Rector: the Revd Derek a Baines Tel: 01772 641521; E-Mail

Church Officers Rector: The Revd Derek A Baines – Tel: 01772 641521; E-mail: [email protected] Churchwardens Mr Eric Barker OBE JP – Tel: 614385; E-mail: [email protected] Mr Robert Hawthornthwaite – Tel: 612952 PCC Secretary Mrs Andrea Susnik – Tel: 615336; E-mail: [email protected] PCC Treasurer Mrs Barbara Wood – Tel: 617679: E-mail: [email protected] Deanery Synod Representatives Mrs Avril Wright, Mrs Jane Elphick Stewardship Recorder/Gift Aid Secretary Mr Philip Norton – Tel: 07970 798345; E-mail: [email protected] Magazine Secretary Mrs Elsie Kirkham – Tel: 615832. Flower Secretaries Mrs Althea Slater – Tel: 614966, and Mrs E Wignall – Tel: 615675 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. Hoole Church Ladies’ Group – meets 7.30pm, 3rd Tuesday, in School. Leader: Mrs Erika Penrose – Tel 613816; E-mail: [email protected] 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: 617761; E-mail: [email protected]. Church Web Site: www.hoolevillage.com and www.hooleparishchurch.com 1

2 The Rector’s Ramblings November has swum by with soggy days and the occasional freezing night. In church we have been gearing up towards our Advent and Christmas worship with preparations being made by the Flower Group, myself and the organists, those helping with the Christingle and the school choir limbering up. Families, or rather the mums, are rushing about ordering food, buying presents, making invitations and getting ready to send out numerous cards to friends and family. So what is Advent all about? ‘Advent’, anglicised from the Latin word ‘adventus’ meaning "coming", is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday, called ‘Levavi’. The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sundays from November 27 to December 3 inclusive. The Latin ‘adventus’ is the translation of the Greek word ‘parousia’, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming. For us the season of preparation is not about the rushing around buying in food and presents but about the awareness of the love of God as he prepared to come to earth and grow as a human, yet divine, child into adulthood to show us the way of righteousness that leads to eternal life. Of course we do remember food as we celebrate “Stir up Sunday”, the feast of Christ the King and so called because of the first line of the Collect for the day, when traditionally the Christmas pud is put to bed.

3 The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. With the view of directing the thoughts of Christians to the first coming of Jesus Christ as saviour and to his second coming as judge, special readings are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in Advent to guide our thoughts in preparation. As we light the candles on the Advent wreath we spiritually quieten ourselves in prayer as we prepare to recognise the wonderful love that God has for each one of us. We must, as in Lent, cleanse ourselves by recognising our sins and seek God’s forgiveness and absolution. We can confess them quietly in our confession in the main services or seek out a Priest to act as a Spiritual Director; yes, the Church of England offers a sacrament of penitence and absolution, otherwise known as confession - as the saying goes “All may, some should whilst others must”, and what better time than Advent to prepare ourselves as we await the coming of Christ as a baby in preparation for his second coming. Your brother pilgrim, Derek

Looking back, with a glance forward! November started with our annual churchyard clean up. Many thanks to all the volunteers who turned up in the rain to clear what felt like a ton and a half of leaves from the grounds. Our first memorial service on the Sunday was well attended and meant a lot to those who attended, irrespective of when their loved one died. Derek has been busy with the ‘Shape of Things to Come’ consultation project group with meetings in Blackburn and at Whalley Abbey talking to Area Deans, Archdeacons and Bishops. Future work which will involve our parish begins with a meeting at the end of November, led by the Archdeacon, the clergy and wardens of our 6 parishes meet to set a programme for the future Archbishop Rawstorne Trustee churches and the cluster around them. The Cursillo taster day opened up an avenue for future learning for those who attended as we looked at our journey of

4 faith. There is a diocesan Cursillo meeting at St James’ Lostock Hall on the 29th November upon which we will report next time. Remembrance Sunday saw a sunny morning (eventually) with the church filled to capacity; thanks to all who helped out with music and wreaths for the service and refreshments afterwards. A special thank you to the flower group and the anonymous benefactor who created the wonderful cross that stood in front of the altar. School held a belated All Saints service in church (delayed because of ½ term) which was well received as Derek used a balloon to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit as we talked about Sainthood. The Annual Craft Fair was a great success with many stalls covering all aspects of craft work from our locality, and this year it included the Pendle Crafters. Elizabeth Swarbrick gave us a wonderful talk on the work in Okorum Tidiek and how their church is progressing. We have an open invitation to visit the villages between May and July when Elizabeth is with the project as they prepare to have the church dedicated to St Michael & All Angels. Confirmation classes began this last month with eight candidates from four schools; please pray for them – details next month with a photo of the kids in church. The General Synod of the Church of England has voted against the installation of women as Bishops as the house of laity failed to make a majority vote in favour, and we await further news as the church moves forward following the decision. The Reverend Sharon Baines managed to join us and led worship on the last Sunday of the Month so now you have been led by the Baines clan! During December we look forward to Carol Singing around the Village, our first Christingle service, the songsters of the School choir joining us in worship, “Lancashire Sings Christmas” and our usual Christmas worship – why not bring a friend?

5 Why don’t we see if we can get together a 4 part choir in church? Phil & Carole are willing to lead practice from 10.00 on a Sunday or possibly just after the Services.

6 Services for December including additional services for Christmas

2nd December – Advent 1 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 CW Holy Communion 3.00 BCP Evening Prayer 4.00 Holy Communion (Old Mill Court)

9th December – Advent 2 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 Morning Prayer

16th December – Advent 3 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 CW Holy Communion with Sunday School play and St Michael’s School Choir 3.00 BCP Evening Prayer 4.00 Christingle service

23rd Advent 4 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 FAMILY PRAISE 6.30 p.m. CAROL SERVICE

Monday 24th December – Christmas Eve 5.00 Crib Service 11.30 Midnight Eucharist

Tuesday 25th December – Christmas Day 10.30 Family Communion

30th December 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 Family Communion

7 2013 6th January – Epiphany 9.00 BCP Holy Communion 10.30 CW Holy Communion 3.00 BCP Evening Prayer 4.00 Holy Communion (Old Mill Court)

The Advent Wreath The ring or wheel of the Advent wreath of evergreens decorated with candles was a symbol in northern Europe long before the arrival of Christianity. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. A tradition is that each week represents one thousand years, to sum to the 4,000 years from Adam and Eve until the Birth of the Saviour. Three candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. Various interpretations have been made as to the symbolism of the candles – here is one list: o Advent 1; this candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

8 o Advent 2; the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger. o Advent 3; Gaudete Sunday - the rose coloured candle is lit in addition to two of the violet (or blue) coloured candles, which represent the first two Sundays of Advent. Despite the otherwise sombre readings of the season of Advent, which has as a secondary theme the need for penitence, the readings on the third Sunday emphasize the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming. o Advent 4; the fourth and last purple candle, oftentimes called the "Angels Candle," represents peace. Listen carefully for our interpretation each Sunday.

~~~~ Prayer intentions During the month we pray for:  We pray for the Holy Land and an end to oppression, conflict and acts of violence. Praying for peace between people of different religions and peoples.  The world, as we bring before God those less fortunate than ourselves.  We give thanks for the work carried out in Malawi and Uganda by our friends in the churches there.  We pray for the Church of England, for our outgoing Archbishop Rowan and our Archbishop Elect Justin that both may feel the strength of the Holy Spirit in their future ministries.  We give thanks for the work of local Christian charities.  Our mission and ministry to the villages. That God will guide us in our planning and action. For our ideas that will enable us to be a beacon within the community.  We pray for the children and young people of our parish, for our Sunday School and for the two schools in the villages.  We pray for every one of the congregation and those people we know best.

9  We pray for those who have been examples to us in our lives and our journeys of faith who have died.

Ministry Team meeting feedback

We reviewed the summer months following the meeting in May, acknowledging the following: 1. Youth worker shared with other parishes and paid by us. Long term planning

2. Improve Fairtrade stance. Look at the Diocesan Pledge. Coffee & Tea etc is, in the main, Fairtrade

3. Set up study group. Yet to be done.

4. Initiate a mid week Communion service. Commenced September.

5. Involve Sunday School more within Sunday Worship. Sunday School attend services. Number of weeks per month has increased. Plans in place for more involvement – e.g. Christmas ‘play’.

6. Improve church links with the scouts. Ongoing.

7. Involve the school in the walking day.

8. Greater liaison with the school and with Little Hoole Primary School. Ongoing.

9. Work with other parishes in the cluster. Process stalled, meeting with Archdeacon in November.

We looked at the ‘progress’ made with the above areas and included: 1. Bell Ringing team now set up and bells being learned by youngsters.

2. Plans to involve youngsters in reading Scripture & help at the Altar.

3. Sunday School plans to work with the schools. 10 4. Plans in place to increase awareness of the Sunday School.

The plan for the morning then followed this pattern: 1. Look at worship content for all services and all ages

2. Look at styles of worship – what is comfortable and do we wish to experiment at different times e.g. Messy Church, Cafe Services etc.

3. Look at Young people’s engagement.

4. Look at our own discipleship – courses & groups.

5. Look at Mission and Evangelism as a 5 year plan.

All things must be rooted in faith and prayer – Remember God’s time is not our time but we must not stop our work just because things seem slow. The output from the sessions: 1. Within worship we need to look at becoming active Christians.

2. Talk about world issues.

3. Vary the services according to the age groups.

4. We need to make the worship attractive to Teens, 20-30 somethings and also attract children by communication within the schools and family services.

5. Celebration services e.g. have specific services to give thanks for the Ladies’ Group and the Men’s Fellowship, inviting all members to each one.

6. Pub Services?

7. Family services where children join in by participating in the worship.

8. Family communion – Instructional Eucharist teaching history, clothing, actions etc.

11 9. Children/pupils write prayers which can be read in church each Sunday (Scouts to provide for Parade). Can follow the theme in school for the week.

10. Hymns and songs based upon school song list.

11. Learn new hymns.

12. Choir and use of instruments as well as the organ.

13. Confirmation class – confirmands to help in services as a part of their course.

14. Pre-school/playgroup. Set up some kind of ‘worship’ with stories, music and songs. Regular session e.g. at drop off in school or collection just before kids finish school. (Previous Tots’ Praise)

15. Life experience – make use of it with a ‘buddy’ system for youngsters to link with older members of our congregations, relating to faith journeys.

16. Continue with children’s hymns at the end of services.

17. Attract the ‘fringe’.

18. Carol Singing at Christmas – walk from San Marco to the Smithy stopping at both and the Rec. Then go on to Old Mill Court.

19. Set up volunteer rota to offer lifts to the housebound and infirm each Sunday.

20. Children’s Bible to be given at Baptism?

21. To make the Family Services more attractive to those with small children have packs of paper/colouring books and pencils available in church (books could be biblically based).

22. Suggestion Cards in church which will be read and, if appropriate acted upon within our worship.

We looked at our own Discipleship: 12 1. Alpha course style asking questions and hopefully gaining answers.

2. Use concerts and walks to attract folk to worship.

3. Adult Bible study groups with ‘social’ aspect i.e. end with drink and biscuit. Carry this out in each other’s homes, keep things informal. Evening and daytime sessions to ‘catch all’.

4. Youth Worker still high priority – within the Deanery or cluster?

5. Youth Club.

6. How do we attract the villagers to more than High days and Holidays?

7. Invite relatives to join us at the Old Mill Court Eucharist. Members of the Congregations to attend? This will make the people feel a real and connected part of the church community.

Our Mission and a 5 year Action Plan 1. Firstly to communicate this work to church members as there was concern that the small group may not represent the will of the church.

2. With thanks to Bill Carr who gave us a good ‘prompt list’ from which to work.

3. We need to revisit and rewrite our mission statement.

4. Look carefully at the worship as above and set up an advanced notice of the hymns (Parish magazine) and set up a choir with an agreed practice time (Needs organists as well as choir members).

5. Listen to members of our church, learn the History and note it. Look at the present and listen to comments. Plan the future.

13 6. In terms of pace we seem to be happy with the slower progress and subtle changes. Take a note of satisfaction and contentment.

7. We need to increase numbers of ‘thinking’ Christians.

8. Carry out a worship Audit. (What do you like the best/least? What could be done better? Are you comfortable with any changes that have been made? Would you be prepared to help with any suggested changes/actions? And so on).

9. Lifts scheme – notice board.

10. Suggestion box allowing all to contribute – we need to be representative of the villages, the young people and such groups as the men of the villages – tackle pubs?

11. Name badges for welcomers/Sidespersons?

12. Youth Worker – ecumenical or shared within cluster.

13. Encourage engagement with church and worship activities as well as social activities – Christianity in action.

14. Outreach needs to be looked at, how do we spread the Gospel? Are we ‘there’ for folks in the community?

15. More advertising of church activities – worship times and courses. Adverts/posters in pubs and shops.

16. Try and gain a sense of ‘ownership’ and thereby increase membership (Use it or lose it cf. Walmer Bridge Chapel).

17. Plan into our annual service diary special services for the Men’s Fellowship, the Ladies’ Group; something to do with school; Friends of St Michael’s and any other that members feel would reflect our work and enable us to give thanks to God.

18. Carry on with the ecumenical work – shared services and ‘altar swaps’ by clergy.

14 19. Look at the feasibility of a prayer or message card that could be given out in shops or used as a beer mat in the Smithy & the two restaurants.

It is of course important that the future planning for worship, discipleship, mission and evangelism is a united one carried out by all members of the church. The Ministry Team is a focus group and any member of the church or community is welcome to join us at the advertised meetings to enable a thorough understanding of how we progress as God’s people, living the Gospel over the next few years. Visiting Father Christmas A mother took her young daughter to visit Father Christmas in his grotto at the garden centre. He greeted the youngster merrily, and asked: “And what would you like for Christmas?" The little girl stared at him, open mouthed with horror. Then she gasped: “Didn't you get my email??!!"

Saint of the month: St Nicholas – another look at this much loved saint The true story of Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, began with a man named Nicholas who was born in the third century in the Greek village of Patara, on what is today the southern coast of Turkey. His family were both devout and wealthy, and when his parents died in an epidemic, Nicholas decided to use his inheritance to help people. He gave to the needy, the sick, the suffering. He dedicated his whole life to God’s service, and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. As a bishop, he joined other bishops and priests in prison under the Emperor Diocletian’s fierce persecution of Christians across the Roman Empire. Finally released, Nicholas was not bitter, but all the more determined to shed abroad the news of God’s love. He did so by giving. One story of his generosity explains why we hang Christmas stockings over our mantelpieces today. There was a poor family with three daughters who needed dowries if they were to marry, and not be sold into slavery. Nicholas heard of their plight, and tossed three bags of gold into their home through an open window – thus saving the girls from a life of misery. 15 The bags of gold landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. Hence the custom of children hanging out stockings – in the hope of attracting presents of their own from St Nicholas – on Christmas Eve. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols of St Nicholas.

The example of St Nicholas has never been forgotten – in bygone years boys in Germany and Poland would dress up as bishops on December 6th, and beg alms for the poor. In the Netherlands and Belgium, ‘St Nicholas’ would arrive on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift- giving rounds. To this day, December 6th is still the main day for gift-giving and merry-making in much of Europe. Many feel that simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.

Change a life – The Real Easter Egg campaign

Churches, schools and individuals are being asked to Change a Life by giving a Real Easter Egg this year.

Out of the 80 million chocolate Easter eggs sold each year in the UK, The Real Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade chocolate egg to explain the meaning of Easter and it remains a unique way to share the Easter story. This year the Real Easter Egg has a free activity pack in the box which includes the Easter story, activity poster, free i-tune download and a sticker set. The resurrection text from Mark can also be found inside the lid along with the greeting ‘Happy Easter!’

Change a life - through faith The Real Easter Egg is now in its third year of production with more than 200,000 sold so far. Last year stories began to emerge of people whose life had been changed after being given a Real Easter Egg. A charity worker, from the North of England, said; “The first time I visited clients, half way through the visit the bailiffs arrived and they were really scared….we had a long chat about Easter after I’d taken a Real Easter Egg for the boys. Both of them went to

16 church this Sunday and were given a Bible. The mum sent a really lovely text after the visit saying she was sure God had sent us.”

17 A grandmother from Oxfordshire gave an egg and explained; “Tracy saw the book that was included in The Real Easter Egg and wanted her mum to read the story to her… The following week Tracy attended Sunday School.” Change a life – through trade But it is not only at home that lives have been transformed, with each sale of The Real Easter Egg a donation is made to Traidcraft Exchange to support some of the poorest farmers in the world - over £40,000 has been donated so far. A Fairtrade Premium is also paid to farmers allowing them to invest in their community buying everything, from school books and solar panels, to providing fresh water supplies. Join the campaign – How to buy Last year churches across the UK joined the campaign to establish the first religious Easter Egg. Congregations promoted the egg, put sign-up lists in church, took orders, money and placed a direct order. More than 90,000 eggs were delivered through the post to churches in this way. Each Real Easter Egg costs £3.99 for a 125g milk chocolate egg and includes the free activity pack in the box and a 15 pence donation to Traidcraft Exchange. The buying options are below:  Church orders – if you want a Real Easter Egg, please sign the list at the back of church no later than 1st February.  Pick up one or two eggs while supermarket shopping – you will only find 12 eggs on supermarket shelves at any one time. Check the How to Buy section at www.realeasteregg.co.uk to see which supermarkets, if any, are stocking the egg  For individual orders check the How to Buy section at www.realeasteregg.co.uk and pay by debit or credit card.

Parish Magazine Subscription We have been able to keep the price of your magazine the same for several years. Because of rising costs we now find it necessary to raise the annual subscription to £8.00, so please be ready when your distributor calls round in January.

18 From the Parish Registers – November

Holy Baptism “We welcome into the Lord’s Family” BENJAMIN CHARLIE BAKER, son of Richard James Baker and Leanne Victoria Baker, of Walmer Bridge Holy Matrimony “Those whom God hath joined together” The Departed “Rest eternal grant unto them”

From the Register of Services Attendance Communicants Collections Sept 16th 88 68 £376.17 23rd 78 23 £310.90 30th (Harvest) 161 26 £706.70 Oct 7th 72 59 £368.80 14th 66 35 £375.15 21st 105 80 £457.78 28th 83 23 £395.95 Nov 4th (inc Memorial Service) 171 78 £471.85 11th (Remembrance) 227 27 £762.24 18th 100 70 £368.97 Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals: £109.76

Church Flowers Date Arrangers Donor Dec 2nd Mrs B Wignall & Mrs A Dalton Mr & Mrs P Parker 9th Mrs A Slater & Mrs E Kirkham Altar: Mr & Mrs P Blakeley Pedestal: Mrs E Houghton 16th CHRISTMAS – ALL ARRANGERS Mrs M Bowker 23rd CHRISTMAS 30th CHRISTMAS Jan 6th Mrs J Martland/Mrs J Wilson Altar: Miss E Swarbrick Children’s Corner: Mrs S Birtles 13th Mrs J Aughton/Mrs S Westell Vacant

19 Sidespersons’ Rota Dec 2nd 9.00 Charles Redshaw 10.30 Jean & John Aughton, Jock Davidson 3.00 Sylvia Douglas 9th 9.00 Jeremy Leigh 10.30 Ted Hopkins, Carole Bamber, Peter Blakeley 16th 9.00 Henry Redshaw 10.30 Bill Carr, Scott Eckersley & David Turner 4.00 Christingle Service: Clifford Orritt 23rd 9.00 Rob MacMurray 10.30 Philip Wilson, Avril Wright & Paul Johnson 6.30 Carol Service: Ted Hopkins, Carole Bamber & Beryl Blakeley 24th 11.30 Gill Slinger, Norman Skellorn & Tom Wignall 25th 10.30 Church Wardens 30th 9.00 Mike Redshaw 10.30 Bill Carr, Scott Eckersley & David Turner Jan 6th 9.00 Jeremy Leigh 10.30 Jean & John Aughton, Jock Davidson Readers’ Rota 9.00am 10.30am Dec 2nd --- C Bamber Jeremiah 33: v 14-16 J Wilson J Ashcroft 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 9th --- J Elphick Baruch 5: v 1-9 S Tighe A Wright Philippians 1: v 3-11 16th --- E Hopkins Zephaniah 3: v 14-20 V Van Holsbeke G Slinger Philippians 4: v 4-7 23rd --- C Dalgleish Micah 5: v 2-5a M Redshaw S Dalgleish Luke 1: v 39-45 24th Christmas Eve} B Wood 2 Samuel 7: v 1-5, 8-11, 16 11.30pm } R McClure Acts 13: v 16-26 25th --- C Bamber Isaiah 52: v 7-10 --- J Ashcroft Hebrews 1: v 1-12 30th --- J Elphick 1 Samuel 2: v 18-20, 26 J Wilson A Wright Colossians 3: v 12-17 Jan 6th --- E Hopkins Isaiah 60: v 1-6 S Tighe G Slinger Ephesians 3: v 1-12 20 Ladies’ Group Natalie from Magpies of Longton excelled during her demonstration of flower arranging last month, creating three beautiful arrangements which she kindly donated as raffle prizes, and three lucky members went home very happy!

On Tuesday 4th December at 7.30pm we are holding our Christmas Coffee Evening when the locally celebrated group “Mona’s Friends” will be entertaining us. If you don’t have a ticket you can pay at the door (£5.00); there will be a raffle, bring and buy stall and of course refreshments. Proceeds will go to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, so do come along and support us.

Social Committee Quiz Evening Many thanks to the Social Committee for organising the annual Quiz evening last month. Everyone enjoyed themselves and prizes were given for first and second teams; there was disappointment in the lower ranks but we’ll try harder next year!

Tea/Coffee Rota following our 10.30 services Dec 2nd Beryl Rona 9th Althea Erika 16th Kath Iris 23rd Carole Gill 30th Diane Pauline Jan 6th Beryl Rona

If you would like to join the rota of volunteers then please add your name into any of the vacant dates on the notice board in the church porch. 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. Thanks. Kathleen Clarke – Tel: 01772 812349

21 Kids’ Corner

Christmas Live Sometimes when people tell you a story it doesn’t really mean as much as it would if you could see it for yourself. St Francis of Assisi had often preached about that very first Christmas in Bethlehem with the animals round the manger and the baby lying on a bed of straw. But he wanted the story to come alive for his congregation. In the year 1223 he had a brilliant idea and planned a very special surprise for Christmas Eve. Instead of the sermon in church, Francis led the people to a cave. There, to their amazement, was a manger set out with a doll in it, and all around were real animals who watched while Francis told the old story with a new meaning because people could now see it for themselves. The idea grew each year, soon they used a real baby in the crib (an orphan with no home because someone would then willingly take in the ‘Christ-baby’). And still today, churches and homes every-where put up their cribs and wonder anew at the story of God come down to earth, a child like us.

Shhh! A teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to the village Christmas carol service: "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because so many people are sleeping."

22 23 Have a go at making Christmas Beads! A nice present to make for someone you love. Cut strips of paper out of Christmas wrapping paper: each strip 6" (15 cm) long and 3/4" (2 cm) at the widest part. Cut these strips into long triangle shapes so that the tip of the paper is narrower than the base. Put widest end of the paper strip on to a knitting needle or pencil and begin to wrap it round itself. When you get close to the end, add a very small dab of glue and press it down. Slide the bead off the knitting needle. Repeat. Let the beads dry. Thread the beads onto string or yarn and then tie to make a necklace. You can also make longer lengths into garlands to decorate the Christmas tree. Use plain colours or the shiny pages of magazines to make beads for all year round.

What did the snowman and his wife hang over their baby’s crib? A snow mobile What is claustrophobia? Fear of Santa

~~~~~~~

Contributions for the January magazine should be sent or given to Erika by Friday 14th December.

For Your Diary Tues 4th Dec Ladies’ Group Christmas Coffee Evening – in school at 7.30pm Tues 11th Dec Men’s Fellowship Christmas Dinner Sun 16th Dec Christingle Service at 4.00pm Sun 23rd Dec Carol Service at 6.30pm