Want to see what is being planned for the Big Day Out?

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1 United Reformed Church North Western Synod Franklin Street, Patricroft, Eccles, Manchester M30 0QZ Newsletter 18 January 2015 Want to see what is being planned for the Big Day Out? Take a look at the following links and see what s happening! NO NEED TO HAVE A FACEBOOK OR TWITTER ACCOUNT JUST GO TO: and Don t miss out More information being added weekly!

2 BIG DAY OUT MUSICAL UPDATE The Re:Creation Oratorio planned for Big Day Out in Southport on 18th July 2015 will not now be happening due to various reasons. Instead we would like to invite you to join in with performing the Roger Jones musical 'GREATER THAN GOLD' - which is the story of how, in the 18th Century, young Mary Jones walked 28 miles to own her own Bible. The Musical will consist of Narrative and songs only - no drama. We would like to invite all local churches to practice this in your own churches, and on the day there will be a one hour practice in the Southport Convention Centre Theatre at noon for those wishing to join in with that; or you can just join us for the performance at 12-1pm in the Theatre. The song words will be on screen at the theatre for those of you who just want to join in on the day. All the resources needed for you to practice this Musical in your local church are on telephone , including CD backing track and CD full performance. Soloists and a core music group will be provided on the day so all YOU need to do is practice the CHORUS parts in your own churches. Could you please let me know if your church is going to practice regularly for this, as there may be people who wish to join your practice? If you have any questions then do please contact me. Best wishes, Rita Griffiths, Mersey Synod Clerk (Tel ; rita.griffiths4@ntlworld.com) Dear Friends I have been reading recently a book titled The Great Emergence by Phyllis Tickle. The writer titled the first chapter Rummage Sales- when the Church cleans out the attic. She considered the Schism between the Church in the East and the Church in the West back in 1054 and the falling out over the language of the Mass and whether either leavened or un leavened bread was to be used. Although these matters may seem to be minor to us they were not in the eleventh century. Then in 1517, a monk nailed 95 theses to a Church Door in Wittenberg to provoke a religious debate. What in fact was created was a further split within the Church and the invention of the nation state. Her argument is that every five hundred years often accompanied by a time of social or cultural upheaval the Church has a spring clean. Needless to say we are in the middle of one right now. Now it so happens that Sheila and I have been in the middle of our own personal spring clean in preparation for the move to London. Every day, it seems, we face the

3 question of do we need this or that? Is it something we want to take with this when we move south. Often it is not an easy or simple choice. The object, be it book or memento, carries with it a store of memories. Relinquishment of much that is cherished therefore is part of our lives these days. I suggest that the same is true of our life together as part of the United Reformed Church. We who are encumbered with so much that weighs us down have to decide how to travel light. What is of the essence and what are the things which we have just picked up along the way? One of those things which are of the essence of course is the mission entrusted to the Church. The insight that Christ s life embodied in the Church is a life offered to all people, of all cultures at all times. So the Church s task is to translate that into the context in which she finds herself. Equally like those quarrels over Greek or Latin as the language of worship, we may decide that some things are not so significant. I remember hearing Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church speaking about an innovation of using the common cup at Communion only to be told off by one congregant for ruining our hallowed Methodist traditions by not using the little chalicules. So he researched when the first consignment of little cups came into the UK and found that they were first shipped into the UK through Liverpool in 1904! So I commend the practice to you of a spiritual spring clean, to ensure that your congregation is relinquishing the inessentials to better concentrate on the really important things. Come to think of it, isn t that exactly what it means to be reforming? Yours in Christ s service, Richard CUMBRIA Ramsden Street Barrow in Furness The church at Ramsden Street, Barrow in Furness is looking forward to a year of celebrations to mark worshiping in their building for 100 years. Different events are being organised for each month of the year including : bunting made by local school children; talk on the history of the area around the church; collecting 100 tins for the foodbank; concert; visit from school choir; songs of praise evening; Raising 100 for Christian Aid; re-dedication service; Celebration service. It is hoped to involve members of the community in many of these events. LANCASHIRE Revidge Fold, Trinity and Westbury Gardens Our Pastorate Christmas party was hosted by Revidge, we were beautifully entertained by Angelina and Jade who performed a Christmas Musical A Problem for Mrs. Claus which they had written themselves it was just brilliant. There were Christmas quiz sheets, and supper consisted of filled jacket potatoes and John s wonderful mince tarts. The evening finished with a Christmas sing song and carols with Eddie.

4 We had a super Christmas Market at Trinity the hall looked fabulous with the array of stalls and goodies for sale. There were bacon and sausage butties, mince pies and mulled wine, and a hot-pot lunch. We were entranced by our children s choir from All Stars, Play Group, Kids Club and Rainbows and also the Bethany Girls plus of course Father Christmas. Westbury held a Christmas brunch, this was also a super morning with all the usual stalls, the hall looked great, Darwen Brass Band entertained us with Christmas songs and carols. We had bacon butties and hot dogs and of course Father Christmas. Revidge Fellowship had a Christmas afternoon tea with entertainment and also a Candlelight Carol service. At Westbury we had a lovely Fellowship Christmas buffet, with Christmas presents for everyone and at Trinity Ladies Circle for the last meeting of the year, Barbara Charlson gave us a fabulous demonstration of Christmas floral arrangements and decorations. This was followed by drinks and warm mince tarts. Welcome Mal Our most exciting event was the induction of Mal Breeze as our new CRCW on 6 th December at Revidge Fold. It is great to have Mal and Lorraine with us. Mal will work across the Pastorate but his main focus for the first year will be to work with Westbury Gardens.

5 OLDEST MEMBER? The death of Alys Blackhurst, a member of Leyland United Reformed Church in October 2014 ended what might well prove to be the longest membership on record - unless you know of a longer. Alys Berry, as she then was, was born on 3 rd November 1909 which meant that she was 105 years old when she died which may be something of a record in itself. (She received not one but two Royal Congratulation messages) She was christened at Leyland Congregational Church on 20 th November 1909 and formally became a church member of that church at the age of 25 in She was a member of the same church, now Leyland URC, all her life which means that she recorded 80 unbroken years of active membership which may well be a records in itself. During that time she and her husband played a full part in church life with Alys serving as both Deacon and Elder at various times. It should be noted that her daughter Lois Porter, now a serving Elder in the Leyland church, was made a member in 1955 and therefore already has clocked up 59 years as a church member =139 years (and counting!) Getting to know U.(R.C.) This was the rather ambiguous title of a six session course for all and sundry of the members of the fellowship of Leyland URC which ran during the autumn of We met at fortnightly intervals to try to discover who we really are or might be. The aim was to provide a time to find out in a practical way about our church, to answer questions which you never thought to ask and, in so doing, find a place where you might fit in. The sessions, we promised, would be practical, not formal theology, could even be fun! Session1 The church as a building. A conducted tour of our extensive buildings visiting parts rarely visited by most people. Hear about the way our forefathers created this place for worship, for out-reach and for their social life. In this session we saw the Tools For Self Reliance workshop in session, visited the old air raid shelter, did an I.Spy exercise in the church and heard of the history of the Leyland church as revealed by foundation stones and memorial gifts. And much more Session 2 How did our particular kind of church develop in history A general history of the spread of Christianity from its biblical roots: Calvin and Cromwell; 1662 and all that: Independents and Congregationalists: why URC? Perhaps this was a bit too educational as perhaps expected from a former history teacher but there was lots of lively history to share. Session 3 Why do we worship like we do? Planning and preparing worship, different orders of service. Choosing hymns, what resources are available, use of Lectionary and concordance, use of music in worship, how a worship team can be used. This was a practical session and the nucleus of a worship team has evolved.

6 Session 4. Getting on with the neighbours. Other churches in Leyland - do we sing with one voice? (This refers to the fact that Leyland does have an ecumenical One Voice Choir) This was a visit from representatives of the local Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches together with the chair person of the very active Leyland Churches Fellowship. Time should have been given to our own family programme of activities but we got too engrossed with our very lively visitors Session 5 Minding our own business and what in the world are we up to? This dealt with decision making at local, Area, Synod and national level and went on to a look at the work of our Council for World Mission associate churches round the world Session 6 What and where next? Reviewing the previous weeks and trying to pick up on points that emerged to lead to changes we might make for the future. We had hoped for more to come from this but the general consensus was that it had been very worthwhile, stimulating and actually enjoyable. If any other church would like to hear more about this please contact Ernest Wrennall, 125 Church Road Leyland PR25 3AD, or ernestwrennall@hotmail.com Induction of Revd Dr Irene M John to the FLAG Pastorate On Saturday 17 th January Revd Dr Irene M John was inducted as Minister to the newly created Pastorate of Forton, Lancaster and Garstang (FLAG). The service was held at Lancaster URC s High Street centre, and was led by Revd Richard Church. The weather may have been icy but the atmosphere was warm! It was wonderful to see the church so full of people; from FLAG, from Synod, from various ecumenical links, and from Carluke in Scotland, Irene s previous church. Following the service everyone was invited to join together for a buffet of savouries and sweets, provided by all three churches. Irene s induction marks a new phase in the life of all three churches; we look forward to the opportunities that it will bring! Lynne Cadzow

7 New Joint Pastorate On 11 th January 2015 a service was held to sign the constitution of the newly formed Central Lancashire Group pastorate. The pastorate consists of Fulwood, Kirkham, Leyland and Penwortham URCs with 1.75 Ministers (the second Minister will also have responsibilities in Lancashire Area). The service was arranged by the Pastorate Worship Team and the preacher was Rev Michele Jarmany, Interim Moderator. During the service the song Chain of Love (from A Feast of Life ) was played while a paper chain was formed bearing the names of the congregation members of each church. The picture shows the chain encircling those attending the service. Building Bridges in Tonge Moor CENTRAL AREA Church at The Centre (Tonge Moor URC - a member of the Vision Pastorate, Bolton) is preparing to welcome Alison Dalton CRCW to work alongside Revd Mark Bates, and to lead its Building Bridges project. The project, led by the church in partnership with Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Age UK, NW Synod, other local churches and community groups, aims to bring together people from different generations and backgrounds, and help Church at The Centre become recognised as available to everyone in the Tonge Moor Community. Alison is currently leading the Bridging Communities project in Poole, and will be inducted at Tonge Children s Centre, Bolton on Saturday 16 th May John Bamford Chapel, Norden Road, Rochdale. OL11 5PQ Sunday 1 March 2-4 pm. We are celebrating Chinese New Year and the Synod link with Taiwan. If you are interested in coming along to find out more about Messy Church with its craft, fun, food and worship Contact: Barbara Redmond /

8 Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church, Norden Road, Rochdale. OL11 5PQ presents a play The Davidson Affair by Stuart Jackman at 7 pm on Good Friday, 3 April All welcome A journalist from Rome investigates a rumour about a resurrection in Palestine.. Thieve steal lead off Albion church roof I am enclosing some pictures of the damage done to our church roof because thieves stole some lead. It happened on the night before Christmas Eve and when we went into church for the Christingle Service we were very upset at the damage done as rain had poured down the walls. There were many children at the service and we had to explain why there were buckets and cloths on the floor. The repairs are being carried out and we hope we do not have more trouble with the roof. On a more pleasant note I have attached some pictures of the scaffolding now in church, preparing for the new lights and heating system. We will carry on our services as usual during the work and look forward to our new lighting system. We hold very many wonderful events at Albion for example: A Christmas tree festival over three days in December, Our local Hospice, Willow Wood, hold their Service here and the Baby Memorial Service is held here and we hope the people attending gain some comfort from these services. Other events during the year are musical events, choirs, craft fair flower festivals and many more. If anyone reading this information and would like me to let them have the dates for any events at Albion, please let me have their addresses and I well contact them each time we have a new event. I do not allow anyone to have our addresses. Jean Goodall All this damage was done by stealing the lead from the roof on the night before Christmas Eve. The children could see what damage had been done and I am sure they were upset.

9 Danger to the electrics and flooding the bowls The water spread along the floor right down the aisle. It took hours to be mopped up. Wharton URC The farewell service for our church in Highgate Lane, Little Hulton, was held on Sunday 23 November. The church was packed. It was a day of high emotion as we reflected on past achievements and looked forward with excitement to the future. We remembered that our church in Highgate Lane was just a building. A building full of memories and service and love. These memories will remain in our hearts as we move on to the next exciting chapter, and we formally join together with our good friends at Cleggs Lane Methodist Church. The official handover of keys to the new owners of the building, St George Kananya Church* took place on Saturday morning 29 th November. Short prayers, both outside and inside church were led by St George s priest and approximately 60 adults and children from St. Georges were in attendance. When we emptied the church the previous Thursday, it looked and felt rather sad almost an empty shell. It was lovely to witness the building full and vibrant once again. The people from St Georges are absolutely delighted to have their own church building. One of the ladies said we have dreamed of this moment for years.

10 We are now working with the architect to have the plans for our new church building approved by the local planning authority. In the meantime lots of fund raising activities are being planned to help fund the new Wharton and Cleggs Lane Church and Community Centre. We will keep Wharton going for a further 300+ years. *An independent part of the universal Syrian Orthodox Church the foundations can be traced back to the very dawn of Christianity, as it was founded by the disciple Jesus called his rock St. Peter. SOUTH AREA Inspire Church in Levenshulme has recently celebrated the fourth anniversary since it was reopened as the Inspire Community Centre. During this time its community activity has grown and grown and in 2014 it hosted no fewer than 991 separate community activities with over 4000 using the centre throughout the year. With a busy cafe, business centre with enterprise and employment support schemes and new three-year project reaching out to isolated older people in the neighbourhood the whole place is thriving. Church members are playing a central role in both staff and volunteering roles and the congregation has grown from just 7 at re-opening to a regular Sunday gathering of 50 adults and children. As we enter 2015 we are looking to consolidate this rapid growth, particularly by strengthening some of the core operations essential to support so much activity. If another URC in the Synod would like to partner with us to offer professional, financial and prayerful support then please contact Ed Cox on ed.cox@lev-inspire.org.uk or ****New Telephone number for Macclesfield URCd to:

11 Metropolitan Church As the leader of one of the URCs new Mission Projects I was delighted to receive an from Rebecca Gudgeon making contact and asking how the Windermere Centre could be a resource for us. She described their new funding policy - pay what you can, pay what you think it's worth - and I asked how serious they were about it as I wanted to bring a group of asylum seekers to the Centre who could not afford to pay anything! The response was, of course, generous, warm and inviting and so, at the end of November myself and our church secretary brought 13 members of our congregation, who are currently claiming asylum in the UK, to Windermere for a two day break from the city. The asylum seekers are from Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. All have had to flee because they were persecuted simply for how they love. Some have been imprisoned and tortured, most have been rejected by their families as well as by their culture. In all their countries the Church has been on the side of the persecutors not the oppressed. The UK had a proud tradition of offering protection to those who have been persecuted, but those who work within the asylum system operate with a policy of suspicion. Our church has helped 12 people gain asylum over the last 8 years - in each case the Home Office, and in many cases the courts, refused to believe the applicants until presented with compelling evidence from friends and partners. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work and, if they are fortunate, get meagre benefits of just 35 a week (often in cashless voucher form which can't be used on public transport or in charity shops), and are given very basic accommodation. However, many of the group that came to the Windermere Centre are destitute, as they are seen as "failed" asylum seekers. They live on the charity of friends and need our church food bank in order simply to live whilst they find good legal representation and build a more convincing case. Given this culture of suspicion and hostility, the group were moved to be so warmly welcomed by the Windermere Centre and to be able to explore the stunning countryside around Windermere. We visited the lake, the lovely village of Cartmel, Grange over Sands (where the local URC kindly made us lunch) and Furness Priory. I was very moved to discover that, despite having nothing, the group managed to raise 60 to help pay their way at the Centre; surely the Widow's mite that Jesus spoke about in the Gospels. Each day was punctuated with gentle worship as we gave thanks for God's great kindness to us and focused on the Advent theme of hope in the darkness. Andy Braunston Pastor, The Metropolitan Church

12 CONGRATULATIONS! To Revd Kate Gray and Revd Mike Walsh who have a baby girl! To Jenny-Anne Bishop of the Metropolitan Church (one of our mission projects) who has been awarded by OBE by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year's Honour's List. Jenny-Anne received this award for services to the transgender community. To the Revd Nigel Adkinson who graduated with a BA in Contextual Theology, and to the Revd Anthea Wickens and our Synod Clerk, Andy Braunston, who both graduated with MAs in Contextual Theology in November. All studied at Northern College/Luther King House in Rusholme and the degrees were awarded by the University of Manchester. President of the University of Manchester at the Graduation Free to good home! Would you like 4 Good News Bibles or 8 Rejoice & Sing (Melody)? Free to anyone who can come to the office and collect them. the Synod Office Please Hazel at Revd Martin Truscott (Grosvenor, St Aidan's - now Didsbury URC - and Ministerial Training Officer, North Western Synod from 2000 to 2004) retires at the end of June and his last service with us here at St Andrew's URC Meols is on Sunday 28th June. We will be holding a Faith Lunch after the service and extend a warm invitation to join us to those who have known Martin during his 30 years of ministry.

13 I look forward to hearing from you - please use my - caduncan1952@gmail.com. Many thanks, Christine Holmes, Church Secretary, St Andrew's URC Meols Join Pilots on Safari Saturday 16 May West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park This event is open to everyone in Pilots, their families (home and church) and to all church families, groups and their friends who are being invited to come and be Pilots for a day. These events are wonderful opportunities and the only time we see several thousand of the URC together, so please spread the word! Below are some of the many things to be excited about on the day: There will be worship for everyone in the Treetops Pavilion, including live music Access to the West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park grounds and attractions The chance to meet with others, to make new friends from all over the country Experience one of the longest safari drives in the country 4 miles! Each Pilots Company and every United Reformed Church has been sent a booking pack for this event make sure to ask your church secretary for the details, or contact the Pilots Desk on or pilots@urc.org.uk Luther King House Exploring Faith & Spirituality Programme of Open Learning Day Workshops Luther King House is pleased to offer a series of day workshops on different aspects of Christian, Faith & Spirituality. Each workshop will run from 10.00am pm and costs ( for those in receipt of income-based benefits or job seekers' allowance) including teas and coffees. Saturday 31st January: Faith, Dialogue and Action Stories of Interfaith Engagement. Led by Graham Adams Saturday 28th February: Changing Times, Changing Rites? Creating alternative rites of passage. Led by Jan Berry and Alex Bradley Saturday 14th March: Spirituality for Children and Young People Led by Linda Hopkins & Alison Hulse Saturday 25th April: 'God saw that it was very good' Thinking about creation and the environment in our churches. Led by Rosalind Selby

14 Open Lecture Series We offer a series of monthly theological lectures which are free of charge and are open to all. No need to book in advance for these just turn up on the night. Lectures take place from 7.30pm 9.00pm. Monday 2nd March 2015 Rev d Ed Kaneen: What is Biblical Ministry? The Annual Whitley Lecture sponsored by Northern Baptist College (NBC) Refreshments from 6.30pm Monday 20th April 2015 Rev d Dr Graham Adams: How to Assess Religions: The Importance of Being Scandalous Monday 11th May 2015 FR Christopher Jamison - Title to be announced Threshold Courses Beginning Wednesday 15 th April pm 3.30pm Thresholds is a short course designed to introduce the study of theology, and it is particularly for those who might want to begin a degree course with us and want to find out more of what that involves! If that is you, then come and join us! We will meet on Wednesday afternoons from 2.00pm 3.30pm for 6 sessions beginning on Wednesday 15th April The cost for the six session programme is 30. Conference for Lay Preachers & Worship Leaders Survival Revival: Exploring Hopeful Texts Thursday 7 th & Friday 8 th May 2015 Our two-day conference will allow individuals to explore multiple aspects of worship and Christian ministry with people from varied denominational backgrounds. Rev. Dr. Kathy White, and Rev. Dr. Noel Irwin, two scholars of Hebrew Scriptures, will lead sessions on prophetic writing, and Rev. Dr. Rosalind Selby will lead a session on the New Testament. There will also be workshops available on using Powerpoint in worship, with further sessions exploring other aspects of worship and ministry to be confirmed. Costs for the conference are 135 for residential participants (including meals and accommodation) or 95 for non-residential participants (including lunches & evening meal). Research Symposium on Ageing and Spirituality (in partnership with MHA) Thursday 26th February 9.30am pm A date for our next Research Symposium on Ageing and Spirituality (in partnership with MHA) has now been confirmed, and will take place on Thursday 26th February from 9.30am-4.00pm. This seminar is an opportunity to share current or recent research in areas relating to ageing, faith and spirituality, and aims to being together researchers and reflective practitioners. It will be of interest to academic researchers, chaplains, health professionals, and any one who is interested in learning more about faith development and spirituality amongst older people.

15 Short Courses in Theology, Ministry and Discipleship There are many opportunities for studying at Luther King House without taking a full degree course. Studying on an LKH short course is an ideal way to develop your skills and knowledge but does not demand the time commitment of studying a full degree. In most courses cost between 75 and 150 and are generally taught over 8-10 weeks or in blocks. Our current list of Modules and Short Courses is available on our website and will continue to be updated to include workshops and day events, so remember to check back for new listings! If you would like further information on any of the above, our Open Learning Programme, or would like to register for any of the events, our full selection of fliers, programmes and registration forms are available on our website at or you can contact the Luther King House Registry Office by telephone on or by at learning@lkh.co.uk

16 SAVED - ITV Have you ever saved a person s life? Has somebody ever saved your life? Do you have a life- saving story to share? We re looking for real life stories about ordinary people who have done an extraordinary thing by saving a person s life for a brand new, inspirational series for primetime ITV. We d love to hear from the people whose quick thinking, bravery and selflessness made the difference between life and death. And we d be delighted to hear from people who will be forever grateful for the kindness and courage of a person who saved their life. Perhaps you would like to be reunited with the stranger who saved your life? Or perhaps you d like to share a story about how somebody rescued you against the odds? Maybe you have longed to thank a stranger for saving your life and you haven t had the chance? It doesn t matter if your life- saving story took place many years ago, or just last week, and it doesn t matter if you have never seen your lifesaver since. We would be delighted for you to get in touch with us and share your story. Please note that contacting us doesn t commit you to taking part in the documentary and all calls or s will be in the strictest confidence. If you d like to find out more, please contact Hannah Keep on or Hannah.keep@thegardenproductions.tv Please let the office have articles for the next newsletter by 23 March 2015 at admin@nwsynod.org.uk or through the post at Synod Office, Franklin Street, Eccles, Manchester M30 0QZ