CHURCH NEWS 2024

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2023

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making our Advent and Christmas program so enjoyable and meaningful.

From the Advent Communion & Dressing of the Tree to our Nine Lessons & Carols,        the Nativity and the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve when there was a full church.

Not forgetting those who led worship on New Years Eve

We appreciate everyone`s participation and support.

CHURCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2023

We had a new venue for Christmas Lunch last year,

the Glass House at Worsley College.         

It is staffed by the students of the Catering Department who are learning the relevant skills for a career in the hospitality sector.

The setting was warm and attractive, the young staff very polite and efficient,          the food excellent and no-one could quibble about the price!

We trust that you found the company congenial too!

We hope to return this Christmas.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP

Our Bible Study Group resumes on Thursday January 11th in the Coffee Room at 2pm.

New members are always welcome. If you want to know more, please speak to Lee.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

We did not have a guest speaker in January

but as usual our Minister hosted a New Year`s Quiz with refreshments.

A small but enthusiastic band grappled with a Photo Round and a Missing Vowels Round.

First prizes and booby prizes were awarded - no names, no pack drill!        

Fliers with details of the program up to June are available in the Coffee Room.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN WALKDEN AND LITTLE HULTON

PRAYER BREAKFAST

We were represented by the minister at the first Prayer Breakfast of the New year 

at Bethany Church on Saturday January 6th.

The next two Breakfasts are at St Johns on February 3rd at 8.30am                              and Our Lady and Lancashire Martyrs on March 2nd at 8.30am.

The morning begins with breakfast and fellowship and then moves into a time of open prayer for the second half of the session.

There is no obligation to pray outloud if you are not comfortable.

You can bring a prayer to read or simply pray in silence.

If you haven`t been before, why not pop along.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2024

The Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity this year was held at Bethany Church on Sunday afternoon January 21st at 3pm.

Our minister presided at the piano and the worship was led by Rev Marie Pattison assisted by members and clergy from other local churches.

Thank you to Bethany Church for hosting and to Pastors Bill and Sue

for the refreshments afterwards.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM for Churches Together was held at Bethany Church on Monday evening January 15th at 7.30pm.

Rev Marie Pattison, Curate with the Anglican Churches in Walkden & Little Hulton

was nominated and eleceted as the new Chairperson.

Carol Gallagher volunteered to resume her previous post as Secretary

and thanks were expressed to former Chair and Secretary, Sue and Bill Davidson

for all their work. 

IN OUR PRAYERS

NORMA KAY

We regret to announce the death of one of our members, Norma Kay,                        who passed peacefully on Sunday January 21st,                                                      having attended worship with us in the morning.

We extend our sympathies and prayers to Andrew and family,

Jonathan and all Norma`s friends.

Norma`s funeral was held in church on Wednesday February 14th at 11.30am, followed by a Private Committal at Agecroft Crematorium at 1pm.

Refreshments were served at Ellesmere Golf Club following the Committal.

LESLEY PAINE

Most people will now be aware of the death of Lesley Paine.                                      Lesley passed away peacefully on January 6th at Bolton Hospital.

The minister had visited Lesley on January 2nd

and had commended her to the care and keeping of God.

We extend our sympathies and prayers to Lesley`s family and friends.

Lesley`s funeral was held at Agecroft Crematorium on Monday February 5th              at 11.40am followed by refreshments at our church.

We also keep in prayer those members and friends who are ill or recovering              either at home or in hospital and those in nursing care, as well as those awaiting tests or surgery.

Pat Hilton

Carol Smith                                                                                                          Dorothy Coxon

Pat Varley

Helen Sharpe

and all others in need of our prayers.

COMMUNITY HALL HEATING

Unfortunately there have been some problems with the heating in the hall recently.

We have looked at various replacement systems and will be arranging installation of the new units as soon as possible. 

CHURCH GARDEN

Plans by our volunteer gardeners, Lee and Ian to enhance the garden are progressing.

We recently took delivery of a new seating bench and plant holder kindly donated by the Lowry Academy, one of our local schools.

Unfortunately two weeks after installation the bench was badly vandalised.

The school have looked at what was left, but sadly it cannot be repaired.

When the plant holder is installed, we hope that it lasts significantly longer!

We are looking at a metal bench as a replacement and are exploring sources of funding for it`s purchase and installation.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

Due to a misunderstanding, we did not have our expected speaker in February but we enjoyed a hour of conversation and cake instead.

The speaker for the March meeting was Dr Eric Lupton whose subject was,

"Composing Legends of the 20th Century".

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

The service this year was created by Christian Palestinian women and was held at Walkden Methodist Church on Friday March 1st at 7.30pm.

PALM SUNDAY & CHURCH AGM

There were nearly 40 in worship on Palm Sunday and we presented Real Easter Eggs to our junior worshippers. The Minister blessed the Palm Crosses which were then distributed by the young people.

The Annual General Meeting took place after worship and included reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, Pulpit Secretary, Bible Study Group Leader and the Minister.

It was good for everyone to hear about the work and witness of our church.

We were pleased that over 20 people shared in fellowship over lunch afterwards.

GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY SCHEDULE

March 29th 10am: Good Friday

Short Service of Reflection

led by Rev Alan Kennedy

March 29th 10.45am: Churches Together Walk of Witness

Walkden Costa to Little Hulton Precinct

March 29th 11.30am: Churches Together Good Friday Service

Little Hulton Precinct

March 31st 6.15am for 6.30am: Easter Sunday

Churches Together Easter Sunrise Service

Blackleach Country Park

Led by Rev Alan Kennedy

Followed by refreshments at St John`s.

March 31st 11am: Easter Sunday

The Sacrament of the Lord`s Supper

Celebrant and Preacher

Rev Alan Kennedy

EASTER SERVICES

We were pleased to welcome a number of visitors for our Good Friday Service including Chris Lawton, from Eccles Church, who very kindly played the organ for us.

We also welcomed a new young family to our Easter Communion Service

and presented their children with Real Easter Eggs.

Thanks to Dorothy for the cream eggs on Palm Sunday

and Susan for the chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday.

The minister had already bought mini-eggs for everyone for Easter

and also provided Simnel Cake for the after church refreshments.

So our Lenten Fast was well and truly over!

CHURCHES TOGETHER PRAYER BREAKFAST

The Prayer Breakfast for April took place at Our Lady & Lancashire Martyrs

on Saturday April 6th at 8.30am.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP MEAL

Our Bible Study Group extended a welcome to other members of the congregation to join them for a meal on Saturday April 6th at 2.30pm at The Woodside.

Just over 20 of us were there on the day and enjoyed good food and conversation.

Thankyou to Lee for organizing this.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

The  April meeting was held on Wednesday the 17th at 2pm, when the speaker was Brian Halliwell. He had been billed as presenting the next installment  of his Golden Age of Comedy talks. But on this occasion he decided to offer us something different. 

Based on the title of the film, "It`s a wonderful life", Brian mentioned the many inventions and concepts that have improved our lives, from the mundane to the spectacular.

The speaker in May will be Richard Hall and his subject is "Say it with flowers".

As Richard is a musician, we assume that the music will have floral connections.

AFTERNOON TEA JUNE 8TH 20.30PM

There are still tickets available at a cost of £5 per person.

Please obtain these in advance, to enable us to plan for catering.

Contact Lee or the Minister for tickets.

We are currently collecting raffle prizes and all donations will be welcome.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

We enjoyed a pleasant afternoon on May 15th listening to the selection of music and song compiled for us by Richard Hall on the theme of Say It With Flowers.

The next meeting, the last before the summer break, will be on June 19th when we welcome back Rob Mason for more of his ever popular Northern Humour & Song.

PENTECOST SUNDAY

As is our practice, Pentecost Sunday worship included the Sacrament of the Lord`s Supper and an opportunity for new members to be received into the congregation.

As at least one person could not be with us on that date, Reception of New Members will now take place on November 3rd, the Sunday nearest to All Saints.

IN OUR PRAYERS

We continue to remember in prayer all those members and friends of our church in any kind of need.

They include;

Carol Smith

Dorothy Coxon

Pat Varley

Barbara

The minister would like you to also pray for Lynsey,

a young woman from Northern Ireland.

Do let us know if you wish us to pray for anyone and we can include them on the list.

AFTERNOON TEA

Our grateful thanks to everyone who supported our Afternoon Tea on June 8th.

There were over 50 in attendance and £500 was raised for church funds.

In addition, sales of `doggy bags` afterwards brought in enough money to buy a further two goats for our ongoing project with Concern Worldwide which supplies the animals to needy families in parts of Africa.

We are particularly indebted to the kitchen and backroom team who put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that the event was such a success.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN

PAT HILTON

We are sad to announce the death of Pat Hilton, who passed away at home on June 20th. Pat was a member of our church and was a faithful attender before her recent illness. We extend our sympathy to Fran, Kath and all the family.

Pat`s funeral was held at Agecroft Crematorium on Thursday July 25th at 11.40am

and was conducted by the Minister, followed by refreshments at The Waterside,     

1 Parrin Lane, Monton.

RITA WOODS

We are also sorry to share the news of the sudden death at home of Rita Woods on June 8th. Kevan and Rita were supporters of our Community Coffee Morning and the Third Wednesday Club. We send our sympathy to Kevan, Gaynor, Craig and the family circle.

Rita`s funeral took place on Tuesday July 16th at 2pm at Overdale Crematorium West Chapel and was conducted by the Minister, followed by refreshments at her and Kevan`s home.

We also remember in our prayers, John Griffin, on the death of his sister Barbara on Guernsey. We extend to John our sincere condolences at this time.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more,

neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more,

for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21 vs.4

COMMUNION IN AUGUST

As the Minister was in the USA on the first Sunday of the month,

Communion will be celebrated on August 18th and will be followed by Church Lunch.

BIBLE STUDY RETREAT AND MEAL

The Minister joined members of the Bible Study Group for their Retreat at the Schoenstatt Shrine, Kearsley on Saturday morning August 17th.

We read the first chapter of the Book of Revelations, spent sometime in the beautiful grounds, including the shrine and returned to the cottage to reflect on the reading.

We were joined by other church members and friends for a late lunch at The Barton Arms, Worsley.

Thank you to Lee for organising this event.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CHURCH LUNCH

On August 18th we had Church Lunch with a difference.

As well as the usual soup, dessert, cheese and biscuits, we had assorted sandwiches, quiche, salad and birthday cake, not forgetting Bucks Fizz to toast Betty Vickers 90th.

Thank you to all who helped to organise this and to Betty for treating us!

HARVEST SUNDAY

Our Harvest Service was held on September 15th.

We collected a good number of  items for the local foodbank. Thank you to all who contributed and to Lynn, Dorothy and the Minister for transporting the harvest gifts to Wharton & Cleggs Lane Foodbank.

There was a special Harvest Lunch of either Hot Pot or Cheese and Onion Pie, followed by Strawberry Gateaux.

A Church Meeting was held between worship and lunch, to make members aware of recent improvements to the decor and safety of the building as well as proposals by CF to update its constitution.

COMMUNITY COFFEE

We wish to remind everyone that from September,

the first cup of coffee and biscuits is £2.00 and subsequent cups are £1.00 each.

We respectfully request that people refrain from taking unopened biscuits away with

them.

CHURCH LUNCH

Also from September, the price of lunch is rising from £2.00 to £5.00.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

Our Autumn term opened on September 18th when Norman Nuttall spoke to us on "From the Music Hall to the Sixties."

The next session is on October 16th, when Chris Lawton will speak on The Coronation of Elizabeth the Second.

We collect a sub of £3 to defray the cost of visiting speakers.

The afternoon ends with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Everyone is welcome. 

CHURCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH

We are returning to The Glasshouse Restaurant at Worsley College

for our Christmas Lunch on Wednesday December 4th.

It will be a 3-course meal and the total cost is £20 including tea/coffee and gratuity.

Thanks you to Audrey Chapman for taking names and collecting the money.

IN YOUR PRAYERS

Please hold in your prayers:

Dorothy Coxon,

Carol Smith,

John,

Rose, on the death of her brother George

and all others in need of God`s help and healing,

especially those who are awaiting tests,

those who have had results and are undergoing treatment

and those awaiting procedures.

May all know the peace and presence of God.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

Thank you to all who helped on the day, including those who baked or brought cakes, sold football card squares or made financial gifts.

As a result of all these efforts £425 was raised for Macmillan.

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

We were due to welcome new members on Sunday November 3rd,

but both candidates want more time to consider this important step.                        We appreciate and understand this and look forward to extending the Right Hand of Fellowship in 2025.

If you, or someone you know, would like to become a Full Member of the church, please speak to the Minister.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

To enable us to observe the Two Minute Silence at 11am,

Worship began at 10.55am.

We are grateful to Christine and the Deacons for leading this special service.

CHURCH LUNCH

We are grateful to Jean Morris for providing our Church Lunch in November                to mark her birthday.

Nicola`s of Whittle Street supplied us with Meat and Potato Pie, Cheese and Onion Pie, red cabbage, beetroot, mushy peas, with Strawberry Gateaux for dessert.

There will be no Church Lunch in December as we are dining out on December 4th

at The Glasshouse Worsley College.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

The last session of the Third Wednesday Club for the year

heard an informative talk on "Christmas Day in the Workhouse".

The speaker was Chris Makepeace.

The next meeting, on January 15th 2025,                                                                will take the form of a quiz, hosted by the Minister.

BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

As outlined by the Church Secretary at the last Church Meeting,

our building has undergone a number of improvements.

These include;

a new heating system in the Community/Sports Hall,

a new fire alarm system,

redecoration of the rear hallway, toilets, kitchen and coffee room,                              new framed welcome posters and repositioning of the banner in the coffee room,      and a new main electrical fuse board in the rear kitchen.

We are grateful to the North West Area of the Congregational Federation                    and to Salford Council for their financial assistance.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Tickets are now on sale for our Christmas Raffle.

Prizes include;

A Christmas M&S Hamper

£100 M&S voucher

Lunch and Drinks for Two at The Woodside

£30 voucher for Worsley Old Hall

Dinner Set

Designer Scented Candles

Christmas Pudding

and much, much more!

£1 per strip from Dorothy Tomlinson

CHURCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH

We dined at The Glasshouse, Worsley College again this year on December 4th.

A big thank you to the staff and students for a lovely afternoon.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2024

Fliers are available in the Coffee Room.

Do take some and share with friends and neighbours.

They contain the following information:

Sunday December 1^st 11am                                                                                     Advent Communion and Dressing of the Tree                                    

Followed by Coffee and Biscuits

Sunday December 8^th 11am                                               

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols                                                       

Followed by Mulled Wine and Mince Pies

Sunday December 15^th 11am                                                          

All-Age Nativity                                                                                               Followed by Coffee and Mince Pies

Sunday December 22^nd 11am                                                            

Christmas  Readings and Carols                                                         

Followed by Coffee and Mince Pies

Christmas Eve 4pm                                                                                 

Christingle Service                                                                                          Followed by Coffee and Mince Pies

Sunday December 29^th 11am                                                                                  First Sunday of Christmas                                                                   

Followed by Coffee and Mince Pies

Minister ~ Rev Alan Kennedy 07733153203 01612703296 alanrk1690@gmail.com