December Issue Deadline - Nov 17th

Publication Date - Dec 1st

In this edition Page two Directory

Page three Clergybit

Catch up around the Team

Page four Open Door Crisis

Shoebox 2013 Update

Page five OLM Reflections

Time for that Flu’ Jab!

Page six Fantastic Fashion Show

Scouts Christmas Post

Page seven From the Registers

FORC

Mayor gives to the Grub Tub

Treasure Chest Service

Page eight Advent Colouring Competition

Will Aid for November

November 2013 THE MAGAZINE OF THE HORWICH & RIVINGTON TEAM CHURCHES Price 50p

HORWICH PARISH on RADIO LANCASHIRE!

Many thanks to everyone who

came along to our new allotment

area on Slater’s Field as part of

Radio Lancashire’s The Great

Outdoors with broadcaster Stephen

Lowe. We couldn’t have had a more

perfect day, with the weather, the

turn out, the enthusiasm of

everyone and the support from Holy

Trinity, especially from Caroline

Tracey and Stephen Fletcher.

If you couldn’t make it but want

to have a listen to what we got up

to, you can pick up the coverage

from the following link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

programmes/

001f237/broadcasts/2013/10

Stephen Lowe and his producer

both commented on the high

levels of enthusiasm and energy

we had in the school, the

commitment of the community to

make the outdoors learning work

and said they found the day a

really positive and uplifting

experience for them. They

themselves got a real buzz out of

being part of our community for

the day.

I think everyone who came over

had a fantastic time and a real

sense of pride in the school and

the community.

The children were absolutely in

their element and most ended up

very grubby indeed!

Our next step is to get the

polytunnel up and running and

have some kind of planting plan

and we will be able to give you

more information on how you can

continue to be involved. If you do

have ideas, or can help in any way,

please do let us know. We have

already had offers of plants,

bushes, compost, pots, advice and

books so many thanks to everyone

who has taken the trouble to sort

these out for us.

We would also like to set up a

specific group of parents, teachers

and other interested groups in the

near future, which one or two of

you may like to be part of.

Thanks again for making the day

a terrific success.

Anne Nightingale Horwich Parish

CE Primary School

PTA Chair

CLERGYBIT

by Fliss Shaw

3

November and its celebrations were named the Kingdom Season when the Church of England began to use the Alternative Service Book in 1980. I still like to call it this, beginning on the Feast of All Saints (Nov 1st) it runs up to the day before Advent Sunday. The Kingdom Season, if you like, brings up the rear of the Christian Year.

This season has backward and forward looking aspects. On All Saints Day we praise and give thanks to God for all the people both famous and not so famous who have journeyed the path of life in the Faith of Christ. People of many differing gifts and talents, yet all with one objective, to be faithful in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some were martyred, some had visions, some were not particularly nice but all tried to love God and are remembered for their efforts and the example they gave.

All Souls Day follows (Nov 2nd)and gives us an opportunity to remember and give thanks for our loved ones who have died.

Those people who we would probably not call saints in the

heroic sense of the word. Remembrance Sunday also falls in the Kingdom Season, when we remember those who gave their lives

(or had them snatched away) whilst fighting for their country. This day can spur us on to work for peace both in our own lives and in the politics of the world.

No kingdom is complete without a king and so the last Sunday of the Kingdom Season is the Feast of Christ the King. On this day we recognize the Kingship of Christ and look forward to that day when God’s kingdom will come in all its fullness and all peoples will feast at God’s table in heaven.

The liturgical colour we use for much of the Kingdom Season is red, reminding us of the struggle and suffering that trying to live the kingdom can demand.

It cost Jesus his life! During November the church

encourages us to take our place in the Communion of Saints with those who have gone before,

those who are our contemporaries and those who will follow us, the great multitude that no-one can number. All who make up the Body of Christ.

And how might we do this? By worshipping at the Eucharist with ‘the whole company of heaven’, and by aligning ourselves with God’s ways of justice and peace.

A definition of the kingdom of God I came across recently is: ‘the power of love established in our hearts’ John Main OSB

Or from St John of the Cross - Mission is ‘Putting love where love isn’t’. Making God visible.

Yes! Altogether November is a challenging Month for the people of God!

Kallum Davies (from Holy Trinity) was presented with a thank you letter sent from Christian Aid and a little bag of goodies to acknowledge his hard work in arranging the football contest to raise money for them earlier this year.

Celebrating Harvest Festival at St. Elizabeth’s. Donations of food went to St. Luke’s Drop In Centre and money gifts from all the churches, this year went to Winter Watch.

Martyn Day & the family flew in from NZ for a holiday & Martyn joined those at Wednesday Communion. Honor, Thomas & Edward were visiting elsewhere.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

10th November Remembrance services in all

our churches & then in the

GARDEN of REMEBRANCE, Lever Park Avenue 12.15 pm

following a parade of

representatives of the

services, uniformed organisations & public.

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This year our boxes are going to Uganda. Described by Winston Churchill as ‘the pearl of Africa’, Uganda is

pulling away from a past defined by hostility and insecurity. While the violent legacy of Idi Amin is close to forgotten by most Ugandans, the plight of 3 million people in squalid camps in northern Uganda is a fresh reminder of the country’s need for continued healing. Children are the hardest hit by suffering and they yet carry the greatest hope for a vibrant tomorrow. 49% of the population are under the age of 15.

OCC has a strong desire to reach the neediest children in the farthest corners of Uganda.

It is hoped that within 5 years there will be a network of 9 regional leadership teams. Already water, sanitation and hygiene projects are up and running.

14,400 shoeboxes are planned for 2013 half of which I hope will be from Horwich. They will travel by container taking around 44 days. Contents are as shown on our leaflets but educational goods will be really appreciated ie exercise books, pens, pencils, colours, sharpeners, rubbers, rulers, pencil cases maybe even solar calculators for the older boys and girls etc etc.

We hope to be up and running from 4th Nov and must get the container away by Nov 30. Why not come and help us? - it is great fun! - please do ring me!

SHOEBOX UPDATE

Our meetings are fortnightly on Thursday evening in the Parish Hall at 8.00 pm. We have a varied and interesting programme as the events from September to December this year display:

In September we had ‘From Folk Art to Fairy tales’ (Julie Ball) and ‘Saving Rare Breeds’ (Stephen Pickup). In October ‘A History of Soap and Bathing’(Matthew Lepp), ‘Village Signs’ (Shirley Addy) and ‘Brocks World’ (Andy Hardman).

On November 14th we have ‘Fired4U’ with speaker Jane Fox, November 28th ‘Who Were Shakespeare’s Sisters’ with Prof. Alison Findlay and December 5th is our Christmas Celebration and Supper. (We close during the summer following the school holiday pattern).

I have been Chairperson for three years and hope to be replaced at the next AGM at the beginning of January 2014. It is time for a new face with different qualities and ideas to host the evening. It has been the policy of Open Door to have a new chairperson every one or two years in order to share the burden. Similarly our secretaries (we have two, who share the work) are also looking to be relieved in January 2014. The secretaries put the programme together amongst other tasks.

Closure of Open Door is a distinct possibility. This possibility looms because of the lack of volunteers that are willing to take on the essential jobs that keep Open Door functioning. These jobs are not hard, there are lots of people willing to advise and help, mistakes occur, but it does not matter when you are amongst friends. However, commitment is needed and that seems to be the sticking point. Poor regular attendance is also another factor that needs to be addressed.

In January this year Open Door celebrated its 20th anniversary. Open Door was an amalgamation of ‘Thursday Club’ and ‘Mother’s Union’. The Anniversary was a lovely evening but slightly spoiled by the poor attendance. When the weather is good numbers are reasonable but when it is inclement numbers are poor. Since returning after the summer two meetings have been reasonably well attended (approx. 20). The last meeting was on a wet evening and only 13 attended. The charge for attending was £2 and the speaker charged £40 so it is easy to appreciate that we cannot suffer these losses on a regular basis.

In January the numbers will be low and when the weather improves numbers will rise. Everyone wants Open Door to remain open but only when it suits them and I wonder sometimes whether it will be truly missed. Perhaps it will be a case of: “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”.

I am hoping that this frank appraisal of the situation will bring forth a new chairperson and a new secretary with a vision for the future of “Open Door”. Please search your heart and speak to me if you think that you can help in any way or have some inspired ideas.

I am only too pleased to hear your views and all proposals will be given serious considerations by the committee of “Open Door”.

Many thanks, Jean Rosslowe 01942 831719

“OPEN DOOR” ----- TO SHUT?? - HELP NEEDED!

July Ramble & Supper

Many, many thanks to all of you busy filling shoeboxes. Our churches, the Resource Centre and Tesco Customer Service desk will take them when you are ready. The library and the little Pound Shop on Lee Lane also have leaflets.

Judith 01204 691964.

Both photos are from last year when our boxes went to Swaziland.

5

CELEBRATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS Anything to celebrate? Someone to congratulate? Let the editor know and see it printed here!

Email jill.harley@talktalk.net or ring 01204 694611 before the deadline on the front page.

In addressing the congregation gathered at St. Peter Bolton-le-Moors for the Ordination of Deacons on 30th June this year the Bishop of Middleton read out the following Declaration:

Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests with whom they serve as heralds of Christ's kingdom. They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God's purposes of love. They are to serve the community in which they are set, bringing to the Church the needs and hopes of all the people. They are to work with their fellow members in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world, that the love of God may be made visible.

Deacons share in the pastoral ministry of the Church and in leading God's people in worship. They preach the word and bring the needs of the world before the Church in intercession. They accompany those searching for faith and bring them to baptism. They assist in administering the sacraments; they distribute communion and minister to the sick and housebound.

Deacons are to seek nourishment from the Scriptures; they are to study them with God's people, that the whole Church may be equipped to live out the gospel in the world. They are to be faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God's presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us.

The previous evening 19 of us received the Bishop's Charge and Anointing which ended our silent retreat. It was a very special service in which Bishop Mark gave us three passages to hold on to. The first was Mark 3:13 - we were to remember always that Jesus had called us because he desired us. The second was Psalm 123 - which we were urged to read often, remembering that God has known us from the very beginning. And finally 2 Timothy 6 - that when the going gets tough - as it would - we were urged "to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands".

Upon waking on the 30th June the first thought that came into my mind was that the day was finally here. As I prayed that morning I offered myself to God, to serve Him and to follow wherever He would lead. I asked that I would always be faithful to my calling.

To this day it never ceases to amaze me that God has called me. It is a privilege to have been chosen to serve Him. It often surprises people to learn that I often do not feel very confident. It has been hard to step out into what is a very public role. Yet I have learnt to trust God, to trust that He has chosen me to serve Him in His Church. I have learnt to trust Him in guiding me in the way I should go; to trust Him to give me the words I should

speak; to trust Him to give me His love for His people. I trust in His love and forgiveness.

This past five years have been an amazing journey - filled with joy and laughter but there have been times when I feel I have been stretched to the limit and there has certainly been tears shed along the way. I have met many wonderful people and made lots of new friends. I am immensely grateful for the love and support that my family and friends have given me, and continue to give me, as I progress with my IME (Initial Ministerial Education) training over the next five years.

A number of years ago I came across these words - I cannot remember where I found them - but they sum up that to which God has called me:

"Wisdom will stretch us far beyond where we thought we could or wanted to go. She will show us what we cannot change or control, reveal what is hard to know about ourselves and the world and tear at the illusion of what we think we know, until we are surrounded by the vastness of mystery."

What a GREAT God we have! It is a privilege and an honour to serve Him. If you should feel a tugging in your heart to explore ministry whether it is Accredited Lay Ministry, Reader or Ordained Ministry please speak to one of the clergy. Caroline Tracey

CAROLINE REFLECTS ON

HER CALLING AS AN OLM

GET YOUR FLU’ JAB CHOP, CHOP!

Have you had your flu job yet? ‘Kung Flu Fighters’ - your local doctors - across Horwich and Bolton are urging you to get your flu jab. Vulnerable people are particularly encouraged to get one, including over 65’s, pregnant women and under 65’s with chronic

illnesses like asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or have had a stroke or TIA. Anyone in these categories are eleven times more likely to die from flu than anyone else. Carers and those with impaired immunity are also eligible for the free jabs. The vaccine is not live, so cannot give

you flu - it is impossible – don’t believe the stories. It might give you a sore arm but that is much better than getting flu. Be wise, contact your local doctor or health centre

CHOP, CHOP

6

Once again you allowed us to

have another successful Scouts

Christmas Post in December 2012.

The Scouts processed 2004 cards

and raised £556.86 through your

kind donations. The donations go

to the various Scout Groups’ funds.

Thank you for supporting us.

Now the 2013 Scouts Christmas

Post is nearly here! For this year

we are keeping the minimum

donation at 23p per card. We hope

you agree this is still good value

The dates and venues for

collecting boxes are:

Horwich Clinic, Jones Street &

Horwich Resource Centre,

Beaumont Road from the morning

of Monday 25th Nov. through to

4.00 pm on Monday 16th Dec.

The following churches will have

collecting boxes from Sunday 1st

Dec to Sunday 15th Dec

- St Mary’s Church, Chorley

New Road; St Elizabeth’s

Church, Cedar Avenue; St John’s

Church, Victoria Road; St

Catherine’s Church, Richmond

Avenue and Holy Trinity, Church

Street.

Royal Mail allows Scouts to carry

out their Christmas Post under

certain conditions and should we

not comply with the conditions,

permission can be withdrawn.

Three of the main conditions are:

1. The amount of the minimum

donation, 2. The dates & 3. The

area covered. In Horwich’s case

the boundary goes from

Beechville on Chorley New Road

to the Bromilow Arms (‘Bonnie

Lasses’) on Lostock Lane to the

bottom of Crown Lane to Lever

Park Avenue to Heather Hall on

Matchmoor Lane.

What we

ask of you

is that you

please ensure your cards are

correctly addressed, preferably

with a post code and that they are

for within the Horwich boundary;

post them into one of the collection

boxes in plenty of time; put the

minimum donation per card in and

then leave the rest to us. We are

hoping you will support us again

this year.

The Scouts from 6th Horwich

(Holy Trinity); 18th Bolton (Lee

Lane C.C.); 42nd Bolton (St

Elizabeth’s) and the Jaguar

Explorer Scout Unit are looking

forward to delivering your cards.

Margaret Broadfoot

01204 690283

Mark Smith 07947 004057 on behalf of the Horwich Scouts

SCOUTS

CHRISTMAS POST 2013

CHARITY FASHION

SHOW & SALE MON 18th NOVEMBER 7.30 pm

at HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

to raise funds for

The Christie &

Willow Foundation.

Tickets: £4 (incl. a glass wine/juice)

Available from Jan O’Brien or

Vicky Lever at Holy Trinity

or call (01204) 694643/699948

Enjoy a night of bargains galore with

up to 75% off RRP. Prices start from

£3 and mostly under £15 to suit

every budget. Goods from top high

street stores in sizes 8-20.

This Fashion Show is organised by Jan O’Brien who has raised over £10,000 for these charities since her own diagnosis of cancer in 2006. Currently in remission and proud mum to Daniel - ‘miracle’ baby, born after being told as a result of the treatment and surgery she would be unable to have children, Jan writes: ‘I am very involved with Willow Foundation and was made a Community Champion for the charity three years ago. Last year I was invited to speak about my cancer experience and the long term impact of my willow special day at the annual celebrity ball. This year Willow and Bob and Megs Wilson (ex Arsenal and Scotland Goalkeeper) invited me to be part of the founder board (made up of special day beneficiaries) to start a Willow Alumni association offering help and support to beneficiaries and their families beyond their special day. Although this is still in its infancy, I am very proud and honoured to have been asked to take part in addition to organising my own fundraising events to enable many more seriously ill young adults to benefit from a special day as I did.

It goes without saying that The Christie do some amazing work and without the expertise and outstanding care I received (and continue to receive) from there I would not still be here today so I have a lot to thank them for. The money raised will help to support other patients and their families at the hospital to make things as comfortable as possible.

http://www.christie.nhs.uk/

THE WILLOW FOUNDATION

provide special days for seriously ill young adults aged 16-40. Each beneficiary is living with the difficult realities of a life changing illness. Jan chose to visit a London Show and meet the star. This was what it meant to her: ‘My Special Day had been a complete whirlwind of emotions. At that moment the worries, pain, uncertainty of life and frequent terrifying experiences I had faced over the past year felt like a lifetime ago. I felt normal again, purposeful and empowered.

The day itself was more than I could have ever imagined. I don’t think anyone will ever comprehend just how much of an impact this day had on my emotional health, wellbeing and, in the longer term, my physical recovery. It helped me to see that there was some optimism, positivity and hope for better times and life itself.”

ONE AMAZING LADY...

The evening promises to be a

really entertaining night out,

shopping, meeting friends and

having a drink whilst supporting

these two amazing charities.

Why not get your ticket now!

20th Oct Charley Urmston

20th Oct Thea Mahala Billington

20th Oct Ash Samuel Billington

20th Oct Aliya Maia Billington

20th Oct Noah Peter Billington

20th Oct Jessica Ruby Croston

20th Oct Daniel James Croston

BAPTISMS & THANKSGIVINGS We welcome to the family of the Church: 21st Sept Maisie Belema Godfrey

22nd Sept Dylan Matthew Islwyn Gray

22nd Sept Jasmin Mia Isherwood 29th Sept Kaleb Rio Hall

20th Oct Sky Melia

20th Oct Cameron Melia

20th Oct Pheonix Melia 20th Oct Jasmin Melia

WEDDINGS We wish joy and happiness to: 20th Sept Stephen Spencer & Correne Tyldsley

21st Sept Anthony Hubbard & Nicola Haslam 28th Sept Rupert Clare & Susan Knight

5th Oct Mark Goodwin & Stephanie Giles

FUNERALS We offer love and sympathy to the relatives and friends of: 23rd Sept Marian Lowton, Andsell Road, Horwich

25th Sept Nora Lawes, Catherine Street, Horwich 26th Sept Scott Wilham, of Preston & Craven Court, Horwich

26th Sept Sarah Hopley, Corranstone Close, Horwich

27th Sept Brian Lance, Rivington House, Horwich

28th Sept Byron Hudson, 10th anniversary memorial service 4th Oct Lily Makin, Hazelbrook Nursing Home, Horwich

8th Oct John Edward Birchall, Mary Street, Horwich

18th Oct Kenneth Burgess, Old Vicarage Road, Horwich

From the Registers

FRIENDS of RIDGEMONT

CEMETERY (FORC) What a difference a few

enthusiastic workers make. Kathy

Denton who is very involved at

Horwich Moor Methodist Church,

has taken on the job of chairing

and encouraging Horwich people

to help look after Ridgemont

cemetery.

Here Kathy with friends Joan,

Renee and Vera have a rest after

their exertions.

Next work days are:

Saturdays

2nd and 16th November

10am -12 noon

Town Mayor, Cllr Christine

Root, and Mayoress Patricia

Holmes stopped at Horwich

Resource Centre recently to

contribute to Bolton’s food bank

Storehouse. Mr Eric Kent Chair

of Churches Together, and Rev

David Griffiths along with

Horwich Resource Centre

Admin Support Officer Mrs

Hazel Fairclough, were there to receive the Mayor’s contributions. The

Centre is now the main drop off point in Horwich for the churches,

before this they had to travel to Bolton to Urban Outreach which runs

the Storehouse food bank and the Winter Watch food appeal. The

partnership arrangement is working really well & the van from

Storehouse calls at the Centre once a week to collect the growing

number of food bags being contributed for the 300 parcels a week

being distributed across Horwich and Bolton.

TREASURE CHEST SERVICE Our mid week primary school youth

group are leading the Sunday service on

1st December at 10 am at St.

Elizabeth’s Church, Cedar Avenue.

Why not join the children, Kim, other

leaders & helpers to learn about

Creation, the Fall & the Flood

ALL WELCOME

With thanks to Easiprint, Crown Lane, Horwich for printing this magazine.

We are hoping to start featuring a regular CHILDREN’S CORNER with puzzles, colouring, quizzes etc. To start off we thought we’d have a colouring competition for Advent. Advent Sunday is 1st December

PLEASE ANSWER

this TIE BREAKER

QUESTION:

What does Advent mean to you?

Name: ...........................

Age: ..............................

Tel: ...............................

ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY: Sunday 17th November

POSTAL ENTRIES to: Caroline Tracey, 82 Pennine Road, Horwich, Bolton. BL6 7HW.

EMAIL ENTRIES to: caroline@archangelos.co.uk

SO...Colour the picture, answer the tie breaker question, tell us your name, age and contact number and send

or email it to the address given below. The winners will be announced in the December/January issue.

THE PRIZE will be a MEANINGFUL ADVENT CALENDAR for the winner of each age group.

3 AGE GROUPS: 1) Up to 6 years 2) 7 to 11 years 3) 12 to ‘young at heart’

Making a will, and keeping it reasonably up-to-date, makes good financial sense for your family, friends and dependents as well as your own peace of mind. Every November, local solicitors are ready and willing to help people put their affairs in order and secure the future for their loved ones. They are offering to write basic Wills without charging their normal fee. All that they ask in return is that clients consider making a donation to Will Aid.

Will Aid is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over 250,000 people have written their Will through Will Aid since its launch. The money raised is shared by nine UK charities that carry out life-

changing work here in the UK and around the world.

When someone dies without a valid Will, their money and possessions are distributed under the laws of intestacy. Not only can this mean that the people intended to benefit might not do so, but it can also bring loved ones additional stress sorting out the mess at a time when they are least equipped to cope. Even if you have a Will it is

important to keep it up to date. Experts suggest that a Will is reviewed every five years and updated as and when circumstances change.

WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS A WILL Local solicitors are ready & willing to help

Remembering the Church in your Will is a wonderful way both to thank God for the blessings you have received and to help your Church to meet the needs of future generations.

A lasting gift is an important part of Christian giving; many of us give regularly to the Church each week or month from our income – why not from our estates too?

A gift in your Will could support your Church’s ministry to young people, support an overseas mission partner, preserve your historic church bells, improve facilities, and much more.

Demand for Will Aid is high so book your appointment as early as possible to ensure that you can take part in the scheme.

Participating solicitors can be found at http://www.willaid.org.uk/or by calling the hotline 0300 0300 013.