WELCOME TO OUR WINTER DOUBLE ISSUE CHRISTMAS SERVICES ACROSS THE TEAM

START YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST

In this edition HOLY TRINITY Our Christmas Services 15th 10.45 am United Nativity Service then Page four 4.00 pm Christingle Directory (with Bolton Junior Youth Choir) Page five 22nd 4.00 pm Festival Service of Lessons & Carols Clergybit 24th 4.00 pm Crib service with 4-legged guests! Lighting the Civic Christmas Tree Christmas Supper & Concert 24th 11.00 pm Midnight Communion Page six 25th 8.00 am Communion Wendy leaves Middlebrook 10.30 am Family Communion Don’t be a lemon… Christmas Fayre New Year Communions RIVINGTON Christian Aid in 2014 Page seven 15th 10.45 am Nine Lessons & Carols Alfie & Kim say ‘thank you’! (with Rivington Primary School Choir) Messy Church 24th 11.00pm Midnight Communion Candlemas Women Only! 25th 10.00 am Christmas Day Communion (BCP)

& a Christmas Quiz (of course!) Page eight ST. CATHERINE’S Our new Bishop at York Minster RIP David Prescott MBE 15th 10.30 am All-Age Carol Service Page nine 24th 4.00pm Christingle From the Registers 25th 10.00 am All-Age Christmas Celebration Youth Alpha

Simply Christianity Confirmation ST. ELIZABETH’S Quiz answers Page ten 15th 6.00 pm Service of Lessons & Carols Children’s Corner (with Rivington & Adlington Brass Band) Methodist Covenant Service 24th 4.00 pm Christingle Next Year’s Holiday? 25th 10.00 am Family Christmas Communion This time last year we hunted for Santa hats! This year it’s holly leaves like this one - how many can you find throughout the magazine - in black & white or colour. Answer on p. 9

February 2014 Issue The Editorial Team would like to wish their readers Deadline - Jan 19th a very Merry Christmas Publication Date - Feb 2nd & a Happy & Peaceful New Year

We have all read articles in our CLERGYBIT newspapers concerning the reality of depression, self-harm and by Caroline Tracey suicide which takes place in prisons across the country. Earlier this year I was asked if I 2013 has too often brought Separated from their families would like to volunteer for the news of disasters, wars & means that Christmas can be Chaplaincy team at persecution. There are too many especially difficult for prisoners. Prison. After months of form filling people in our world today who There are, however, other walls to obtain the necessary security live in terrible circumstances, which can and do imprison us - clearance I was invited to attend struggling daily to stay alive, illness, debt, unemployment, the induction week. Getting up at fearing for their personal safety, mental and emotional anguish. Yet 5.45 am all that week was a real often taking risks to reach the one HOPE, the certainty which struggle. Each day I battled my countries where a better life for is true for each one of us is this: way into Manchester in heavy themselves and their families 'God is with us'. Surely, it is this traffic. Being up so early left me might be found. As I write this our knowledge which can and does feeling zapped and bleary eyed - television screens have brought make our lives worth living. It is this not exactly conducive to spending into our homes the recent hope we can cling to. Our freedom time alone with God at what is disaster in the Philippines. We to love God and have a relationship ordinarily my favourite time of the have witnessed those who have with Him can never be taken away day. I suppose anybody can get lost everything. Whole villages from us. Equally no-one can ever used to anything, but I take my hat have been flattened. People take away the love He has for each off to those who have to make that emerge dazed from the ruins, of us. journey every day as part of their many having to come to terms Immanuel - God is with us. This working lives. During the week I with the fact that everything they Christmas may our prayer be that had to learn a different way of owned has been swept away. God would lead us to those who coping and finding time to spend Homes and livelihoods lost. need to hear this message. alone with God. Yet no matter how little we have Leaving home just 15 minutes - whatever may be taken from us earlier meant that I arrived at the during our time here on earth - prison car park by 7.30 am. Forty- the one thing that no-one can five minutes solitude in the car. take away from us is God What bliss! Along with my Bible I Himself. He is our constant, our packed a flask of coffee - but that anchor point, our Saviour, the first day I forgot my favourite china lover of our souls. Even if there cup which I had left on the kitchen are moments in the day when we “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and table at home. My first response forget Him God never forgets us. bear a son, and they shall was to whinge at my forgetfulness, He is with us always - every call his name Immanuel - which my second was to be reminded of moment, every hour, every day means, God with us” those who have so little. and always will be. Matthew 1:23 One of the things I have learnt P.S. I found my china cup a week whilst working at the prison is just later in the car. It had been there all how hard it is for prisoners to the time. It must have dropped out come to terms with their lack of of my bag and rolled under the freedom. seat. Maybe God was teaching me a lesson!

Holy Trinity Church ALL WELCOME is delighted to present COME AND JOIN A Luxury Christmas Supper THE LIGHTING OF THE & Musical Entertainment CIVIC CHRISTMAS TREE from the Friday 6th December 6 pm THE CROWN ROUNDABOUT Ladybridge Singers with on Saturday December 7th 7 pm at 7.00 p.m. in church

Revd Michael Behrend Tickets must be purchased in advance, price £10. B.Y.O.B.

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LEAVING MIDDLEBROOK by Wendy White (retiring Angel) Leaving is always tough, The chaplaincy – now the As we leave for our new home in especially when you’ve put down Middlebrook Angels, will continue Southampton, you and the angels roots and made so many new to need new chaplains, and I will remain in our prayers, and we friends, but leaving Middlebrook know you will continue to pray, hope to keep up with your news – will be particularly hard. In the last both for new recruits and for its and perhaps even be able to six years we’ve built together a continued mission. It’s more welcome chaplaincy, from scratch, which is important than ever that we some of now so accepted its as though its break down barriers between you down always been there. It’s been church and those who have south! especially rewarding this past week never known faith, and the as we’ve introduced two new chaplaincy, apart for the God chaplains to the retailers and individual conversations over the Bless watched them enthusiastically years, slowly works to change welcomed by shop staff and people’s perception of what faith management alike. is about.

DON’T BE A LEMON… NEW YEAR

COMMUNION

St. Elizabeth’s January 1st 10 am ...BE A PAIR CHRISTMAS at Holy Trinity Church Being single can sometimes be a FAYRE It is a Wednesday! sour experience especially when But there will not be the you have a lot to offer a like Saturday usual service at St. minded partner. If you’re single (or 14th December Elizabeth’s even though it is know someone who is) you’ll know the 1st Wednesday of the that the modern method of finding 11 am - 2 pm month. a soul mate is through using a in the Church Hall From January 8th the normal ‘dating’ or introduction agency. (behind the church pattern will resume so Hundreds of them abound – both on Cedar Avenue) online and offline. So why are there services for January will be: There will be: still so many singles around? The 8th & 22nd at Holy Trinity answer is that most single people Lunches 15th & 29th at St. Elizabeth’s. don’t know how to date effectively. * * * * * CHECK YOUR NOTICE SHEET The secrets of effective dating (or Musical Entertainment (The 5th Wednesday making new friends for that matter) with Joe Doogan alternates between churches) are not rocket science but they * * * * * aren’t always that obvious either. If Santa & Mrs Claus you would like to meet more new CHRISTIAN AID * * * * * people, or are wondering if you 2014 New Year Meeting could meet someone by using an Stalls include: Friday 10th Jan 7.30 pm introduction agency you need to Tombolas, Cakes, at Horwich Evangelical Church, read the “11 Attributes of Cards & Stationery, Wright Street Successful Daters” first. Go to Handbags & umbrellas, Sunday 16th March 10.30 am www.christiandatingsecrets.co.uk Scarves & jewellery, at St Catherine’s Church, today to get your free copy of this Competitions & games Richmond Street invaluable resource. with a guest speaker. www.friends1st.co.uk * * * * * Alternatively call 0161 660 4535 The perfect opportunity There is also to be a regional for a friendly chat about how to for last minute gifts! pre Christian Aid week event meet new people. hosted by Holy Trinity. 6

ALFIE & KIM SAY St John’s, CHRISTMAS WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT A QUIZ! Victoria (Food & drink this time!) ‘THANK YOU’ Road, 1. What alcoholic sauce is A massive thank you to each and Horwich everyone of you who have been usually served with Christmas Fun with creativity, worship pudding ? there to support me and Alfie over and a meal 2. Often served at Christmas, the last few months. It has been so The next Messy church session what name is given to appreciated. Alfie is now fully is on Thursdays, chipolatas wrapped in bacon? recovered and back to his normal Jan 23, Feb 27 and Apr 3. 3. Meaning literally Christ's self. 3.30 pm or later - arrive for a Bread, from which European snack and board games country does Christopsomo 4.00 pm - Craft activities originate? 4. What is the alcoholic 5.00 pm - Short informal worship ingredient in a Snowball 5.15 pm - Meal for everyone cocktail? 6.00 pm - Home 5. Where would you be if your A parent or carer needs to Christmas dinner consisted of accompany children, but friends rice and peas, chicken, oxtail can come too. and goat curry? 6. With turkey being practically unknown in which Asian A St John’s country has KFC become the Methodist Christmas treat? CANDLEMAS SERVICE Fresh 7. The French call it “Buche de HOLY TRINITY Expression Noel”, by what name do we know this Christmas dessert? 2nd FEBRUARY 2014 8. Which fish is popular as a 6.30 pm Christmas dish in Eastern Forty days after the celebration Europe? 9. What in Germany is of Christmas the church recalls on nd BLAZE Lebkuchen, which is 2 February the day on which the traditionally served in the new baby Jesus was presented in Christmas season? the temple. In their old age Simeon WOMEN’S DAY 2014 10. What spice is usually used to and Anna recognised him as their A day for women of all ages flavour egg-nog? Lord. Because of the words of 11. Of what is a Norfolk Black a Where: Harrogate variety? Simeon’s song the Nunc Dimittis th When: Sat 15 March 2014 12. Traditionally what is hidden ‘to be a light to lighten the Gentiles 9am to 4pm inside a rice pudding at and to be the glory of thy people Why?: It’s a great opportunity to Christmas in Sweden? Israel’ by the 11th century, the spend time worshipping and 13. In which area of France custom had developed in the West would the Christmas meal be praying with women of all ages. finished with Thirteen

of blessing candles on that day. 9 Answers on page There will be inspiring teaching Candles were lit, whilst the Nunc desserts to represent Jesus specifically tailored to women and the 12 disciples? Dimittis was sung and so, the feast from amazing speakers, 14. A favourite for Christmas became known as Candlemas. including Christy Wimber, the dinner, by what name do we For the past few years a candlelit Senior Pastor of the Yorba Linda know the vegetable Brassica evensong has been held at oleracea? Vineyard in California. Rivington on the nearest Sunday. 15. What would you expect to This will be a day to be find in the centre of a Stollen? This year, it is at Holy Trinity. All refreshed, renewed and ready are invited from across our for all God is going to do in us Horwich, Rivington and Blackrod and through us here in Horwich. Mission Partnership to this moving Contact Rev. Kim asap to book and significant service as we turn your place. from the season of Christmas and (PS! How much? Just £22 (early Epiphany towards Lent, the Cross bird price) if paid before 16th and Easter. Why didn’t you tell me your relatives were January). coming for the holidays?! CELEBRATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS Anything to celebrate? Someone to congratulate? Let the editor know and see it printed here!

Email [email protected] or ring 01204 694611 before the deadline on the front page.

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be to journey alongside confirmed the people of this diocese at York Minster in their joys and sorrows, and to listen very hard to On 7 October during a special Bishop David is an how life and faith appear service in York Minster led by The experienced and highly to them, to you. One of , the Rt Revd regarded spiritual leader, the delights of Manchester David Walker was confirmed as the who is passionate about as a diocese is its sheer Bishop of Manchester. issues that affect social diversity. I look forward to Once the Prime Minister housing, asylum seekers and the discovering more deeply the riches announced Bishop David Walker to benefit cuts. Bishop David grew of that diversity.” be the new bishop there were four up in and Bishop David will be the speaker steps to him becoming the Bishop went to Manchester Grammar at the next Prayer Breakfast at the of Manchester: his election by the School. town hall in Bolton on 11th April. Canons of He recently wrote: “This Look out for details in due course (which took place in July), a will be for me a coming home. but book the date. Confirmation of Election at York And I am very much of Minister (on 7 October) and a Manchester. This is the diocese meeting with Her Majesty the where I was born, baptised, Queen where he takes an oath brought up and where I went to acknowledging her as Sovereign school. This is where I rebelled and Supreme Governor (called against my Christian upbringing homage) – took place in in my early teens, and where I November. The final step in his found a new and living faith in arrival at Manchester was his Jesus Christ shortly before going enthronement as Bishop in off to university. The Wise Men, being wise, got all their Manchester Cathedral on 30 “One of the central aspects of Christmas shopping done weeks before the November. my role,” Bishop David said, “will rush!

David J. Prescott MBE the bottom of Travers St. from In 1969 he started work for the 1940-2013 which he fed his family and thus Motor Trade Benevolent Fund began his lifelong love of where he stayed for the rest of his David, the son of Jack and Olga gardening. distinguished career, moving from Prescott and brother to Carol, was David had been a regular secretary to Assistant Director to brought up in Travers St., Horwich member of St Elizabeth’s Church the Chief Executive. In 1994 he and many “old Horwichers” will up to 16, when he joined the was awarded the MBE for his remember him through his choir at Holy Trinity to sing tenor. services to the industry. activities in the church and He became an active member of He met his wife, Ann, through the community. the Church Youth Club which AODS. They had four children He attended Chorley New Rd. was then affiliated to the Fiona, Laura, William and Mark Primary School and then Horwich Anglican Young People’s and eventually 5 grandchildren. His Secondary Modern at the age of Association (AYPA), later life then was complete, his family eleven. He left school at 15 with no becoming its National President. the most important thing to him, qualifications and started work in He regularly led camping although he never gave up his love the offices of Horwich Loco Works. holidays in the Lake District - still of music, gardening and helping Whilst here, he attended evening vivid in our memories! others. classes and took correspondence In 1966 he decided he needed At the service to celebrate his life courses, eventually gaining the a new challenge and found a job in St Mary’s, Wendover, the church diploma, ‘Chartered Institute of working for the Railway’s was filled to overflowing with Secretaries’ (CIS). Benevolent Fund in Ruislip. people from all spheres of his life He was well known for his Leaving Horwich was difficult for and decorated with flowers from his scenery painting and acting skills him, but he soon found new beautiful garden. The service, put at Horwich Amateur Operatic & friends in the local Amateur together by his family, was a Dramatic Society, and for the Operatic & Dramatic Society and beautiful and moving tribute to a Youth Pantomimes at Holy Trinity, his local Parish Church Choir, good man who was a true Christian which were produced by Dorothy continuing his love of acting and gentleman. Forrest. The piano accompanist singing. In December, 1968 He will be missed by all those was Dorothy’s husband, Bill, who David agreed to be the ‘Best whose lives he touched. was the Trinity Organist. Man’ for our wedding at Holy Margaret & Richard Fairclough At 16, he rented an allotment at Trinity. 8

From the Registers BAPTISMS & THANKSGIVINGS We welcome to the family of the Church: 3rd Nov Ivy Mae Wilson 3rd Nov Max Allan Richard Knight 3rd Nov Noah Gavin Matheson 3rd Nov Edward Paul France 17th Nov Millie Anne Bhatia

FUNERALS We offer love and sympathy to the relatives and friends of: 28th Oct Ron Boardman, Grosvenor Way, Horwich 4th Nov Derek Goldstraw, Harwood Vale Court, Harwood 12th Nov Vera Wildig, Broadfield House Care Home, Leyland 18th Nov William Abbott Ashworth, Leigh Tenements Farm, Blackrod

A five week course in an informal and relaxed atmosphere with plenty of chance for questions and A course, specifically aimed at our young people, discussion. starting 12th January at 5 pm with food, then study and Great for anyone wanting to explore and deepen their discussion until 7.30 pm. This will continue for several understanding of what Christianity is about. It is also a weeks after the Confirmation service (see below) but suitable preparation for those considering baptism or you will be invited to a meeting on Tuesday 25th confirmation. February at 7.30 pm if you want to be confirmed. Tuesday evenings 7.30pm (finish by 9pm) Please speak to Kim on 410582 for more details. in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue, Horwich (There is no charge for the course). Starts Tuesday14th January 2014 Contact Michael (697162) or Susan (468422) or Peter To enable Youth Alpha to run (694611) to book in. (There is no charge for the course) effectively Kim needs some help! If you could please offer just 1 COURSE OUTLINE Sunday evening a month, that 14th January – Part 1: Jesus Now And Then (Intro) would be wonderful. Please 21st January – Part 2: The Presence Of Greatness speak to Kim. Thank you. (Luke 1:1-9:27) 28th January – Part 3: Search And Rescue CONFIRMATION? (Luke 9:28-19:10) 4th February – Part 4: To Die For (Luke 19:11-23:49) WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT? th 11 February – Part 5: Jesus Here And Now Confirmation is the ’s (Luke 23:50-24:53) way of recognising those who want to express an adult faith in Christ and to declare that faith publicly in membership of Children say all sorts... their local parish Church. This was once The children had all been photographed and the linked with being able to receive Holy teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a Communion but we now admit baptised copy of the group picture. ‘Just think how nice it will be young people to receive Communion at age to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 10+. “There’s Jennifer, she’s a lawyer”, or “That’s Each year we invite young people aged 16 or over (or who Michael, he’s a doctor”’. A small voice at the will be 16 in this school year) and adults who attend our back of the room rang out, “And there’s the churches but are not yet confirmed to join a group to prepare teacher, she’s dead”. for Confirmation.

That is why we have a Youth Alpha starting on 12th QUIZ ANSWERS (Time to stand on your head?!) Marzipan 15. Carp 8.

Sprouts Brussels 14. log Yule A January for our young people and a Simply Christianity 7.

Provence 13. Japan starting on 14th January for older members to provide 6.

Almond An 12. Jamaica preparation for Confirmation. 5.

Turkey 11. Advocaat

Bishop , the will join us 4.

Cinnamon 10. Greece

at our Team Confirmation on Sunday 2nd March 2014 at 3.

Gingerbread blankets in Pigs

3.30 pm. (at which church is yet to be confirmed!) 2.

A biscuit similar to to similar biscuit A 9. sauce Brandy 1. ** ** all? them get you did -

Number of Holly Leaves: 16 16 Leaves: Holly of Number 9

CHILDREN’S CORNER - This month - SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!

How many smaller words can you make with the THINKING ABOUT YOUR letters in the word SNOWMEN? You may be surprised! NEXT YEAR’S HOLIDAY? If you are, then how about joining us for a week of fun, laughter and discussion in the beautiful Yorkshire RESULTS from our Advent Colouring Competition: dales at Scargill House nr Kettlewell from 29st Up to 6 years: Joseph Bennett (age 5) rd 7 to 11 years: Eleanor Bennett (age 9) September to 3 October 2014? 12 years to ‘young at heart - no entries Scargill House is set in its own estate close to the Their Meaningful Advent calendar prizes will be River Wharfe in the beautiful Wharfedale valley. It is awarded during the 9.15 am service at Holy Trinity on home to a Christian Community who offer warm 1st December. hospitality – including excellent home cooking - to groups and individuals. It has comfortable single, double and twin bedded rooms, a library and numerous Churches Together in Horwich and Rivington flexible meeting rooms. It also has a grade 2 listed All are invited to a chapel. Methodist Covenant Service For those more adventurous, there are endless at St. Elizabeth’s Church possibilities for walking as well as places of interest Cedar Avenue, Horwich nearby. We are currently planning other activities on Sunday 5th January 2014 at 6.30pm amongst which will be the chance to try your hand at Leader: Jennifer McKenzie * Preacher: Eric Kent Kite and/or bread making, handbell ringing, spinning An opportunity to renew our covenant relationship and other craft pursuits and to take part in a reading with God. group - or to spend time relaxing as you choose. "In this covenant God promises us new life in Christ. There will also be a daily opportunity to explore how For our part we promise to live no longer for ourselves but God works in those communities of which we are a part for God." and our role in working with Him. Bishop Chris The Covenant Service is one of the Methodist Church's Edmondson will join us for Communion on the last day. greatest festival days and the Service itself has a rich All sessions will be optional. tradition: On 25th December 1747, John Wesley who A programme for the week and further details of the founded a society within the Church of England, whose holiday will be available after Christmas. The cost will members were nicknamed ‘Methodists’, wrote in his journal: be approx. £250 full board. If "Both this and the following days I strongly urge the giving you would like to know more in up of ourselves to God and renewing in every point our the meantime, then please covenant that the Lord should be our God." contact Chris Hodgkinson (St The Service became established in Methodism and is John’s); Gloria Long or Caroline celebrated each year, often early in the New Year. At the Tracey (Holy Trinity); Lyn Covenant Service we are especially challenged by God to Mitchell (St Catherine’s) Sandra renew our desire to maintain that relationship of love and Almond (St Elizabeth’s) David trust between God and ourselves - a kind of spiritual New Tracey (St Mary’s) & Brenda Year's resolution. Griffiths (Rivington) or email In recent times a number of other denominations have [email protected] discovered the beauty of this act of worship and of the David Griffiths words of renewal at it's very centre. All who love the Lord, from any church, are welcome to With many thanks to Easiprint, Crown take a full part. Lane, Horwich for printing this magazine.