December 2015/January 2016

Transcription

1 NEWSLET TER OF THE JOINT PASTORATE OF RADCLIFFE,, STANDS TAND & F & FARNWORTH UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES Radcliffe URC Blackburn Street RADCLIFFE M26 3WQ Stand URC Stand Lane RADCLIFFE M26 1JE Farnworth URC Albert Road FARNWORTH BL4 9NP COVER PICTURE THE BABY JESUS IN A MANGER December 2015/January 2016

2 SILLETT S FUNERAL SERVICE Spring Lane RADCLIFFE Manchester M26 2TQ YOU COULD ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS SPACE. see Neil Chadwick, Hon Treas at Radcliffe in the first instance Radcliffe URC Secretary Margaret Holcroft, , margholcroft@sky.com Treasurer Neil Chadwick, 58, Tamworth Avenue, Whitefield M45 6UA Assistant Joan Crump Booking Secretary Alison Close, Secretary Audrey Halstead, Treasurers Brenda Lloyd, and Mark Ascroft, Stand URC Pulpit Supply Secretaries for both Radcliffe & Stand: Miss Anne Kennedy, and Mrs Jean Helliwell, Secretary Mr Andrew Jones, avgp.jones1984@o2.co.uk Treasurer Mr Harry Charleston, hcharleston@btinternet.com MINISTER AND OFFICIALS OF THE PASTORATE BA (Hons) Manse Telephone Number nigeladkinson@gmail.com Farnworth URC Pulpit Supply Secretary vacant Newsletter Editor: Robert Peters, robanjenpeters@hotmail.com 1

3 Monday Regular Meetings RADCLIFFE STAND FARNWORTH Deeper Life Bible Church* Cherubs** 9.35am 5.30pm Brownies** 6.30pm Morrisco Dancers* 7.00pm Guides** 7.00pm Tuesday Bread & Soup Making 9.30am followed by lunch 12.30pm Drop In 1.30pm 10th Stand Scouts** 7.00pm Weight Watchers* 6.00pm Belrobics* 7.30pm Wednesday Ladies Friendship Club Free Book Swap 1.00pm Parents & Toddlers 10.00am (September to May) 2.00pm combined with: Radcliffe MVC* 7.30pm Chapelfield Lunch Club (alternate weeks)* 12.30pm GYO Group 6.30pm Thursday Thursday Group 8.00pm Friday Weight Watchers* 9.30am * denotes an outside letting ** denotes term time only Messy Church 3.30pm (first Friday of the month) denotes fortnightly For Pastorate Service times and monthly dates for your diary see the centre pages Minister s Day Off and Reading Days OUR MINISTER,, will generally take Thursday each week as his day off. Also, his Reading Day is usually the last Friday in each month. December s will therefore be the 18th (instead of the 25th) and January s the 29th. Please only contact him on these days if it is a matter of urgency. Views expressed in articles and other material used in this Newsletter are not necessarily the views of the minister, officials or members of the pastorate. Copyright Licence Nos.: Radcliffe URC : Stand URC : Farnworth URC Minister s Message.the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5) Iam writing this Christmas and New Year message in the shadow of the terrible events that unfolded in Paris on 13th November, although these are by no means the only atrocities being committed in so many places around the world. I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. It feels as if darkness is overcoming the world and the light is getting harder to see. At this time of year we are preparing to receive anew God s gift of love shown in the birth of Jesus Christ. Love bringing new light and hope. Love coming to live among us. God moving into our neighbourhood to offer a new and transformed way of living in peace and harmony, where truth can be found and hope encouraged. Amidst the darkness of evil deeds, the light of the love of Jesus shines out, piercing the darkness. Where is this love found we may ask? Well on the night of Friday 13th November; in the emergency services, in the care of hospital staff, counsellors and support workers, fire and ambulance crews and the police service. Perhaps most of all however, it is found in people like Frenchman Antoine Leiris who having lost his wife in the Paris shootings said: the attackers will not have my hatred We are only two, my son and I, but we are more powerful than all the world s armies every day of his life this little boy will insult you with his happiness and freedom. I will not give the gunmen the gift of hating them. It is love that overcomes hate; it is love not hate that brings light out of darkness, It is love that transforms us. It is the God of love who gives us the greatest gift of all through the vulnerability of the birth of a baby, Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace the gift of love. Men like Antoine Leiris have taken that gift of love, that Christmas gift and are living it out. Living it out to make a difference, not to let hatred imprison them, but by grace to let love have the final say. So as we join our families, exchange our Christmas gifts, and share our love may the words of this Christmas hymn written by John Bell and Graham Maule, give us new hope and deeper faith Centuries of skill and science span the past from which we move, yet experience questions whether with such progress we improve. In our search for sense and meaning, lest our hopes and humour fray, God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day. Liz joins me in wishing you all a blessed Christmas and peaceful New Year. In Christ, Nigel Please notify me of any pastoral need that you are aware of, so that I can respond. I would rather be told more than once than not at all. So please do not hesitate to contact me. 3

4 Open House at The Manse IT S OPEN HOUSE at the Manse from 11.00am until 3.00pm on New Years Day. Please join Nigel and Liz at the Manse for light refreshments. Thanks From Your Editor IT IS AGAIN time for me to thank all those who have assisted me during the year. Let s start with Elaine Robinson who publishes the Sunday Notices at Radcliffe when I am away, then there s Sue Metcalfe who is responsible for putting this mag on-line; also, her on-going work at present to set up a Pastorate-wide webpage must not go un-noticed. Thanks too to all those who contribute regularly to the Newsletter: Rev. Nigel, Gareth at Stand, Anne Kennedy, the church secretaries Andrew Jones at Farnworth, Audrey Halstead at Stand and Margaret Holcroft at Radcliffe. Margaret H has also helped by picking up the printed copies from the printer when I am indisposed. Thank you Ann Kennedy with Jean Helliwell for the list of preachers at Radcliffe and Stand and Stuart Butt for similar at Farnworth. Susan Taylor at Radcliffe must be thanked for supplying and supervising the lists of victuallers, flower arrangers and Porch duty personnel at Radcliffe. She not only keeps me informed but has to whip the people into shape and garner volunteers where possible. Not an easy task. Thanks to Doreen Richards at Stand for her series of alphabetical Biblical names and other items she submits during the year. Thank you to those of you who bring news and magazines etc. from other churches and those who will contribute only one item in all your life, you are to be thanked in no less a measure. Thanks to those who take photos for inclusion in the Newsletter. Keep it up; it is your contributions which make this Newsletter what it is. Thanks to Gillian Kennedy at Stand for getting their copy to me, to Andrew again and Mavis and Harry Charleston at Farnworth for their work in getting Farnworth s copy to me. Abundant thanks to David Pollard our printer and to my wife, Jenny, who proofreads it all and has to put up with my moaning during the lead-up to printing deadline. She brings calm to the situation and it all gets done in a timely manner. Last but by no means least I will not forget to thank you, the reader, without whom it would be no use doing any of this. Thank you all for your support. 4 RWP A Date for Your Diary Radcliffe United Reformed Church invites you to A Celebration of Life Service on Sunday 13th December at 3.00pm AS ACHURCH we would like to offer people the opportunity to come along and remember loved ones in this season of Advent leading up to Christmas. At this busy time of the year, this is an opportunity to create space and time for the celebration of, and reflection on the lives of our loved ones. Advent and Christmas can often feel lonely when we miss those we love and have lost a while. So come along and share in a service of readings and hymns and the lighting of candles, where treasured memories can be honoured and recalled with love and thanksgiving. For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38) Refreshments will be served after the service. Joint Pastorate Services The main Joint Pastorate Services over the Christmas holidays are: 3.00pm Sunday 13th December at Radcliffe URC; a Celebration of Life service. The next is at 3.00pm Sunday 27th December at Stand URC. Then to start the New Year there s one at 10.45am Sunday 3rd January at Farnworth URC when we shall celebrate Holy Communion. Our Pastorate Minister,, will preside at all three services. For full details of all services in the Pastorate in December and January please see the centre pages. Everyone is welcome to any service at any of the three churches. Churches Together in Radcliffe Carol Singing at Radcliffe Market CHURCHES TOGETHER in Radcliffe have again organised Carol Singing at Radcliffe Market. Following the singing there on the last Saturday in November this will again take place between 11.00am and 11.30am then between noon and 12.30pm on Saturday 5th December. We will have an opportunity to sing inside the market and outside on the Piazza as we did last year. This is a great opportunity to come together ecumenically in Advent to praise God and prepare again for the coming of the Saviour of the World, the Prince of Peace. 5

5 Pastoral Prayers please for: Celia Beresford Dorothy Nelson Marilyn Greenwood Marjorie Butt Arthur Selby Joyce Roberts Dorothy Tucker Lorraine and Brian Garland Lesley Saunders Gareth Ogden Henry Anderson and anyone else known only to yourself. How to Get in Touch Stay in Touch Apart from the details of the officials of the Pastorate on page 1 and the churches addresses on the cover, there are other ways to keep up with what s going on: at Radcliffe URC we have a church website currently under construction. a Players Society website at When productions are imminent you can book on-line at: tickets@rurcplayers.co.uk or ring the Box Office on Messy Church at Radcliffe is on facebook at: at Stand URC there s the QR code and look on facebook at and on tumblr at: Dorothy Clifton Lily Hardy Joyce Crompton Margaret Atkinson John Lewis David Townley Gladys Halton Eva Kay Allan Prescott Jackie Halstead and family QR code for Stand URC you can also get details for Stand URC by on: standurc1@hotmail.co.uk at Farnworth URC you can contact any of the officials mentioned on page 1. There is also a Farnworth URC facebook page found at: Farnworth United Reformed Church The Minister s contact details are on page 1; just remember his days off and Reading Days mentioned on page 2 but apart from that he ll be happy to assist in whatever way he can. MARRIAGES AND BAPTISMS AT ALL THREE CHURCHES ARE BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE MINISTER. 6 Farnworth URC PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP every Wednesday 10.00am until noon; tea, toast, play and chat, Various events. Tel. Kath For Sunday services and preachers see the centre pages. READER WELCOME FLOWERS Dec 6th Mrs Mavis Chapman Mr John Lewis 13th Mrs Val Jones Mrs Enid Murray 20th Miss Abbie Kay Prescott Mr Andrew Jones 2016 Jan 3rd Andrew Jones Harry Charleston tba 10th Harry Charleston Jean Charleston tba 17th Stuart Butt Brian Heyes tba 24th Jean Charleston Enid Murray tba 31st Margaret Harrison Kathleen Barker tba Feb 7th Mavis Chapman Harry Charleston tba Meetings at Farnworth URC 7 there are no flowers in December January th 7.30pm Elders Meeting February 7th after worship Kildare Community Centre Action Group All welcome Coffee Morning THE NEXT Coffee Morning at Farnworth URC is at 10.00am on Friday 18th December. Everyone is welcome. Christmas Lunch THERE IS a Christmas Lunch after worship on Sunday 20th December. This will be in the school room. Toy Service THE SERVICE on Sunday 13th December will be our annual Toy service. All toys received during worship will be donated to support the work of Fort Alice here in Farnworth.

6 A Message from Andrew Taylor Andrew has accomplished the 24 peaks in 24 hours with Lloyds Bank. A huge thank you to all at Radcliffe URC and Stand URC for their amazing support, good wishes and donations for my efforts for BBC Children in Need, it has been very humbling. My final total is 6,000 following a pledge to round up to that number. This will hopefully make a huge difference to the lives of children who are less fortunate in life than many of those who have blessed our lives. Thanks again for your personal support, God bless xx Welcome & Hymn Books December 6th Brenda Lloyd 13th Renata Cappelli 20th Barbara Ogden 27th Doreen Richards January rd service at Farnworth URC 10th Brenda Lloyd 17th Renata Cappelli 24th Barbara Ogden 31st Doreen Richards Stand URC Rotas Flower Rota December 6th Mrs B Ogden 13th Miss R Cappelli 20th Flower Fund 27th Flower Fund January rd service at Farnworth URC 10th Mr A Selby 17th Mrs B Ogden 24th Miss R Cappelli 31st Flower Fund Stand URC AGM THE CHURCH Annual General Meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 2nd December. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting. Pictures of Andrew during his arduous trek. It looks cold, wet and misty but his cheerfulness never goes away, particulary when he s photographed with Pudsey the Children in Need bear. It is to be hoped he didn t have to carry that about all the time. Photos courtesy of someone Andrew had with him. Christmas Tree Gift Service SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER will be our usual Christmas Tree Gift Service and Parade. All gifts should be in a new condition. No used or damaged goods can be accepted. They can be for children or adults. Thank you. Christmas Cards AS IS NOW customary at this time of year, Christmas cards for all our Church friends can be brought and left in the Foyer. No Breakfast Service in December THERE IS no Breakfast Service at Stand URC in December. The topic was to have been New Beginnings but that will now be the topic for January s Breakfast Service at 9.30am on Sunday 31st January. There will only be one service on Sunday 27th December which is a Pastorate Service at 3.00pm at Stand URC. 8 9

7 X Mary Lloyd WE OFFER our love and prayers to the family of Mary Lloyd of Stand Lane who died on the 19th November following a short illness. X Cherubs Parent and Toddler Group THE CHERUBS Christmas Party will be held on Monday 14th December. For those who will be able to attend, please add the Parent or Carer s name to the list on the Noticeboard with the Cherub s name and age and the item of food you can bring. Father Christmas will make an appearance during the party. The school Christmas Holidays this year start on 18th December returning on Tuesday 5th January Therefore the Cherubs will close from Monday 14th December after the Christmas Party returning on Monday 11th January after the Christmas Holidays. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Doreen, Audrey, Barbara and Brenda Rainbows News UNFORTUNATELY, Rainbows are not meeting at present as there are too few girls attending. They hope to begin meeting again next year. For more information contact Rachel Hodges on Stable Search A shepherd is trying to get to see the baby Jesus in his manger. Can you help him? The correct route is shown on page

8 X Memories of Robert Bob Murray ON MONDAY 2nd November family and friends met at Radcliffe Crematorium to give thanks for the life of Bob Murray. Bob was born on 21st December 1927 in Blakeley. He was the second youngest child of seven. He attended school in Blakeley leaving at the age of fourteen when he got his first job as a copy boy. He progressed to Advertising Manager for the Sporting Chronicle, a job he stayed with for the rest of his working life. Bob was very much a family man. He met his wife Renee in Cheetham Hill and they married in 1953 following his National Service. They had two sons Robert and Andrew of whom Bob was extremely proud. When Bob retired he took up a real interest in gardening, particularly growing tomatoes and this became something of a serious hobby. Bob was also a keen bowler and for a time was President of Whitefield Bowling Club. He was something of a sports fanatic too and was a long time Man United supporter. In his later years Bob cared for his wife Renee until they required additional support. They moved in with Rob and Gina and following Renee s death last year, Bob continued to live with the family and was grateful to them for opening their home to him. He was delighted to hear the news just a week before he died, that his son Andy had received the Police Medal for services to the Thames Valley Force. A devoted family man; he will be missed by those who loved him the most. To his close family and friends we offer our love and prayers at this time. The family will hold dear memories of a loving Dad, Father in Law, Grandad and Great Grandad. X X Memories of Duncan Robert Fothergill A FUNERAL SERVICE with full military honours was held for Duncan Fothergill at Radcliffe Crematorium on Friday 8th November Family and friends filled the chapel to capacity as they came to give thanks and to celebrate his life following his death at the early age of 48 years. Duncan was born in Emsworth in Hampshire moving to Purbrook and then Banbury with his parents. The family grew to include sisters Diana and Rebecca and twin brothers Stuart and Rory. He was baptised at Greenfield Baptist Church in Urmston, where he went on to become a Cub Leader. After gaining his GCE s he began a career in Insurance, becoming a senior insurance underwriter. When he moved to Bury he met his wife Alison and they married at St Thomas Church in Bury in Duncan and Ali had two sons Alex and Kieran of whom he was extremely proud. Duncan served with the Army Reserve (Territorial Army) and served in Afghanistan from October 2010 to March 2011.He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May this year and died at home surrounded by his family and close army friends on 25th October. As we gathered for the service the rain poured; as we left the sky opened up to a radiant blue and red, offering the most amazing autumn sunset. God present in the love and pain of life through the beauty of his creation. To the family and many friends who gathered to say goodbye, we ask God s blessing upon you in your grief and loss. We particularly hold in our prayers Ali Duncan s wife, his sons Alex and Kieran, his mum Sandra, sisters, Diana and Rebecca and brothers Stuart and Rory. X 12 13

9 X Memories of Doris Kirkman FAMILY AND FRIENDS met at Radcliffe United Reformed Church on Friday 30th October to remember Doris with love and thanksgiving. Born on the same day as the Queen, 21st April 1926, she was a life long resident of Radcliffe. She was an only child, but her many cousins she thought of as brothers and sisters. Doris met and married Sam in June 1949 at the Congry and has remained a long time member of the church. She took a great interest in its many social activities and was also one of its Sunday School teachers for many years.. Denise and later David were born and the family was complete. Doris was proud of her children and celebrated their many achievements. She was delighted when Denise married Dave and more recently David and Linda coming together as a couple. The birth of her grandchildren Gemma and Sarah was a great delight for her and when she became a great grandmother to Hannah and Oscar she felt truly blessed by her growing family. A lover of animals especially dogs, they gave her much companionship particularly in her later life. Her health began to fail in the last couple of years, but she still remained fiercely independent for as long as she could. Following a serious fall at home earlier this year, for which she required hospital treatment, she returned home again for a few weeks, before it became evident she needed round the clock care. She moved to Holly Bank Nursing Home where she was visited by her family and many friends. She died on 14th October surrounded by her family. We will miss her very much. We offer our love and sympathy at this time to Denise and Dave, to David and Linda and to Gemma and Sarah, Hannah and Oscar. X 14 Radcliffe URC Flowers in Church: Ministry of Flowers November 1st In memory of Lily and Harold Taylor Doreen, Stewart and families Birthday memories and loving thoughts of Marie Marjorie, Martyn and family 12th 15th 17th 22nd In memory of Geoffrey and Mary Norris Cyril and Gwyneth Treasured birthday memories of Joe Mildred and family In loving memory of Irene, a dear mum, nan and great-grandma from Susan, Stuart, Linda and families Loving birthday memories of my family from Edna, Joyce and Frank In memory of loved ones Mrs A Close 29th Flower Fund The church florist is Palmers, 227 Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe. They are open until 3.00pm on Saturdays and will deliver to church if so desired. To arrange this ring Meetings at Radcliffe URC December 6th after worship Church AGM in Church 8th 7.30pm Elders Meeting in Church January th 7.30pm Elders Meeting in Church 24th after worship Church Meeting in Church. Grateful Thanks Grateful Thanks DENISE AND DAVE Johnson and family and David Kirkman would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, visits and messages following the death of Doris. Mum loved all the visitors and being kept up-to-date with church news. It has been a great comfort and strength to know that we are all in your thoughts and prayers. 15

10 Services in the Pastorate in December RADCLIFFE: 11.00AM STAND: 9.30AM FARNWORTH: 10.45AM 2nd Sunday in Advent 6th December Janet Gunby Alison Close 12.30pm Church AGM Radcliffe URC Holy Communion Friday 11th December 7.00pm at Stand URC Carols around the Christmas Tree outside 3rd Sunday in Advent 13th December Toy Service Holy Communion Christmas Tree Service Mr Brian Evitts Communion Collection and Parade Methodist Lay Preacher in aid of Shelter Boothstown 3.00pm Joint Pastorate Service at Radcliffe URC Celebration of Life Service 4th Sunday in Advent 20th December Judith Haughton URC Lay Preacher 3.00pm Christingle Service Lessons and Carols Union Street URC 6.30pm Lessons and Carols ab Christmas Eve 11.30pm at Stand URC Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 10.30am Joint Service at Radcliffe URC with Stand URC Sunday 27th December 16 Andrew Jones 3.00pm Joint Pastorate Service at Stand URC cd Christmas Greetings 2015 Dates for Your Diary are on the back of this pull-out. Make sure you remove it carefully; do not cause damage to the rest of the magazine. 17

11 e Greetings from Alan and Shelley Crump in Liverpool With love and every blessing from God to all our friends and colleagues in Christ in the Pastorate for a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year and a fruitful 2016 in God s service. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and happiness in 2016 Dave, Denise Johnson & family A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your Editor and wife, Robert and Jenny Peters Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year to all at Radcliffe, Stand and Farnworth g Margaret Holcroft 18 To all friends at Radcliffe, Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year Barbara Lawton A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my friends at Radcliffe Mildred Eaton Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Janet Cowpe Jenny and Dai Evans wish all their friends at Radcliffe, Stand and Farnworth a peaceful and joyous Christmas As we celebrate our second Christmas with you all at Radcliffe, Stand and Farnworth; may the Christ Child, the Prince of Peace, fill your hearts with joy, hope and love. May the New Year bring exciting challenges and peace to our hearts With our love and blessing to you all, Nigel & Liz Rev. Anne wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year 19 Rev. John and Margaret Robinson send their warm good wishes to those who remember them, for a Happy Christmas and blessed New Year. May the peace and hope of Christ s birth be with you now and in the year ahead. Sue, Ali, Dave, Harriet and Jonathan xx In lieu of Christmas Cards can I send my best wishes for a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Tony Leach f h

12 Dates for the Diary Your Month at a Glance December 2nd 2.00pm Bible Reflection Group at Radcliffe URC, Pilsworth Room 7.30pm Church AGM at Stand URC 6th 8th 10.00am Bacon Buttie Club at Radcliffe URC before worship 12.30pm Church AGM at Radcliffe URC 7.30pm Elders Meeting at Radcliffe URC 13th 3.00pm Joint Pastorate Celebration of Life service at Radcliffe URC 14th 12.30pm Ladies Friendship Club Christmas Party at Radcliffe URC 16th 2.00pm Bible Reflection Group at Radcliffe URC, Pilsworth Room 18th 10.00am Coffee Morning at Farnworth URC 20th after worship Christmas Lunch at Farnworth URC in the school room 27th 3.00pm Joint Pastorate service at Stand URC January rd 10.45am Joint Pastorate service at Farnworth URC 6th Ladies Friendship Club at Radcliffe Jack Heathcote: Travel 12th 7.30pm Elders Meeting at Radcliffe URC 14th 7.30pm Elders Meeting at Farnworth URC 20th Ladies Friendship Club at Radcliffe 24th 12.30pm Church Meeting at Radcliffe URC February 3rd Ladies Friendship Club at Radcliffe Shared Interest Fairtrade: Sally Reith 7th after worship Kildare Community Centre Action Group at Farnworth full details of these events are to be found elsewhere in this Newsletter. Services in the Pastorate in January RADCLIFFE: 11.00AM STAND: 9.30AM FARNWORTH: 10.45AM 3rd January 10.45am Joint Pastorate Service at Farnworth URC Holy Communion 10th January Holy Communion Holy Communion Induction and Rededication of Elders Communion Collection in aid of the Communion Fund Catherine Hilton Four Lane Ends Congregational Church 17th January Giles Robinson Radcliffe URC 24th January Café Service Breakfast Service 12.30pm Church Meeting Kath Hall Leslie Norris CofE Lay Reader St Paul & St John CofE Ramsbottom 31st January Laurie Shaw Church of the Nazarene Atherton and Bolton 7th February Barry Bradshaw URC Lay Preacher Red Lane URC Breightmet tba Mrs Dylis Tomkins Methodist Lay Preacher Horwich Rev. David Allen 20 21

13 Christmas Fayre Result and Thanks THE CHRISTMAS FAYRE held in November was a splendid success and raised the wonderful amount of 1, This is a provisional figure with some more money to come. By the time you read this the Christmas Fayre will be over and you can all be getting on with your preparation for your own Christmas Celebrations. As I write this it is just in the last few hectic days of preparation, rushing around trying to ensure nothing has been overlooked, engrossed in the minutiae of organisation. Everything else in the calendar blocked out to concentrate on the one thing! Then suddenly we are stopped in our tracks by the horror and suffering in Paris. It is a timely reminder never to lose sight of the needs and suffering of our neighbours whether they are in Paris or less dramatically on our doorstep in Radcliffe. Radcliffe URC has made a firm commitment to engage more with the wider community of Radcliffe in As a church we must therefore be prayerfully seeking God s guidance as to what that will mean for each one of us. We must never be too taken up with the busyness of our daily lives to miss the work God has planned for us. That is not to say forget about everything else that is going on in Church life. The Lord will bless our endeavours with the Fayre in many ways, including raising funds to keep the work of the church going, inviting family, friends, neighbours and strangers in to enjoy the day with us and the uplift each one of us gets from working together as a church family. So thanks to everyone who has contributed to making the Christmas Fayre a success in every way the donations of goods, help to distribute leaflets and posters, assistance to set up the church and the hall, time to serve at the stalls, baking prior to the day, cooking in the café, serving and washing up in the kitchen on the day, chatting to visitors and of course spending money and clearing up after! Christmas Fayre Donations IT IS WITH THANKS that we received generous donations to the Christmas Fayre from the following: Silletts Funeral Services, Ainsworth Conservatories and Windows, Palmers Florist. Seasons Greetings to all, Anne Kennedy 22 Bible Reflection Group THE BIBLE REFLECTION GROUP meets at 2.00pm on Wednesdays. We are reading and discussing the book of Exodus. Please meet in the Pilsworth room on: December 2nd and 16th. All are welcome. January dates and forward into 2016 will be made known at a later date. Soup and Bread Making Group Meets from 9.30am THE SOUP AND BREAD Group meets in the Church Hall each Tuesday. Please come along and join us to make bread and soup from 9.30am. If this is a little bit early for you, come later and have a cup of tea or coffee and stay for lunch from 12.30pm. Please let friends and neighbours know. Give them a personal invitation to come along and join us. This is a great opportunity to build friendships and make new ones. All are welcome. With Grateful Thanks From Last Month LAST MONTH Radcliffe paid grateful thanks to Jennifer Fitton for making new covers for the Communion Table and Communion Chair. See the November issue page 18. There were no photos in that edition but that has been put right in this. below left: both covers and right: the Communion table viewed from the congregation. Future Fundraising IF ANYONE has any fundraising ideas for Church Funds for 2016 could they please speak to any of the Elders. 23

14 Radcliffe Rotas Flowers Porch Victuallers Mrs J Cowpe 6th December Mrs A Close Mrs J Helliwell Mrs M English Mrs J Gunby Mrs P Dunlop 13th December Mrs L Garland Mrs M Atkinson Mrs V Stubbs Mr S Butt Mrs E Adkinson Mrs D Clifton 20th December Mrs M Lomas Mrs M Butt Mrs S Whewell Mrs P Dunlop Mrs J Butt Mrs J Helliwell 27th December Mrs J Fitton Mrs J Crump Mrs J Holbrook Mrs F Kitchen 2016 Mrs D Taylor 3rd January Mrs S Garlick Mrs J Fitton Mrs J Fitton 24 Mrs B Murray Mrs B Murray Mrs F Kitchen 10th January Mrs J Crump Mr & Mrs S English Mrs M Brown Mr N Chadwick Mrs J Cowpe 17th January Mrs J Holbrook Mrs J Holbrook Mrs M English Mrs V Stubbs Mrs P Dunlop 24th January Mrs M English Mrs J Helliwell Mrs V Stubbs Mrs J Gunby Mrs E Adkinson Mrs S Whewell 31st January Mrs J Helliwell Mrs M Atkinson Mrs J Butt Mr S Butt Mrs D Slater Mrs C Beresford Mrs J Helliwell 7th February Mrs E Taylor Mrs M Butt Mrs J Holbrook Mrs P Dunlop Mrs D Taylor 14th February Mrs B Murray Mrs J Crump Mrs J Fitton Mrs F Kitchen Mrs B Murray Mrs F Kitchen 21st February Mrs V Stubbs Mrs J Fitton Mrs M Brown Mrs B Murray Mr N Chadwick Mrs J Cowpe 28th February Mrs A Close Mr & Mrs S English Mrs M English Mrs P Dunlop 6th March Mrs L Garland Mrs J Holbrook Mrs V Stubbs Mrs V Stubbs Mrs E Adkinson Please arrange for a substitute if you cannot fulfil any duty. Ladies Friendship Club Programme of Events to April 2016 all meetings commence at 2.00pm on Wednesday afternoon for details contact: Jean Partington or Vera Stubbs December 14th Christmas Party NB this is a Monday. Start time: 12.30pm January th Travel: Jack Heathcote 20th February 3rd 17th March 2nd 16th April 13th 27th Shared Interest Fairtrade: Sally Reith Open Doors Persecuted Church: Sandra Smith noon Potato Pie Luncheon Age UK: Andy Hazeldine What Next?: Leita Donn AGM and Afternoon Tea Party A trip may be organised for 11th May. Please note that Jean Partington has taken over from Margaret Fleming as one of the Secretaries. We are looking forward to good meetings so get these dates in your diaries. If You Need a Cleaner IF ANYONE is in need of a cleaner/shopper/carer, Jean Partington can supply you with details of a trustworthy lady. Information for Booking Rooms at Radcliffe URC Alison Close is the Booking Secretary and says, There is the usual diary on the windowsill in the link corridor. If you wish to book a room, please pencil it in to the diary, but also leave a note (I have left a pad nearby) with your requirements and contact details or phone me on to confirm it is ok BEFORE going ahead with any further arrangements. 25

15 Bacon Butty Club (BBC) THE FINAL BBC of the year will be from 10.00am until 10.30am on Sunday 6th December. Come and enjoy a bacon butty and some friendly fellowship. We will then be taking a break for a couple of months. So please note there will be no BBC in January or February. Thank you for your custom throughout the year. The committee wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful Radcliffe URC Players Society Dramatic Section Did You See? Curtain Up THE DRAMATIC SECTION of our esteemed Players Society did us proud during November when they put on the exceedingly funny play, Curtain Up by Peter Quilter (in association with Samuel French) to very appreciative audiences. Directed by Robert Peters, it had a cast of five ladies* and a Womble, the latter played imaginatively by Stuart Butt. The plot revolves around five women who are left equal shares in an old theatre. The dead man s mother, first wife, daughter, current girlfriend and secretary were played to perfection by Alison Close, Jenny Peters, Nicola Smithies, Trish Smith and Beth Timperley respectively. Stuart Butt, as the only chap, had a minute part which he enjoyed to the full despite being inside a sweltering furry Womble costume. For that and the sparkly jackets we must thank Oldham Coliseum costume department. Alison Close, was superb as Betty the grandmother, who let nothing phase her even when she tried the Womble costume on and had to be revived by her concerned relatives and a glass of water in the face from Sharon the punk secretary. Beth played that part wonderfully; revelling in the brash, out-spoken although heart-warming character which was Sharon. She of the purple hair, changed from green for the funeral, as a tribute with ripped t-shirt and loud make-up. Young Nicola Smithies as Theresa had a mountain of a task to learn a very large part and once she d done that she got into the part of the daughter who remembers the theatre as it was and pushes, oft-times against the will of her mother, to make sure the theatre is on the way to being saved. Then there s Jenny Peters as Pam, the ex-wife. This doyen of our society skilfully portrayed a woman who, pretty much against the idea of reviving the old theatre from the start, is at war with her ex-husband s girlfriend yet ends up trying to be Shirley Bassey for the fund-raising concert because the real Shirley Bassey has had to cancel. The fear portrayed as she faces the lights, music and a 26 above: the cast in all their glory. From left to right: Stuart Butt as Stevie in his Womble costume, Beth Timperley as Sharon, Alison Close as Betty, Jenny Peters as Pam in her Shirley Bassey costume, Trish Smith as Jackie and Nicola Smithies as Theresa. huge audience then throws up in Shirley s handbag was a moment of theatrical delight. Trish Smith, who has helped us before, was Jackie the girlfriend of the recently deceased Michael who left them the theatre. She played the grieving, sensitive, girlfriend wonderfully and when she lovingly carried in Michael s ashes in the urn her joy at having him back in his theatre contrasted marvellously with the reaction of Sharon and Theresa who were sympathetic yet utterly appalled. The raffle scene near the end presided over by grandma Betty and Sharon was a delight as Betty unwittingly raffles off the urn as the last prize. Despite Sharon s attempts to shut her up the number is called and claimed and an unsuspecting theatre-goer goes home with the urn and its gruesome contents. This wasn t the only scene where the players brought gales of laughter, shrieks of joy and gasps of either sympathy or horror from the audiences. The play was littered with them and each was developed and brought to its conclusion successfully by this experienced cast. Stuart Butt as Stevie, Sharon s criminal boyfriend with VOMIT tattooed on his forehead Betty thought it was VIMTO handled the pathos of the end, when it seems all is lost, in a compassionate manner despite being dressed in the Womble costume. cont/ 27

16 Dance routines with lively music and some splendid Shirley Bassey songs carried the play along making the many scene-changes seem more part of the whole than gaps between the action. Giles Robinson helped here as he carried on a large card before each scene letting us know what was next. Thanks from the society must go to Andrew Eastwood who not only supplied the lights but operated them as well and, more importantly, helped with the staging and was responsible for supplying and putting up the wonderful Glitter Curtain which dazzled us all throughout Act II. Literally hours of selfless toil went into erecting then twisting each individual strand by hand. A good play well-presented would sum up this production. Many comments heard after each performance and at various church functions during the following days emphasised how much the audiences had enjoyed it. Look out for details of the next production which should be in March next year. See you at the theatre! BCR Greetings from Other Churches STILL QUITE a few to look at despite the terrible weather. People are still getting about. I must open with an apology. Someone had sent me the October issue of Christ Church URC, Clacton-on-Sea s Church Newsletter and by the time I was writing things up for the November issue of our Newsletter I d lost it. I found it just as the printer informed me the copies were ready for picking up. I have apologised to the lady in question who was wondering why there was no mention of the issue she d sent. So, first this time is the October issue of Christ Church URC, Clacton-on-Sea s Church Newsletter. The minister s letter to his flock is mostly about the migrant crisis and ponders on Jesus telling us that the most important commandment is to love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself. He also quotes the Good Samaritan story where a foreigner looks after the wounded man. Lots to think about here. Elsewhere: a splendid old photograph of a Sunday School party in the 1940s or 50s and the reader is asked to identify four current members of the church. The smallest boy at the front looks just like your editor did at that age but as I ve never lived in Clacton-on-Sea I know it s not me. Then there s an article explaining where the name Hallowe en comes from. A book review of God Among Us by Linda Baker Kaahanui (honest) makes you want to go out and buy it. Sounds good. Next: The November issue of the church above. The cover is a photo of some Chelsea Pensioners in their wonderful uniforms at a wreath-laying ceremony. The minister s letter to his flock is on our remembrance of the two World Wars and other conflicts but goes on to reflect that we are all human and we should remember those on both sides. Apparently, the plaque in the entrance hall at 28 Westminster College at Cambridge (parsons training place) has the names of both British and German students who lost their lives. We are all God s children. Elsewhere: their Christmas Fayre is on the same day and date as Radcliffe s. An obituary contains this gem: Dorothy worked in Marks and Spencers as a young woman. An invitation is issued to the next Area Meeting of their part of the Synod which was in November and the speaker was no less a person than Rev. Neil Thorogood, Principal of Westminster College at Cambridge. It s getting a few mentions is that college. Their series of articles on City of London churches continues with St Ethelburga-the- St Ethelburga-the-Virgin within Bishopgate in 1910 Virgin within Bishopgate. Like many other buildings in Bishopgate and other churches mentioned in these articles this one suffered terrible damage in the IRA bombing of An evangelical faction of the CofE wanted to knock St E-the-V within B down but a public campaign saw it rebuilt to its original plan but altered internally. It now houses a centre for Reconciliation and Peace which was established after the reconstruction. The photograph above shows it in 1910 when a shop was in front of it. How people got in to worship is a wonder. There s much more of interest about this fascinating little church. Worth a look. Next: StovillwiDows set of churches News of Town and Country November edition. Although the minister s letter to his flock touches on Remembrance he goes on to consider the rising secular outlook of our nation today and the rejection of the Bible in places despite that book still being the world s number one best seller and most translated. Elsewhere: the accessible toilets haven t gone away this is a quote from the mag, donations are going towards the alterations we have made to the toilets making them accessible to all. We would love to see anyone who would like to drop in. Have a look. In Around the World in Prayer it says that God s church is growing faster in 29 cont/

17 Africa than anywhere else and it will soon become the epicentre of world Christianity. The demand for Bibles is tremendous. Good news indeed. Next: nearer home now, with Radcliffe Parish s Parish News November edition. The Vicar s letter to her flock reflects on remembrance and the need for peace in the world and ends with a lovely prayer giving hope and comfort. Elsewhere: the caption to a cartoon of a dotty old lady at the church organ reads: Due to our failure to secure a new organist the next hymn will also be sung to the tune Chopsticks. A very good article on Removing the Stigma of mental illness reminds us that Jesus was not afraid to embrace those who were marginalised such as lepers and those possessed by demons. The Diocese of Manchester has made a committed response to all those affected, with no quick fix promises but simply to hold them in prayer and fellowship with God. It seems the cartoon mentioned above may well have been brought on by one of their organists leaving. She writes a lovely letter to the church thankful for the blessings she has received in the family of the church and remembers all she has learned in the church life there, before moving on to Leeds. Always worth a read is the Parish s magazine. Next: Bury URC s Broadcast November edition. Still without a parson, so no pastorate letter but lots of interesting articles amongst the local information. There is much on Remembrance, naturally, then a look at austerity after the last unpleasantness suggesting that we don t know we re born as we grumble about austerity now-a-days. Noah is discussed at length and there s a precis of a book telling of Edith Cavell s calm serenity before the firing squad. These are only a few of the many articles in this small but very informative issue. Next: Blackford Bridge URC s November Messenger. Again in colour, the cover picture shows the poppies which were displayed at the Tower of London for the VE Day Celebrations. From the same pastorate as Bury URC above there is no letter to the flock but the inside cover reminds us of the sad passing in October of Geoff Preston who was a Lay Reader at St Peter s CofE, Bury. We at Stand and Radcliffe, perhaps Farnworth, remember Geoff with affection; he was a regular preacher at our churches whilst we were in inter-regnum. He will be missed much farther afield than his own church. Elsewhere: lots of humour and the regular article by Alan Thew; the second in a new series of his My Favourite Bible Passages. In this issue it s Isaiah 40: 1-5. The composer Handel had the same love of this passage for he opens the singing in his oratorio, Messiah, with this text as a tenor solo Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people. Then there s an article telling of how the poppy came into use as our emblem of remembrance first in America then over here and in the British Empire and of the controversy it causes still today in parts of our United Kingdom. This edition ends with the poignant remembrance poem Why are they selling poppies, mummy? Read this if nothing else; it s a very powerful poem. Last but by no means least: The Short Circuit for October from Manchester s Methodists gleaned on her peregrinations by Pam Dunlop to whom thanks. 30 This covers 21 churches and, as mentioned before, has a mind-boggling chart, unintelligible to any but a Manchester Methodist, telling of all the preachers in all those churches for the month. The letter to the vast flock is not from one of the ministers but from a Lay Worker in the circuit who is not far from retirement and uses the letter to reflect on her past work and to give thanks for all the love, prayers and support she has enjoyed in her time in that post. Inside this mag are two other brief publications: Greater Manchester Community Chaplaincy s Prison Prayer Letter for October and one from Moston Methodist Church which contains a book review of the Bishop of Buckingham s (I feel a limerick coming on. Ed) courageous More Perfect Union? Understanding Same-Sex Marriage which confronts the issue and sets out the scientific, theological and Biblical reasons which have led him to believe that this is a Christian option. Whichever side of the fence you fall on this thorny matter this seems a good read published by Darton, Longman and Todd in The Prison Prayer leaflet tells of the continuing work of Barnabus in the city centre which those at Radcliffe particularly will remember because much money was raised in support of that charity. Inside there are requests for prayers for individual prisoners or those recently released. To finish, let s return to The Short Circuit the back cover of which has a splendid quote by John Wesley giving sage advice: Whatever clothes you have, let them be whole; no rents, no tatters, no rags let no-one ever see a ragged Methodist. You can t say fairer than that now, can you? Well, that s it for this month. Thanks to all who sent the mags above or who brought them back from visits. Pastorate greetings were reciprocated with the churches mentioned. These magazines are on the table in the Porch at Radcliffe URC. More Limericks REMEMBER LAST MONTH a limerick was included at the bottom of a page. They are a popular form of verse but usually bawdy. These two aren t and reflect the fact that they are often scholarly. They are based on the Berkleyan idea that things only exist when they have an observer. A humourous reminder that God is indeed everywhere and we are never alone. Monsignor Ronald Knox wrote: There once was a man who said, God Must think it exceedingly odd If he finds that this tree Continues to be When there s no-one about in the Quad. 31 He received the following anonymous reply: Dear Sir, Your astonishment s odd; I am always about in the Quad; And that s why the tree Will continue to be Since observed by Yours faithfully, God.

18 Shepherd Searching for the Baby Jesus Did you find your way? ON PAGE 10 there is a puzzle asking you to help the shepherd find the baby Jesus in the manger. Below is a diagram which will help hiim. Shoebox Appeal Picture THE SHOEBOXES which were blessed in a service at the end of October, shown ready for transportation to children in Swaziland. It will make a huge difference to the children knowing these gifts are sent with love at Christmastime. Thank you to everyone who donated the toys etc. which made up these boxes. Special thanks to those who filled and decorated them, preparing them for their journey. Is There a New Definition of the Word PUBLIC? The dictionary definition (above) is the one we are all familiar with, meaning EVERYONE but someone in Radcliffe, at the entrance to a public amenity, seems to have changed it. It infers that some people are NOT members of the public. Very strange indeed. Ed 32 33

19 Permanent Notices Smoke Alarms in the Home The Fire Service are happy to come along and inspect, advise and fit smoke alarms free. Just give them a call on Advertisements Newsletters now contain advertisements inside the covers. Please note there is room for more! Please use the contributors as often as possible mentioning the Newsletter advertisement. If you would like to use this facility please contact Neil Chadwick at Radcliffe in the first instance. Tools for Self Reliance Our representative is Neil Chadwick. Please let him know if you have any tools for this charity. We hope to support this new initiative. This is an organisation that collects, repairs and cleans tools. Have you any tools? A group will be set up either here or at Bolton to clean and repair the tools. WANTED The Radcliffe Lions (an organisation which supports charities and fundraising) are happy to accept old spectacles, hearing aids and mobile phones for recycling and helping charities. There is a box in the Porch at both Radcliffe and Stand churches. Jig Saw Link This is a befriending scheme for people with a physical or sensory disability. If you experience loneliness or feel isolated then this organisation may be able to help. Their objective is to alleviate loneliness and isolation and to provide you with the opportunity to meet new friends. They introduce you to a volunteer who will visit you in your own home and they arrange regular outings with others in the group. If you would like to join please contact The Seedfield Resource Centre, Parkinson Street, Bury. Tel: or There s a poster in the Porch at each church with details. British Red Cross Carer's Care Service If you need information, advice or support as a carer call or call at Suite One, Victoria Buildings, Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0EU. They have an advice service, an emergency card service, coffee mornings and a loan service. If you would like to volunteer to help them they will be happy to talk to you. 34 Finance Information Just a note to remind everyone that we have a levy to pay at all three churches as usual every year. One way to help with this, if you are a tax payer, is to Gift Aid your offertory and then, at no extra expense to you, the Tax Office will let us have money towards the church based on the amount of your contributions. A form to sign is available. Just ask your Treasurer for more details now. Many thanks. Bedding, Towels and Blankets IF YOU ARE THINKING of throwing out any of the above items please think again! Six Town Housing working with Asylum Seekers and the homeless in Chapelfield would appreciate receiving such items. Please pass any of these to Nigel or Liz and they will make sure they are delivered to the Housing Office just off Stand Lane. Newsletter On-line New Website MANY PEOPLE have recently decided to view their Newsletter on-line. This is wonderful and saves acres of forest. However, it is easy to forget to view it as each month opens if a paper copy does not plop onto the doormat. At present the website is down. We are endeavouring to get a Pastorate-wide website up and running. Until then, if anyone wants a.pdf copy in glorious colour please contact your editor at: robanjenpeters@hotmail.com and the appropriate file will be sent to you. CHANGES TO THIS PAGE 35 RWP Advertisements in This Newsletter If anyone knows of anyone who would like to advertise their business in this Newsletter please contact Neil Chadwick at Radcliffe URC. We can always make room for more advertisements. Many of the items under Permanent Notices have been here a while. If you, or anyone else, can shed some light on any of the contributors or organisations shown please see your editor. Thanks in anticipation. RWP