magi [the Wise Men] visited Jesus with their gifts. From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During that era someone wrote “The 12 days of Christmas” as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two interpretations; the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code for religious reality. The above text and image were produced by Steve Patterson from America and can be found on : www.courageouschristianfather.com/the-12-days-of-christmas

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 8 Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 9 It`s a Blue Peter Badge I`m sure most of you can remember watching Blue Peter at some time since it was first shown on the 16th of October 1958. I wonder how many of you wished you had a Blue Peter Badge… but did nothing about getting one?

Well, young Michael Shone who is 6 wrote the letter below to Blue Peter about the Blue Bus he made and got himself a Blue Peter Badge for his efforts.

He became one of approximately 22,000 children aged 6 to 15 who are awarded one each year. So, well done Michael !!

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 10 Michael and the Blue Bus This is Michael who worships at Bamber Bridge with his mum, Fiona; dad, Laurence and brother Daniel. This is the bus he made which earned him his Blue Peter badge this year. Well done, Michael !!! Great looking bus !!!

This is the badge Michael received for making the bus.

This is the badge Michael also received for taking up a new sport - “foot golf”

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 11 To John & Sally Wilson. Thank you for your support this past year. God bless. Gerry Moffatt

Jean , Ron and family Wish everyone Peace, Joy and Love at this very special time. God bless

Best wishes to all From Anne and Roy Clapham

May you feel the gentle touch of the Prince of Peace this Christmas time. Blessings and hugs x Wendy and Lynton Yates

We wish everyone in our Church family A loving and peaceful Christmas and 2019 Kath and Martin Cox

Christmas blessings at this special time of year and throughout the year to come. Lin and Phil Waring

May the love of Christ fill your hearts, minds and homes this Christmas and always. Sally and John Wilson

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 12 Wishing all our friends a healthy, happy and blessed Christmas

Hazel and Ron Sumner

Wishing all the Church family a Happy Christmas and every blessing for the New Year Jean and Catherine Ambler

To my Church Family Wishing you a lovely Christmas and New Year. Peace be with you all Love, Christine Billington

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Beryl Greenbank

Wishing all the Church Family a joyful Christmas and a happy & peaceful 2019. Liz Parkin

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year Ann Forrest

To all my friends at Church. Christmas blessings and Happy New Year Margaret Howell [Denise`s mum]

Sphere December 2017 to February 2018 Page 13 Christmas blessings to all our family & friends at Bamber Bridge & Trinity church. May the New Year bring peace where there is conflict. Love, Eileen and Ian Roberts

Peace and Joy to Everyone

Brenda and John Bleasdale

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Jean Jones

To friends May joy and peace be yours this Christmas Eunice Byers

Love and peace to all our Church Family

Leslie and Lesley Ross

May we all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Peace and love to our Church family. From Louise and Family

Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas season

Anne Turton

Sphere December 2017 to February 2018 Page 14 Christmas blessing to all our friends at Trinity and Bamber Bridge Methodist Churches

Doreen and Gordon Whittle

Wishing you all a very happy and holy Christmas

Audrey Boothroyd

Christmas peace and joy to all.

Fran and John Stuttard

With best wishes for Christmas and a happy New Year to all.

Muriel Yates

Love and Peace at this special time

Ellen and Kevin Savage

Peace, joy and love this Christmas and to the little ones at our Church a happy time. Edith Hall

My best wishes for peace and happiness at Christmas

Linda Trafford

Sphere December 2017 to February 2018 Page 15 Wishing all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year Pauline and Mike

A happy and peaceful Christmas to all our Church family at Bamber Bridge and Trinity. Carol and Graham Poole

Wishing you all peace and happiness at Christmas Eve and Don Porter

Christmas Greetings to all our Church family

Jean and Ken Lomas

A very happy and blessed Christmas to all. Love from Kath and Don

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Janet and Tom Bange

Love and blessings to all at Bamber Bridge this Christmas. Judith Laycock and Family

Sphere December 2017 to February 2018 Page 16 We wish you peace in your hearts and home this Christmas and always. With love, Pam & Keith Jones

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. May God bless you all Freda and Ron Smith

With love and blessings to all our Church family.

Sarah and Andrew Webb

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas. Love. Pat and Jack Wilde

Seasons greetings to all.

Elinor Carruthers

Wishing everyone peace and joy at Christmas

Valerie and Brian Woodruffe

A very happy Christmas to the Church family.

Brenda Iredale

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 17 Wishing all our friends a very merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. With love from, Jason McMahon and Ben Riley

God`s blessings to you all this Christmas.

Love, Cheryl and Maurice Perry

Happy Christmas to you all. Thanking you for your love and concern during the past year. God bless - Margaret, Eric and Millie xxx

May Christ`s gifts of Love, Joy and Peace be with you all this Christmas.

Love from Audrey

A happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to you all.

Sue and Terry Livesey

“Be still and know that I am God” Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful and Christ filled Christmas. Keith, Pat and Ann Cooper

Many thanks to everyone for your contributions. They are very much appreciated. The total raised was £240

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 18 On this Day in History Christmas Day, the 25th of December, is traditionally held as the birth day of Christ. The events of this day are well recorded in the Bible. But, has anything else of historical note happened on this memorable date. I found a website called “on this day” [www,onthisday.com], which lists a variety of events/births/deaths that took place on the 25th of December over the centuries. Here are just a few ………..

● AD 1 1st Christmas, according to calendar-maker Dionysus Exiguus who is best known as the inventor of the Anno Domini (AD) era, which is used to number the years of both the Gregorian calendar and the (Christianised) Julian calendar ● AD 597 adopts Julian calendar ● AD 1223 St Francis of Assisi assembles 1st Nativity scene (Greccio, Italy) ● AD 1492 Christopher Columbus`s flagship the Santa María runs aground and sinks on the north coast of Hispaniola. The crew are left to found a colony as Columbus returns to Spain ● AD 1642 Isaac Newton (physicist and mathematician) was born ● AD 1818 1st known Christmas carol ("Silent Night, Holy Night" - "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht) sung (Austria) ● Ad 1870 Helena Rubenstein Polish-born American cosmetics indusrialist was born ● AD 1899 Humphrey Bogart the actor was born (died 1957) ● AD 1908 Quentin Crisp the actor was born (died 1999) ● AD 1914 Legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on the battlefields of WWI between British and German troops. Instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts and play football ● AD 1918 Anwar Sadat the 3rd President of Egypt was born (died 1981) ● AD 1919 Noel Gordon of Crossroad fame was born (died 1985) ● AD 1969 Bernhard Junior, Prince of the Netherlands was born ● AD 1971 Justin Trudeau the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada was born ● AD 1977 Charlie Chaplin died at the age of 88 ● AD 2012 8 people are killed and thousands left homeless after two fires strike Manila, Philippines

● AD 2018 - Well …. That is still in God`s hands !!!

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 19 Health & Safety !!! Just received the following Health and safety document from work. Be advised that all employees planning to dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are required to undergo a Risk Assessment addressing the safety of open sleighs. The assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance. Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all facility users are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that prior to shining his/her glory all around he/she must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory Following last year's well publicised case, everyone is advised that legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr. R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. While it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is commonly practised in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded under provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Further, caution is advised regarding other common gifts, such as aromatic resins that may initiate allergic reactions. Finally, for those involved in the recent case of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly.

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 20 Mystery Christmas Carol The words listed below are from a familiar Christmas Carol. What is it? Find and circle all of the words hidden in the grid. The remaining letters will spell the name of the Christmas Carol.

ALL CATTLE HEAVEN LOWING STAY AND CHILDREN HIS MAKES SWEET ASK CLOSE JESUS MANGER TAKE ASLEEP CRIB LAID MORNING TENDER AWAY CRYING LAY NEAR THEE BABY DEAR LITTLE NIGH THERE BED DOWN LIVE POOR THY BLESS FOREVER LOOK PRAY WAKES BRIGHT FROM LOOKED SIDE WHERE BUT HAY LORD SKY WITH CARE HEAD LOVE STARS The solution is on Page 25 Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 21 A page to colour

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 22 May the blessing of God the Father be with you, your family and friends as you celebrate this special day in your lives.

Congratulations and best Annie Johnson wishes on your 16th December 2018 Wedding Anniversary

Hazel and Ron Sumner Jean Ambler 4th December 2018 14th January 2019

Nadine and Daren Sumner 12th December 2018 John Blakey 31st January 2019 Fiona and Laurence Shone 5th January 2019 Margaret Chatburn th Sarah and Andrew Webb 19 February 2019 11th February 2019 Dennis Wilkinson 21st February 2019

If you would like a special birthday or anniversary including in Sphere - please forward the details to:- Kimberley Quegan Eric Chatburn or Gordon Whittle 3rd March 2019 [see page 2 for contact details]

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 23 To all the children connected to Bamber Bridge Methodist Church

Thea Fulton Elizabeth Singleton 2 8 11th December 16th February

Seren Roscoe Hannahbel Carey 4 4 1st January 17th February

Daisy Bradshaw Olivia Smith 7 9 27th January 25th February

Sophie Laycock Ava Morgan 10 5 27th January 27th February

Lucy Arnold Luke Williams 12 16 8th February 28th February

Oliver Stanley 6 7th March

Each day is a gift from God. May your birthday be wrapped with beautiful gifts and exciting memories for you and your family. Happy Birthday !!!

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 24 Thank you from the NET school After his recent visit, Rev. Christopher Vijayan has asked me to pass on his sincere thanks to everyone who helped make his visit so memorable. Andrew & Wendy put a full and varied programme together and Christopher really enjoyed everything. He said the worship was particularly uplifting and was so please to meet everyone who had supported N.E.T. School so generously and prayerfully over the last 10 years. He hopes it won`t be another 10 years before his next visit.

As most of you will know, Ian, Wendy, our granddaughter Evie and myself will be visiting N.E.T. School for the 10th Anniversary Celebrations . We fly on the 31st of January and your prayers will be appreciated.

Thank You, Eileen, Ian, Wendy and Evie.

Mystery Christmas Carol - the solution

And the Mystery Christmas Carol is: AWAY IN A MANGER Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 25 Dates for the Diary

Date Time Event/venue

9th Dec 18 4-00pm SPACE event at Kingsfold not at BBMC

6th Jan 19 10-30am BBMC Covenant service

9th Jan 19 7-30pm Circuit Leadership Team meeting

18th to 25th Jan 19 Week pf Prayer for Christian Unity 27th Jan 19 Holocaust Memorial Day Circuit visit of President & Vice-president of th 10 Feb 19 Conference 10th Feb 19 3-00pm SPACE event at BBMC not .

12th Feb 19 7-30pm BBMC Church Council meeting

5th Mar 19 Shrove Tuesday

6th Mar 19 Ash Wednesday - Lent begins

10th Mar 19 First Sunday in Lent Please keep an eye on the church notice-boards, the weekly notices and the website for information about other church events and activities. Local Services

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 26 Local Services B.J.WATSON Complete Independent T CORNALL FUNERAL DIRECTORS & SON NURSERYMAN AND FLORIST The trained and caring staff ● Bouquets and arrangements offer a Personal, Professional for special occasions and friendly service. ● Funeral arrangements For help, advice and assistance and wreathes ● Selection of fresh cut flowers Please phone .. and pot plants Day and Night Service ● Bedding plants and Tel: 01772 626800 hanging baskets Fax: 01772 338383 85 Todd Lane North, Darwenside Nurseries (opposite Wallis Cycles) PRESTON PR5 5UR Higher Walton Road Higher Walton Preston PR5 4HT

Tele : 01772 335643 Open 7 days a week

Martin Perry Richard Bargh Plumbing & Heating Time Served Carpenter & Joiner All aspects of domestic plumbing undertaken by qualified local All types of joinery work undertaken Corgi/Gas Safe plumber. n Full Kitchen & Bedroom fitting service Bathrooms & Kitchens n Laminate & Hardwood flooring Central heating n Windows & Doors fitted Power flushing n Decking, Fencing & Gates Installation/servicing and breakdowns Free estimates Gas Safety certificates Competitive-prices All work guaranteed Friendly, reliable service. All jobs considered, large or small. Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6ZG Phone for free estimate Tele:07811 189945 01772 336758 Or 01772 495098 or Mobile 07762 606557 Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 27 Local Services

Peter Wignall Painter and Decorator

Contact: 01772 879599 Or 07762234987

Domestic & Commercial. Highly competitive rates. Over 20 years experience.

Sphere December 2018 to February 2019 Page 28