Mottram Evangelical Church..nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

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1 Mottram Evangelical Church..nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 January 2011 Hattersley Community Church..walk in the light as he is the light,.. 1 John 1:

2 Mottram Evangelical Church and Hattersley Community Church are interdependent churches who seek to be evangelical in their understanding and charismatic in their experience. Together we live to glorify God, serve his church and reach his world. Insight is the monthly newsletter, prepared by Margaret and Stephen Winfield and published in print and online by Mottram Evangelical Church, Stalybridge Road, Mottram, Hyde, Cheshire. SK14 6NF. Tel Articles for inclusion should be submitted before the deadline indicated on the diary dates page. Contributions can be deposited in the church office, sent to 4, Hall Drive, Mottram, or by to We do ask that contributors submit their name for inclusion with submissions, as personal contributions are accepted on the understanding that they are not necessarily the opinions of the Editors or the Church Elders. Church Child Protection Policy All church children s and young people s work is carried out by personnel who have undergone CRB disclosures and in accordance with the Church s Child Protection Policy. To view this policy please call Jim on This year step out in faith At about the age that most of us retire, a man stood on the edge of an amazing possibility. During his lifetime, he had seen God perform the most amazing miracles. He had heard the very voice of God. He had tasted God s wonderful and unlikely provision. He had been a part of God s great victories. And yet he knew all too well that God had promised much more. And here he was stood teetering on the edge of those promises. He had been here before as a much younger man. He had stood in the same place. But this time things were different. This time he was in charge. Now he was responsible not only for himself and his family but for the whole nation of Israel. He knew that it had been crippling unbelief that had turned his people away last time. He knew that now was the time for action. Now was the time to take God at his word. Now was the time to step out! The man was Joshua and he stood with the promise that God would provide a land for him and his people. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, as I said to Moses. Joshua 1:3, NKJ The promise is conditional in that it demands Joshua to act in faith but it is also so wonderfully assured. In many ways, Hattersley Community Church stands again on the edge of entering into the fullness of God s promises. We believe that God has recently sharpened our vision. Our Promised Land looks like a church community so on fire for Jesus that they not only transform Hattersley but take the good news of Jesus to the very ends of the earth. In order for us to see this fulfilled, 2011 needs to be a year of prayer and action. Now that we have the vision, we need to step-out in faith. We need to pray in God s victory in the heavenlies and seek His strategy to realise that victory on earth. I love an illustration that Ruth shared with me from a drama she saw in the church in Dodoma, Tanzania. It consisted of some folk sat in a canoe with two paddles. One paddle was labelled Prayer and the other Action. The message was acted out by paddling with one of the paddles and finding themselves going round in circles. This paddle was then abandoned and they tried the other one. Sadly this only resulted in circles in the opposite direction! It wasn t until they paddled with both the Prayer and the Action paddles that the canoe moved forward. Whatever God has got for us in 2011 we need to be people who move forward in both prayer and action. If doubt or fear are holding you back then let the same words of God that propelled Joshua do the same for you: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9). This year have the courage to step-out into what God has promised for you. He won t disappoint! Jim mon Gareth Lloyd-Jones Jim Solomon Gareth Lloyd-Jones Jim Solomon Gareth Ll d-jones Jim Solomon Gareth Lloyd-Jones Jim Solomon Gareth Lloyd-Jones Jim S

3 For Prayer "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 Praise God that with Him we can rise fresh every morning and know His strength and His purpose in our lives, whatever is happening round us. Pray for our country as the economic issues have practical repercussions in all our lives. Pray for those we know with job insecurities or no employment. Pray for those effected by the severe winter - especially the elderly with difficulties getting about and safety on the roads. Pray for the Alpha course at Mottram that God will draw in those He wants to come. Praise God that He has all the power and all we have to do is to trust Him and look to see what He is doing. Pray that we will enjoy knowing that we are His family. Guard you hearts: spend time with God and know His will. Listen to Him, enjoy Him, give your worries and your prayers to Him. Lean on Him. He is our ultimate destiny Ruth Chorley The Message The jailer threw Paul and Silas into the maximum security cell in the jail and clamped leg irons on them. Along about midnight they were at prayer and singing robust hymns to God. The other prisoners couldn t believe their ears. Acts 16 v24&25 The Message Gwen Taylor When there is a storm without, God will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble. Anonymous Gwen Taylor

4 Carol Singing It was a lovely snowy evening and felt very Christmassy, just right for carol singing - although the pavements were pretty icy which probably explains the smaller group than usual. Bob accompanied us as we sang in William Ford House, Lowry Court and around Mottram. The people at William Ford and Lowry Court were very welcoming and joined in enthusiastically. We were also encouraged by those who came out of the White Hart pub to listen as we sang by the Crown Pole. Sue M. YPG Christmas Sleepover A big thankyou to everyone who joined in with our festive sleepover on 19th December. We scoffed lots of food, watched Christmas films, went head to head with competitions and did very little sleeping. Well done the girls who won 'make the best gingerbread house' and the boys for winning 'eat the advent calender the fastest' - no surprises there then!! Or speak to me Chris Fidler Special thanks to everyone who helped out and made it such a great night YPG Team. 4

5 Yahoo! It s Google Blog s Facebook Christmas Concert 2010 On behalf of the Christmas Concert Committee I would like to thank all those who took part in a rich variety of ways in 2010's concert and thereby making it a really good evening. Thank you also to all those who worked hard to help put the concert on. In December 2011 we will be celebrating our 25th year of Church Concerts and will be putting on a silver anniversary special. I appreciate that we've only just dipped our toes into 2011 but we are already thinking ahead and recommend that anybody wishing to take part (up to 5 minutes) lets us know before autumn kicks in. 10/12/2011 seems the likely concert date, but watch the press for further details. If anyone out there has any photographs from previous concerts which we can BORROW please can you pass them on to us. John

6 K4C Verse Search Competition The Words For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Do the Word Search and fetch along to K4C. The first three correct answers will win a prize. The verse can be found in the Bible John 3.16 L V T V E S E E I A O U Y H H F B L E O B Y L G A V E S E N H W N F V T L I O W S E O P E R I S H T H R T R E V E O H W D S N T L O V E D B I A I A N D E F O H L L A H S N S I G I T T N T O N I L L M K4C Christmas Party with Starship Trooper Jim Operation Christmas Child You have to be specific in what you pray for. Each day at 11:00 I would give an update to all the volunteers in the Ashton Operation Christmas Child warehouse at that time and invariably I would end with a prayer asking for thousands of boxes to continue to come in. Isn t God great when He answers prayers. However, what I should have asked for were thousands of boxes EARLY! During the last week when we should have been closing down we had 4000 boxes to check and I was a bit twitchy as to whether we would finish in time. Only after a final push by dozens of volunteers did we finish and the last truck loaded. We sent trucks to Liberia, Belarus, Kosovo and Romania with 44,500 boxes. Thanks to all the people from MEC who came to the warehouse and helped check the boxes, helped in the collection vans, helped load the trucks and especially to Sian, Peter and Alex who provided worship at the Dedication night. Martyn

7 In for a penny, in for a pound! Soul Survivor 2011-Save almost 20 It s one thing to acknowledge that the church is the people of God and it s another thing to live in the light of it. Sadly, in the business of our lives it s all too easy to relegate church to an occasion that we attend on a Sunday morning. Therefore, I encourage you.if you re not yet part of a small group, join up soon! At Mottram we have half a dozen small groups meeting midweek. Although all different our small-groups share the same five values: Jesus at the centre. It doesn t matter what we do, or why we do it.if Christ isn t central to it you d be better off at home in front of the telly! Community. Although Sunday morning may be a great opportunity to worship God, we must recognise that it is not always the best time to build meaningful relationships. Every member ministering. The format of most evenings comprises of; welcome, worship, word and witness. The nature of these evenings provides ample opportunity for those who want, to be fully involved. Every member growing. A simple recognition that we re called as disciples not simply too attend! Multiplication. As disciples who are commissioned to make disciples, therefore be encouraged to join with others and pray for your family, friends and neighbours. If you re excited, interested or distrustful about Small Groups, please speak to Gareth (MEC) or Jim (HCC) for more information. soul survivor book now save s Soul Survivor is a five day event where thousands of young people gather together to journey with God. The main focus of the events are morning and evening meetings where we spend time worshiping God with music, learning more about Him through His word (the Bible) and waiting on the Holy Spirit to change us and equip us to live lives for Him. As well as main meetings and seminars there are a bunch of venues from chilled out cafes through to awesome gigs... it's pretty fun! We are going to week A: 29th July -2nd August travelling back on the 3rd. At Stafford Showground You will need to be age 13 or older by 29th July. Prices are 99 per person, though if you book and pay in full before certain dates there are discounted rates. The deadlines are: Paid in full before 28/01/2011 then the price is 81 Paid in full before 29/04/2011 then the price is 91 Online bookings received after this date are: 99 In addition to this money paid to Soul Survivor there will be a 50 cost for food, transport and camping consumables. Why not book early and save nearly 20! If you want more information speak to Deb's Fidler or Simon Davidson

8 What, Where, When and Who Sundays What happens in and around our Churches, When it happens, Where it takes place and Who to contact for more details and to volunteer. (see Diary Dates for full details) am Mottram Morning Worship MEC, Stalybridge Road Gareth Lloyd-Jones am Hattersley Morning Worship Pinfold Primary School, Hattersley Jim Solomon am HCC Prayer To 8.00 am 4 Worthington Close, Hattersley. Michael Garry Monday to Friday 9.15 am Little Gems Pre-School to pm MEC School term Tracey Lloyd-Jones or Mondays and Thursdays am Adult Adventure Group to 2.00 pm Various venues. Paul Hobbs Mondays 5.00 pm Football Outreach (under 16 s) to 6.00 pm The Ken Ward Centre, Hattersley. Simon Davidson or Dave Kendrick pm The Girlee Crew To 7.00 pm MEC School Term Louise Lee pm Tearfund Prayer Meeting (2nd Mon Venue varies. of Month) Shirley Brierley Tuesdays am Tuesday Café to pm MEC School term Janet Loader pm Lads "Just looking group" (12-16's) to 6.00 pm Meeting Point, Hattersley Simon Davidson or Dave Kendrick :30 pm UTD Girls Cell (13 to 17's) to 8.00 pm MEC Louise Britton Debs Fidler pm Football Outreach (over 16 s) to 9.00 pm Ken Ward Centre, Hattersley. Dave Kendrick pm Pregnancy Centre Prayer bi-monthly MEC as announced Marie Platt Wednesdays 9.30 am HCC Prayer to am 4 Worthington Close, Hattersley. Sylvia Garry pm MEC/HCC Lads Cell (13 to 17 s) to 7.30 pm MEC Simon Davidson or Dave Kendrick pm Small Groups to pm Various locations. HCC Jim Solomon , MEC Gareth Lloyd-Jones or pm HCC Worship Group MEC Steve Percy Thursdays 9.30 am HCC Women s Group to am 2 Albany Way, Hattersley. Gemma Solomon am MEC Womans Prayer & Bible Grp. to 12 noon The Fewsters House School term Alison Fewster pm Kidz Klub (Primary school age) to 6.30 pm Meeting Point, Hattersley. School term Michelle Depass pm Kids 4 Christ (Junior school age) to 8.00 pm MEC School term Jim Towell jim@towells.info 8.00 pm MEC Worship Group MEC Alan Kendrick Fridays 4.00 pm Youth Adventure Club Meet at Hattersley Precint Simon Davidson or Paul Hobbs pm Young People s Group to 9.30 pm MEC (Secondary Age) School term YPG Team (Church) Bits and Bobs Church Directory. In an amendment to last month s amendment, Janet Dentith has had to select another address so it reads now janet10@btinternet.com Hannah and Mike Park have a new address Please speak to them or to Tim or Barbara and they will let you have it. The Girlee Crew will be meeting up again on Monday 10th January Vicky The deadline for the February Insight is 23rd January There s still time to join the Oak Hall ski trip in February. We leave on Thursday 3rd and return Saturday 12th. Our destination is Lauterbrunnen in the Swiss Alps. Depending on mode of travel the basic cost is around 300 which includes meals but not the ski pass (which is around 200) or equipment hire. It s suitable for all ski abilities from raw beginner to expert. Oak Hall is a Christian holiday company. Lauterbrunnen is the most spectacular area to explore and can claim to be the birthplace of winter holidays when a British Methodist minister, Sir Henry Lunn, first visited the area to organize a meetings of Protestant churches in nearby Grindelwald where he discovered winter sports. Returning with his son Arnold they arranged for the mountain railways to open in the winter to become the first ski lifts which lead in turn to ski clubs and the organisation of the first downhill races. Wengen is still the home of the oldest and longest men s downhill ski race. But if speed doesn t interest you, over the other side of the valley you can live out your James Bond fantasy on the mountain used in On Her Majesty s Secret Service. Speak to Stephen or Simon ASAP if you are interested. Articles for Insight Sorry! We can t be everywhere! If you have photos or reports on Mottram or Hattersley church events, please send them to us for including in Insight stephen_winfield@btopenworld.com 4 Hall Drive, Mottram, SK14 6LH See the Diary Dates for the copy deadline. Stephen & Margaret Winfield

9 January Diary Dates Sun 2nd MEC am Mottram Testimony Sunday HCC am Hattersley Morning Worship Wed 5th MEC 8.00 pm MEC Prayer Meeting Sun 9th MEC am Mottram Morning Worship and Lord s Supper HCC am Hattersley Morning Worship MEC 7.00 pm Prayer Action Broadbottom Mon 10th UTD 7.30 pm Alpha Introductory Evening (page 5) Sun 16th MEC am Mottram Morning Worship HCC am Hattersley Morning Worship and Lord s Supper MEC 7.00 pm Small Group Leaders, Pastoral Support Team and Prayer Ministry Training Mon 17th UTD 7.30 pm Alpha Course starts (page 5) Sun 23rd February Insight Deadline MEC am Mottram Morning Worship and Lord s Supper HCC am Hattersley Morning Worship Wed 26th HCC 7.30 pm HCC Members Meeting at MEC Sun 30th February Insight MEC am Mottram Morning Worship HCC am Hattersley Morning Worship Wed 2nd February MEC 8.00 pm MEC Members Meeting Sun 6th February MEC am Mottram Morning Worship HCC am Hattersley Morning Worship followed by a bring n share lunch HCC 2.00 pm Baptism at MEC MEC = Mottram Evangelical Church. HCC = Hattersley Community Church UTD = United Meetings (at MEC 9 unless stated) 9