CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GIRLS BRIGADE ON THE AWARD THEY GAINED FOR ACHIEVEMENT AT THE DISTRICT EVENT

Transcription

1 IN 804 TOUCH TO THE GIRLS BRIGADE ON THE AWARD THEY GAINED FOR ACHIEVEMENT AT THE DISTRICT EVENT CONGRATULATIONS EMMANUEL METHODIST UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE, L39 2DE

2 Dear Friends, Message from our Minister How well do you know the letter of James? Hopefully by the end of June we will all know it a lot better than we know now, because that is when the Methodist Church is encouraging churches and circuits to run a 'Bible Month', 30 days focused on the letter of James. By focusing on a single biblical book, the aim of the Bible Month is to help all in church engage more deeply with Scripture. A pilot project showed that the Bible Month model could be effective in raising biblical literacy, and the majority of those who took part were keen to hold another Bible Month in the future! Q) Why a Bible Month? Many of us struggle to find time to read the Bible. Some of us find it difficult to know where to start, while others find it hard to interpret what they read. Surveys show that biblical literacy understanding what the Bible says and how best to read it is declining within the Church, as well as in wider society. And yet the Church continues to point to the Bible as the word of life, and reading the Bible as a means of grace through which God works. In recognition of its importance, the Methodist Conference has repeatedly called the wider Church to engage with Scripture more deeply. Learning to read the Bible regularly and deeply is a task for all Christians. Q) Why focus on James? The letter of James encourages Christians to live out their faith as well as to confess it. It reminds us that faith without works is dead, and so encourages us to love God and neighbour in deed as well as in word. The Bible Month initiative offers an opportunity for churches and circuits to immerse themselves in a biblical book over a calendar month, and so help participants engage with Scripture more deeply for themselves. While churches do, of course, regularly preach on passages of Scripture, the distinct feature of the Bible Month is drawing all within the Church to focus on a book of the Bible, and to do so intensively over a four week period. During 1

3 Bible Month, teams of preachers and small group leaders or facilitators work together to plan a series of sermons and small group gatherings. The four sermons will provide an overview of the biblical book and explore key themes within the letter, while the small group will give participants an opportunity to engage more deeply with the biblical book, as well as with Scripture more generally. The primary resource for the Bible Month is the Bible Month magazine which contains four weeks of material on James, consisting of Bible notes and small group material. The Bible notes include commentary on the text as well as preaching points, while the small group material suggests different ways to engage with or encounter the letter of James over the month pdf There will two groups at Emmanuel focusing on James during June/July watch out for the details of these. There will also be other groups around the Circuit at different times including one at Burscough each Wednesday morning at 10.30am. There is also the option of working through the sessions on your own, either by following the link above or by asking for a printed copy of the material. The basic outline is: Week 1 James 1 Doers of the Word Week 2 James 2 Faith and Works Week 3 James 3:1-4:12 Speech and Wisdom Week 4 - James4:13-5:20 Living for the Lord Those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act they will be blessed in their doing. (James 1:25) Yours in His Service 2

4 Ormskirk Methodist United Reformed Church exists to promote the worship of Almighty God, to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and, in the power of the Spirit, to serve neighbours in Christ at home and abroad. It seeks to play a part in transforming the unjust structures of society and promoting strong communities based on Christian values. As part of the World Church, it will strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain the life on earth. O God, make the door of this house wide enough to receive all those who need human love and heavenly Father s care, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children or straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power. Make it the gateway to Thy Eternal Kingdom, through Jesus If you would like to receive a taped copy of the Sunday morning service, then please contact Ynyr Jones on

5 Services for June th June - Pentecost a.m. The Revd Sue Guénault 6.30 p.m. The Revd Barbara Banton 11 th June a.m. Mr. Andrew Richardson 4.00 p.m. Informal Tea Service led by the Revd Michael Tindsley 18 th June a.m. The Revd Sue Guénault - Parade Service 6.30 p.m. Led by Rob Langdon - Prayer and Praise 25 th June a.m. The Revd Peter Lyth - Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. The Revd Stephen Foster 4

6 IGNITE DATES 23 rd June: Ruff Wood Games (manhunt) at Ruff Wood, Ormskirk, p..m. 16 th July : Barbecue, music/party to 9.30 at Emmanuel 17 th September: Film Night 7.30 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel 15 th October: Bowling - time and place to be advised 19 th November: Quiz 7.30 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel 10 th December: Christmas Party 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. at Emmanuel Stall at Christmas Party to be announced. The IN TOUCH is a pleasure to do but is growing like Topsy in content, by some 50% over the last few years - which is what it is there for! - though the but is that to get it out on time is turning out to be a balancing act. Please - entries in as:- Standard text to arrive on my for 5p.m. on the 17 th of the month preceding the due publication(as usual) and 48 hours prior to that for material with photographs (jpg format) and any material containing artwork/graphics (pdf format). Thank you for your understanding. Kindest regards, Nigel. 5

7 This year s Girls Brigade District Competition was to make a short video depicting a parable. Ours was the Parable of the Sower. Girls from all sections took part: as actors, musicians or camera operators. They made props and costumes plant and weed headgear, bird masks and a sun. We made sound effects with percussion instruments borrowed from Sue. All the videos were good and we were very pleased that ours won. Well done to all who took part and congratulations to 1 st Ormskirk! Computers in schools - Zambia Last summer you may remember I travelled to Zambia to install computers in schools, some of you very kindly supplied school equipment and other things. If you would like to hear a little about the trip and what I learnt please join me for an informal service on Sunday 18 th June 6:30. Rob 6

8 SUPPORTING CHARITIES THROUGH RECYCLING STAMPS - for Methodist Homes. This is an ongoing collection. Stamps should be trimmed 1/4 inch (not from the postcards) and can be given to Elizabeth at any time. Thank you WOMEN S EVENING GROUP Summer Outing to Llandudno on Wednesday, 5 th July 2017 (Cost: including lunch) Coach will leave Ormskirk Bus Station at 9.00am returning approx., 5.30pm. Thank you Sunday Coffee Fund Recent donations of 100 have been sent to each of the following from this fund:- The Cinnamon Trust -- a national charity for the elderly& their pets Birchwood Crisis Centre Christian Aid for African famine relief Help Emma to Walk fund. Many thanks go to all the work of the coffee teams and to the tea & coffee drinkers! 7

9 SUMMER FAIR SAT 1 ST JULY 10 a.m. to 4p.m. The Church will be open and we are hoping to have Displays from all the organisations in the Church e.g. B.B, G.B, Lunch Club, Bowls Club, Prayer Circle, Womens Evening Group, The Guild, Emmanuel Fellowship. Also Displays of past special events, e.g. Flower Festival, Christmas Tree Festivals, Scarecrow Festivals etc. In the Halls, we hope to have stalls selling; 1. Cakes 2. Scarves & Bags 3. Bits & Pieces 4. Books 5. Crafts 6. Toys 7. Other Items and of course All Day Refreshments We need your help manning stalls, filling them with goods, and publicising the event. Please help as much as you can and encourage your friends and family to buy programmes, when they are produced, & to come along on the day. LETS MAKE IT ANOTHER GREAT EMMANUEL EVENT! Lilian Graham 8

10 Boys Brigade recycling Used printer cartridges and old mobile phones. Original manufactured cartridges only but not copies or remanufactured. Please pass your cartridges/phones to Ian Price or place them in the church porch recycle box. For the weekly notices Please me your notices at home, by 9 p.m. Wednesday evening to jackie.a.cann@gmail.com so that I can print on Thursdays. I am usually at home on Wednesday evenings (580270) if you would like to phone 9

11 Emmanuel Wayward Wanderers Group The afternoon of Friday 21 st April saw 15 ladies from the Emmanuel Wayward Wanderers group arrive at Ingleton YHA, Yorkshire Dales for what promised to be a weekend of fun, conversation, walking and, of course lots of cake eating. For the first time ever we were joined by a young male. In fact, at just 6 months old, Nathaniel can be classed as a very young male. We didn t let his baby status excuse him from the activities though. Apart from going to bed early, he took an active part in the whole of the weekend, including the outdoor walking, ably assisted by Mum, Rebecca. Friday afternoon was spent browsing the lovely Ingleton shops a visit to the sweet shop was a must and the dress agency shop was delighted to see the new custom enter her store. The evening meal at the Youth Hostel is always looked forward to as the catering is top notch. The opportunity to meet up with friends and also new friends over a lovely meal and then retire to the comfy sofas in the lounges where relaxed conversations continue is a great way to start the weekend. Trying to juggle cats is an apt expression when describing Saturday morning s activities. Showers, breakfast (including hot full English), preparing packed lunches, finding boots, finding walking poles, sorting the walking route, numerous trips to the little girls room, checking the weather, gathering everyone for a photograph, the list goes on. But by a.m., we are suited and booted and ready to begin our walk for the day. Ingleton is famed for its Waterfalls walk and it seemed rude not to take advantage of this beautiful, circular trek. The weather was absolutely glorious with the sun shining and the temperature not too hot. It is often commented by the ladies that a highlight of the weekend is the opportunity to be ready and out walking, taking in the beautiful views at a time of day when most would still be trying to leave the house ahead of a day out. We walk in companiable groups, chatting all the way stopping to take a rest or drink in the view. We seamlessly move between groups and hopefully everyone feels welcome and included. The Ingleton Falls conveniently has refreshment cabins along the way. Chorley cakes and ice-creams were popular purchases but there is still something exceptionally tasty about eating a well-earned packed lunch outdoors after a couple of hours walking. Compared to previous walking weekends, our Waterfalls walk was relatively short (5 miles). This meant we were back at the hostel mid-afternoon. With the sun still beaming, we made big pots of tea (always needed after so much talking!) and sat on 10

12 the outdoor benches enjoying home-made flapjacks, bara brith and pieces of Nathaniel s christening cake which were brought by Wayward wanderer members. Saturday evening is similar to Friday but with the added feeling of a contented tiredness following the walk. We did enjoy a very noisy and laugh filled game of Irish Snap! (See Alison Taylor for rules) which led to an enquiry from fellow hostel guests as to whether we were a hen party? It s always fun to see the faces when we respond that we are a Methodist walking group it s good to show that church groups know how to have fun (and a lot of fun at that!) and break down stereotypes that can sometimes exist. Sunday dawns and the frantic activity begins again including stripping our bedding and taking it to reception. This appears to be the only element of Youth Hostelling that still exists from decades ago. They are now being refurbished and offer comfortable and warm lodgings. We share rooms but that adds to the fellowship of the weekend. We chose to do a small 3 mile walk after checking out. It was a delightful ramble following the River Greta with gorgeous views, and yes, we stumbled on a coffee shop at the mid way point! I was going to argue that the weekend isn t all about food but reading this back, I may lose the argument. What I can say is it s about being together. We all lead busy and different lives back home but for two days we become one group - laughing and sharing and enjoying immensely our time together. We always welcome new faces. If you would like to join us, our next weekend is October (date to be confirmed) at (venue to be confirmed). We always work out the transport together so that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can make the trip. Please see a church steward, Barbara Jones or Barbara Smith for more details. 11

13 ANNUAL CHURCH FAMILY WEEKEND, MARCH 31 APRIL 2ⁿ This report should have appeared in last month s issue, but better late than never. Our weekend at Thornleigh, Grange-over-Sands, was another memorable one, and we were blessed with some of the best weather we ve ever had. The numbers sharing in our weekend were down this year, to 29 adults and one child (Phoebe). We did have a number of new faces, but we missed our young folk and hope that they and others will be with us next year. They have always played an important part in our weekend and we really missed their participation. We were inspired by Sue and Mark Guénault s leadership. The theme for our weekend was based on Jesus words: Who do you say that I am? For Saturday morning s session we explored seven stations, carefully set up to stimulate our thoughts. More details can be found on the notice board 12

14 on the link between Chapel and Langham Hall. Many thanks to all who provided items to include in these displays. We hope to reassemble these at Emmanuel later this year to share with those of you who were unable to join us in Grange. Saturday afternoon was free time. Two car-loads went off to explore Cartmel, some wandered into Grange and the shops; others - a stroll along the promenade, whilst the more energetic set off up the hill behind Grangeover-Sands to enjoy the clear views across Morecambe Bay. A few put our feet up and relaxed back at the hotel. After another lovely evening meal we shared in another of Mark Taylor s quizzes. Thanks, Mark. Sunday morning s service drew our thoughts over the weekend together and ended with Holy Communion. Following our Sunday dinner we set off homeward making the most of the glorious sunshine! Thank you to all who participated in our weekend. Our next weekend at Thornleigh has been reserved for April 6 th -8 th Please mark this in your diary. If you haven t shared in one of our weekends before, or haven t been for a while, why not join us? Thornleigh can accommodate up to 60 of us. The food and facilities provide everything we could need - ask any of those who appear in our group photo! Dennis Helliwell 13

15 Alan and Joyce on their wedding day. It was a really exiting day for their wedding in Church and a celebration took place in the Langham Hall afterwards. Rev Michael and Rev Sue conducted a wonderful service to the delight of many of their friends attending the ceremony. Alan and Joyce s photograph shows how happy they are together and now married. Congratulations to Alan and Joyce in union as Mr. and Mrs. Wayman. NEWS FROM HEREFORD We were given a warm welcome to St John's as the new Mr and Mrs Wayman and we gave them wedding cake! A circuit Christian Aid service, held at Ledbury, gave us food for thought as will be having a Christian Aid games evening planned for this week, but I remembered that these are more serious than fun -you can't win! On Aldersgate Sunday we are invited to bring memorabilia; I shall take a medal for 250 years Methodist Missions, which Peter Howard sent me last week in place of a present. He told me that he and Kathleen shared a school desk when they were young.they lived near to each other so Peter thought that his story and ours to be similar! Thank you all for your love and support on our wedding day. It was wonderful. Love Alan and Joyce Wayman 14

16 TEA SERVICE 11 th. June 4.00 p.m. WITH Michael Tindsley LUNCH CLUB J p a Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month p.m. A home-cooked lunch - 2 courses plus drinks Additional drivers and helpers also needed A recent delicious meal was: Hotpot followed by Apple pie and custard Please contact Bob (576703) or Roy (573372) 15

17 16

18 Prayer Chain We have set up an prayer chain. All are welcome to join. The idea is to circulate prayer requests rapidly. Any sent to the prayer chain is automatically sent to all members. Any member of the prayer chain can send an to the chain. If you would like to join the prayer chain just send an to Please say within the who you are if it isn t obvious from your address. If you encounter any problems or questions please see Peter Harrison. The prayer chain has a website which you can find at If you join the group and set up a Yahoo ID associated with your address you will be able to see the message archive showing messages that have previously been sent to the group. Note that it is not necessary to set up a Yahoo ID to join the group you can still send and receive messages without one. Prayer Initiatives Prayers of Intercession In addition to our worship leaders, we would like to invite people to share in the leading of our Prayers of Intercession during worship. If you would like to explore serving our Church community in this way, please speak to Sue. Thank you. Prayer Themes From April we are inviting everyone to focus on a particular prayer theme each month, in our addition to our weekly prayer requests. Details will be published in our weekly notices. 17

19 John Tickle Our friend, John Tickle, was born in 1930 in Rossington, Yorkshire and he gained a scholarship to the Grammar School there. After he left school, he moved to Skelmersdale with his family, and started work in the Treasury at Liverpool Corporation, where he met Dorothy - they married in Later he moved to Martins Bank. Work took them to the Midlands, where they went to Milton Methodist Church. There they were both Sunday School teachers and ran the Youth Group. Another move in the Midlands took them to Birmingham for a year, before they finally came to Ormskirk in Their daughters Carol and Audrey expanded their family. John and Dorothy regularly attended Emmanuel, where they were involved with many aspects of Church life - helping to run the Saturday coffee shop, driving for the lunch club, and enjoying the bowls club. He particularly loved attending the Church weekend with his family. John greatly enjoyed stamp and cigarette card collecting, gardening and DIY, but, at heart, he put his family at the centre of his life. Miriam Roxburgh M.H.A. Sunday: 11 th June M.H.A. envelopes will be in the pews on 4 th and 11 th June. M.H.A. is a charity set up some 75 years ago and, with the help of the Methodist churches, has gone from strength to strength ever since, supporting care, help and service to older people. This is our one-off yearly plea to help continue the many ways our homes can expand and improve with your help. Many thanks - Freda. 18

20 Fusion is an Ecumenical Youth Group organised by the Churches Together in Ormskirk. Here is the programme. For more information please see Cheryl or Sue. Aims 1. To bring together teenagers (11-18 years old) from all churches in Ormskirk & surrounding areas for encouragement, fun & friendship 2. To give opportunities for young people to invite friends to join in 3. To encourage and give opportunities for Youth Leaders whose numbers are small. 4. To periodically introduce meaningful Christian input Calendar 2017: Sat Jun 10th Car Rally/Treasure Hunt with families (Sarah) Sun Jul 16 th CLM Sun Aug 20 th Ainsdale Beach with families Fri Sept 8 th Film Christ Church Fri Oct 13 th Laser Quest (Sarah) Sun Nov 19 th CLM Fri Dec 8 th - Christmas Party Event Other considerations: CURIOUS is on every month on the 3 rd CLM for teenagers+ 6 th formers prepare for Uni support event in summer in conjunction with Fusion UK Aug Camp holiday with MYC 19

21 Saturday Coffee Shop to noon Volunteers wanted for a Few Saturdays per year - Please contact Pat Loch AT EMMANUEL CHURCH Please - entries for the IN Touch in as:- Standard text entries to arrive on my for 5p.m. on the 17 th of the month preceding the due publication(as usual) and 48 hours prior to that for material with photographs (jpg format) and any material containing artwork/graphics (pdf format). Nigel Cann, 24 Dyers Lane, Ormskirk L39 4RW Tel: nglcnn24@gmail.com 20

22 21

23 June with James (Daytime) As Michael has outlined in the Minister s letter, as a circuit we will be looking at the Book of James during June. I invite you all to informal sessions of exploration and fellowship on Thursday June 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. Please join me for a coffee/tea, conversation and the opportunity to explore what James is saying to us about our individual and corporate discipleship. Thank you, Sue June with James (Evening) I invite you all to informal sessions of exploration and fellowship on dates and times to be advised via the weekly notices. With thanks, Julian 22

24 YOUR ADVERT COULD BE IN OUR 10 MONTHLY COVERING 12 MONTHS EMMANUEL METHODIST CHURCH DERBY STREET 4 cm APPROXIMATELY 6 X 4 CM B/W PER 1 YEAR OF 10 ISSUES. We circulate 400 copies of each edition of the publication and many of the editions are passed around the reader s family. It could be assumed that we have a readership in excess of See you here soon Must be time to advertise via the PLEASE TO nglcnn24@gmail.com 23

25 GHL YOUR DESIGN ENTERTAINMENT Karaoke Disco Parties,Weddings, Functions Ian Tel CAN BE COPIED FROM PDF FILES Apr 2017 The above is the first advertisement we have been pleased to accept and we invite you to place your advertising in the In Touch More details are within this publication. Please for any more detail you may require. 24

26 HALL / ROOM HIRE Langham Hall AT EMMANUEL Is multipurpose and available for hire plus has tables and chairs which can comfortably accommodate approximately 95 people or the tables and chairs can be packed away at one end of the hall giving a large clear area for other activities. In addition we have a wall projector screen ready for your talks and such like in the hall. There is also a kitchen which can be used by arrangement, next to the hall, that is well equipped and for many years has received the 5 star award for hygiene. Lecture room Has seats for some 40 people, is set up with a wall projector screen and is carpeted. Lounge 24 seats are kept in the carpeted lounge which is ideal for a small meeting. Enquiries to:- Lyn Jenkins Or Bill Jones