PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Sunday 23rd August 2020 – St. Bartholomew the Apostle

PEWSHEET PLUS

We pray for:

Those who are ill: Irene Booth, Cassie Buono, Brian Cato, Joyce Cunliffe, Christopher Davies, Revd Malcolm Edwards,

Marlene Fielding, Lisa Ginniff, Irene Halliwell, Jenny Harris, Keith Haworth, Mario Heaton, Edith Ibbotson, Patricia James, Mike

Johnson, Eileen Marsh, James Tonge.

Those who have died recently:

And on their anniversaries this week we remember: June Allen, Annie Clare, Ethel Crowder, Susan Littler, Alan Marsh,

Hilda Pemberton, John Southern, Edna Thurlington.

This week:

Many thanks to all who subscribe by e-mail to our weekly pewsheets.

Today we have a service of Holy Communion at St. Bartholomew’s at 11:00am led by Revd

Carol Pharaoh as we celebrate St. Bartholomew’s Day.

Next Sunday 30th August, there will be a service of Holy Communion at St. Bartholomew’s

church led by Revd Barrie Gaskell.

In the daily readings we move to the New Testament with a brief look at St. Paul’s Second

Letter to the Thessalonians before we move onto his First Letter to the Corinthians that we’ll

go through over the coming weeks. The daily prayers follow the St. Bartholomew Patronal

Festival theme as we think about the life and work of our churches. It’s particularly

appropriate this year as it’s 25 years in October since we re-opened, 30 years since the fire in

November and 150 years since the first peal of bells in December 1870.

As we remember St. Bartholomew on our Patronal Festival this weekend, we thank again all those who are making

services happen at this difficult time – our clergy, readers, those leading intercessions and preparing service sheets,

those taking registers and stewarding and especially those coming in to clean on

Saturdays without whom none of this would be possible.

We also have the mother and son team of St. Monica and St. Augustine of Hippo to

celebrate this week [Hippo is the former name for Annaba in Algeria where they lived

and nothing to do with the animal. Also, don’t confuse him with St. Augustine of

Canterbury who we looked at on 26th May in your leather bound editions of the

Pewsheets Plus].

School Form Signing: we have received a letter from Deborah Smith, Director of Education for the Diocese of

Manchester, clarifying the current situation for signing school forms. In summary, attendance patterns at public

worship can start to be observed again when there is unrestricted and open access to all for public worship in the

church building. Where this is not possible, the church is regarded as technically closed for public worship. Also, for

the purposes of observing church attendance at public worship to meet criteria in Admission Arrangements it has

been decided nationally that no digital or on-line format will be recognised. As we are unable currently to open St.

George’s or St. Thomas’ churches and are only able to offer one weekly service with limited attendance at St.

Bartholomew’s church [i.e. no 8:00am, midweek or café church services] in line with these diocesan and national

guidelines, we cannot sign school attendance forms until we can have open access for all. Please ask us if you have

any questions.

As the lockdown continues, we’ll send another Pewsheet Plus out again next weekend. Do keep any news, views and

feedback coming. Please also check our Team YouTube channel for online services:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDx266HLh9ShYeBJnON8ODg

Ed

TODAY’S SERVICES

There will be a Service of Holy Communion at St. Bartholomew’s Church at 11:00am led by Revd Carol

Pharaoh

The same guidelines and regulations will apply, please see the sheets available or the website for details

or do contact us.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

The Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle

Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your word: grant that your Church may love that word which

he believed and may faithfully preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is

alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading Acts 5. 12 - 16 12Many signs and wonders were done among the people

through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13None of the rest dared to join

them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great

numbers of both men and women, 15so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on

cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16A great number of people

would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits,

and they were all cured.

New Testament Reading 1 Corinthians 4. 9 - 15 9I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become

a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. 10We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in

Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honour, but we in disrepute. 11To the present hour

we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12and we grow weary from the

work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world,

the dregs of all things, to this very day. 14I am not writing this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my

beloved children. 15For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many

fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

Gospel Reading: Luke 22. 24 - 30 24A dispute also arose among the twelve as to which one

of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over

them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26But not so with you; rather the greatest

among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one

who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me,

a kingdom, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’

God of wonder and new life,

we thank you for the beauty of this holy place

raised in hope from the ashes and held in

grace;

For all who have loved and cared for it through

the passing years

and for those who do so today.

May we, like them, be inspired to play our part

in its ministry of prayer and welcome,

mission and service,

love and care for all.

Fill your people with your vibrant love

that we may be formed into living stones

who sing your praises,

live the faith of Jesus Christ

and risk all in his service;

who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of

the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever.

Amen.

[Revd. Canon Ian Black, Peterborough 900 Prayer]

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

HOMILY Revd Angela Wynne

May I speak in the name of the living God. Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Today we are celebrating the Feast day of St Bartholomew. It’s always a bit tricky really

because we don’t have a lot to go on. We’re not even sure who he was. Bartholomew is

listed as one of the 12 disciples in Matthew Mark and Luke’s Gospels but he doesn’t appear

in John’s Gospel. However in John’s Gospel there is a disciple called Nathanael who doesn’t

appear in the other Gospels so it is very possible that Nathanael and Bartholomew are one

and the same. If that’s true then Bartholomew was there at all the major events in Jesus’

ministry. He would be there at the last supper and he was a witness to the resurrection and he

would have been there when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples at Pentecost. But what

happened afterwards is somewhat of a mystery. It is thought he went abroad to India and

Armenia to preach the Gospel. A copy of Matthew’s gospel was discovered in India in the

second century and was described as being left behind by Bartholomew. Like many of the

disciples he was martyred by being flayed alive and then beheaded. He became the patron

Saint of tanners because of his gruesome fate. His bones became relics and eventually

brought to Rome and kept on an Island in the middle of the River Tiber. The island was an

interesting choice. It was already reputed to be a pagan centre of healing for people with

infectious diseases, an isolation hospital if you like and Bartholomew’s bones were believed

to have healing properties. A church and a hospital were built dedicated to St Bartholomew

and other hospitals have been named after him such as the famous St Bartholomew’s

hospital in London. It’s a nicer way to remember him for healing rather than for the way he

died.

Today’s Gospel reading takes place at the Last Supper when Jesus gave his final talk to

Bartholomew and the other disciples before he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane as

he prayed.

He instituted The Lord’s Supper and then talked about his betrayal by one of them. The

disciples were aghast wondering which one of them would do such a dreadful thing.

However, the next minute they were having this argument about who was the greatest

amongst them. Perhaps they were wondering that if Jesus was to die who would take over as

leader. I imagine Jesus must have wondered if they’d learnt anything over the last three

years. Did they not yet understand? One last chance to get the message across that it wasn’t a

matter of who was the greatest. If they were to be effective in spreading the gospel they had

to think differently. They had to let go of their pride and sense of privilege and take on the

role of a servant. They needed humility. He reminded them that he was their leader but he

also was their servant. He led by example. They were to do the same. They needed to

understand that the power in God’s kingdom does not come from having power over people.

It doesn’t come from having status or wealth. It doesn’t come from having people look up

and admiring you. The power in God’s kingdom comes from love. And love is at its most

powerful when we forget ourselves, when we stop worrying about how much power or

authority we have or what position we hold or how much we earn or the material possessions

we have. They are all distractions. It’s only when we stop making Gods of those things the

distractions disappear and we are free to love as God loves us. Free to love our neighbours as

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

ourselves. Free to love one another. And love in the kingdom doesn’t mean a

feeling of benevolence to all. It’s not even a live and let live attitude. It’s far more. It’s hard

work. It means wanting others to have the same as you have. It’s wanting everyone to have

the best and to be the best they can be. For everyone to have the best opportunities, the best

healthcare the best education. It’s wanting everyone to have life in all its fullness. And

wanting it so much that you have to do something about it. Love only happens with hard

work and a servant attitude.

This is a hard message for the disciples and it’s a hard message for us to. Which one of us

have truly taken this message to heart and lives by it?

At this moment in the Gospel the disciples are still muddled but later when they have

witnessed the risen Lord and received the power of the Holy Spirit they will be enlightened

and empowered to spread the good news. Bartholomew followed the example of Jesus. He

gave up everything for the sake of the Gospel and to make God’s love known to all. He

didn’t choose an easy life. Paul in his letter tells the Church in Corinth what being an

Apostle is like. He was hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, weary, beaten. There were times

when he felt like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things. It’s enough to put anybody

off but it is when we are weak that God shows his strength. When we can let go of the stuff

that distracts us and allow God’s Spirit to work in us that’s when we are most able to love

our neighbour as Jesus commanded us.

Jesus encourages his disciples by acknowledging that they are the ones who have stood by

him in his trials and they will be honoured in his Kingdom.

Today we honour Bartholomew as one who stuck by Jesus and who gave his all to make

Christ known in the world. Let us pray that God will help us to be good witnesses too in

word and action. Amen.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Background: The First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthinans

Who wrote the book? It is widely accepted that St. Paul

wrote this letter in about 55AD though it was not the first

letter Paul wrote to the Corinthian people (1 Corinthians 5:9).

We know that the Corinthians misunderstood an earlier letter

from Paul (5:10–11), though that letter has not survived.

Therefore, it is Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that we

know as 1 Corinthians—so that’s a good confusing start.

Four years prior to writing the letter we know as 1

Corinthians, the apostle had spent eighteen months in Corinth

where he founded the church in 50-51AD, so he was

intimately familiar with the church and many of its

congregation. Although it included some “upper class” people,

the church there was mainly composed of working people and

slaves. The recipients of the letter must have understood its

significance, not only to their own circumstances but for the

church worldwide. In AD 95, Clement, the bishop of Rome,

wrote a letter of his own to the Corinthians in which he

invoked the authority of Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians.

Only a few decades after its origin, this letter to the

Corinthians had travelled outside of Corinth and was

considered authoritative in the wider world.

Where are we? Paul had been in Ephesus for more than two

years on his third missionary journey when he received a

disturbing report of quarrelling within the Corinthian church, a

report he received from people associated with one of its

members, Chloe ( 1:11). The church he had founded so

recently (Acts 18:1–17) had already developed deep divisions, a

situation that required immediate action. Some were claiming

superior wisdom, insight and status and despised other less-

educated members as foolish or weak in faith; there was

immorality and idolatry [ch.8 & 10]; members were taking each

other to court [ch.6] Paul penned his letter in AD 55, just as he

was planning to leave Ephesus for Macedonia (16:5–8).

Why is First Corinthians so important? First Corinthians

contains a frank discussion of the church and the issues that

impacted real people in the first century. The Corinthian church

was really fruitful but also corroded with sin on a variety of fronts,

so Paul provided an important model for how the church should

handle the problem of sin in its midst. Rather than turn a blind eye

toward relational division and all kinds of immorality, he addressed

the problems head on. In his bold call to purity within the

Corinthian church, Paul made it clear that he was willing to risk the

good opinion of some in order to help cleanse the sin that tainted

the church.

What's the big idea? First Corinthians addresses reports that Paul received from Chloe’s household, as

well as a letter he received from the church itself (7:1). In this letter to the church at Corinth, Paul

covered a number of different issues related to both life and doctrine: divisions and quarrels, sexual

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

immorality, lawsuits among believers, marriage and singleness, freedom in Christ [ch. 1 – 10].

Instructing the church in order in worship, the significance of the Lord’s Supper, and the right use of

spiritual gifts and a profound teaching on the resurrection comes in the later chapters [ch. 11-15].

The line of thought that joins these topics together was Paul’s emphasis on Christian conduct in the local

church. The apostle expected that Christian people would live according to Christian ideals, or as he told

them, “You have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (6:20).

So all this means today? Corinth was a large, international city, the

capital of Achaia and, due to its geography, a rich centre of

international trade. As the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire

[about 2/3 million people] it was filled with people from different

backgrounds. Idol worship to gods such as Aphrodite was particularly

prominent in the city, though Corinth contained numerous

temptations far beyond her

temples. In this sense,

Corinth was very much like a

modern urban area,

containing unending opportunities to engage in sinful behaviour

without any apparent consequences.

Such a community clearly had a negative influence on the

Corinthian church. But notice that Paul’s instruction to the

believers was not to retreat from their city. This was not Paul’s

vision for the church then or now. Instead, he directed us to live

out our commitment to Christ ever more faithfully in the midst of nonbelievers. Paul expected that Christians would shine our

light into the dark places of their world by worshiping in a unified

community that was accountable to one another. He expected

that we would settle our problems internally, that we would

encourage one another in the pursuit of purity, and that we would strive together by holding tightly to the

hope of the resurrection to come. A church full of failings but filled even more with grace.

Background: The Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians

Just because Paul and Silas visited a city,

preached the gospel for weeks or even

months, and founded a church by guiding

converts to the faith, this did not protect the

new church from scheming heretics. In fact, the

immaturity of any new church presented a

perfect target for those who meant to mislead

and distort the truth. Paul, worried about his

friends and their troubles with false teachers,

wrote this second letter to the believers at

Thessalonica in the hope of encouraging their

young but burgeoning faith.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Where are we? Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians from Corinth in AD 51

within months of writing the first letter. Since the subject matter of the

second letter has a number of thematic similarities to the first, Paul

probably had received a second report from the city detailing

continuing

questions or

problems

regarding the

end times.

Several of Paul’s references indicate that some in

Thessalonica were deliberately misleading these

new believers, even to the point of false teachers

forging letters to make them look as if they had

come from Paul (2:2). The apostle, therefore, took

extra care in this letter to make sure the

Thessalonians understood not only his views on

the end times but also what his handwriting looked

like, so they would be able to identify letters as

authentically his (3:17).

Why is Second Thessalonians so important? Second Thessalonians distinguishes itself by the detailed

teaching it presents on the end times. False teachers had been presenting fake letters as if from Paul and

telling the Thessalonian believers that the day of the Lord had already come. This would have been

especially troubling to them because Paul had told them in his previous letter what would happen before

the day of wrath came upon the earth.

So Paul explained to them that this future time of tribulation had not yet come because a certain “man of

lawlessness” had not yet been revealed (2:3). Comparisons with other passages in Daniel, Matthew, and

Revelation suggest that this is the Antichrist. But Paul encouraged the Thessalonians not to worry, because

the Antichrist would not come until a mysterious restrainer—the Thessalonians apparently knew his

identity—was removed from earth (2:6–7). The identity of this restrainer has been heavily debated, though

due to the nature of the work the restrainer does, He is likely to be the Spirit of God working through the

church. When the believers leave the earth in the rapture, all who remain will experience the wrath of the

tribulation.

What's the big idea?

The apostle Paul, in concern for the Thessalonian believers who were trying to stand firm in their faith

under pressure from false teachers, taught the Thessalonians in this letter that their hope in Christ’s future

return should serve as an encouragement to them in their suffering, motivating them to live responsibly for

Him. Paul always connected his teaching on Jesus with the practical growth he expected to see as a result

of such a deeply held faith.

So all this means today? Discipline and self-control are two qualities that quickly slip away in a society

so focused on the material that its people forget the spiritual realities that should dictate their lives. With

financial and material success, many people today have descended into an unruly and lazy existence that

possesses little care for others, especially of the kind that might conflict with personal desires.

Paul knew that hope in Christ would encourage perseverance in godly living and this hope is what we need

today.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Monday 24th August St. Bartholomew the Apostle

The readings for St. Bartholomew are given yesterday on page 2. By now, we’re probably used to the top ten best bits for Saints, but for St. Bartholomew, we know very little so we’re struggling to get beyond a top

one.

All that is known of him with certainty is that he is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and Acts as one of the twelve apostles. His name, a patronymic, means "son of Tolomai" and scholars believe he is the same as Nathanael mentioned in John, who says he is from Cana and that Jesus called him an "Israelite...incapable of deceit."

Almighty God,

to whose glory we celebrate the dedication of this

house of prayer:

we praise you for the many blessings

you have given to those who worship you here:

and we pray that all who seek you in this place may

find you,

and, being filled with the Holy Spirit,

may become a living temple acceptable to you;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The risen Christ is here in the midst of us.

We bring our prayers to him as Lord of the Church.

For the Church universal,

of which these buildings are a visible symbol,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For this congregation,

as we remember your promise

that when two or three are gathered in your name

you are there in the midst of them, Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For this place, that we may be still and know that you

are God,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For the fulfilling of our desires and petitions as you see

best for us,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For your blessings in the past and for a vision for the

future,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For the gift of the Holy Spirit and new life in baptism,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For the pardon of our sins when we fall short of your

glory,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For a foretaste of your eternal kingdom

in the sacrament of the eucharist,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For the blessing of our vows

and the crowning of our years with your goodness,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For the faith of those who have gone before us

and for grace to persevere like them, Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For the benefactors of this place who have died in the

peace of Christ

and are at rest,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

For a sense of our fellowship with St Bartholomew and

all your saints,

Lord, receive our thanks and prayer.

O God, from living stones

you prepare an everlasting dwelling–a place for your

majesty.

Grant that in the power of the Holy Spirit

those who serve you here

may always be kept within your presence.

This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Peace to this house from God our heavenly Father.

Peace to this house from his Son who is our peace.

Peace to this house from the Holy Spirit, the life-giver.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Tuesday 25th August

2 Thessalonians 2. 1 – 3a & 14 - end

The Man of Lawlessness 2 As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction.

Chosen for Salvation 14 For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, 17 comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

Paul, Silas and Timothy had already taught the Thessalonians that the Lord Jesus would come again [v.1-2]. Before he comes,

those who believe in Christ will have to go through many troubles but when he comes, he will take those Christians who are alive

on earth to be with him joining with all those Christians who have died. So the Lord will take the whole of his church up from

the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). That will be the start of the day of the Lord - a way of talking about the time when the

Lord will deliver the nation of Israel (Jeremiah 30:7-9) and a way of speaking about the time when God will set up his kingdom

on the earth.

But other people taught that the day of the Lord had already come and was now present. Many of these false ideas seemed to

have come with Paul’s authority. Some people said that a prophecy from Paul and his friends taught that the day had come;

some spoke messages and they said that they had come from Paul, Silas and Timothy; there were letters that some said that

Paul and his friends had sent. All of these things taught that the day of the Lord had begun but none of them were genuine

teachings from Paul and his companions. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they should refuse all of these ideas and not allow

them to upset the church. They should not let these false ideas worry them in minds or spirit [v.3].

There will be two major events before the day of the Lord comes. There will be a period of time in which many will turn away

from God. Then a powerful and evil man will come. Neither of these two events had yet happened.

The ‘falling away’ will come first and then a wicked man will have authority. In the Greek, it calls him the ‘son of ruin’, because

the Lord will destroy him.

Paul, Silas and Timothy preached the gospel of Christ to the Thessalonians [v.14] to save them from their sins and to give them

a new life with him. They did not earn it or in any other way get glory for themselves - the Lord does it all on their behalf.

When Paul, Silas and Timothy were in Thessalonica, they taught them about Christ and about the Christian faith and after they

had left Thessalonica, they had written to them. In the first letter to the Thessalonians, they taught them about many things.

Timothy had also been back to Thessalonica and no doubt, he taught them while he was there. The Thessalonians must continue

to believe what these three had taught them [v.15]. There were other teachers, some of whom were false; some even said that

they had Paul’s authority for what they taught but the Thessalonians had to refuse all this and hold on to what was true.

The Thessalonians could not remain strong in their faith without the help of God [v.16]. So, Paul and his friends ask for this help

on their behalf. God loved them, so, he encouraged them and gave them good hope. They did not deserve or earn the benefits

of this hope; it is the free gift of God to those whom he loves.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

How awesome is this place.

This is none other than the house of God,

and this is the gateway of heaven.

I saw a ladder which rested on the ground

with its top reaching to heaven,

and the angels of God were going up and down it.

This is none other than the house of God,

and this is the gateway of heaven.

You will see greater things than this.

You will see heaven wide open,

and God’s angels ascending and descending upon the Son

of Man.

This is none other than the house of God,

and this is the gateway of heaven.

You are the temple of the living God,

and the Spirit of God dwells in you.

The temple of God is holy, and you are that temple.

This is none other than the house of God,

and this is the gateway of heaven.

Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house,

to be a holy priesthood,

to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God

through Jesus Christ.

Wednesday 26th August

2 Thessalonians 3. 6 – 10 & 16 - end

Warning against Idleness 6 Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, 8 and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. 9 This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. Final Greetings and Benediction 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the mark in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you

Well, this passage has always proven controversial. Paul, Silas and Timothy had taught the new Christians at Thessalonica that

they should work. It was not right for those who would not work to depend on their friends to provide for them as in previous

warnings (1 Thessalonians 5:14) but that had not had the desired effect. There were still those who would not work for whatever

reason.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Paul tells here what the church ought to do about this situation. All the members should keep away from those

who were lazy to show that they did not approve of that way of life. For this they say that they have the authority of Jesus Christ.

Paul, Silas and Timothy had made it very clear to the Thessalonians how they should live (v. 7 – 9). In those early days, the

Thessalonians did copy their way of life (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Paul, Silas and Timothy were not lazy while they were in

Thessalonica, working night and day to provide for themselves while they taught about Jesus. They did not depend on the

Thessalonians for anything, earning enough for all their needs. This does not mean that they would not accept an invitation to a

meal, but it does mean that they would not depend on other people for all their daily needs.

Jesus sent his followers out to preach the good news and told them to take nothing with them, expecting those to whom they

went to provide for them (Luke 10:1-7). Those who preach the word of God had the right to expect this provision (1 Corinthians

9:14). Paul stated that he had that right when he wrote to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:4-5). So Paul and his friends did not

have to work so hard, they could have asked for food and other provision from those who had become Christians. But they

decided not to insist on this right. Instead, they worked hard so that there would be no cost to the Thessalonians. In doing this,

they gave the Thessalonians a model that they should copy.

When Paul and his friends were in Thessalonica, they had given them a definite rule (v. 10). Now they repeat that command in

plain words. The Christians should not provide for those of their number who will not work. Some people had come from

Thessalonica to Corinth and said that there were still those among the Christians there who were lazy. They had not obeyed the

teaching in the first letter (1 Thessalonians 4:11 and 5:14) which is why Paul, Silas and Timothy wrote what they did in verse

10. The problem was not only that these people did not work, it was not just that they were wrong to expect other Christians to

feed them. They also got involved in things that were nothing to do with them.

The Lord has promised to give his peace to his people (John 14:27). This is an inner peace that nothing can take away. It means

that every part of us is working as it should. The prayer (v. 16) is that the Lord Jesus would give this peace to the Thessalonians

at all times to remain in them always. The Lord is always present with them (Matthew 28:20). He lives in them by his Holy

Spirit. This prayer asks that the Thessalonians may know that the Lord is with them, to guide them and keep them.

Up to the start of v.17, Paul had dictated the letter and someone else wrote it down. Now Paul takes the pen and adds the final

greeting. There was the danger that the Thessalonians could receive letters that said that they were from Paul. It could be that

this had already happened (2 Thessalonians 2:2). So, Paul says that this is his handwriting. In every letter that comes from Paul,

he writes the greeting and he signs it. If the signature is not there then the letter is not from Paul. This letter is genuine; it comes

from Paul.

The final greeting [v.18] is the same as at the end of the first letter except that Paul adds the word ‘all’. Paul wanted to send

his good wishes to all the Christians in Thessalonica. This included even those who had not yet obeyed what he wrote. The grace

of our Lord Jesus Christ is what the Lord Jesus gives. It is the benefit that comes to them because of what he has done, not

because of what they have earned or deserved.

Father, we honour you here in this place. You are God, who made the world and everything in it. You are Lord of

heaven and earth and do not live in temples made by man, nor are you served by human hands, as though you

need anything, since you yourself give to all people life and breath and everything.

So Father, we come to you today to offer ourselves to you as living sacrifices - individually, our families, and this

church, and our building; may it be used to further your kingdom.

May this be a place where sinners find their Saviour and the prodigal is welcomed by you, a generous and

compassionate Father. May this be a place your saints, young and old, are encouraged in the gospel, equipped for

service, sanctified in the truth, and joyously assured of the eternal redemption Jesus has earned for us. Where the

wounded receive comfort for their souls, the weary are revived, the despairing are filled with hope, the depressed

filled with joy, and the sick are healed. Where the thirsty find satisfaction and the hungry are filled up.

May this be a place where your word is honoured; where your people are perfecting holiness; where friendships are

established and deepened and all is covered by love.

Where you Father seek and find worshippers who worship in spirit and truth. May the Spirit of God, the heavenly

Dove, finds a friendly place to land and to dwell.

We pray that as we gather week after week, we would be filled up with your Spirit, equipped in all kinds of ways

for all kinds of service and sent out to touch the world around us – a world so desperately in need of good news!

All of this we pray in the name of Jesus and for your glory Father. Amen.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Thursday 27th August

Today the church remembers St Monica, mother of Augustine of Hippo [see

tomorrow] – she is remembered especially for her perseverance in prayer.

Saint Monica, also known as Monica of Hippo, is St. Augustine of Hippo's mother. She was born in 331 A.D. in Tagaste, which is present-day Algeria.

When she was very young, she was married off to the Roman pagan Patricius, who shared his mother's violent temper. Patricius' mother lived with the couple and the duo's temper flares proved to be a constant challenge to young Monica. While Monica's prayers and Christian deeds bothered Patricius, he is said to have respected her beliefs.

Three children were born to Monica and Patricius: Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua. Unfortunately, Monica was unable to baptize her children and when Augustine fell ill, Monica pleaded with Patricius to allow their son to be baptized. Patricius allowed it, but when Augustine was healthy again, he withdrew his permission.

For years Monica prayed for her husband and mother-in-law, until finally, one year before Patricius' death, through her prayer and example, she successfully converted them.

As time passed, Perpetua and Navigius entered the religious life, but unfortunately Augustine became lazy and uncouth. This greatly worried Monica, so when Patricius died, she sent the 17-year-old Augustine to Carthage for schooling. While in Carthage, Augustine became a Manichaean, which was a religion that saw the world as light and darkness.

After Augustine got his education and returned home, he shared his views with Monica, who drove him out. Though it is not recorded how much time passed, Monica had a vision that convinced her to reconcile with her wayward son.

Inspired, Monica followed Augustine to Rome, where she learned he had left for Milan. Throughout these years, she endured a tremendous amount of suffering. Augustine rejected her on multiple accounts, but she continued to love, pray and nurture her son throughout his wayward time. She continued in prayer for seventeen years and eventually came upon St. Ambrose, who helped her convert Augustine to Christianity.

After a period of six months, Augustine was baptized in the church of St. John the Baptist at Milan. The pair were led to believe they should spread the Word of God to Africa, but in the Roman city of Civitavecchia, Monica passed away.

Augustine recorded the words she imparted upon him when she realized death was near. "Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled."

She was buried at Ostia, and her body was removed during the 6th century to a hidden crypt in the church of Santa Aurea in Osta, near the tomb of St. Aurea of Ostia.

Her funeral epitaph survived in ancient manuscripts and the stone it was originally written on was discovered in the church of Santa Aurea in 1945.

The city of Santa Monica, California is named after her as were the "weeping" springs outside the city.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

She is justly remembered for her example of perseverance in prayer as the noted theologians in “S Club 7” put it:

Don't you know it's true what they say Things happen for a reason But your time's coming around So don't you stop tryin'

Don't stop, never give up Hold your head high and reach the top Let the world see what you have got Bring it all back to you

Faithful God,

who strengthened Monica, the mother of Augustine,

with wisdom,

and through her patient endurance encouraged him to seek after you:

give us the will to persist in prayer

that those who stray from you may be brought to

faith in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

1 Corinthians 1. 1 - 9

Salutation

1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6 just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul emphasises that he is an apostle because of God’s plan [v.1]. He describes himself in this way in other letters, but it was

important for him to state his authority to the Christians at Corinth. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:1-23 show that some

Christians at Corinth doubted whether he was an apostle and whether he had a right to preach or give them advice.

Sosthenes may have been the same person as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. People had hit him in front of the ruler

Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). Sosthenes had become a Christian and he had travelled with Paul to Ephesus & may have acted as

Paul’s secretary. Paul calls him ‘our brother’ so, the Christians at Corinth must have known him.

Paul speaks about the ‘church of God’ in Corinth [v.2] Paul did not want the Christians at Corinth to feel proud about themselves,

so he reminds them that the church belongs to God and they are like God’s field, God’s building and God’s workers (3:9).

The Greek word for ‘church’ is ‘ecclesia’. It means the people whom God ‘called out’ to be his own people and Paul says to them

what he has said to Christians everywhere - they are only one part of God’s church.

Paul does not use the usual greetings that began and ended letters [v.3] but prays that they will know peace. This peace comes

as people know the grace of God - God’s love that they do not deserve and cannot earn. Paul here unites Jesus Christ with God

the Father - Jesus works with God the Father to save his people.

Paul thanks God because they have accepted salvation as God’s gift [v.4]. It’s a surprising choice of words – Paul thanking the

people who were ignoring his teaching, riddled with division, disorderly in worship, suing each other in the courts and worse. But

it’s the second half of that sentence that’s critical – it’s all because of the grace of God that has been given to them. Paul speaks

about God’s spiritual gifts to the Christians at Corinth; how they speak & how they understand. The letter shows that the

Christians at Corinth had become very proud of these gifts. Paul writes about understanding or knowledge in chapter 8 and

‘speech’ in chapter 14. Here, he says that their gifts show that they have believed the good news about Jesus. The words ‘grace’

and ‘gift’ show that they have no right to praise themselves, these do not come from within but are God-given..

Paul also reminds the Christians at Corinth that God will keep their faith strong until Christ returns [v. 8 – 9].

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Lord Jesus Christ, make this a temple of your presence and a house of prayer.

Be always near us when we seek you in this place. Draw us to you, when we come alone and when we come with others,

to find comfort and wisdom, to be supported and strengthened,

to rejoice and give thanks.

May it be here, Lord Christ, that we are made one with you

and with one

another, so that our lives are sustained and sanctified for your

service.

We give you thanks, O God, for the gifts of your people, and

for the work of many hands, which have beautified this place

and furnished it for the celebration of your holy mysteries.

Accept and bless all we have done, and grant that in these

earthly things we may behold the order and beauty of things

heavenly; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday 28th August

Today the church remembers St Augustine of Hippo – Bishop and Teacher of the faith 13th November 354 – 28th August 430

This famous son of St. Monica [see yesterday] was born in Africa and spent many years of his life in wicked living and in false beliefs. Though he was one of the most intelligent men who ever lived and though he had been brought up a Christian, he turned away from the faith and dabbled in many others.

Through the prayers of his mother [for 17 years solid] and the marvellous preaching of St. Ambrose, Augustine finally became convinced that Christianity was the one true religion. Yet he did not become a Christian then, because he thought he could never live a pure life. One day, however, he heard about two men who had suddenly been converted on reading the life of St. Antony, and he felt terrible ashamed of himself. "What are we doing?" he cried to his friend Alipius. "Unlearned people are taking Heaven by force, while we, with all our knowledge, are so cowardly that we keep rolling around in the mud of our sins!"

Augustine flung himself out into the garden and cried out to God, "How long more, O Lord? Why does not this hour put an end to my sins?" Just then he heard a child singing, "Take up and read!" Thinking that God intended him to hear those words, he picked up the book of the Letters of St. Paul, and read the first passage where his gaze fell when St. Paul says to put away all impurity and to live in imitation of Jesus. That did it! From then on, Augustine began a new life.

He was baptized, became a priest, a bishop, a famous writer [over 5,000,000 words of his writings survive], Founder of religious priests, and one of the greatest saints that ever lived. Medieval libraries which may had had only a few hundred books had more of his works than anyone else’s. He became very devout and charitable, too. On the wall of his room he had the following sentence written in large letters: "Here we do not speak evil of anyone." St. Augustine overcame strong heresies, practiced great poverty and supported the poor, preached very often and prayed with great fervour right up until his death. "Too late have I loved You!" he once cried to God. Like many artists or composers his works are now much more famous in many more countries after his death than during his lifetime.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

1 Corinthians 1. 17 - 25

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

If you remember the far distant days after Easter when we looked at the Acts of the Apostles, on Paul’s second missionary

journey in late 50AD he’d been in Athens just before his first visit to found the church in Corinth [Acts 17 – Weds 20th May if

you want to look back]. Alone in Athens, home of the great philosophers, he’d found the way to preach the Gospel in a way that

changed lives and brought people to God.

Paul’s work was to preach the gospel [v.17]. Who baptised whom was not the most important point. The message was simple

- Christ died on the cross. To speak with clever words and ideas would attract attention to the speaker but focussing on the

speaker would take away from the message of the crucifixion.

The world considers that some people are wise [v. 18-21] but you cannot use human wisdom to understand God’s ways. They

think that the message about a crucified Messiah is foolish; they want God to act in ways that seem wise and powerful to them

but God acts in ways we can never understand to save those who believe.

The Jews thought that the idea of a crucified Messiah was an insult to God [v.22-23]. The Romans crucified only slaves and

dangerous criminals and the Jews believed that anyone who hung on a tree as a punishment would suffer God’s anger

(Deuteronomy 21:23). They did not think that the message in Isaiah 53 was about someone who would suffer for other people.

The Jews also expected wonderful signs when the Messiah came. In the past, God had done wonderful miracles for their nation.

So they expected him to perform even greater miracles by his Messiah. Therefore the Jews kept on asking Jesus for a sign to

‘prove’ that he was the Messiah, but he refused (Matthew 12:38-39; John 6:30).

The Greeks thought that God does not feel human emotions and they thought that he cannot change, so God could not become

a man on earth. The idea that ‘the word became a physical person’ (John 1:14) was impossible. The Greeks also liked to discuss

ideas in clever ways but the message about the gospel was simple. Because Paul preached it in plain words, a crucified God

seemed to be the mad idea of people with little education to the clever Greeks.

But God’s plan was to save all those who believe in Christ [v.24 – 25]. Christ’s death on the cross was not ‘foolish’ and ‘weak’.

‘God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not our ways’ (Isaiah 55:8-9). The crucifixion was a sign of God’s wisdom

and power. They are greater than any wise efforts that people can make.

You have come close to each of us.

You have extended to us your own special love,

and have given to us such special gifts.

Thank you God for these.

Thank you for all the other gifts that are present in these people around me.

Together we are a gifted people - Your people.

You gave us these gifts for a purpose.

They are to be used by us,

to serve the needs of others.

Give us courage, Lord, and the confidence too,

to take these gifts with us now as we go.

Open our eyes and hearts to those we meet.

Help us to see their need, and to show your love,

and to use Your gifts that are invested in us,

to bring them hope, and life.

We go now with unwrapped gifts, ready to be used.

We go as your servants,

Ready to touch others with your love.

And we don't go alone. Amen.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Saturday 29th August The Beheading of John the Baptist

Today the church remembers the death of St. John the Baptist.

1 Corinthians 1. 26 - end 26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Paul reminds them that the church in Corinth has only a few important members [v.26]. A few of them had more important

places in society. Crispus had been the ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:8), Erastus was an official in the city (Romans 16:23) &

Gaius had a large enough house to act as host to Paul and other Christians (Romans 16:23). But many of the Christians were

slaves, some of them had once been slaves and many other Christians were ordinary workers.

Slaves had no rights [v.27-29] but were the possession of their owners. They were ‘nothings’ until the Christian faith made them

into persons. Then they gained respect and God had chosen people like these. He did this to show that he had defeated the

world’s false ways to think. God does not depend on what people can offer him as everyone needs God’s forgiveness.

God has acted by his Son [v.30 - 31] - Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is God’s wise plan accepted by those who believe. By

the cross, Jesus sets us free from the sin in our past, makes us right with God & helps us to live in a holy way. Therefore what

Jeremiah wrote (Jeremiah 9:24) is true. No one has any reason to boast about himself. He should only be proud about what

God has done.

Matthew 14. 1 - 12

The Death of John the Baptist 14 At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Though Herod wanted to put him to

death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod 7 so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; 10 he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. 12 His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Almighty God,

who called your servant John the Baptist

to be the forerunner of your Son in birth and death:

strengthen us by your grace

that, as he suffered for the truth,

so we may boldly resist corruption and vice

and receive with him the unfading crown of glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen.

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

Herod in v.1 was Herod Antipas, who was a son of Herod the Great. He ruled the areas called Galilee and Perea after his father

died. Sometimes people call him ‘the tetrarch’ which meant ‘ruler over a quarter of the land’ although later it meant just ‘ruler’.

The news about Jesus made Herod afraid [v.2]. He had a guilty conscience as he had ordered someone to kill John the Baptist

previously. So Herod was afraid that Jesus might be John or that John had returned to punish him in some way.

Why they decided to kill John in described in verses 3 – 11. On a visit to Rome, Herod had seen Herodias who was his brother

Philip’s wife. This Philip had a private business in Rome city. Note that he’s is a different Philip from the ruler that Luke mentioned

(Luke 3:1) – if only everyone had different names, it would be so much easier! Herod divorced the Arab princess who was

already his wife and then stole Herodias from his brother. John the Baptist was not afraid of Herod and told him that he had

done something wrong. It was wrong to marry his brother’s wife, unless his brother had died (Leviticus 18:16).

The daughter of Herodias was a princess. They didn’t usually dance in public but that didn’t stop her, so Herod made a foolish

promise to her – that she could have anything that she asked for.

Herodias hated John and wanted him to die and now she had the golden opportunity. Herod would have pleased Herodias

before this, but he had been afraid of public opinion. But he was more afraid of his guests’ opinion so he did not change his

decision about his foolish promise as he did not want his guests to think that he was a weak leader. He granted Herodias’s

wicked request, and he broke the Law - ‘You must not kill’. It’s one way to celebrate your birthday.

1. Thank you, Lord, for all the people

Who set up this house of praise:

For their faith and ready answer

To the challenge of those days.

In the church which they then founded

Each of us is now an heir,

Partners in ongoing mission,

Called by you that faith to share.

2. Thank you, Lord, for men and women

Who have worshipped in this place;

Fired by living hope they travelled,

Now they know you face to face.

In our day and generation,

Pilgrims all, we make our prayer,

That, throughout our earthly journey,

We, their hope undimmed may share.

3. Thank you, Lord, for one another -

In your love we’re bound as one;

Members of the mystic Body,

Knit together in the Son.

Still today your arms are stretching

Out to people everywhere;

We, as limbs within that Body,

Each are called your love to share.

4. Help us, Lord, to face the future –

Evermore, the task’s the same:

Nurture faith, reach out in service,

Live to glorify your name.

As we trust in you, the Father,

Strengthen hope in you, the Son,

Share the love of you, the Spirit,

Blessed three, for ever one

Next Sunday: Twelfth Sunday after Trinity

Readings: Exodus 3. 1-15 / Romans 12. 9-end / Matthew 16. 21-end

There will be a Holy Communion Service at St. Bartholomew’s Church at 11:00am led by

Revd Barrie Gaskell Do contact us if we can offer any help or support at this time.

Team Rector: Revd Carol Pharaoh 01942 859251 carol.pharaoh@gmail.com www.westhoughtonchurches.org.uk

Team Vicar: Revd Angela Wynne 01204 468150 – revawynne@gmail.com

FACEBOOK – locate us by searching Westhoughton parish Follow us on twitter @Wparishchurch

@Westhoughtontowerbellringers

Material for the news sheet should be sent to Joan Warner by Wednesday morning 01942 818821 joan.warner35@outlook.com

Please do send in items of news to list to put on the pewsheet so that we can all keep in touch with

what’s going on.

To receive these pewsheets, newsletters or special events leaflets electronically, please e-mail westhoughtonparish@outlook.com

PARISH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW WESTHOUGHTON St Bartholomew St Thomas St George

CONFIRMATION SERVICE Sunday 18th October at 3 pm at St Katharine’s Blackrod

Any candidates who wish to be confirmed should speak to Carol or Angela before the 12th September. Please note, attendance at this service is capped at 30 people. Candidates will, therefore, only be able to bring 2 guests with them to the service. There will be a maximum of 8 candidates. Confirmation Preparation Classes will be carried out virtually through zoom conferencing

FOOD COLLECTIONS In June, Urban Outreach distributed a total of 5001 food packages which

fed 9580 individuals. The food given weighed the equivalent of 75 small cars. They also

distributed gas and electricity packages supporting 80 households. Urban Outreach say thank you

for your support. The need continues. Urban Outreach are busy preparing for the impact of the

changes to the Government’s Furlough Scheme, any fallout this will bring along with the expected

continuing economic downturn. Your help is still needed.

From September you can bring your donations with you when you come to a Sunday Service in

any of our churches. Place your donations in the Grub Tubs provided. You can also bring

donations

To St James’ Daisy Hill between 10 – 11 am on the first Saturday of every month. (Next collection

day Saturday 5th September.)

To St John’s Wingates between 10 – 11 am on the first and third Saturdays of every month. (Next

collection days Saturdays 5th & 19th September.)

You might find it easier to make a financial donation to Urban Outreach. You can do this via their

website https://www.urbanoutreach.co.uk/

Current Priority Items Update:

Baby wipes

Size 5, 6 and 7 nappies

Also needed

Tinned meat, veg, chopped tomatoes, fruit, 500g boxes of breakfast cereal, Cordial, Long life milk,

Custard powder, 1kg bags of rice, Pasta (500g), Baked beans, Tinned soup, Jars of pasta sauce, Tinned

pulses, Tinned vegetables (sweetcorn, peas, carrots and potatoes), Biscuits, Tinned fish, Tea, jars of

baby food (different ages), Incontinence pads, Male toiletries, Nappies, Wipes.

St. James’ are taking part in Heritage Weekend again this year, but virtually.

More details here on their poster [let’s hope this link works]