Church Officers Rector: The Revd Derek A Baines – Tel: 01772 641521; E: [email protected] Churchwardens Mr Eric Barker OBE JP – Tel: 614385; E: [email protected] Mr Robert Hawthornthwaite – Tel: 612952 Churchwarden Emeritus: Mr William G Carr PCC Secretary Mrs Andrea Susnik – Tel: 615336; E: [email protected] PCC Treasurer Mrs Barbara Wood – Tel: 617679: E: [email protected] Deanery Synod Representatives: Mrs Jane Elphick & Mr John Clarkson Stewardship Recorder/Gift Aid Secretary Mr Philip Norton – Tel: 07970 798345; E: [email protected] Magazine Secretary Mrs Elsie Kirkham – Tel: 615832. Magazine Editor Mrs Erika Penrose – Tel: 613816. E: [email protected] Flower Secretaries Mrs Althea Slater – Tel: 614966, & Mrs J Bayldon – Tel: 613144 Electoral Roll Secretary Mrs Julie Tanham – Tel: 612992 Verger: Mrs Irene Pickles – Tel: 615708 Assistant Verger: Mr Stuart Tighe – Tel: 612963 Weekly Giving Envelopes: Please contact the Churchwardens. Organisations Sunday School – meets 10.15 in School, first three Sundays of the month. Leader: Mrs Kathleen Leigh – Tel: 612196. E: [email protected] Hoole Church Ladies’ Group – meets 7.30pm, 3rd Tuesday, in School. Leader: Mrs Erika Penrose. Contact details as above. St Michael’s Men’s Fellowship – meets 7.30pm, 2nd Tuesday, in School. Secretary: Mr Ted Hopkins – Tel: 617002. Friends of St. Michael’s – Caring for the fabric of our ancient church Chairman: Mr Eric Barker – Tel 614385. Secretary: Mr David Turner – Tel 617485. Social Committee – Contact: Sheila Taylor, Tel: 616850 Hoole St Michael C E Primary School Head Teacher: Mrs Jo Duckworth – Tel: 613219. 1st St. Michael’s Hoole Scout and Guide Groups – Group Scout Leader: Mandy Clark – Tel: 01772 305452; E:[email protected]. Church Websites: www.hoolevillage.com and www.hooleparishchurch.com 1

2 The Rector’s Ramblings Easter is on the horizon once again and as Lent approaches so does our church’s self examination and stewardship campaign. The week’s retreat that I have just had on Lindisfarne, 3 miles off the Northumbrian Coast, has given me time to reflect upon my own journey of faith but also that of the Parish’s journey. The Church of England is in a time of exploration as we look to change over the next few years, Women Bishops, Mission and Ministry in an increasingly secular world, finances, reducing numbers of candidates for ordination and the Pastoral Ministry that the church can, but so often does not, provide. Paints a rather grey image with some positives doesn’t it. Don’t let it get you down!! We are in a good position here and as I walked the lanes and dunes of God’s creation on that Holy Island I was able to get thoughts together as to where we are and how we can be Disciples and Apostles. This will begin with our own self examination and seeing where we can make personal changes in our lives and relationship with God and others. On a wider field, the Ministry Team meets on the 1st March and we will set down our aspirations for the future as a mission church. We will look at courses to which all are invited, {As the saying goes: all may attend, some should attend, some MUST attend} I leave the decision to you but let us remember that you cannot paper a wall without rubbing off the rough edges, preparing the ‘glue’ and carefully placing the pattern where it is most effective and not spoiled. That preparation begins with Lent. Prayer, study and action are a tripod upon which our personal and parish stewardships lean. A solid tripod based upon our faith. We are to have an open day in church to which all villagers will be invited – we need your help to distribute notices. The open day is the ‘fluffy bit’ of stewardship, it is a most important component of the campaign as we have the

3 opportunity to show how welcoming faith in Jesus can be and as the people of Christ we share that welcome as folk walk through the door. We will demonstrate the face of the church and show people what we are about in terms of creating beauty, making wonderful music and creating an atmosphere of fun in worship and learning. For the ‘deeper’ aspects of the faith journey we will try and encourage people to commit to Christ by attending a course, worship or having a one to one chat with someone from one of the congregations. Then the work begins, not just for the few but for all of us. We are the apostles now, we cannot lie back after a lovely day and say how well everything is and how marvellous the day was (It will be!) we need to move on seeking opportunities such as attending discipleship courses and volunteering to act as host or hostess; to help others by visiting those who live alone – not just our people but all parishioners; offering support where needed; exploring ideas such as setting up credit unions; checking on the farmers and those who live in the countryside to see if they have any needs that we can help with; volunteering for activities such as the food bank or setting up activities in the village hall that bring people into contact with the faithful. We also need to be conscious of the fact that our ministry has a cost, our time in preparation and delivery – getting that pattern right on our ‘walls’. Our talents and skills – we all have them, let’s use them to evangelise and share God’s good news and finally our money – all of the above costs, it is the glue that holds together the fabric of our church and allows us to buy resources for messy church, Michael’s Club and allows us to continue our charitable giving as a parish. We are lucky because as yet we are not looking at closure as many churches are through lack of finance but as costs rise, so do our financial needs. In the reading of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 we are reminded of “The Cheerful Giver” “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap

4 bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This includes our time – the preparation, our talents – the glue, and our money to buy the resources that enable us to set the paper and show the world the pattern that is Jesus – the light of the world and our saviour. Your brother pilgrim, Derek

Looking back, with a glance forward! February has seen the floods in other parts of the country continue with devastating effect & St Michael’s has stepped up to the mark with generous donations to the Somerset appeal. Messy Church has gone on a pace with growth in numbers and great enthusiasm. Wedding preparation for the couples planning marriage in 2014 has begun to take time up with great joy and excitement. Rie has continued to take responsibility during her training period with us as she led services and assisted visiting priests during Derek’s absence. The Stewardship group have met and plans for stages 1 & 2 of our campaign (leaflets drop and open day) are well advanced. Stages 3 & 4 will be discussed soon (how do we get people to join us in the journey of faith and how can we increase our own giving and ask others for financial support?) The memorial weathervane is now constructed and is being gilded. Thanks to Eric and the Friends committee we now have sufficient funds to complete the project. The Parish Party will have been held – more next month We look forward to the stewardship open day and all of the preparations for Easter and the weddings and worship that will be enjoyed by all.

5 From the Editor of the Parish Pump: Here is the third in a 12-part series to mark the Centenary of the beginning of the First World War. They are written by David Winter, a former Head of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC, and will run throughout the year. (Jan- Dec 2014 inclusive.) If you would like a copy of any of the earlier articles in this series, please contact the editor at: [email protected] The Great War: THE TRENCHES By David Winter

The trenches are the defining visual image of the Great War. Both sides created them when it became obvious that for all the ‘pushes’ and counter-attacks not much was happening geographically. A hilly ridge would be taken, at enormous human cost. A month later it would be recaptured. The trenches stretched for hundreds of miles across northern France, once the earlier ones in southern Belgium were abandoned, and they became ‘home’ to hundreds of thousands of soldiers. The trench was a narrow but deep ditch, designed to shield the men who were on look-out duty from enemy fire. Behind the trenches were the living quarters - dug out of the earth, usually with roofs of corrugated iron, where there were bunks for sleeping and rudimentary facilities for washing and eating. Hot food came from the Company cook-house behind the lines. ‘Too much bully beef’, my father complained - corned beef, to us. Very nice as an occasional choice, but a bit unexciting as a regular diet. Surprisingly, perhaps, to those of us who only know of the War from films and books, in between major outbreaks of fighting the trench provided an adequate if modest degree of normality. Every day, my father told me, the newspaper seller would visit with copies of the Daily Mail. No escaping from the football results and news from home. The trouble was that periodically the senior officers would decide that it was time for another desperate attempt to dislodge 6 the enemy. Bayonets would be fixed, ashen faced young men would line up in the trenches awaiting the signal - usually a blast on a whistle - which would summon them to climb the steps out into the open, there to face, inevitably, the devastating fire of the German machine guns. It was some time into the War before the Allies were equipped with these deadly weapons, and it was the multiple, sustained rain of bullets that caused most of the casualties. Above all this was the constant barrage of the big guns, firing from both sides but well behind the lines. Their thunderous roar could be heard at times far away across the Channel in Kent. Most of the shells simply exploded in the soft soil of Flanders or the Somme - they are still being ploughed up by farmers today, a century later. But some were what became known as ‘direct hits’, and those could be devastating. In the midst of all this - the mud, the stench, the noise and the imminent possibility of death - were the soldiers themselves. Among them moved the medics, the nurses, the chaplains - agents of care and compassion in a world which seemed to have gone mad. Some soldiers simply couldn’t stand it. ‘Shell-shocked’ was the diagnosis in those days. The wonder is that anybody could.

Forward notice Saturday 29th March ‘Stewardship’ Open Day – see below. On Sunday 6th April we will be joined at the 10.30 service by Bishop Julian who will preach and celebrate and dedicate the new weather vane which should be in the building if not fully functional by then. I am proposing a parish lunch so that we all have the opportunity to meet the bishop. Unfortunately his wife Heather cannot join him that day having another appointment. I have asked Irene to coordinate the lunch – further details will follow.

7 Services for March 2nd March Sunday next before Lent 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 CW Holy Communion 3.00 BCP Evening Prayer 4.00 Holy Communion (Old Mill Court) Wednesday 5th March – Ash Wednesday 7.00 Holy Communion with imposition of ashes for those who would like this. 9th March - 1st of Lent 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 Morning Prayer Friday 14th March 2.00 Stephens/Smith Wedding 16th March - 2nd of Lent 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 CW Holy Communion 3.00 BCP Evening Prayer 23rd March - 3rd of Lent 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 Family Praise 30th March – 4th of Lent – Mothering Sunday 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 Family Communion 6th April – 5th of Lent 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 CW Holy Communion. Bishop Julian will be presiding with Dedication of the Jeremiah Horrocks Memorial Weather Vane. Followed by Parish Lunch. 3.00 BCP Evening Prayer 4.00 Holy Communion (Old Mill Court)

Every Monday (unless advertised otherwise) 8 7.00 Evening Prayer Every Thursday (unless advertised otherwise) 10.15 Said Communion service Every month on the 3rd Saturday (unless advertised otherwise) 3.30 Messy Church (In School) SERVICES FOR LENT & EASTER Due to the large number of wedding preparations and meetings I have had to rearrange our Lenten midweek services. Please note some services are at different times or days to the traditional Tuesday services. Derek Ash Wednesday – 5th March 7.00pm Holy Communion Tuesday 11th March 5.45pm Holy Communion Tuesday 18th March 5.45pm Holy Communion MONDAY 24th March 7.00pm Holy Communion (Tuesday 25th St Michael’s hosts the Deanery Synod meeting) Tuesday 1st April Holy Communion Tuesday 8th 7.00pm If I can get someone to cover Saturday 12th April Wedding at 12.00 Monday 14th April Said Eucharist at 7. 00pm Tuesday 15th April Chrism Eucharist at Blackburn Cathedral at 11.00am. (Not Maundy Thursday due to the Queen’s visit.) Tuesday 15th April Sung Eucharist at 7.00pm Wednesday 16th April Said Eucharist at 7.00pm Thursday 17th April Eucharist, stripping of the Altar and vigil at 7.00pm Good Friday Vigil of the cross 10.30am Saturday 19th April Weddings at 12.15pm and 2.00pm

9 Saturday 19th April 8.00pm Festival of light with vigil and renewal of baptism vows Sunday 20th April, Easter Day 9.00 BCP Communion plus 10.30 Family Communion

From the Parish Registers Holy Baptism “We welcome into the Lord’s Family” January: JAMES WILLIAM BANNISTER, son of Adam Bannister and Sharna Chantelle Bannister, of Much Hoole. MYLA-ROSE MAE SMITH, daughter of Luke James Smith and Lucy Rebecca Sanderson, of Much Hoole. Holy Matrimony “Those whom God hath joined together” No weddings. The Departed “Rest eternal grant unto them” February: ALBERT DICKINSON, aged 92, of Much Hoole. Service in church followed by Charnock Richard Crematorium.

The Register of Services will be returning next month.

Church Flowers No church flowers during Lent. With heartfelt thanks to the “flower ladies” for all their beautiful arrangements during the year. They add so much to our church and are always a delight to behold.

10 Sidespersons’ Rota Mar 2nd 9.00 Jeremy Leigh 10.30 Jean Aughton, John Aughton, Scott Eckersley 3.00 Peter Smallwood 9th 9.00 Ken Bishop 10.30 Norman Skellorn, Tom Wignall & Jock Davidson 16th 9.00 Rob McMurray 10.30 Bill Carr, Ted Hopkins & Peter Blakeley 3.00 Sylvia Douglas 23rd 9.00 Mike Redshaw 10.30 Paul Johnson, David Turner & Lisa Turner 30th 9.00 Jeremy Leigh 10.30 Norman Skellorn, Tom Wignall & Jock Davidson Apr 6th 9.00 Ken Bishop 10.30 Jean Aughton, John Aughton & Scott Eckersley 3.00 Clifford Orritt Readers’ Rota 9.00am 10.30am 3.00pm Mar 2 nd --- J Elphick Exodus 24: 12-end M Redshaw S Eckersley 2 Peter 1: 16-21 Rector Eccliasticus 48: 1-10 Mar 9 th --- M Kirkman Genesis 2: 15-17 & 3: 1-7 J Wilson R McClure Romans 5: 12-19 Mar 16 th --- J Dewhurst Genesis 12: 1-4a K Leigh A Membery Romans 4: 1-5 & 13-17 Rector Numbers 21: 4-9 Luke 14: 27-33 Mar 23 rd --- C Dalgleish Exodus 17: 1-7 M Redshaw S Dalgleish Romans 5: 1-11

11 continued Mar 30 th --- Scout Group Exodus 2: 1-10 J Wilson Scout Group Colossians 3: 12-17 April 6 th --- B Wood Ezekiel 37: 1-14 S Tighe J Ashcroft Romans 8: 6-11 Rector Lamentations 3: 19-33 Matthew 20: 17-end

Tea/Coffee Rota following our 10.30 services Mar 2nd Carole & Gill 9th Diane & Pauline 16th Althea & Erika 23rd Jean & Uniformed Groups 30th Beryl & Rona If you are not available on the dates allocated or wish to change the published date can you please find a replacement or arrange a swap.

April Magazine deadline Please note that contributions for the April magazine should be sent or given to Erika by Wednesday 19th March.

12 Diary (please also see Church Services on pages 7, 8 & 9) Fri Mar 7th Women’s World Day of Prayer Service at 2.00pm at New Longton Methodist Church Fri Mar 7th FOMO AGM 7.30, WI Hall, School Lane, Longton Tue Mar 18th Joint Men’s Fellowship & Ladies’ Group meeting at 8.00pm. “Walking il Camino del Santiago” with Sean Gallagher Sat Mar 29th Stewardship Open Day in church 2.00-5.00pm

Saints of the month Chad (d 672) – the recycled bishop Chad should be the patron saint of any modern bishop whose consecration is questioned by another bishop. Chad was consecrated a bishop, then deposed - and then re-consecrated! It all began when Oswiu, king of Northumbria, made him bishop of the Northumbrian see. But due to a scarcity of appropriate bishops, two dubious bishops did the job of consecrating him. This led to Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, deciding to depose him about three years later. Chad took his dismissal with good heart, and peacefully retired. But then Theodore had second thoughts: Chad was of excellent character: humble, devout, and zealous. So Theodore re- consecrated him – to be the first bishop of the Mercians. Second time around, Chad was a great success - again. When Chad died he was quickly venerated as a saint. People took a great fancy to his bones, believing that they would bring healing. Even today, four large bones, dating from the 7th century, and believed to be Chad’s, are in the R.C. cathedral in Birmingham. Bishops today may still argue about consecration, but they are unlikely to have their bones disturbed. Cuthbert, beloved monk and bishop of Lindisfarne

13 Cuthbert of Lindisfarne (c 634-87) has long been northern England’s favourite saint. It is easy to see why: Cuthbert loved God with all his heart, and loved others as himself. By all accounts, he was holy, humble, peaceable, prayerful, faithful in friendship, charming and really kind. Cuthbert was born into a fairly well-off Anglo-Saxon family, and became a monk at Melrose in 651. He and another monk, Eata, were sent to start a monastery at Ripon, but Alcfrith, who owned the land, insisted that they adopt the Roman customs, which Cuthbert’s Celtic church did not allow. So Cuthbert and Eata quietly returned to Melrose, where Cuthbert became prior in about 661. Then came the Synod of Whitby in 663/4, and the Celtic Church formally decided to adopt the Roman Customs. After this, Cuthbert was sent on to Lindisfarne as prior, where he sensitively introduced the new ways, and won over the monks there. Cuthbert was very much loved at Lindisfarne. His zeal was evident in his constant preaching, teaching, and visiting of the people. He was also said to have gifts of prophecy and healing. Occasionally, Cuthbert reached ‘people overload’. Then he would retreat to a tiny islet called Inner Farne, where he could pray in total seclusion. When, to his horror, he was told he had been made Bishop of Hexham, he immediately ‘swapped’ sees with Eata, and stayed on at Lindisfarne as Bishop. Sadly, Cuthbert died on little Inner Farne, only two years later, on 20 March, 687. Cuthbert was buried at Lindisfarne, but that is not the end of his story. For it was only now that his travels began. After the Vikings destroyed Lindisfarne in 875, several monks dug him up and set out to find Cuthbert a final, and safe, resting place. For the next 120 years Cuthbert was deposited in various monasteries around the north of England and southwest Scotland. Finally, in 999, Cuthbert was allowed to rest in Durham, where a Saxon church was built over his shrine. All that travel must have done him good; when his body was exhumed to be put into the new Norman Cathedral in Durham in 1104, it was said to be still in perfect condition, and ‘incorrupt’.

14 A woodcarving in St Mary’s Church, Lindisfarne, of Cuthbert’s journey.

15 Prayer intentions

 Our neighbours and friends  The guidance of God for our personal journey of faith  The people of this country negatively affected by the floods  Our own farming community that we will have a good year for crops and that flood damage to winter crops has been minimal  The housebound and those who live alone.  Our stewardship campaign that we all recognise our personal discipleship and apostleship and that giving of time, talents and money increases the Kingdom of God in Hoole.

March: the month of self-harm awareness More than 22,000 children and teenagers were treated in hospital in 2012 for self-harming. And they were just the ones who were discovered. Self-harming has been called the new anorexia. An astonishing amount of young people are cutting themselves. Sadly, unlike anorexia, cutting can be kept secret for much longer. What can possibly be the attraction of causing yourself pain, bleeding and scarring? Many self-harmers seemed tortured by feelings of intense self-hatred and loathing, and say that this is a way of reducing the intense emotional pressure that they feel. Some experts believe that the contemporary craze for tattoos is a part of this desire to seek emotional relief through self-inflicted pain. Whatever is going on, self-harmers are starting ever younger- in 2012 cases involving children under 14 rose by 30 per cent. There is a website www.selfharm.co.uk which is run by Christians, and which gives people information about self-harm, points out helpful organisations, and provides resources such as

16 teaching packs. There is also a forum so that young people can post their stories, poems, and artwork and encourage each other. The site is monitored, to keep it safe. Social Committee – Advance Notice of Canal Cruise in May There is to be a canal cruise on Friday 9th May, setting off from Barton Grange Garden Centre at 7.00pm where we will pick up a 'Fish and Chip' supper half an hour into the cruise. We will then cruise along the canal, take part in a quiz, and look at the scenery! There is a bar on board and also tea and coffee is served. We come ashore again at 10.00pm after what we hope will be a successful outing. Tickets are available from committee members at £18 per person. This is sure to be a popular event – buy yours early! Ladies’ Group Members thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth Swarbrick’s talk about the influence of women in today’s Uganda. It was fascinating to learn about such a different culture from our own. The Men’s Fellowship have kindly invited us on the 18th of this month, to hear a talk entitled “Walking il Camino de Santiago” with Sean Gallagher. This is to be held in the school hall as usual, starting about 8.00pm after the Lent service in church. Women’s World Day of Prayer The annual Women’s World Day of Prayer is this year to be held on Friday 7th March at 2.00pm at the New Longton Methodist Church in Chapel Lane. Most of the local churches take part and, this year, it has been written by Egyptian Christians. Everyone is most welcome and it is hoped a good number will attend: please let one of them be you! Refreshments will be provided.

17 Hoole Parish Church, St Michael and All Angels, Messy Church Parents, bring your children, Children, bring your parents! Messy Church is family orientated worship, through fun, laughter, c r a f t s , g a m e s , singing, line dancing and light meal. THE THEME THIS MONTH IS; Messy Gethsemane at St Michael’s School, Liverpool Old Rd, Hoole Saturday 15th March 2014 3.30 to 5.30

18 St Michael and All Angels Messy Church is a success. We are experiencing a large number of young families who are new to church experiences. We have a good number of craft helpers, but due to our success we need more. Could YOU be the person to give time and energy to our new, very modern and up to date venture? If so please contact Rev Derek or Rona on 01772 813477. We need your help! The Children’s Society Collection Boxes The collection boxes in various homes around the Parish are due to be gathered together in April. They can be brought to church and left for my attention or to the ladies’ group meeting in April. I may need to pick up a small number from home addresses. If so my telephone number is 615958. Thank you. These boxes raise around £2m throughout the UK to help vulnerable children and young people in our neighbourhood and across the country. Jean Smallwood Friends of Mulanje Orphans AGM You are cordially invited to FOMO’s AGM on Friday 7th March 2014 at WI Hall, School Lane, Longton, Nr Preston Lancashire PR4 5YA. Start Time 7:30pm. The purpose of the AGM is to elect a new committee to serve as trustees of the charity and to give an overview of FOMO’s accounts and activities during 2013. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. Many thanks for your continued support and I hope to see you at the AGM. Jean Smallwood, Secretary

19 From the Editor of the Parish Pump: The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’… If you would like a copy of our published booklet of Uncle Eustace’s letters, please email us at: [email protected]

On why pews SHOULD be uncomfortable

The Rectory St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren Visits from your parishioners are always welcome. But I did not expect them to return to you complaining because our pews are uncomfortable. Pews are meant to be uncomfortable. The unshakeable belief of our congregation is that the more uncomfortable the pew, the holier the worship must be. By the same token, an 8am Service is more fervent than one at 11am, since it is much more socially inconvenient. If you add on enduring sub-zero temperatures and damp, then sainthood clearly beckons. Your people may be used to lolling in upholstered chairs in tropical temperatures, but I am sure such comfort places their souls in grave peril. Our pews were built five hundred years ago when people were several inches shorter and many pounds lighter and so could accommodate themselves on them perfectly adequately. The fact that a twenty-first century body is in constant danger of sliding off the seat and requires knees to be folded somewhere near ears at least helps to keep minds 20 focussed – apart for Colonel Wainwright, who still manages to sleep peacefully throughout Matins every Sunday. I could point out that your chairs make kneeling almost impossible – although I suspect that posture is not encouraged in your church, as people would then be unable to read the words on your overhead projector or wave their arms about quite as easily during the hymns. While the majority of our congregation find the Anglican crouch perfectly adequate, you can see those who flop to their knees on hearing “let us pray” from the clouds of dust sent up from suddenly compressed hassocks, which were purchased to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Accession. I may also point out that our box pews are very useful for modern times. Once a family is seated, with the door firmly shut, then any toddler is penned in and unable to use the aisles as a racing circuit. Medieval carpenters were clearly forward thinking people. Admittedly, box pew doors do tend to stick and few manage to look dignified while they wait for step ladders to be brought before they can climb out. If only you would remove your chairs and substitute benches without backs, turn off all heating and replace carpets with slate slabs, I am sure your congregation’s religious zeal would soar. Your loving uncle, Eustace

21 22 23 Kids’ Corner

LENT

Lent, before Easter, is like Advent before Christmas, a time of preparation. Lent is when we remember that Jesus prepared himself for starting his ministry by going away by himself for 40 days of fasting and prayer. You can read about it in your Bible: Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1-11; Mark, chapter 1, verses 12-13 and Luke, chapter 4, verses 1-13.

Jesus went into the wilderness – a quiet lonely place away from people – where he could think things out. He knew that his work would be hard, that many people would not listen to him, or if they listened, they would not believe him. During these 40 days Jesus made his choice: to work in God’s way however hard that might be.

This year Lent starts on 5th March and goes through half of April - have you thought about how YOU are going to prepare yourself to follow Jesus this Lent?

24 SPRING COLOURS

There are colours which are mentioned with these things in the Bible. Answers at the bottom of the page. 1. Pastures, herbs and olives are all ……………..? 2. A sea, tents and wine are ……………..? 3. Hangings in the Temple, pomegranates and doors of tents were all ……………..? 4. A horse, robes and teeth were all ……………..? 5. Kings’ raiment (clothing), Jesus’ robe and the dye that Lydia sold were all ……………..? 6. One of the gifts to the baby Jesus, candlesticks and spoons were ……………..? 7. A raven, clouds and chariot horses were ……………..? 8. Lips, a thread tied to a window and robes are ……………..?

What’s blue, V-shaped and flies? The Red Arrows in disguise.

What do you do with a green monster? Wait till he’s ripe.

Answers: 1. Green. 2. Red. 3. Blue. 4. White. 5. Purple 6. Gold 7. Black 8. Scarlet.

25 26 And Finally......

Labouring Curate: I can always tell when I am going to give birth to an idea for a sermon. My writer’s cramps start coming two minutes apart. (So true! Derek)

The Bible according to children Children’s version of biblical stories and events have a charm all their own. The following efforts have not been retouched or corrected (i.e. bad spelling has been left in).  ~ Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.  ~ Noah built an ark, which the animals came on to in pears.  ~ Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.  ~ The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten ammendments.  ~ Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.

27 Look at it this way….  A cashew is a peanut with back trouble.  There must be something to acupuncture - after all, you never see any sick hedgehogs.  A gesticulation is any movement made by a foreigner.  The English winter - ends in July. Recommences in August.

CHURCH INFORMATION Information about opening times and other information for St Michael’s are now to be found on the following websites. Simply type “PR4” and follow the links: http://www.achurchnearyou.com http://www.findachurch.co.uk http://www.searchchurch.co.uk

28 Message from the Landlord of The Smithy Inn

Liverpool Old Road, Much Hoole, Preston, PR4 4BG – 01772 619937

Come and savour the hospitality of your village pub and be assured of a warm welcome and good food, with outdoor seating for those balmy days Chris Griffiths New Menu Coming Soon & Special Offers

Sunday 12pm-8pm SOUP & ROAST DINNER £7.95 Tuesday-Friday 12pm-2pm 2 MEALS £6.95 Tuesday Night BURGER & A PINT £4.95 Friday 6pm-9pm 2 COURSES £8.00 & Saturday 6pm-9pm TWO 8oz STEAKS plus BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE £19.95 Entertainment

LIVE SPORTS (including 3pm kick offs) LIVE ENTERTAINMENT last Saturday every month from 9 pm 29 QUIZ NIGHT (CASH PRIZES) every Tuesday from 9 pm DARTS NIGHT every Wednesday from 9 pm DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT OR FAMILY GATHERING COMING UP? Flexibility to cater for your needs is our speciality

SEE NOTICE BOARD OUTSIDE THE SMITHY FOR UP AND COMING EVENTS

30