Church at The Centre

Transcription

1 Church at The Centre Tonge Moor United Reformed Church Starkie Road, Tonge Moor, Bolton BL2 2ED A member of the Vision Pastorate (with Rose Hill URC and St Andrew & St George URC) and Churches Together in Tonge Moor Sunday 10:45am Family Service - All welcome (Communion - 1st Sunday of Month) Saturday am Informal Prayer time All welcome 10:30-12:00 noon Saturday Morning Café All welcome Church Life February/March 2018

2 Contact details Ministers: Revd Mark Bates Home: (Monday is Mark s day off) Mobile: rev.markbates@hotmail.co.uk Alison Dalton CRCW (Building Bridges) Mobile: (Thursday is Alison s day off) alison.dalton@bolton.gov.uk Alison is usually in the Centre each Monday and Friday so available for a chat Church Secretary Margaret McGreavy Children s Centre Reception Church Life Editor Maureen Harrison Our Week: Sunday Family Service 10:45am (Communion 1 st Sunday of month) Saturday Informal Prayer time 9.45am am Morning Café 10:30am to noon Generation Reunited will re-start in February 2018 watch out for details Church at The Centre ~~~~~ ALL ARE WELCOME ~~~~~.sharing the love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Tonge Moor through fellowship, worship and caring action.. a partner in Tonge Children s Centre leading the Building Bridges Community project supporting Tonge Lunch and Leisure Club with Age UK and Tonge Children s Centre). For details of Tonge Lunch and Leisure Club, please ask at the Centre Reception or call Gill Marshall (Age UK) on CHRISTMAS DONATIONS We raised from sending one Christmas Card and making a donation this went to NSPCC. The retiring collection on Christmas Day raised for Emmaus, Bolton. Front cover: Front cover: Saintpaul-runnymead.blogspot.com

3 Dear friends, The festivities are over and seem like they were in the dim and distant past. The nights are beginning to get lighter (but only just) and hopefully the grey skies will soon be replaced with the blue days of Spring as new life begins to appear. This is the time of year as we approach Lent, which this year begins on Valentine s Day and we think about what Lent actually means to us. Is it just the 40 days that lead us to Easter Day or is it a time when we think about our own faith and spirituality? Lent is a special period in the Church calendar when we remember Jesus time alone in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 tell us how, for 40 days and nights, Jesus fasted and prayed to prepare for his work while resisting temptation from the devil. Traditionally, Lent provides Christians with space to reflect and contemplate. Over the last year we have talked about Missional Discipleship and Missional Partnerships. These are terms that will either excite you or that you struggle to come to terms with. Terms leading into ways of thinking differently about where we are called to go as Christians. Walking the Way (living the life of Jesus today). Walking the way of Jesus means that we share the love of Jesus with people outside the church as well as with those inside. Jesus spent his 40 days walking, fasting, thinking and praying whilst in the wilderness. Jesus spent this time preparing for his ministry and perhaps wondering what it was all about. I encourage us all to think about the walking that Jesus did whilst in the wilderness wondering about his ministry and I would like us to think about if we were to be walking alongside him what would Jesus ask you to do. Jesus called the disciples and they followed him, they didn t stay at home and think about what the repercussions would be. They followed and they went out across the countryside, sharing the love of God with those they met on their journey. As we Walk the way of Christ, do people even know that we are Christians? This Lent I would like you to think about what it means for you, as individuals, to Walk the Way of Christ and would He be happy with your response. Mark

4 BUILDING BRIDGES - THINKING ALOUD Hi, this month I would like to tell you about the Letter Writing Competition we are launching during the United Nations World Harmony Week, , which will lead onto another Community Faith Trail on the 24th February, 9.30am pm. This will be similar to the Faith trail we facilitated, with our partners, during the autumn of The faith buildings we will visit will be different faith buildings than we visited then, so even if you came along last time there will be lots to experience. The United Nations website tells us that: World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event to be observed during the first week of February. General Assembly encourages all States to support during that week the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions. Both Tonge Moor and Moorgate Community Primary Schools are taking part in the competition, and we are hopeful that some of our local youth groups, Brownies etc. may get involved too. We are asking the children to write a letter, asking for a reply, to invite their carers, or others to come along to the community faith trail. The Mayor will be there to give out prizes to the winning letter writers. We are looking for help with judging the letters so if you fancy this, and can be available during the week of the 19th of February, please don t hesitate to contact me (contact details are on page 2). Bolton Interfaith have helped to coordinate the Community Faith Trail with the draft timetable looking like this: am Vedar Mandir (Hindu Temple) 11.00am pm MA Mission (Islamic Mosque) pm will be time for a light lunch, you may want to bring your own packed lunch at The Friends Meeting House. The Mayor will join us and we will give out the competition prizes pm The Faith Trail continues as we hear about the Quakers at The Friends Meeting House. We have yet to have these venues confirm their availability but I will put up a poster on the Church notice board and ask Margaret to give the information out in notices nearer the time. So please look out for the poster, let Margaret or Alison know you are coming and then join us on the day! I d love to see you there!thank you for your prayers and support as Building Bridges continues to serve you to the best of our ability. Alison Dalton Church Related Community Work Minister PS see opposite for some personal news from a very proud grandma!

5 News Lola Collins cuts hair to help mum raise money for Maggie s Cancer Care Lola Collins has cut her hair in order to help her mum, Sally-Ann Collins, raise funds for Maggie s Cancer Care centres. Sally-Ann, from Heywood, will be running the Virgin London Marathon in April this year to raise 3,000 in memory of Charley Findlay from Rochdale, who died aged 29 from an aggressive form of cancer on 12 June, just 10 days after her wedding. Lola before and after her haircut Sally-Ann said: Anyone who knew Charley knows her famous fighting spirit and her ever-present smile even through the pain. There is a hashtag #bemorecharley that inspires all of us to live each day that bit more, and with that in mind back in June, I crazily applied to be on the Maggie s Centres London Marathon team for I was offered a place on their team in October to run in Charley s memory as her story resonated with them. Daughter Lola, seven, also wanted to help as in memory of both Charley, but also her grandad, who also battled cancer. He died just two days before Lola s little sister was born in As Lola did not have any money of her own, she asked if she could cut her hair and help other girls her age, who, in her words, are poorly and do not have as much as she does. To date, the selfless little girl has raised 265 towards her mum s target - with her haircut by Olivia Tweedale at HK Professional. Sally-Ann said: It was a rollercoaster of emotions for Lola, and it had such a profound effect on her that she wanted to do something in her grandad s and Charley s memory. Obviously, we said yes and will be sending her hair to the Little Princess Trust, who make wigs for children and young people who have lost their own hair to cancer treatment or other illnesses. I am so proud of her for doing such a selfless act and am hoping to raise as much money through my page on the back of her actions to show her just how much impact she has had. My marathon training is a whole lot easier with her as inspiration. To donate, visit: printed from Rochdale Online News - Date article online: 04/01/ In the Bolton Community (for more information see posters on the notice board) Greater Manchester Law Centre aims to provide free access to justice and is looking to launch a Law Centre in Bolton. Public meeting: Friday 2 nd February 7pm to 8pm Lecture Theatre, Bolton Central library Bolton Council Play and Youth Service run activities for young people aged 4-17 after school, in evenings and during the holidays They are looking for volunteers to act as Community Champions.

6 My #Walk 1000 Miles2017 Challenge by Gill Bates In September 2016 I made the momentous decision to retire after working in the NHS since I was 18. Mark and I were both excited and apprehensive at the prospect excited because it would mean more time together and apprehensive because the last time I wasn t working I felt very frustrated. So when, in December, I saw an article about walking 1000 miles in a year this seemed the very challenge for me. At about the same time, Jenni, our daughter asked if I would walk Hadrian s Wall with her in the Autumn (but that s another story) Ha 84 guaranteed miles!! So I said yes! And duly signed up to #Walk1000miles 2017, including joining a dedicated Facebook page where people can share photographs, their successes and their difficulties. How you achieve your 1000 miles is your own choice some people count every step, others count only those miles where they specifically go out for a walk i.e. boots on miles. I made the decision at the start to try to count only those miles where I went out walking. I use my phone to record the number of miles that I have walked, which is quite nice because it also maps the route that you ve gone. I know for some people in the congregation this is not a new challenge and there will be some for whom 1000 miles is a breeze. It equates to walking 2.74 miles every day from 1 st January to 31 st December. So on 1 st January 2017 off we toddled up to Rivington Tower a bracing 3.9 miles in the bag! However, when I returned to work, keeping up the distance each day wasn t quite so easy. So through January, February and March, there was a mix on non-walking days, walking around the estate in the evening (usually when Eastenders came one the telly) and longer walks at weekend and on Mondays. In addition to Hadrian s Wall, I also decided that I wanted to walk the Witton Weaver s Way over the West Pennine Moors as part of the challenge. Mark and I had attempted some of the paths in the past but always seemed to get lost. Well, it seems some things never change!! On my first foray along the Warper s Trail guess what I got lost!!! I have walked with: Family and friends, finding villages and hidden treasures that we wouldn t have found in the car places we have driven past such as Lymm in Cheshire. The Lake District Rangers to improve long forgotten map reading skills. Made new friends among other walkers from the #1000 milers, meeting up for a couple of walks.

7 I completed the challenge on 8 th November, walking around Derwent Reservoir off the Snake Pass with Jonny and Laura. Reflecting on the challenge, I have been truly blessed. I have learned to walk alone and to listen and look from seeing a kingfisher (with Mark) and photographing a heron on the Middlebrook trail to a robin eating out of my hand in Borrowdale; I have seen greater spotted woodpeckers on Wayoh reservoir to a deer stood on the path ahead of us, watching us. I climbed my first solo Lakeland summit just a little one. Lessons learned: To plan the route properly, slow down and read maps properly and carefully. A plastic map cover is not only useful for keeping your map dry, but covering barbed wire if you need to climb over a fence. Taking a short cut does not necessarily work and you may need to climb a stone wall to get back to where you should be. Resulting in bruises in hidden places that need explaining. The ability to mind read! So when I got a large blister on my little toe on the second full day walking Hadrians wall Jenni thought we wouldn t finish. But we did! Lancashire grit! When you think you are lost Don t PANIC! When the challenge is complete, you need a new one has been a gift the opportunity to spend time outside and with family and friends. So what next? #walk1000 in 2018 Gill Bates For more information on the Community Faith Trial, see Alison s Building Bridges article

8 Church at The Centre Diary Dates for February 2018 Each Week in February at The Centre: (unless shown otherwise) Sunday 10:45am Family Worship Saturday 9:45am 10:00am Saturday Prayers 10:30am 12:00pm Saturday Café Note: During the building works, Tonge Lunch and Leisure will not be hosted at The Centre. Please contact Centre reception for information. Fri 2 7:15pm Come and Sing at Rose Hill URC Sun 4 10:45am Family Worship Rededication & Holy Communion led by Revd Mark Bates Mon 5 1:00pm- 3:00pm TLS Valuing Community Experiences at FUSION Sun 11 10:45am Family Worship led by Leo Roberts Mon 12 1:00pm- 3:00pm TLS Valuing Community Experiences at FUSION Sun 18 10:45am Family Worship led by Betty Bamford at FUSION Mon 19 1:00pm- 3:00pm TLS Valuing Community Experiences at FUSION 7:15pm Lent Group at The Centre Wed 21 10:30am Elders meeting Sat 24 9:30am- 2:30pm Community Faith Trail and Letter-writing awards see page 4 for details Sun 25 10:45am Family Worship led by Alison Dalton CRCW Mon 26 1:00pm- 3:00pm TLS Valuing Community Experiences at FUSION 3:30pm Generation Re-united restarts for :00pm 7:15pm Lent Group at St. Augustine s

9 Church at The Centre Diary Dates for March 2018 Each Week in March at Tonge Children s Centre: (unless shown otherwise) Sunday 10:45am Family Worship Monday 3:30pm - 5:00pm Generation Re-united Saturday 9:45am 10:00am Saturday Prayers 10:30am 12:00pm Saturday Cafe Fri 2 7:15pm Come and Sing at URC of St Andrew & St George Sun 4 10:45am Family Worship 12:30pm Church Meeting with Holy Communion led by the Worship Group Mon 5 7:15pm Lent Group at The Centre Tues 6 7:15pm Worship Group Meeting Sun 11 10:45am Family Worship led by Revd. Mark Bates Mon 12 7:15pm Lent Group at St. Andrew s Sun 18 10:30am Family Worship led by Alma Fritchley Mon 19 7:15pm Lent Group at St. Augustine s Wed 21 10:30am Elders Meeting Sun 25 10:45am Family Worship led by Ian Huddleston Thu r 27 7:30pm Holy Week Service for Churches Together in Tonge Moor at St Augustine s Church Fri 29 11:00am Good Friday Service at St Andrew s Methodist Church April Sun 1 10:45am EASTER DAY Family Worship led by Revd Mark Bates All are welcome!