The Vine. Thornton Methodist Church Magazine. Thornton Methodist Church. Spring Fair. Did you know we hire our hall for birthday parties?

Transcription

1 The Vine Thornton Methodist Church Magazine CLC BOOKSHOP 45 Abingdon Street Blackpool Bibles books cards and gifts available here or order from your church bookstall Opening times Monday - Saturday pm Would you like to advertise in this space? If so please contact Julie Marsh Are you a business? then this space could be working for you info@thorntonmethodists.org.uk Poulton FC For all your functions, events, birthdays, clubs and more Poulton FC's club house, adjacent to the car park at Cottam Hall on Blackpool Old Road, Poulton. To make a booking or for more information telephone Paul Thornhill Spring Fair Saturday 5 th May 10.00am to 2.00pm Stalls Thornton Methodist Church Did you know we hire our hall for birthday parties? APRIL/ MAY 2018 suggested donation 50p Refreshments Activities for Children Tel: Lesley

2 The Vine April and May 2018 Welcome to this edition of The Vine. During this edition of The Vine we will be holding out Annual General Church meeting to which everyone is invited If you would like an article in the June/July edition of The Vine the deadline is Friday 11 th May. Please let Lesley have your items, or you can send by to PLEASE HELP US TO GET TO KNOW YOU! Name. Telephone. Address.... Please tick I am new to this church I would like someone to call I would like to receive this magazine regularly... I would like further info about..... Please cut this out and hand and give to one of the Stewards or your details to info@thorntonmethodists.org.uk 3 Rev Stephen Dunn 60 Victoria Road East Thornton Cleveleys FY5 5HQ dunnythegeordie@hotmail.com Dear Friends So the weather can t decide if it s winter or spring! We flip from beautiful sunshine filled days to icy nights, and even a bit of snow! In some parts of the country there s been more than a bit of snow, oh how I d love a bit of snow here, but then there aren t any hills to sledge down! The fluctuation in the weather reminds me of the disciples and their difficulty in following Jesus, particularly around the events of Easter. Jesus, on the other hand never deviated from the painful path that lead him to The Cross. What a contrast, the focus of Jesus and the wandering of the disciples! Clearly we need to be more like Jesus; being focussed and knowing what is right I am the way the truth and the life and then single-mindedly going after it. We need to come down off the fence and pursue Jesus and His perfect way. I loved the declaration of Jesus in John 14 I am the way the truth and the life, we all must make a decision over who Jesus says He is and faithfully live in accordance with that response. Society is very fickle, the concept of committing ourselves to something, giving of ourselves and faithfully committing to 4

3 something is all too alien. We see all of this self-giving, and faithful commitment in Jesus and we need to be more like Jesus. The world and the Church would be a much better place if there were more people, with more commitment. As we celebrate Easter and then move on hopefully towards summer and some better weather, let s stay in that focused place with our lives centred on Jesus. As we remember the way that He has given His life for us, let s seek to be selfgiving, to serve others, and live in faithful commitment to Christ for all our days. Yours in Christ s service Stephen LADIES FELLOWSHIP AGM 17 th April at 2.00pm MONTHLY THURSDAY LUNCH 19 th April at pm 17 th May at pm only 2.50 Please sign the list in the porch or text or telephone Viv Johnston on vivian.wilson@hotmail.co.uk 5 We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have died recently, assuring them of our prayers. In particular: We pray for the family and friends of Sheila Heginbotham whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 22 nd January and particularly remember her children Dawn, Warren and Stephen in our prayers. We pray for the family and friends of Irene Gillet whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 30 th January and particularly remember her children Susan and Neil in our prayers We pray for the family and friends of Clive Austin, whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 6 th February and particularly remember his son David in our prayers We pray for the family and friends of Stan Tracy whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 6 th February and particularly remember his wife June and children Ian, Graham and Alan in our prayer We pray for the family and friends of Brenda Hopkinson whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 7 th February and particularly remember her daughter Christine in our prayers We pray for the family and friends of Ian Battle whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 12 th February and particularly remember his wife Debbie in our prayers We pray for the family and friends of Mike Levens, whose funeral took place at Lytham Crematorium on 19 th February and particularly remember his wife Maureen, and daughters Michaela, Kirsty and Kim in our prayers. 6

4 We pray for the family and friends of Rev Geoff Cooke, whose funeral took place at Dalton Woodland Burial Ground and memorial service at TMC on 22 nd February and particularly remember his wife Jean and daughters Rachel and Alison in our prayers We pray for the family and friends of Eileen Watkins, whose funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 27 th February and particularly remember her husband Frank in our prayers Blessed are those who die in the Lord; for they rest from their labours Jean and family would like to thank everyone at Thornton Methodist Church for their love, prayers and cards since the loss of Geoff. Your kindness has been much appreciated at this difficult time. Jean Cooke Worship & Praise Event - Friday 13 th April What is it?.an evening to worship, pray & rejoice in the Lord & welcome a move of the Holy Spirit Who is involved??... Event led by Musicians & Worship leaders from various churches in the area! Who is invited to come? You are! Bring others! Where is it? Poulton URC, corner of Tithebarn & Queensway What time? 7.30pm on Friday 13 th April Event organised by: Alan Hodgson, Worship Leader, St Thomas Church, Blackpool & Still Waters Ministries within URC Poulton 7 Sunday Worship April and May Worship at TMC At TMC it is part of our Vision that we cater for a variety of worship preferences, which is why we hold two services on Sunday mornings. Our 9.30 a.m. is traditional whilst our 11 a.m. service is contemporary. At a.m. between services we all meet together for coffee/tea and fellowship. Encounter services meet on the first and third Sundays at 7.00 p.m. Sunday 1 st April Easter Day 6.30 a.m. Sunrise service at Stanah country park 9.30 a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn Holy Communion a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn Holy Communion 7.00 p.m. Encounter Brian Robbins Sunday 8 th April 9.30 a.m. Abi Alex (preacher on note in the circuit) a.m. Greg Doughty Sunday 15 th April 9.30 a.m. Deacon Angela Shereni a.m. Brian Robbins 7.00 p.m. Encounter Rev Stephen Dunn Holy Communion Sunday 22 nd April a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn united service including General Church Meeting Sunday 29 th April 9.30 a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn All Age Worship Pet Service 8

5 Sunday 6 th May 9.30 a.m. Deacon Jo Critchley a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn Holy Communion 7.00 p.m. Encounter Rev Lindsay Pettigrew Sunday 13 th May 9.30 a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn Holy Communion a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn Sunday 20 th May Aldersgate/Pentecost 9.30 a.m. Bernice Smith a.m. Rob Straker-Bennett 7.00 p.m. Encounter Rev Stephen Dunn Sunday 27 th May Trinity Sunday 9.30 a.m. Greg Doughty a.m. Rev Lindsay Pettigrew All Age Worship CLIFF COLLEGE - FESTIVAL Friday 25 to Monday 28 May The theme for this year is Ablaze, and will be looking at the work of the Holy Spirit. A group has already booked but it is not too late to make a booking. There are camping spaces but no rooms in the college. Please see Stephen asap DEDICATION OF EASTER OFFERING ENVELOPES Sunday 29 th April at 3.00 pm at Cleveleys Park Methodist Church 9 10

6 Every one of us will have experienced dry periods in our life of prayer; times when the words won t come, or times when we feel we have nothing to say or want to say, times when we d prefer to be doing anything other than taking time out to pray. If our hearts and minds are full of warmth, love, enthusiasm, song and dance, then these are the letters we bring. If they are full of tiredness, despair, blandness, pain and boredom, then those are our letters. Bring them. Spend them. Celebrate them. It is God s task to make the words from them. (From Celtic Daily Prayer, Book 1: The Journey Begins ) I offer the following two excerpts from the Northumbria Communities Daily Prayer, which give very useful advice and guidance. I hope they prove as helpful to you as they have to me, next time you hit a patch of prayer desert in your journey with God. There s a story told about a Jewish farmer who, through carelessness, did not get home before sunset one Sabbath and was forced to spend the day in the field, waiting for sunset the next day before he could return home. Upon his return home he was met by a rather perturbed rabbi who chided him for his carelessness. Finally the rabbi asked him: What did you do out there all day in the field? Did you at least pray? The farmer answered: Rabbi, I am not a clever man. I don t know how to pray properly. What I did was simply recite the alphabet all day and let God form the words for Himself. When we come to pray we bring the alphabet of our lives. 11 Sometimes when I pray, I utter words, but I do not feel or think them. Sometimes when I pray, I utter the words, thinking about what I say, but not feeling. Sometimes when I pray, I utter words, and both think and feel what I say. An act of will cannot make me feel, nor stop my mind from wandering. 12

7 An act of will can only make me utter. So I shall utter the words, and let the Spirit do the rest, guiding my mind and heart as He wills. (From Celtic Daily Prayer, Book 2: Farther Up & Farther In ) MY TOWER CHALLENGE Saturday 10 th February around 2.30 myself, Christine (daughter), Adam (grandson) and Lesley (good friend) joined the queue for the trip up the Tower. After having some photos taken we then went through the 4D cinema. This worried me a little as this kind of thing makes me dizzy. Christine said once I had on the glasses that were provided, I could shut my eyes. Well, me being nosey didn t want to shut my eyes and it was brilliant! Then we joined the queue for the lift. After watching 2 lifts fill up and go it was our turn. The lift was so full I couldn t really move or see anything, and very soon it was to time to get out. Wow! It was amazing to look straight out of the window, so clear it was as if there wasn t a window there! At this time, I felt a calmness come over me, hard to explain really but suddenly I wasn t worried at all. It did take a while to step onto the glass floor, but with Adam holding my hand saying you can do it Grandma and Christine saying you can do it mum and Lesley saying you can do it Pat.I DID IT Every 10:00 a.m. Together at 10 Stop and Pray Meet at church to pray together. Everyone is welcome. If you can t make it to church just stop & pray where you are. 13 Wow again I was amazed at what I could see looking down, and I felt so calm, but excited (if you know what I mean). Adam wanted us to go up onto the next level (390 feet) and I was swept away by the feeling I can do it and I want to do it so I did! It was really windy as it wasn t enclosed like the level below, then we went up another level but didn t stay long, very cold! We went back down to the first level and once again I was amazed by the views over Blackpool. I was so glad I had conquered my fear of heights. I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who sponsored and encouraged me. BIG BIG thank yous to Christine, Adam and Lesley for being there with me and I am so glad that I did it! 14

8 The total raised for Friends of Chernobyl s Children is 530 plus in Gift Aid, which I am sure will help tremendously, so thank you, thank you again.??? Wonder what I will do for my next birthday??? Pat Gregory HAVE YOU JOINED THE BIRTHDAY PLEDGE SCHEME? This is a fundraising scheme which gives you the opportunity to give as well as receive on your birthday. All you need to do is provide your details and we will send you a greeting card on your birthday from your church family. The card will contain an envelope for your donation. I have recently taken over running the scheme from Julie, so if you'd like to take part, please me at christinealbury60@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can provide your details using the slips in the foyer and return to me or one of the stewards. Thank you. Chris Albury SPRING FAIR Saturday 5 th May am to 2.00 pm Various stalls 15 Refreshments Children s activities Youth and Children s Update This time of year seems to be a time of preparation and planning for the Youth and Children s Team. We are busy with all the usual midweek and Sunday groups but also looking to the future and all that will take place in the Summer term. Following the success of the youth camping trip to Keswick, this year we will be going away again but trying out a new venue. We are heading to Newcastleton in June to take part in the Spree in the Borders organized by Urban Saints. Young people from Church (Y7+) will be camping for the weekend and enjoying lots of Bible teaching and fun outdoor activities. If you don t fit that age category and would like to get a taste of what will be going on, visit In the coming months, the young people will be fundraising to help with cost of the trip, so look out for more details and please support if you can. Also in June ( ), we will hold our annual Book Service at TMC. During the 11am service every child/young person aged 0-18 will be presented with a book from the Church as we seek to encourage and disciple all the children and young people connected to TMC. Closer to the event, each family will receive a letter or about this special service, so please make sure you respond when the time comes so that we can ensure everyone gets a suitable book on the day! As you will see from elsewhere in The Vine, we are also beginning to advertise our Summer Holiday Club which will have a circus theme this year we are really looking forward to celebrating God s love with the children of Thornton. Thinking of the circus reminds us of happy and fun times, yet as adults, we often lose 16

9 the joy our children so readily display, bogged down in the day-today routine. However, David reminds us of the joy we can find in our faith as he writes in Psalm 28. As we prepare and plan, we pray that we all might know the joy of the Lord in our lives and share it with others too! Your prayers and practical support for the youth and children s ministry at TMC are very much appreciated and we look forward to sharing in the joy of this work as we enter the busy Summer period. General Church Meeting This is a meeting for everyone at TMC! On 22nd April we will have one service at 10.30am which will include Jim the Potter from Pilling Pottery to help us explore how God wants to shape us, individually as a Church and how He wants to shape our future. This will be the basis of our conversation in the short meeting together and after that we'll all share together in a 'bring and share' lunch. This is the meeting where nominations are taken to vote members on to the Church Council. Please give nominations to Stephen by Sunday 15th April. All nominees should be active members of TMC and regular attenders in worship and fellowship of TMC. See you there! All welcome Stephen 17 BLACKPOOL FOOD BANK Volunteer Appeal Blackpool is ranked lowest out of 327 local authorities in England and Wales with regard to poverty and deprivation. Blackpool Food Bank started in February 2012 with a group of 10 friends in a bid to do something to help. We have grown consistently over this time and now supply food to approximately 50 organisations such as Age UK, NHS Crisis team, Children s Centres and Schools, Salvation Army and Streetlife as well as many Church Feeding Programmes across Blackpool. We have a great team of committed volunteers but as the demands grows so the team needs to grow also. We currently collect and distribute food from Tesco, Booths, Morrison s and M&S over 40 times per week and we are about to take in more food from every Lidl store in the area, on a daily basis and this means we now urgently need Drivers, Packers and warehouse workers. As the Church, we are called by God, to meet the needs of the poor. If you could spare 2-3 hours a week to get involved at one of our sites, you would be fulfilling this directive and would be part of a team that is making a difference in people s lives. Please give your name and contact number to Mick to coordinate the volunteers list on Blackpool Food Bank thanks you in anticipation. 18

10 Finance and Property Team report By the time this report is circulated I hope that the problems of this year s winter are behind us. We started the winter badly by having a major flood into the boiler room in November which caused a fault in all 3 of the boilers serving the Church building. This took until early January to resolve as each boiler was in turn put back into action. Fortunately the contractor we use was able to get one boiler working quickly so we did not have any Sunday Worship without heat but unfortunately the repairs cost us The next major project will be the replacement of several flat roofs in various parts of the buildings as we were advised to get these done within 5 years of the quinquennial inspection in I m currently trying to get quotes for this work but am amazed at how many roofing contractors fail to turn up for appointments to quote for this work if anyone can recommend a good roofer to replace these roofs in Fibreglass GRP please let me know. The cost of flood damage and roofing is putting a strain on our limited resources and I would urge everyone to consider making a small increase in their regular Giving Many small repairs are being carried out weekly at no cost by volunteers but more help would be appreciated, so if you are unable to increase the level of your Giving please think about helping with this never ending list of jobs Brian Watkins Tel: Pet Celebration Service An animal & family-friendly service! Come along, and why not bring your pet too! Sunday 29 th April, 11.00am God loves all of His creation. 20

11 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY April Tuesday 10 th 7.30 pm Church Council Tuesday 17 th 4.30 pm Ladies Fellowship AGM Thursday 19 th pm Monthly lunch Saturday 21 st am Coffee Morning Tuesday 24 th 7.30 pm Children s Team meeting May Tuesday 1 st 7.30 pm Stewards Team meeting Saturday 5 th am Spring Fair Thursday 17 th pm Monthly lunch Saturday 19 th am Coffee Morning SUNDAY Meeting Together: People to Contact Young Church Sarah Dunn MONDAY Together at 10 (prayer meeting) to Brian Robbins Bible Study Brian Robbins Allstars Youth Club Sarah Dunn TUESDAY Ladies Fellowship Sylvia Clark THURSDAY Café Pat Gregory Nimble Fingers Pat Gregory Choir Practice Sylvia Clark Monthly lunch Viv Johnstone Board Mates Pat Gregory Bible Study (E100) David Rangeley DATA BASE AND WEEKLY NOTICES If you have an address and do not receive the weekly notices by , but would like to, simply info@thorntonmethodists.org.uk and they will be sent to you. FRIDAY YOYO - Parent & Toddler SATURDAY Monthly Coffee Morning Alison Stevenson Jean Casson

12 ADMIN & COMMUNICATION Lesley Butterworth CHILDREN S TEAM LEADER Sarah Dunn CLEANING Gillian Mathews FINANCE TEAM LEADER Brian Watkins FUND RAISING Chris Albury MEMORIAL BOOK c/o Lesley OUTREACH/ALPHA COURSE Rob Straker-Bennett PARENTING COURSES Wendy Reeds PASTORAL Sylvia Clark PRAYER Brian Robbins PRAYER CHAIN Janet Bramhall PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Brian Watkins ROOM BOOKINGS Lesley Butterworth bookings@thorntonmethodists.org.uk John Byrne Dip. F.D. Angela Byrne SENIOR STEWARD Gillian Mathews SOCIAL TEAM Pat Gregory TREASURER Dave Forshaw or WEEKLY NOTICES Lesley Butterworth (by 5pm Thursday) info@thorntonmethodists.org.uk WORSHIP BAND David Rangeley YOUTH TEAM LEADER Rev Stephen Dunn Pastoral Visitor s name 23 My telephone number is. 24