November and December 2015 Church outlook

CHRIStMAS Edition

East Ardsley St. Michael’s & St. Gabriel’s Churches 31 2 Who, What & When at St. Michael’s (with St.Gabriel’s, Fall Lane) St. Michael’s Church Directory

Vicar - Revd Glenn Coggins Please take into consideration Children and Young People

The Vicarage, 1 Church Lane, the Vicar’s Rest Day is Friday, Smarties 9:15-11am during term time. Wednesday in the Church Hall, ages 0 - 3yrs East Ardsley, Wakefield. so please contact him only in Contact: Barbara Vaughan 01924 823357 Tel: 01924 822184 an emergency on this day. Sunday School 10 - 11am during term time in the Church Hall, ages 3 upwards E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Glennis Haigh 01924 822029 Assistant Curate (Non Stipendiary) - Revd Graham Green Seekers 7:30 - 9:00pm Alternate Sundays in the Church hall, ages 11 - 18 Church Wardens - Mavis Roberts Tel: 01924 823952 Contact: Craig Bardy 01924 458583 - Kath Barker. Tel: 01924 823164 All Age Groups Warden Emeritus - Irene Broadhead Deputy Wardens - John Brayshaw. Ian Bardy. Choir 10:00am service at St. Michael’s plus weddings, Treasurer - John Brayshaw Tel: 0113 2532796 Thursday choir practice 7.00 - 8.00pm. Ages from 10 upwards, Contact: Mavis Roberts 01924 823952 P.C.C. Secretary - Glennis Haigh Tel: 01924 822029 Bell Ringers 9:30am Sundays. Monday practice 7:15 - 8:45pm Church Hall Bookings - Val Hargreaves Tel: 0113 2535892 Contact: Gordon Haigh 01924 822029 Organist - Ken Sharp E-mail: [email protected] Men’s Group 7.30pm on 3rd or 4th Wednesday in the month (as advised) ‘Church Outlook’ Editor - Malcolm Rennison Tel: 0113 2535107 At the Conservative Club (unless an ‘out visit’ is arranged). E-mail: [email protected] A social evening with a guest speaker/visit to a place of interest Advertisements - Richard & Kath Barker Tel: 01924 823164 Contact: Ian Bardy 0113 2524266 Email: [email protected] Lady’s Group ‘Girls Night Out’ meet second Fri. in month 7.30pm in Church Hall. Distribution Co-ordinator - Mavis Roberts Tel: 01924 823952 Contact: Chris Swift 01924 821039

‘Web Master’ - Graham Green. E-mail: [email protected] East Ardsley Art Club 7.00pm - 9.00pm Wednesdays during term time St. Michael’s Church WEB site : www.stmichaelspc.co.uk Contact: Val Hargreaves 0113 2535892

East Ardsley Flower Club 7.15pm on third Monday in month (except January) FREEWILL OFFERING ENVELOPES in the Church Hall. Floral Art by Area, National and International demonstrators. Contact: Marion Waldock 01924 828760 The books of envelopes for 2016 are ready for distribution. Kntting for the Needy 2.00 - 4.00pm 2nd Tuesday in the Church Hall. To avoid having too many spare sets of envelopes some subscribers A group who knit, sew, & crochet blankets & clothes for African Orphanages. will find they have a new number for 2016. Contact: Hazel Rennison 0113 2535107

New subscribers to the scheme would be welcomed. Prayer and Praise From 7.30pm - onwards. Thursdays - Rotating House Group. Briefly, the object of the scheme is to place your weekly offering in An inter-denominational group which includes study courses, informal worship and music. A chance to learn new songs. the dated envelope and if you are not able to come to church every Contact: John Brayshaw 0113 2532796 Sunday, bring the envelopes containing your offerings next time you ` Bible Study Group 7.30pm Tuesdays. An informal ecumenical House Group. attend. This ensures that your weekly offerings help to meet the Contact: Val Hargreaves 0113 2535892 church’s ever rising costs. Furthermore, if you are a taxpayer do consider Gift Aiding your Items, articles and reports for inclusion in the next edition of ‘Church Outlook’ offerings. Ask John Brayshaw or Malcolm Rennison for a Gift Aid should reach the Editor by the 6th December at the very latest please preferably by email: [email protected] (otherwise clearly written) Declaration Form. Thank You ‘Church Outlook’ Printed by John Ord Print Service, Belle View, Wakefield. 30 3

In this Edition:

The Vicar writes. 4 November and December Church Services. 5 September 2015 Flower Festival. 6 PLEASE NOTE Parish Share 2015. An Israeli Interlude. 7 St. Michael’s Christmas Fayre. 9 THERE WILL From the Parish Registers. A Prayer. Poppy Wave. 11 NOT BE Treasurer’s report and comments. Adopted Charity. 13 ANY A Special Nativity. 15 News from St. Michael’s Seekers. 16 & 17 TEA/COFFEE Christmas Tree & Carols. Afternoon Tea. 19 SATURDAYS Men’s Group. ‘Girls Night Out’. 19 IN CHURCH MacMillan Thanks. Harvest Giving Thanks. C.A. Carol Sing. 21 IN Flower Club Christmas Fair. 23 NOVEMBER Another St. Michael’s. 25 AND The 1 Corinthians of Christmas. 27 DECEMBER Noteable Dates. Community Assoc. AGM. Community Carols 29

Who, What & When at St. Michael’s Church 31

The Bell is Ringing Again We had a calamity! A stay got broke, (the first one since the bells have been re-hung.) “This is ringing team work” -  Vida broke the stay.  Gordon took it out.  Debbi got the replacement bit of wood.  Gerry made the stay.  Gordon, Gerry, Debbi and I made up the team to put the stay back in. So the bell is ringing again! Chris Swift

A Happy & Blessed Christmas to all our Readers

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The Vicar writes . . . . NOTABLE DATES . . . .

Dear Friends, Nov. 7th - East Ardsley Flower Club Christmas Fair. 10.00am to 3.00pm It is amazing what catches the public’s imagination and speaks to them in a Nov. 8th - Holy Communion Service 10.00am, followed by - 11.00am Two minutes silence at the War Memorial. deep and profound way. A year ago 5 million people visited the Tower of London to see a display of 700,000 poppies, each one marking the life of a Nov. 11th - Men’s Group - Conservative Club 7.30pm. English Cathedrals Pt 2 soldier lost in the Great War. A year on and our very own Sculpture Nov. 13th - ’Girl’s Night Out’ Christmas Meal Park has the original sweeping arch of bright poppy heads suspended on Nov. 14th - Afternoon Tea for Martin House Hospice. Church Hall 2pm - 4pm towering stalks rising up from the Lower Lake and reaching over the Park’s Nov. 17th - East Ardsley Community Association A.G.M. at the Centre 8.00pm historic Cascade Bridge. (see pg 11) Again the visitor numbers to this display Nov. 21st - Israeli Interlude. By ticket only (from Val or Hazel) have been staggering with over 20,000 people over one weekend. I am sure Dec. 5th - St. Michael’s Christmas Fayre. Church Hall 10.00am to 1.00pm each visitor has been moved by the sheer number of poppies, the setting of the Dec. 11th - ‘Girl’s Night Out’ Wreath Makng at Horticare 7.30pm (Car Share) poppies and the great sacrifice that so many thousands paid 100 years ago. Dec. 12th - Lighting of Christmas Tree and Carols at the Church Hall This year we shall again meet in the village to remember those who lost Dec. 13th - Christingle Service at 5.00 pm their lives with a service in St. Michael’s at 10:00 on Sunday 8th November Dec. 16th - Brass Band play Carols - Community Centre. 7pm to 9pm with a reading of the names on the War Memorial at 11:00. Please come along Dec. 17th - Carol Singing at ASDA Morley, for Christian Aid. 6.30 to 8.00pm. and join us with the local branch of the Royal British Legion for the service. Dec. 20th - Carol Service at 6.00pm As November draws to a close we, as a church, shall journey towards the Dec. 24th - ‘The Nativity’ by the Sunday School Children 5.00pm in church. 11.30 pm - Christmas Holy Communion Service great Christmas celebrations. Again we shall be invited to hear the familiar story of the birth of Jesus and then at Christmas gather with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and wise men in the manger to marvel at baby Jesus. In the birth and life of Jesus we meet a God who takes risks and shows us the depth of his love for each one of us. John’s Gospel account of the birth reads as if ‘God pitched his tent among us’ as Jesus became a living embodiment of God’s love, both fully human and divine and sharing in our lives. Two thousand years ago the life and teaching of Jesus captured people’s imagination in a deep and profound way and lives were changed when they East Ardsley followed Jesus. This new way of living has continued to influence countless Tingley Brass Band Community Association millions down the centuries as they have walked in Jesus’ shoes. Play Carols Please remember the invitation to celebrate Jesus’ birth is to open to all and Annual General Meeting (with audience participation) you would be more than welcome to join us at our services and events over in the in the Community Centre Christmas as we enter into the events of 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born Community Centre, 16th December in a manger. 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Main Street With best regards Tea & Coffee Available Tuesday

Glenn November 17th 8.00 pm

A Prayer for Remembrance Sunday All Welcome O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future, for you are the source of life and hope, now and forever. Amen Nearly everything you do is of no importance, but it is important that you do it. Mahatma Gandhi 28 CHURCH SERVICES 5

8.30 am Every Tuesday - Morning Prayer (said) 9.30 am Every Thursday - Holy Communion DAY & DATE TIME SERVICE NOVEMBER 4th Sunday before Advent. All Saints Day.

1st SUNDAY 10:00am Morning Worship. 4:00pm Holy Communion at St. Gabriel’s. 6:00pm All Souls Service. Remembering all those who died during the past year. 3rd Sunday before Advent. Remembrance Sunday. 8th SUNDAY 10:00am Holy Communion. With Royal British Legion (11am two minutes silence at the War Memorial)

15th SUNDAY 2nd Sunday before Advent. 10:00am Holy Communion.

18th WEDNESDAY 7:30pm ‘Moving Deeper into God’ Alternative Holy Communion Service

22nd SUNDAY 10:00am Christ the King. Holy Communion.

29th SUNDAY 10:00am Advent Sunday. Holy Communion. DECEMBER 10:00am Advent 2. Morning Worship 6th SUNDAY Eric and Ann will talk about ‘Action for Blind People’ 4:00pm Holy Communion at St. Gabriel’s.

13th SUNDAY 10:00am Advent 3. Holy Communion 5:00pm Christingle Service

16th WEDNESDAY 7:30pm ‘Moving Deeper into God’ Alternative Holy Communion Service

20th SUNDAY 10:00am Advent 4. Holy Communion

6:00pm Carol Service

24th THURSDAY CHRISMAS EVE. 5:00pm Nativity Play - Sunday School Children 11:30pm Holy Communion

25th FRIDAY 8:45am CHRISTMAS DAY. Holy Communion at St. Gabriel’s

10:00am Morning Worship

27th SUNDAY 10:00am 1st Sunday after Christmas.

Holy Communion 6 27 September 2015 Flower Festival The 1 Corinthians 13 of Christmas

“How about films for a topic?” was suggested when East Ardsley Flower f I decorate my house with beautiful bows, strands of twinkling Club committee met to consider a theme for the festival. I lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just “We could name it “The Silver Screen.” “Yes, yes, yes,” echoed round another decorator. the room in agreement and so an idea was born. If I slave away in the kitchen, bake dozens of mince pies, roasting a Suitable films along with their stars, directors and studios came into perfect turkey, and lay the perfect dining table, but have no love for everyday conversation. The church was booked, sponsorship organised; flower arrangers volunteered, placements were allocated and months of my guests, I’m just another cook. deep thinking and hard work took root. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all

As September arrived, garden greenery was cut and conditioned and that I have to charity, but do not have compassion in my heart for visits were made to flower markets after which some magnificent those in need, I am just another social service; it profits me nothing. blooms were trundled into church by the bucketful. Transformation of If I decorate the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes the church began as ladies worked hard throughout the setting-up day and attend a myriad of holiday parties, but do not focus on Christ, I fortified with tea and sandwiches served by a team of willing helpers. have missed the point. “Singing in the Rain”, “White Christmas”, “African Queen”, “The Ten Commandments” and “The Last Emperor” among others, started to fill Love stops the cooking to hug the child. given spaces with great panache. The lych gate welcomed one and all Love sets aside the decorating to help the wife with boring housework. and the church porch took shape as “The Box Office”. Memorabilia Love puts the Christmas present shopping on hold in order to run the occupied the windowsills with rolls of film, clapper boards, popcorn and elderly neighbour to the doctor. old photographs including one of East Ardsley’s Empire Cinema - alias “The Bug” (closed 1958). Love is kind, though harried and tired. On Saturday evening The Silver Leaf Jazz Band played and sang well Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has co-ordinated Christmas known music from the movies. On Sunday morning a Festival Service china and table linen. led by the Revd. Glenn Coggins added a perfect touch to the weekend’s Love doesn’t yell at the children to get out of the way; love is glad programme. that they are there to be in the way. With yet another day to run, the Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but Festival was already acclaimed to rejoices in giving to those who can’t. be a big success. Love bears all things, even irritating relatives. It believes all things, A huge THANK YOU to all who and encourages teenagers to aim high for their future. It hopes all supported the event in any way whatsoever .... even the weather things, endures all things, even a spouse who is constantly depressed didn’t let us down! about the job prospects. Love never fails other people. Marion Waldock Computer games will crash, even cashmere jumpers will wear out, and

“The Ten Commandments” “From Black and White golf clubs will get lost; but the gift of love will endure forever. to Technicolor” (in the background) Happy Christmas! “Set me a task in which I can put something of myself, and it is a task no longer.” Source: Moortown URC Magazine. Author unknown

Bliss Carman 26 7

Parish Share 2015 - £40,186

Here is an short extract from a letter received by Glenn . . . “I am writing to thank you very much indeed for being up to date with your payments. As you are well aware, the timely payment of Parish Share is vital for payment of stipendiary clergy and thus crucial for the health and viability of the mission and ministry of the Church across the city and diocese. Please convey my sincere thanks to all in your parish whose generosity plays a part in this”. Venerable Paul Hooper. Archdeacon of Leeds.

An Israeli Interlude A sometimes light hearted but informative look at Israel through the eyes of those who have enjoyed their visit to the Holy Land.

The evening concludes with an appropriate light supper and an entertaining DVD. Saturday 21st November at 7:00pm in the Church Hall By ticket £5.00 only from Val (01132535892 or Hazel (01132535107)

No charge for children BYOB and glass 8 25

ANOTHER ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH

hilst ‘over the border’ in Lancashire, a visit was made W to Much Hoole near Preston, and its Parish Church of St. Michael and All Angels. First observation was the church is built of red bricks and the tower has a very large sundial - which was accurate! We were met by Bill Carr, Churchwarden Emeritus and a very knowledgeable historian. He explained that the red bricks used to build the church came from Holland as ballast aboard ships belonging to Andrew Stones, The Stones family financed the building as a Chapel of Ease to nearby Croston Parish Church in 1628. The chapel became the parish church of Hoole in 1641. The original chapel was furnished with box pews in 1631 of which two survive. The remainder were replaced in 1854 by the present box pews. In 1639 Jeremiah Horrocks, the Curate at that time, was the first to predict and observe the transit of Venus whilst lodging at Carr House, the residence of the Stones family. Jeremiah Horrocks was a Cambridge Graduate, and was self taught in Astronomy. He would have been amongst the likes of Newton and Watts had it not been for his early death at the age of twenty-two. Two stained glass windows commemorate his observations and his passion for Astronomy. An interesting feature of the church is that it has a balcony on the south side built by local land owners for their farm workers and their families to attend church without sitting alongside their employers who sat below. It was furnished with box pews, each being assigned to the workers of a particular farmer who was identified by a brass plate on the pew door. Amazingly, the box pews survive as do some of the brass plates. The balcony extends over the west end to house the organ and choir, which is much depleted these days according to Mrs Jean Turnpenny and Mrs Elizabeth Skellorn, two ladies of the congregation in attendance to welcome visitors. A fine modern window in the baptistry installed in 1973 has at its centre the baptism of Christ, and 1060’s scenes of families coming to church for the baptism service surrounded by images of Christians throughout the world. Also images of the dove of peace, the fish (the early sign of Christians), and the shell (the baptismal symbol). The church is described as “One of the finest churches in Lancashire”

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EAST ARDSLEY FLOWER CLUB

St Michael’s Church Hall East Ardsley, WF3 2LJ Saturday, 7th November 2015 10.00am to 3.00pm

Art Gifts Plants Tombola Jewellery Homecraft Glass Craft Garden Craft Greetings Cards Fashion Accessories Cakes & Chocolates Luxury Hampers Raffle Yorkshire Cancer Research etc...etc...etc...etc II Entry 50p

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS SERVED ALL DAY

National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies

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A Special Nativity

p and down the country, during the month of U December countless schools and churches hold Nativity plays. Proud Mums, Dads and Grandparents sit on tiny chairs and wait in anticipation for the entrance of their excited, wide-eyed offspring. This account of a very special Nativity was printed in ‘Guidepost’ magazine many years ago. It concerned a special boy called Wally, who was nine years old. Wally was a little slow; today we might say that he had ‘special needs’; he had been kept down a couple of years - and so was taught in a class of seven year olds. Wally was really looking forward to the play; he fancied being one of the shepherds, amazed at the appearance and message of the angels. He would carry a woolly lamb, as a present for the infant Jesus. Miss Lumbard, Wally’s teacher, had other ideas. Wally would take on the role of Innkeeper, as he wouldn’t have many lines to remember. The little boy hid his disappointment well. In fact he was caught up in all the wonder of the occasion. His moment came when Joseph, with his arm around Mary, approached the busy Inn and knocked on the door. “What do you want?” asked Wally curtly. “We seek lodging,” came the reply. “Seek it elsewhere,” the Innkeeper said loudly. “The Inn is full.” “Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have travelled far and are very weary.” Wally looked stern. “There is no room in this Inn for you.” Joseph pleaded with him. “Please good Innkeeper, this is my wife, and she is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her.” For the first time, Wally really looked at Mary and his countenance changed. There was a long pause - so long that people in the audience grew tense. The teacher, standing in the wings, prompted “Your line is - No. Be gone!”. Wally repeated it automatically. Joseph and Mary began to to move away, whilst Wally stood watching from the doorway. His eyes suddenly filled with tears. It was at this point that this Christmas Nativity became different from all others. “Wait!” Wally, the Innkeeper, called out. “Don’t go.” With a smile that broke through the tears, he said, “You can have my room.” Some people thought the play had been ruined. But many others-the wise ones, felt that it had turned into the most meaningful Nativity play they had ever seen.

“There is room in my heart Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee.” 22 11 From the Parish Registers

Welcome to our recent baptism candidates: Ziggy Peace. Leo Broxup. Isabella Naylor. Joseph Broxup. Alice Shooter. Benjamin Denton. Alexander-James Henry-Kirkwood. Joseph Woodhead. Poppy Turner. Harry Vaughan. Callum Avery. Macey Mitchell. Harry Colbeck. Isabella Jameson. Niamh Humphreys.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who have died recently.

Keith Pitts aged 82 yrs. Peter Scaife aged 77 yrs. Peter Green aged 72 yrs. Billy Hodgson aged 80 yrs.

Go forth upon thy journey, Christian soul! Go in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Son of the living God, who bled for thee! Go, in the name of the Holy Spirit, Who have poured out on thee! Both men and women, go! Go on thy course!

And may thy place today be found in peace. Cardinal Newman

‘Poppy Wave’ at Yorks. Sculpture Park If you were not able 5,000 of the poppies to visit the dramatic form the Wave rising display of sculptured up from YSP’s lower poppies at the Tower lake reaching over the of London last year Park’s Cascade Bridge. there’s an opportunity The ‘Wave’ together to view part of the with another display display at Yorkshire ‘Weeping Window’ Sculpture Park until will be touring to 10th Jan. 2016. * selected UK locations. They will then be gifted to the Imperial War Museums in London and Manchester. * (Pick up an information leaflet from the back of the church)

Did you know . . . . A typical baby will have crawled around 93 miles by the time it’s two years old! Source: ‘This, that and the Other’ 12 21

MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning

A total of £737.95 was raised by Chris Swift and helpers at the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’. Thanks to all who supported this Charity Event. also Thanks to everyone who supported Margaret Tennants MacMillan Coffee Morning. (Including a match from Lloyds bank) a total of £1,360 was raised.

Harvest Giving - Thanks

Copy of a letter received by Glenn . . . Hello dear Glenn, Kath, Richard and everyone at St. Michael’s. This comes with love and thanks - BIG THANKS! - from All Hallows Church and cafe, for your generous and wonderful Harvest gift to us. Some of it went to feeding 50 happy people and the rest has been turned into stews and crumbles, and frozen for another day. Praise the good Lord, and thank YOU for being his messengers of generosity, abundance and loving kindness. Revd Heston and all at All Hallows

COME AND CAROL JOIN US SINGING

at ASDA, Morley Thursday 17th Dec. 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm Carol sheets provided

20 13 Treasurer’s Report and Comments s the year draws to a close we have a lot to be thankful for at St Michael's A Church. Your support during the year is greatly appreciated and as a result, as Treasurer I hope to be able to "balance the books" at the year end. Thank you.  During the last few months we have continued with our monthly coffee morn- ings and these are both financially successful and popular.  The appeal for the earthquake victims in Nepal raised £830 and this money has been sent out direct to a bank account in Kathmandu where we have a contact who will deal with the money wisely.  have donated, via our 2 local councillors, £150 towards the upkeep of the Churchyard.  The annual Gift Day has, at the time of writing , raised £1,140.

 Finally, and most importantly, we have been donated £1,300 from East Ardsley Flower Club as a result of the Flower Festival.

Many thanks to everyone who made the event such a success.

Hope I have not missed anything . . . if so sorry! John Brayshaw Our Christmas charity will be the RNIB. One of the ways to donate is to send only ONE Christmas card to friends at Church and donate the money saved to The Royal National Institute for the Blind. The single cards will go on a display for all to read in Church. Please give this idea some thought.

Nov./Dec. Adopted Charity In 1868 Dr Armitage founded the British and Foreign Society for Improving Embossed Literature for the Blind. On 5 May 1870, braille was adopted as the best format for blind people and the UK's first key to the braille alphabet and music notation was pub- lished. Her Majesty Queen Victoria became the first Patron in 1875. Queen Victoria took a great interest and on many occasions used blind scribes to take down dictation. In 1902, the organisation was renamed the British and Foreign Blind Association and, after receiving a Royal Charter in 1948, it became the Royal National Institute for the Blind in 1953, or RNIB. The first Sunshine Home for Blind Babies was opened in 1918 at Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. Generally these homes looked after blind children between 6 months and 6 years of age. In 1935 Talking Books was introduced, which is still one of the flagship services. RNIB launched its first website in 1995, (It's changed a bit since then!) A ‘Helpline’ was launched in 1997. Since 2009 the RNIB has had an association agreement with Action for Blind People

which offers support services for blind and partially sighted people in . Source: RNIB Website 14 19

12th DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS TREE AND CAROLS

Christmas Tree lit at 5.00pm

Tingley Brass Band will play Carols

in the Church Hall

Tea and Coffee will be available

St. Michael’s Sunday School

AFTERNOON TEA Cakes Stall Raffle FOR

November 14th In the Church Hall 2.00pm to Please support 4.00pm the Children

Men’s Group

Fellas . . . join us for an enjoyable, informative social evening at the Conservative Club, 7.30 pm. (with kind permission of the Club Committee.)

Wed. Nov. 11th Eric Wright - ‘English Cathedrals’ Part 2’

December No meeting

‘Girls night out’

Meetings usually held on first Friday in the month in the Church Hall, 7.30pm . . . to which all ladies are invited for a ‘girls night out’.

Fri. 13th Nov. Christmas Meal out - car share (see Mave)

Fri. 11th Dec. Wreath Making at Horticare - car share (book your place}

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* Children *

Visit Santa’ Grotto at St. Michael’s Christmas Fayre Saturday Dec. 5th In the Church Hall 10:00am to 1:00pm FREE ENTRY

Raffle Tombola Craft Stalls

Handmade Light Cakes and Produce Cards

Refreshments

Woodwork Garden Items

16 17 Celebration News From St. Michael’s Seekers.

he Seekers have just celebrated their 15th Birthday with a The group then ploughed T fantastic Celebration weekend. through the dessert menu, A two night sleepover incorporated a full day out on the Saturday with Sticky toffee pudding and a Celebration Worship service on the Sunday. The weekend had being the most popular all been planned well in advance, but the world of Rugby threatened to washed down with a couple of ruin the celebrations. It had always been planned that the group drinks. The meal was a great would visit Manchester on the Saturday for a full day out, including success. The restaurant was a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. so impressed with the group However, as the weekend approached not only did we realise that they took the trouble to compliment them on being fantastic England were playing Uruguay in the Rugby World cup in Manches- guests at the end of the evening. ter, but also it was the Rugby League Grand final, same day, same After a second night’s sleepover, and a second film, we had our City!! To make matters worse, just a week earlier, Leeds Rhinos won Celebration Sunday. The group were joined for breakfast by their semi-final to book their place against Wigan. That meant several former leaders and Seekers, before heading up to church, 125,000 rugby fans were descending on Manchester with many where the group led the worship. thousands coming from Leeds!! It was a great, lively service, And so, at the very last minute, we changed our plans and took based on a Seekers meeting. the group to York instead. The weekend kicked off with a rehearsal The service included “all for Sunday’s service then back in the church hall where copious things seekers” and so it amounts of Tiffin off cuts were consumed (2.5 kgs to be precise !!) included a game, and a bin bag and the group watched Paddington Bear on the big screen. fashion display. Saturday we were up early, very early. Many of the Seekers A photo memories powerpoint thought there was only one 7 o’clock in the day, but found the was shown, set to music, and second one this weekend!! We actually left the hall at 8:20am to the tear jerker was the catch the bus to Leeds, then the train to York. In York we visited moment we shared the peace the Railway Museum as a group, and had a picnic lunch. After lunch, led by Tracy and Amy Gorry from the other side of the world. the group split into small groups and visited various places in York This had been kept a secret so it was a fantastic surprise! ranging from the “Yorkshire Museum” to “BHS”!!! We then caught Following the Service copious amounts of cake were consumed the train back to Leeds for our celebration meal. along with tea and coffee. The meal was the first visit by us as a Youth Group to a “proper” St. Michael’s seekers would like to thank everyone for being restaurant (yes, we’d done things like Pizza Hut etc. before, but with them for their celebration weekend, and for all the support never a restaurant like this). The restaurant in question was Gusto’s and contributions over the 15 years we have been in existence. on Greek Street. The groups ate from the Pizza and Pasta options, St. Michael’s Seekers is open to those in school years 6 to 13 inclusive. with choices such as Pizza Caprino and Tagliatelle with Prawns being For more info please contact Craig Bardy.

thoroughly enjoyed. Tel: 01924 458 583 (avoiding calls after 9pm)