"Methodist and United Reformed Church News in Darwen” CHURCH DIRECTORY Working together to learn, live, love and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. BOLTON ROAD Secretary: Nancy Briggs Phone 01254 775053 email [email protected] August and September 2019
CENTRAL: Secretary: Liz Rutherford Tel 01254 774715 Email: [email protected]
Room Lettings: Janice Cowell Tel 01254 706379 BOLTON ROAD email:[email protected] NEW CHURCH CENTRAL Stewards: Valerie Gregory Tel 705314 Jean Fish, 8 Calder Ave, Darwen. Tel 773935 Karen Rowley, 2 Lyndhurst Road, Darwen. Tel 07941 881833 NEW CHURCH
SPRING VALE Room Lettings: Marion Haslam, 4 Sunnyhurst Close, Darwen Tel: 773633 TRINITY SPRING VALE Stewards: Lilian Nicholson, 660 Bolton Road, Darwen Chris Allan, 2 Sudell Close, Darwen TOCKHOLES Irene Hindle Donna Boothman Julie Jones
Room Lettings: David Foster, 4 Derby Close, Darwen Tel 703858 MINISTER email: [email protected]
TRINITY, LOWER DARWEN Secretary: George Grime Tel 01254 54305 email: [email protected] Rev Louise Makin 2 Highercroft Road Lower Darwen, BB3 0QR (01254 678858)
TOCKHOLES: Secretary: Kathleen Knowles. Tel 01254 706489 email: [email protected]
CHURCH NEWS EDITOR Liz Rutherford 68 Barley Bank Street, Darwen Tel 774715 email: [email protected]
FORMAL YOUTH ORGANISATIONS Spring Vale: Guides, Brownies, Rainbows; New Church: Brownies, Rainbows
PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS Central Website: www.centralurcdarwen.org.uk Weekday Groups at Central, Spring Vale, Trinity and New Church Methodist Website: www.wpmmethodist.co.uk ENQUIRIES: The Churches welcome all enquiries. For Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals please contact one of the Ministers before any other arrangements are made. Other enquiries may be made through the Ministers, Secretaries or Stewards.
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WORSHIP FOR AUGUST BIBLE READINGS SUNDAY 4th AUGUST AUGUST SEPTEMBER Bolton Road 10.30am At Central Central 9.30am Rev Geoff Tolley: Communion 10.30am David Foster Beryl Slater 1 Luke 21.29-end 1 Luke 14.1,7-14 New Church 10.30am At Spring Vale 2 Luke 22.1-13 2 Acts 6 3 Luke 22.14-23 3 Acts 7.1-16 Spring Vale 10.45am Rev Louise Makin: Communion 4 Colossians 3.1-11 4 Acts 7.17-43 Trinity 10.30am Doreen Goodship: Communion 5 Luke 22.24-30 5 Acts 7.44-53 6 Luke 22.31-38 6 Acts 7.54-8.3 Tockholes 2.00pm John East 7 Luke 22.39-46 7 Acts 8.4-25 8 Luke 22.47-62 8 Luke 14.25-33 SUNDAY 11th AUGUST 9 Luke 22.63-end 9 Acts 8.26-end Bolton Road 10.30am John Bidwell 10 Luke 23.1-12 10 Acts 9.1-19a 11 Luke 12.32-40 11 Acts 9.19b-31 Central 10.30am Lena Talbot: Communion Lesley Barker 12 Luke 23.13-25 12 Acts 9.32-end New Church 10.30am Bryan Lamb 13 Luke 23.26-43 13 Acts 10.1-16 14 Luke 23.44-56 14 Acts 10.17-33 Spring Vale 10.45am Geraldine Simister 15 Luke 24.1-12 15 Luke 15 1-10 Trinity 10.30am Colin Garley 16 Luke 24.13-35 16 Acts 10.34-end 17 Luke 36-end 17 Acts 11.1-18 Tockholes 2.00pm Catherine Young 18 Luke 12.49-56 18 Acts 11.19-end 19 Acts 1.1-14 19 Acts 12.1-17 th SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 20 Acts 1.15-end 20 Acts 12.18-end Bolton Road 10.30am Colin Garley 21 Acts 2.1-21 21 Acts 13.1-12 Central 10.30am Barbara Duxbury Michael Kennedy 22 Acts 2.22-36 22 Luke 16.1-13 23 Acts 2.37-end 23 Acts 13.13-43 New Church 10.30am Steven Williams 24 Acts 3.1-10 24 Acts 13.44-14.7 Spring Vale 10.45am Jim Proctor 25 Luke 13.10-17 25 Acts 14.8-end Trinity 10.30am Rev Terry Young 26 Acts 3.11-end 26 Acts 15.1-21 27 Acts 4.1-12 27 Acts 15.22-35 Tockholes 2.00pm Doreen Goodship: Communion 28 Acts 4.13-31 28 Acts 15.36-16.5 29 Acts 4.32-5.11 29 Luke 16.19-end SUNDAY 25th AUGUST 30 Acts 5.12-26 30 Acts 16.6-24 Bolton Road 10.30am Barbara Duxbury 31 Acts 5.27-end Central 10.30am Rev Geoff Tolley Mary Irokansi
New Church 10.30am Myles Sumner Answer to last Word Search—Jehoshapat Spring Vale 10.45am Local Arrangement Trinity 10.30am Rev Catherine Lewis-Smith: Baptism Deadline for October/November magazine—Sunday 22nd September Tockholes 2.00pm Catherine Young
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GROUPS AT NEW CHURCH WORSHIP FOR SEPTEMBER Sunday 10.30 am Sunday Service with Junior Church SUNDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2nd Sunday in month All Age Worship Bolton Road 10.30am Doreen Goodship: Communion Monday 10 am to 12 noon Stroke Association Choir 1st Monday each month Central 9.30am Rev Geoff Tolley: Communion Monday Rainbows 10.30am Rev Terry Young Abiola Ajibola Monday Brownies New Church 10.30am TBC Tuesday 10.30 am to 11.30 am Tai Chi classes Spring Vale 10.45am TBC Trinity 10.30am Barbara Duxbury: Communion Tuesday 7.00 pm Unity Choir Tockholes 2.00pm Simon Huggill Wednesday 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Trefoil Guild (once a month) SUNDAY 8th SEPTEMBER Wednesday 5.00pm to 7.00 pm Weight Watchers Bolton Road 10.30am Yemi Ajibola Thursday 9.00 am to 11.00 am Weight Watchers Central 10.30am John East: Communion Adebola Laditan Thursday 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm Home Group New Church 10.30am TBC Friday 9.30 am to 11 am Stay & Play—parents/carers, babies and toddlers. Spring Vale 10.45am TBC Friday 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm West Pennine Slings Group for parents/carers, Trinity 10.30am Rev Terry Young babies & toddlers (for parents/carers wishing Tockholes 2.00pm Derek Estill: Harvest Thanksgiving to know more about baby carriers and slings) SUNDAY 15th SEPTEMBER Friday 1.00 pm—3.00 pm All-Age Drop-In Group Bolton Road 10.30am George Grime Saturday 8.00 am to 10 am Weight Watchers Central 10.30am Simon Huggill David Yates Saturday 10.00 am to 3.30 pm Darwen Textile Group 2nd Sat each month New Church 10.30am TBC Spring Vale 10.45am TBC GROUPS AT SPRING VALE Trinity 10.30am Rev Geoff Tolley Sunday 10.45 am Sunday Service Tockholes 2.00pm George Grime: Communion SUNDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER Monday 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm Rothwell Arts (dancing) Bolton Road 10.30am Catherine Young Tuesday 10.00 am to 11.00 am Adventure Babies (0-12 months) Central 10.30am Elders; Harvest Thanksgiving Tuesday 11.00 am to 12 noon Adventure Babies (6-24 months) New Church 10.30am TBC Tuesday 5.45 pm to 7.00 pm Rainbows Spring Vale 10.45am TBC Wednesday 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm Brownies Trinity 10.30am George Grime Tockholes 2.00pm Rev Geoff Tolley Wednesday 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm Guides SUNDAY 29th SEPTEMBER Thursday 10.30 am to 12 noon Stay and Play—Parents/Carers and Toddler Group Bolton Road 10.30am Barbara Duxbury Thursday 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm Rothwell Arts (dancing) Central 10.30am George Grime Maria Koujo New Church 10.30am TBC Friday 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Walk this Way Choir Spring Vale 10.45am TBC Saturday 9.00 am to 12 noon Starlight Kids Dance and Stage School Trinity 10.30am Doreen Goodship: Harvest Thanksgiving Tockholes 2.00pm Sheila McNabb Saturday 10.00 am to 2.30 pm Rothwell Arts (dancing) 26 3
Minister’s letter Central Flower Rota August “Behold, behold, I make all things new, 4th ‘Memories’ Bill and Paula Chynoweth Beginning with you and starting today. 11th ‘In memory of Brenda’ Norman, Gareth and Ruth 18th ‘In memory of Diana’ (Wignall) Behold, behold, I make all things new, 25th ‘In memory’ Kathleen Knowles and family My promise is true, for I am Christ the way.” John Bell, © WGRG, Iona Community, 1995. September 1st Goodship family memories I was kneeling in the rose bed outside what was New Church, weeding beneath 8th Dorothy and Kevin Yates some very prickly roses when I was reminded of that verse. The sun was shining 15th Dennis and Margaret Oldham and around me other church members were bustling around, sweeping, remov- 22nd ‘In memory of loved ones’ Beryl Slater ing the cobwebs and giving things a deep clean ready for the start of what is 29th ‘In memory of family’ Doris and Ron Whalley proving to be a momentous year. Central Coffee Rota Gardening for me is a good time for reflection and prayer. Time to allow God to August speak in the midst of keeping my hands active; I didn’t need to think about what 4th Beryl Shaw, Annette Barker, Karen Narramore I was removing, everything apart from the roses was coming out. And the roses 11th Janice Cowell, Elsa Peacock, Margaret East were getting a prune. 18th Beryl Slater, Lynda Reay, Liz Rutherford 25th Kathleen Knowles, Doreen Bannister, Margaret Burns Gardeners will tell you that there are simple rules to pruning. The three D’s. First cut out the dead wood, it serves no purpose and prevents the light getting September to new growth. Then remove anything that is harbouring disease before it 1st Dorothy Yates, Mavis Aspinall, Barbara Duxbury spreads. Finally, cut out anything that is crossing, or rubbing against a stem or 8th Beryl Shaw, Annette Barker, Liz Rutherford is damaged. And being roses, dead-heading also helps to keep them flowering. 15th Beryl Slater, Lynda Reay, Margaret East 22nd Janice Cowell, Elsa Peacock, Karen Narramore And that is a good image to consider in our churches; where is the dead wood 29th Kathleen Knowles, Doreen Bannister, Margaret Burns that needs removing, the practices that have ceased to provide. What is dis- eased or damaged in the form of attitudes that have moved from Jesus’ teach- We are very short of people (men or women) willing to help with the coffee bar on Sun- ing; prejudice, or exclusiveness that prevents our church from being fruitful? day mornings. If you think this is something you could help with please contact Barbara Jesus used the vine as his plant image of choice but his message was the Duxbury. same. Central Communion Rota “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He removes every branch August in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear Jean Yates, *Karen Narramore, Eileen Pye, Margaret Oldlham more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to September you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself *Alison Atherton, Janice Cowell, Barbara Duxbury, Margaret East unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” John 15:1-4 NRSV *denotes who is to supply bread. If you are not available, please arrange a replace- ment, stroke your name out and choose an alternative month.
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FLOWER ROTAS—AUGUST/SEPTEMBER In order to grow well the church needs to keep being pruned, refined, having its deadwood removed, allowing the new growth to emerge, as long as we remain Bolton Road Flower Rota attached to the rootstock that is our faith. And we do that by our commitment to August prayer, worship, and study of the scripture. 4th Flower Fund 11th Flower Fund The roses look great despite their age; they have been in for 50 years. They were 18th Flower Fund planted when the building that houses the church went up. Since then things have 25th Mr and Mrs Gordon Beveridge ‘Memories’ moved on. We as Methodists commit to sharing the good news with all, and we were getting a bit stuck at achieving this - both churches are small with a limited September number of active members. Recently the Methodist Churches in Darwen voted to 1st ‘Treasured memories of Doc Stuttard and Dad’ Stephen and Beverly Rees start the process of unification. Not to close a building as they are both well used 8th. ‘Birthday remembrance for a dear mum Sally, also dad who passed away on by the community but to come together to focus on the mission of the church. The her birthday’ Beryl, Keith and family 15th Flower Fund process started with the formation of the one church council and its inaugural 22nd Flower Fund meeting. Darwen Methodist Church was born, at Spring Vale and at... New 29th Flower Fund Church... but that sounded odd, and still gives no idea where to find the building. So a consultation took place, and a congregational vote and an overwhelming majority verdict in favour of a new name. So now if you are looking for a Methodist Church in Darwen, you have a choice of two locations, Spring Vale or Bright Tockholes Flower Rota Street. One people called Methodist. Two branches of the same church. August 4th Mrs M Jump It’ll take time to get everything changed; noticeboards are easy, but online takes 11th Christine longer but it will be done. Getting used to working closer together, sharing out- th 19 Vacant reach. Making things new, starting afresh is often a good way to reinvigorate or 25th Mr and Mrs H Woolford ’In memory’ revitalise. The message of the gospel is still the same message but it needs to
September keep being updated and retold for a new generation; if we try to keep things the 1st Family of Joyce Vernon and Ann ‘In memory’ same it loses the impact. What brought us to faith is not what will inspire the next 8th Harvest followers. Many of us are now realising that trying to preserve the church as it was 15th Mr G Swanton (even though it never was) as a museum, to prevent things moving is the best way 22nd Rev and Mrs T Young to ensure extinction. Just like the new shoots on the rose bushes can now grow 29th Mr and Mrs A Gillett ‘Birthday memories’ freely after a good prune, the church having freed people from meetings can now turn its focus on Jesus’ mission.
Or to use another of Jesus’ plant images “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts Spring Vale Flower Rota August forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.” Mark 13:28 NRSV September Have a great summer, God bless you all. No list available Louise
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FELLOWSHIP NEWS GROUPS WHO MEET AT CENTRAL
NEW CHURCH Monday 9.00 am to 11.00 am Mums and Tots Monday 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm DARE Job Club News from The Methodist Church @ Bright Street Monday 6.00 pm to 9.30 pm Ballroom/Sequence Dancing Yes, New Church are in the process of changing their name, and although it is not official just yet, we are slowly getting used to calling ourselves Bright Street. Tuesday 9.30 am to 10.30 am Yoga Tuesday 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Health Re-fresh Borough Council Holiday time is upon us once again and as I write this the sun is shining, the birds are singing and life is good. If you’ve already been on holiday I hope you had a wonderful Tuesday 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm Sweaty Mamas Exercise Group time and if you are about to go, hope the weather is kind and you come back refreshed Tuesday 3.30 pm onwards Dance and renewed. Whatever you are doing, be blessed. Wednesday 10.00 am to 1.00 pm Refugee Drop-In Club We were very blessed at Bright Street recently when we hosted 3 weekly sessions of Real People, Honest Talk, an initiative by Near Neighbours, part of Together Lancashire. Wednesday 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm Ashleigh Singers (March to September) Our first session was well attended and we were joined by friends from the mosque. This was a time of fellowship and getting to know one another. Our next two sessions Wednesday 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm Dancing were identifying and discussing areas of concern within our communities and neighbour- hoods and how we could work together to resolve some of the issues. Thursday Alternate weeks 9.00 am to 12.00 noon P.R.O.B.U.S Thursday 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Dancing We had some brilliant conversations and discussions when our views were aired with real honesty, and I think we all learned that despite our diversity, we are all very similar and Friday 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Seated Yoga can work together to make a difference in our communities. Saturday 8.00am to 11.30 am Slimming World
Following on from the three sessions was ‘The Big Conversation’ when we got together with three of the other groups from around Darwen and Blackburn, who have held similar sessions. Another fantastic, successful and fun day of getting to know more new people, making new friends, sharing conversations, food and fellowship. Our Church was buzzing CENTRAL CALENDAR FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER with chattering and laughter as we had such fun coming up with possible solutions to shared problems. Our thanks must go to Lynne Mitchell from Near Neighbours who in- Midweek communion at Central URC—this is being discontinued for the vited us and encouraged us to host the three sessions and then changed the venue for time being. The Big Conversation as she wanted us to host it in our Church as she said everyone is made to feel welcome and valued when they come to us. What a lovely thing to say Café Bible Study at Riverside Heights Lynne and it’s so good to hear. I know you won’t be reading this, but God bless you. No bible study in August. 11th September 10 am I think we were all shocked recently when our heating system had its annual service and all the heaters in Church were condemned as being unsafe to use, and so, our fundrais- Book Club— 2 pm at the home of Anne Grimson. Tel 01254 703994 ing continues. The replacement of flooring and lighting has been put on hold as heating has to take priority. We are confident that we will reach our goal as we trust God to an- Tuesday 20th Aug 2 pm ' Belzhar' by Meg Wolitzer swer our prayers and meet our needs. Monday 30th Sept 2 pm Book not yet chosen
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I wrote in the last magazine about the sterling efforts of Elizabeth in raising funds for a Word Search–New Testament Women defibrillator to be installed outside Church and I am pleased to report that this will be in situ on the outside of the wall on Bright Street in just a couple of days’ time. Once again, thank you to Elizabeth for all her hard work in helping to provide something that will be of benefit to the whole community.
Our Friday Wellbeing Group is taking a break for the summer and will recommence on Friday 6th September. See separate Wellbeing programme.
Stay & Play, since its move to Friday mornings, has really taken off and we are seeing an increase in numbers each week. We are remaining open for most of the school holidays, when older siblings will be welcome to join us, but will be having a break on August 30th and September 6th when I and all the volunteers will be taking a much-needed break and my sincere thanks go to all of you for your help each week.
Soup, sandwich and pudding has moved to the second Thursday of each month and again has seen an increase in numbers attending. All are welcome to join us but for ca- tering purposes, if you intend coming along, please let one of the Stewards know by the previous weekend. There is no set charge but donations towards our heating and refur- bishment fund will be most welcome.
Many blessings to you all Karen
DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES We will be holding an afternoon tea, with various stalls and prize draw, on Bank Holiday Monday August 26th between 2 - 4 pm. Tickets £5 each available from any of the Stewards or by ordering on our Church Facebook page.
A very useful, interesting and valuable book I recently came across Brian D McLaren’s book “We make the road by walking : A year Apphia, Believers, Bernice, Businesswomen, Daughters, Deaconess, Dor- long quest for spiritual formation, re-orientation and activation”, whilst browsing in Dar- cas, Drusilla, Elizabeth, Eunice, Euodia, Friends, Helpers, Herodias, Lady, wen’s Heart Foundation shop. Lois, Mary Magdalene, Messenger, Mothers, Nympha, Phoebe, Priscilla, The book is essentially a year’s worth of weekly reflections of the bible and each can be Prophetess, Rhoda, Ruth, Samaritan, Sapphira, Seamstress, Servants, read aloud in about ten minutes or so. If you are struggling with your faith this book may Susanna, Tentmaker, Tryphena, Tryphosa well help you to re-orientate; if your faith seems to be all talk without much constructive practice, McLaren’s book may help you to positively transform your faith into more bal- anced, informed action, and if you are a parent or grandparent wondering about how best Try to find the mystery answer: after you have found all the words, sort to educate your children or grandchildren, this book offers sound practical advice and the left-over letters into the correct order to form the mystery answer. guidance.
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In his preface, the author states that “You are not finished yet” and that you are “in the making”. His fundamental message is that we can all change and have the capacity to Calling all Knitters! learn, improve, mature, think and grow; just as, perhaps most, if not all, have the sus- ceptibility to lose their way, make mistakes, some egregious, some less so, and to stag- Babies born in some of the poorest areas of Africa are wrapped in newspaper, nate and regress! It is our decision, but what road will we take? hence the name “Fish ‘n’ Chip Babies” to keep them warm when mothers have no clothes for them. If we find that we are on the wrong road or are embarking on inauspicious or unwise activities or behaviour, how best might we re-orientate as individuals, groups, societies It is advisable to use dark colours and not pastel shades. and as a global community? Perhaps reading this book may help! While it may seem to be something of a platitude or cliché, we can all play some part, however modest, to help create a better, wiser, and more worthwhile future. Vest: 8 Ply Yarn (double knitting) George J Hill 5mm needles (tight knitters) or 4.5mm needles (loose knitters) Methodist Church at Bright Street Cast on 44 stitches Work 18 Rows in K2, P2 rib Work 30 Rows stocking stitch (1 row plain, 1 row purl) Cast on 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows and at the On July 14th, we celebrated Action for Children Sunday. Our Worship leaders led the same time change to K2, P2 (for sleeve) service, and reminded us all that this year it is 150 years since the charity was founded Rib 22 more rows. by Rev. Thomas Stevenson, a Methodist Minister working in London. He was appalled Next row: Rib 21, cast off 26 stitches, rib 21 to see so many children living on the streets and fending for themselves. He rallied sup- Next row: Rib 21, cast on 26 stitches, rib 21 port and bought an old stable for the children to sleep in initially. Thus the first home with Work 22 rows in K2, P2 rib schooling was started with a ‘home mother and father’ to care for the children. With the Cast off 12 stiches at beginning of next 2 rows continued help and support of friends and associates a second home was build in Edg- worth on land donated by Mr. Barlow of Edgworth. The children helped to quarry the Work 30 rows stocking stitch stone and build the home units, which became the Edgworth Homes. The children bene- Work 18 rows, K2, P2 rib fited from the clean air away from the smog of London, and were given education. Cast off
This was the start of National Children’s homes, many more springing up in the UK. Completed vests can be handed in any Wednesday, at 12 noon, at the The charity is now known as Action for Children. During the service we remembered all DARE Group at Central URC Darwen and given to Jackie, or alternatively the work done helping families to stay with their own family unit whenever possible with contact Liz Rutherford 01254 774715. support from volunteers and professionals. Thanks The gift aid envelopes were collected during the service resulting in £96. The Home collecting boxes also received amounted to £130.61. making a total of £226.61 for this half year. Enjoy knitting for this very worthwhile cause.
Many Thanks to all,
Marion Haslam, AfC co-ordinator
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Time Wellbeing Group Autumn Programme 2019 BOLTON ROAD At New Church - 1 to 3 pm Refreshments - £1 It's hard to believe but we are half way through the year; many of our congregation have been on their holidays and the schools have broken up for the summer . We are looking forward to celebrating our harvest festival. 6th September Catching up and Quiz 13th September Speaker: Air Ambulance (TBC) It was nice to see David Foster preaching at our church on Sunday 14th of July and also 20th September Put on your dancing shoes his wife Karimeh . He preached about the good Samaritan; also love they neighbour and 27th September Stained glass windows also who is your neighbour.
We continue to pray for our congregation who can no longer make it to church and give them home communion and visits. 4th October Just a minute 11th October Speaker: Jo (Friends of Serenity) A special prayer for Ste and Lisa at the sad news that Ste's father has sadly passed 18th October Games day away—our thoughts and prayers go out to both of them.
th 25 October Speaker: Arthur Greenhalgh We are happy to see Marjorie back playing the piano after having had 2 operations on (Scout Jamboree in America) her legs.
HARVEST FESTIVAL will be on the 8th of September—donations of dried goods and 1st November A quilt of love tinned foods only please. 8th November Bowls and darts competition 15th November Speaker: Elizabeth (Round the World Solo) 22nd November Domino drive 29th November Speaker: Rev Terry Young Dear friends (My visit to Buckingham Palace) I am writing on behalf of Bolton Road Members to let you know that because of our financial situation we have sadly had to make the difficult decision to close our church on 20th October this year. We have had support from Rev Michelle Jar- th 6 December Decorating cupcake competition many, two other members of the Area Pastoral Committee and Daleen during our 13th December Christmas Crafts with Rev Louise discussions. We shall let you have details of our final service in due course. 20th December Christmas Party God Bless
Susan
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SPRING VALE CENTRAL URC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We can hardly believe that we have already found ourselves in Summer, as the months I would like to thank all those who visited me, telephoned, sent cards or text messages seem to fly by. after my operation.
It is important to start with mentioning that this is an exciting time for our Church as we The first week was really easy and I thought, this is a breeze. The next ten days were have now begun a new journey with our many friends at New Church as we begin to horrendous. My right leg swelled to the point where the skin almost split open. I was work together as one Church Council. We are looking forward to travelling forward to- taken into Royal Blackburn Hospital twice with suspected blood clots in my lungs. It gether and growing stronger as we reach out as a Church to our communities. was painful and very worrying.
As always, we thank all our ministers and preachers for the many enjoyable services My leg now once again looks like a leg, not a tree trunk! The hospital have confirmed they have delivered over the last couple of months. Simon was with us recently and led there are no blood clots and I feel much better. our All Age Worship. He brought with him his friend the 'Giant', which was of course Goli- ath. It was interesting to hear the story of David and Goliath told a little differently, and I hope to be able to get out of the house in the next few weeks. It will hopefully stop made us think that with our faith and strength we can make a difference. During the me climbing the walls! service our children enjoyed creating a desert in the sand. It is always lovely to have children and some of our Rainbows and their leaders join us for worship. Knowing that people were thinking of me and remembering me in their prayers has been a real comfort. Kath Hodkinson led a very difficult service a couple of weeks ago, which we know was Thank you all. extremely challenging for her, following the sad news of her friend Annette Sultana's passing during that week. We were joined by Annette's family. We are sure that Kath May the love of God be with you, so you can continue to give it away to others. gave them great comfort as she had prepared a wonderful and very moving testament May the Grace of The Lord Jesus be with you, so you can always show favour to and service in remembrance of Annette. We thank Kath for finding the strength at such a those who don't merit it. May the friendship of the Holy Spirit be with you, so you can sad time and for sharing her lovely memories of their friendship. Naturally, our thoughts continue to be a friend to someone who needs one. and prayers remain with Annette's family as they come to terms with her passing. God bless you all On a brighter note, we must extend a very big thank you to Karimeh and David for once With every blessing again doing such an excellent job in organising the Quiz Night in June, which was once Danny Wilson again a big success, was very well attended and raised much-appreciated funds for our Church. Thank you also to everyone who supported this event and we look forward to I would like to thank everyone for the cards, good wishes and prayers sent during seeing you at the next one! Thank you also to David for sorting out the projector; we my recent illness. I am feeling much better now. have light once again, and also the new microphone. Thank you. God bless you all. Our Stay and Play group continues to be a real success story and seems to grow on a Jean Yates weekly basis. Everyone is welcome and meets each Thursday morning from 10.30am to 12.00pm. Please note however that the Group will not be held on 25th July and the 1st August. Thank you to everyone who helps to run the group and gives such a warn wel- Christian Aid come to the children, parents and carers alike. The Church continues to be very well used by various groups, and again thanks must go to everyone who helps maintain and The total amount raised is £614.30. Thanks to everyone who contributed. clean our Church in readiness for use. Jean Yates/Liz Rutherford
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Quite a few of us regularly attend the Fellowship Group at New Church, and our thanks Refugee Week go to Pam Greenhaugh who has been leading the group and has got us thinking about how we can share our faith and prayers with others. We enjoy very much our time of Journey to Peace Fellowship together. moreincommon It has been lovely to see Elsie and Vic back in church and being able to worship regu- larly again, due not in small part to Vic's new walking frame, which sees Vic travel along at amazing speed. Elsie told us that he is now like 'Stirling Moss'.
Another very successful Refugee Week was celebrated! Darwen Central and DARE We have also been praying for Chris Allen as he recovers from a knee operation; we hosted a fantastic Food Festival which represented food from Eritrea, Uganda, Iran, are glad to report that Chris is recovering well, and it was lovely to see Chris and Iraq, Burma, China, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vene- Sharon back in Church. Chris does so much for the Church and deserves a well-earned zuela and Sri Lanka. To top it off we had mock Pimms and home made elderflower on rest from his many duties. the British table, to put us in the Wimbledon Spirit. Also in our thoughts and prayers is Kevin Nicholson, Lilian's husband, who has also A day of: story telling, traditional dancing, drumming, eating and also realizing that we recently had a long-awaited operation on his back. We hope Kevin is recovering well have more in common than what divides us (MP Jo Cox). We also invited Fairhaven and will feel some relief soon. We think too of Lilian and their family at what will have URC over for the day, building on from our recent dedication of the Peace Pole Ministry been an anxious time. and Mission - a commitment from both churches to work towards peace by walking alongside victims of war. More than a hundred people from the community celebrated Julie Jones has also not been well recently, both before and after having some injec- this joyous day with us. tions. We hope that she is feeling better soon.
As always, we must thank everyone for the ways in which you contribute to the Church, and the many tasks that are carried out on a regular basis.
To all our friends, we hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.
Irene Hindle
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TOCKHOLES
June and July have been quiet in Tockholes, no summer weddings or Christen- ings to celebrate this year! We did, however, enjoy a wonderful celebration at our Anniversary Sermons on 30th June, led by Rev. Ian Smith with wondrous singing from the Unity Choir. It was so lovely to see our Chapel full for the day, and we followed the service with afternoon tea. Thank you to all those who baked cakes and provided strawberry scones for the afternoon.
In our congregation on the day was Lindsey Jacobs, with her beautiful daughters Kaylin and Tamryn. Lindsey grew up in Tockholes and now lives in South Africa, but she always finds time to join us for worship when she’s home visiting her parents. Along with some of the other younger members of the congregation, Kaylin and Tamryn made cups of team and served cakes too.
I can’t write this newsletter without mentioning the fun we had in Chapel at our family service on 7th July. John East led the service where we discussed walking in other’s footsteps – and had us all drawing round each other’s feet!! Some big, some small – we displayed the feet at the front of our Chapel for all to see. Thank you John for making us smile!
It’s summer break at the moment in Tockholes, but as summer progresses we think towards Harvest celebrations – please join us on Sunday 8th September when our lovely Chapel will be adorned with fruit, vegetables and flowers to give thanks for.
Emma Jump
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TRINITY A SERVICE FOR PEACE AND DEDICATION OF THE PEACE POLE. AT FAIRHAVEN URC APRIL 7th 2019. Our latest Muddy Church session was held on 1st June, with the theme of "bug This vibrant and dignified service was conducted by the Reverend Daleen ten Cate houses". About 10 children attended – they built bug houses out of sticks, and and included representatives from various organisations who held the concept of then roasted marshmallows over the fire. It was good to welcome parents and Peace within their workings. children from Central as well as from further afield. Thanks to Sandra, Phil and Stephen for running it, and to Daleen for helping out. The next session will take The church was decorated with white origami Doves of Peace, many with prayers place in October. hidden within their folds. These were folded by members of local churches, schools and the children at DARE. On 7th July we welcomed the family and friends of Danielle and Marvin to Trin- The story of the Doves and the Peace Pole was related by Val Atkinson. ity for the baptism of their son Isaac. The service was led by John East. It was nice that the family invited members of the congregation to celebrate with them Darwen Asylum and Refugee Enterprise, DARE, was represented by Mr John East afterwards at Feniscowles cricket club, and a few people managed to go along. who introduced Shameen Saifi and Ananie Senegabo who told of their personal ex- periences in Afghanistan and Rwanda in times of conflict and genocide. We wish the family all the best for the future.
Abiola Ajibola and Mary Irokansi sang to us in their own native language whilst the There have been a few birthdays to celebrate recently, including those of offertory was taken. Whilst we could not understand their words the atmosphere gen- Ruth's grandson William, Helen's son and one of her sisters, and Lilian's mum, erated was captivating. who unfortunately celebrated her 89th birthday in hospital after breaking her
Who would have known that today’s “Jelly Babies” were introduced at the end of World hip. We hope she is now feeling better. War 1 in 1918 as “ Peace Babies?“ Linda Lunn told the story and distributed Peace [Jelly] Babies to all present. We were very pleased to hear that Callum has successfully passed his first year at university. Well done Callum! The Reading from James 3 was given by Aftab Mughal for the YMCA..
Norah Lynam of Amnesty International told the story of “Just another migrant boat “ In our prayers we have remembered Jack and Sheila Robinson – Jack is now back at home and improving, Stephen's dad, who has had a fall, and Helen's Peace Bookmarks were given to the congregation, each marker bearing a text from sister Sue, who is shortly to begin another round of chemotherapy. We also John 14 verse 27, “ Peace is what I leave you, it is my peace that I give you”. remember the other members of our fellowship who are no longer able to wor- Prayers were read by … Ruth Cooper, Janice Downward, Jan Hirst, Yemi Ajibola and ship with us due to ill health. Joan Baldwin . Finally, it is with sadness that we report the death of Betty Thompson at the The Rev’d Daleen ten Cate gave a reflection on Peace and the choir sang “The Peace age of 94. Betty had been a regular worshipper with us, with her daughter of God “ as the Blessing. Hilary, and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hilary and The congregation then left the church and went into the gardens for the Dedication of the rest of Betty's family at this sad time. the Peace Pole and Prayers of Intercession. The service came to an end with each person lighting a candle which was left at the base of the Peace Pole. Judith Atkinson
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CENTRAL At a recent Elders’ Meeting at Central, Jean Yates brought an updated pastoral care list and the list is on the Notice Board - please look at it. This list is very It seems impossible that we are now nearly in August – perhaps it’s my age but important both for now and future years. We are now in a Mission Partnership the months do seem to flash by with alarming rapidity. Having said that, the with 13 churches and possibly 3 ministers. This means the church life as we changes that the weather brings are always of interest, with different vegetation have known it has changed for the foreseeable future. Referring to the Pas- emerging all the time. toral List, ministerial pastoral visits will be few and far between and a visit from your pastoral carer must be seen as a visit from the church (as the ministers Change is now very real in our church. Over the past years we have been used to do). We have made arrangements for URC members to have the blessed to welcome many new people into our congregation on their journey to names of people to take funerals—they are Lena Talbot, Doreen Goodship, find a stable life. Next month a course, ‘Join the Family’ will be starting for all who John East, George Grime and myself and their names have been given to the want to find out more about the church and possibly become members. local Funeral Directors with instructions to use whoever is available, except when a family requests an individual to do it. Doreen, John and George are to In May, Geoff told us that John East had received one of the highest awards in attend funeral training in the autumn. I am reminded of the words of Rev. John the Rotary Club – ‘Champion for Change’. He was selected from candidates put Robinson given to the Pilgrim Fathers as they set sail from Plymouth in 1620: forward by Rotary Clubs throughout Britain. We are so proud of him! "The Lord has yet more light and truth to break forth from his word”.
Geoff also brought us greetings from Tamas, Marti and family in Hungary. Geoff
Birthdays which have been mentioned include those of Kathleen, Ken, Janice, Michael, Harry, Debbie, Dorothy and Ken F. Rummage Rescuers are a charity based in Blackburn and Darwen, who take donations, house clearances etc. and they then use donations to:- Congratulations to David and Jean, Trevor and Janice, Beryl and Tom on their Provide equipment, furniture, clothing etc. for people in need wedding anniversaries, and extra special congratulations to Janet and Ken on Sell in their shops their Golden Wedding. Recycle to raise funds
We were so pleased to learn that Beryl and Ken’s granddaughter has gained a Our Unison Branch recently contacted them for assistance for a member who 1st class degree and Dorothy’s grandson has won the Arkwright Scholarship. was in desperate need of a cooker and they were very helpful.
Among the people we were asked to hold in our prayers in this time were Eileen’s They will provide things for people in need if we send them a referral to ware- mother -in-law, Patrick, Bert and Doreen, David Y, Edith, Tracey, Mavis ’s friend, [email protected]. They can deliver as well. They ask if Dorothy’s friend, Danny, Lesley’s brother-in-law, those in residential care, and all the recipient can pay £10 for delivery, but if they can only afford £5 that will be seeking a settled life in the UK. fine, but if we feel they can’t pay anything at all they will take our word for that and deliver for nothing. We were so sad to learn that Norma’s husband Jim has died, and also Janice and Trevor’s nephew. We hold both families in our thoughts and prayers. The telephone number for rummage rescuers warehouse is 01254 264093 (I am sure they would be happy to take any excess donations for DARE off our hands too if needed). Janet Goodship Karen Narramore, Central URC
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