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Dear friends,

How do you greet the thought of another year? Does it thrill you with a sense

of new beginnings or does it bring an uneasy sense of time passing faster than

you’d like it to? Hopefully it is the former rather than the latter, but on

occasions over the coming months, we’ll probably see time as a foe, rather

than a friend. When life is good, we want it to stand still so that we can hang

onto it forever – only of course we can’t, and those special moments soon

become distant memories. When life is busy, we want more time, for there

simply isn’t enough of it to go around. When life is dull, brings yet more of the

same routine, time drags and appears to go on forever. I remember my Nana

Bessie writing in my autograph book ‘time goes slowly for those who have

nothing better to do than watch the clock!’

For a whole host of reasons, we can end up yearning for extra time, or wishing

it away, and in each case, we fail to appreciate the time we have.

How do we escape from that impasse? Perhaps I can suggest three points to

keep in mind. Firstly, no matter what our responsibilities, we can learn to take

things at a more leisurely pace, building into each day a few moments to be

still in the presence of God. Secondly, we can take things as they come, letting

go of worries about the future or regrets concerning the past and

remembering that each moment is a gift of God. Thirdly, we must remember

that we live in the context not simply of our brief human span, but of God’s

eternity. In other words, quite literally, we have all the time in the world and

more! Yes, we’ll occasionally end up chasing our tails, wishing we should stop

the clock or wondering why its hands move so slowly, but we’ll also learn to

appreciate the time God has given and so to appreciate life to the full. When

you know that time may be limited – it certainly gives you a different

perspective.

Yesterday was history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift of God, That is why it is called the present.

I would like to finish with an alternative version of Psalm 23 by Toki Miyamisha

The Lord is my pace setter, I need not rush. He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

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He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity. He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind. His guidance is peace. For his presence is here, his timelessness. his importance will keep me in balance. He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of activity by anointing my head with oils of tranquillity. My cup of joyous energy overflows. Such harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours, For I shall walk in the peace of the Lord And dwell in his company for ever more. Amen

A happy new year to you all. May you use your time wisely and enjoy the

present of time and use your time this year wisely.

Every blessing,

Deborah

________________________________________________________________

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

FUNERALS We commend into the loving hands of Almighty God: David Wharton on 18th December at Blackley Crematorium Derek Faulkner on 6th December at Blackley Crematorium ________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR FOR JAN 2020

Morning Prayer will be said in the Chancel Monday-Friday at 8.30am: On Tuesday and Friday the Peregrini Service will be used. Parish Office is every Thursday, 7.00-8.00pm in church.

Sunday 29th Dec THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s)

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Wed 1st Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee

Sunday 5th Jan EPIPHANY (family service) 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s)

Wed 1st Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee Fri 3rd Jan 2.00pm MU

Sunday 12th Jan THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST (Laying on of hands) 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s)

Wed 15TH Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 4.00pm Messy Church

Sunday 19th Jan THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) 3.00pm Week of prayer for Christian Unity (St M)

Wed 22d Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 7.30pm PCC

Sunday 26th Jan THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) 3.45am Service of wholeness and well being

Wed 29th Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee

Sunday 2nd Feb THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (family service)

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s)

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9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s)

Wed 5th Feb 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee Fri 7th Feb 2.00pm MU

ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, SIMISTER

January 2020 at St. George’s

Invitation to everybody, all activities are in the Lady Wilton Hall

*WHIST DRIVE :- Start 7:30pm

Saturday 11th December

Everybody welcome come and enjoy an evening out.

All proceeds go to the church, thank you to everybody for your continued

support.

*TEAPOT TIME 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Monday 13th and 27th January 2020

At the December meeting a raffle was held and the money raised was given to

the charity ‘loaves and fish’

Thank you to everybody for your support all proceeds given to St. George’s.

For information please ring Barbara Lashwood 0161 773 6244

Why not bring a friend it is an enjoyable 2 hours..

*CRAFT GROUP

Unfortunately, the craft group is closing and I would like to thank Barbara,

Pauline and Shirley for running this very successful

group for 11 years. We will miss you!!!!

MESSY CHURCH 4:00pm to 5:30pm in the Lady Wilton Hall

January meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th.

Please join us for fun, food and fellowship.

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St. George’s Christmas Fair

Raised on the day £1022.00 GREAT SUCCESS!!!

Thank you to everybody for all the work, the continued support from

both Church Families , Craft Group, Village Friends and your generous

donations.

All monies will go to St. George’s Church, especially the repair of the baptistry

roof.

ALTAR FLOWERS In memory of

Jan. 5th Vacant

12th Mrs. M Woodcock John C. Woodcock

19th

26th Mrs. Jeanne Green Family

Feb. 2nd Mrs Lois Kirby Vera Holt and Roy King

Thank you to everyone for all the flowers.

If you wish to put flowers in church or have any problems please contact:

Barbara Ashurst 07922655013 or Joan Knott 0161 773 6879.

CLEANING ROTA

Week ending Saturday 11th January All for clearing decorations

1st February Joan

We are very short of cleaners in church if anybody feels that they could help

please contact either Joan Knott or Carol Knaggs

Christmas afternoon tea

St. George’s Church family would like to thank all who were involved with the

Young at Heart afternoon tea. We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed

it. The atmosphere was superb with lots of laughter. Thank you for your kind

invitation. Joan and Carol

BLESSED, HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

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Simister Craft Group

As I am sure most will know by now craft group has finished probably to make

way for new and exciting things to take its place!

I just want to say to our crafters, both previous and present, thank you so very

much for all your fabulous support over the eleven years. We have really had a

wonderful time!

Hopefully see you all at Teapot Time!!!!

Happy New Year and Happy Crafting.

Barbara Lashwood

St. Margaret’s Church REREDOS FLOWERS

JANUARY 5 Church Flowers

12 Gillian McConville 19 Joan Evans 26 Zandra Lewis

Sheila Johnson

773 1406

The start of the new year will be a meal at Stand golf Club on Friday 17th January at 7.30pm. There is a choice of 2 or 3 courses. The 2 Course menu is £18.00 and the 3 Course menu is £21.00. There is a list at the back of both churches so please sign up early. Menus are attached to the back of the list so please indicate your choices against your name. You can bring a friend if you wish. All money will have to be

paid to Joan Evans 7739683 by Sunday 12th January. Come and enjoy a meal in good company.

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ADVANCE NOTICE On Saturday 14 March at 7.30pm the

Manchester Chorale will be performing Mass in Blue by Will

Todd, accompanied by a live jazz band. Do come along for an

evening of superb sacred music.

Veganuary January is a time for good resolutions, and giving up animal products for the

month helps reduce your carbon footprint, as well as giving yourself a chance

to recover from the over indulgence of the festive season. This recipe is cheap,

nutritious, quick, and very easy to digest. It is my go-to dish for days when I

feel a bit under the weather. And, of course, it is delicious.

Mixed Veg Kitchari

Servings: 4 each Calories: 277kcal

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup long grain white basmati rice • 3/4 cup quick cooking lentils such as red lentils • 3/4 tsp cumin seeds • 2 to 3 cloves • 1 tsp coriander powder • 1 tbsp onion flakes • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1/2 tsp garam masala, more if you like it spicier • 3/4 tsp turmeric • 1/4 tsp cayenne • 1 or 2 Indian bay leaves

To Cook:

• 1 tomato chopped • 1 to 2 cups chopped vegetables • water • 3/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Toast the cumin seeds and cloves on stove top over medium heat until

cumin seeds change colour slightly. (This step is optional).

2. Wash the lentils and rice.

3. Put all the spices, the lentils and rice into a pan.

4. Add 5 cups of water instead and the rest of the ingredients as above.

Cover partially and cook for 22 minutes, then check to see whether it is done.

5. If you like garnish with coriander, lemon juice and pepper flakes and

serve as is or with chutneys, or poppadums.

6. This is the clever bit. If you like the dish, next time mix a jarful of spices

for future use, making the recipe extremely quick to make.

Variations (enough to stop it ever getting boring!)

• If you have a pressure cooker use only 3.5 cups of water and cook on low

pressure for 3 minutes.

• Add 2 green cardamom pods and a cinnamon stick to the spice bag.

• Use other spice blends like curry powder or Jamaican curry blend or

anything else you fancy!

• Use moong dal instead of half or all the red lentils

• Use brown basmati rice and brown/green lentils, black eyed beans or

mung beans. You will need to add more water and cook for longer.

Adapted from Vegan Richa https://www.veganricha.com/2017/12/khichdi-jar-

mixed-vegetable-kitchari-mix-instant-pot.html

Rev Sue

Thank you.

I have so many “thank yous” to say to you to those both at St.

George’s and St. Margaret’s

A big thank you to all those who helped with the young at

heart party especially to those who helped to set up. Helped with the catering,

the clearing up afterwards and the transport. It was such a lovely afternoon

and we have had so many positive comments about it.

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Thank you to for all money that was raised for the children’s society through

our Christingle service and to all those who helped with the making of the

Christingles.

Thank you for all the donations of warm clothes and chocolate for Barnabus

who support the homeless.

Thank you to all those who have made angels. 215 angels were made, which is

amazing. These were given to the children, in KS1 at St. Margaret’s School,

Sunday School, St. Margaret’s pre-school and to the children who came to our

Christmas services.

Thank you to the flower arrangers for making our church look so beautiful over

Christmas.

Thank you to all those involved in our Christmas services either in the worship,

singing and behind the scenes ensuring that everything runs smoothly and

efficiently.

Rev Deborah

________________________________________________________________

Thank you so much for all your love, support and prayers during my

recent health issues.

Carol P

________________________________________________________________

‘Maggies Music Makers’ is so much more than singing!

I am writing to tell you about an interesting event I attended a few weeks ago,

as part of MICRA (The University of Manchester Institute for Collaborative

Research on Ageing). The theme was ‘Creative Ways to improve movement

and quality of life in age related conditions’.

A fascinating speaker from the University of Derby, Dr Yoon Irons, spoke to us

about a recent piece of research she had led which highlighted the many

health benefits of singing.

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She spoke about the more obvious benefit which is people coming together on

a regular basis whether this be weekly or even monthly, thus reducing social

isolation and creating a feeling of being valued and belonging to a group. From

this people then become more confident and motivated in other areas of their

life too.

She also spoke about the impact of singing on our cognitive function as music

stimulated and activated pathways to the brain otherwise known as neuro

transmitters. When a person is singing the brain has to process lyrics, rhythm,

melody and harmony, to name a few. This multitasking actually helps develop

and maintain functionality in the body.

Finally there is the physical impact on the body as the act of singing uses many

different joints and muscles which if not used will cause problems with bodily

functions as well as mobility issues as we get older. Using your body as a

musical instrument will often create better posture and increase lung function.

This in turn will lead to better health overall.

The research then suggested how ‘Singing’ therefore should be on Prescription

as its health benefits outweigh any medication and without the side effects. I

explained how in fact St Margaret’s Church in Prestwich was actually providing

this service already but perhaps some of us hadn’t realised or appreciated just

what it actually did!

Jacqueline Jackson

________________________________________________________________ The Summons (HON 752) John L. Bell & Graham Maule Fundamentally, there are five basic elements to singing songs (which include hymns) successfully:

• Pitch - how high or low the notes are

• Rhythm - the pattern of the notes

• Pulse - the beat upon which rhythm sits - usually 2, 3 or 4 time

• Tempo - the speed of the pulse

• Words - for communicating meaning

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The pitch, pulse, rhythm and words set by the composer, with suggestions of tempo also given, usually in Italian. For choirs and orchestras, the pulse and tempo are communicated to the musicians by the conductor using a specialised type of semaphore:

The faster the conductor makes these beat patterns, the faster the music goes! Furthermore, the bigger the action the louder the music; the smaller the action, the quieter the music. When new songs are being learned, the conductor may also indicate the pitch of the notes by hand – the higher the note, the higher the conductor’s hand. This seems to be popular with new hymns at St Margaret’s! Rhythm is more difficult to indicate using hand signals, but is terribly important. Essentially, rhythms can be ‘straight’ or ‘swung’ (also known as ‘dotted’). Take “The Summons” for example:

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don't know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me? Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name? Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same? Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare? Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me? Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name? Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same? Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen, and admit to what I mean in you and you in me? Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name? Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?

Commented [1]:

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Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around, through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me? Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name. Let me turn and follow you and never be the same. In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show. Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

At St Margarets and St George’s we usually sing this in a swung rhythm. For me, this suggests a dance – we are dancing with Jesus in an intimate relationship. There are other parishes that consider this rhythmic version as vulgar, and insist on singing The Summons in a straight rhythm. For me, this suggests that we are running to try and keep up with Jesus. Have a listen for yourself, and feel the difference made by rhythm! https://youtu.be/Y7Y5RWel6eg Swung https://youtu.be/o469PRLdbHU Straight (and slow) Carol P ________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO MESSY CHURCH

Messy Church meets in the Lady Wilton Hall,

Simister for fun, fellowship and food, from

4.00-5.30pm. Our dates for 2020 are:-

• Wednesday January 15th

• Wednesday February 12th

• Wednesday March 18th

• Wednesday April 22nd

• Wednesday May 20th

• Wednesday June 17th

• Wednesday July 15th

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South Asia Floods Appeal We have decided to make the Christian Aid South Asia Floods Appeal our

overseas charity this Christmas. Here’s why.

Every summer the monsoon season brings torrential rain to South Asia, but in

2017 the floods in India, Bangladesh and Nepal were the worst for years. 40

million people were directly affected by the disaster. Before the region had a

chance to recover, 2019 brought further severe flooding, with 700 000 in

Bangladesh alone forced to abandon their homes.

People are still in need of safe shelter, clean water, food and medical supplies,

so Christian Aid is working with their local partners in India, Nepal and

Bangladesh to help people whose homes and livelihoods have been lost. They

provide safe drinking water, food, tarpaulin for shelters, hygiene materials,

mosquito nets, and food for livestock. Without access to safe drinking water.

There is a high risk that diseases will spread due to poor sanitation.

2019 has been our year of focusing on the environment, so it is fitting to end it

by helping people who are already suffering from extreme weather conditions

as a result of climate change. Giving is vital to improving their living conditions,

but let’s not forget to continue to pray for them and to strengthen our

commitment to do all we can to halt the climate catastrophe.

Rev Sue

OUR DAILY BREAD JANUARY 2020

Almighty God, you have taught us that your word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Help us, and all who prayerfully read your word, to deepen our fellowship with you and with each other through your love. In doing so we may come to know you more fully, love you more truly, and follow you more faithfully in the steps of your son Jesus Christ. Amen

Wednesday 1st Naming of Jesus: Almighty God, whose blessèd Son was circumcised in obedience to the law for our sake and given the Name that is above every name: give us grace faithfully to bear his Name, to worship him in the freedom of the Spirit, and to proclaim him as the Saviour of the world.

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Thursday 2nd: Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8 Friday 3rd: The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet. James Oppenheim Saturday 4th: Flowers are the smiles of God’s goodness. William Wilberforce

Psalm for this week 107 Sunday 5th: In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago…………. If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Monday 6th: Epiphany: O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth, mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face. Tuesday 7th: The Lord is good and his love……continues through all generations – Psalm 100: 5 Wednesday 8th:

See amid the winter snow, Born for us on earth below;

See the tender lamb appears, Promis'd from eternal years.

Hail, thou ever blessed morn;

Hail, redemption's happy dawn; Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

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Thursday 9th: "The Snow-drop, Winter's timid child, Awakes to life, bedew'd with tears." - Mary Robinson Friday 10th: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2 Saturday 11th: To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. Anatole France

Psalm for this week 108 Sunday 12th: “Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.” -Josephine Nuese Monday 13th: “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. – Matthew 6: 31-32 Tuesday 14th: God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31 The Lord is good to all: He has compassion on all He has made. Psalm 145:9 Wednesday 15th: How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward. Spanish Proverb Thursday 16th: In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous. Aristotle Friday 17th: God is the friend of silence. See how nature grows in silence; see the stars, the moon, the sun, how they move in silence…… We need silence to be able to touch souls. Mother Teresa

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Saturday 18th: Dear Lord, help us to see and love the good in your creation. When it rains,

look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars. Amen

Psalm for this week 109

Sunday 19th: When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along, along. There'll be no more sobbin' when he starts throbbin' his old sweet song. Take care of our feathered friends they bring us so much pleasure at this time of the year. Thank you, Lord. Monday 20th: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 Tuesday 21st: Peace like the river’s gentle flow, peace like the morning’s silent glow. From day to day, in love supplied, an endless and unebbing tide. Horatius Bonar. Wednesday 22nd: God, I place my family into your hands. I trust them to your safekeeping. Protect them, guard them, watch over them. Bless them, God, and care for all their needs. Amen Thursday 23rd: I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 God please give us patience, and allow Your greatness and glory to be evident in our lives. Amen. Friday 24th: Look to this day! For it is life, the very life of life. For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day! Such is the salutation of the dawn. Kalidasa Saturday 25th The Conversion of Paul - Almighty God, who caused the light of the gospel to shine throughout the world through the preaching of your servant Saint Paul:

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grant that we who celebrate his wonderful conversion may follow him in bearing witness to your truth.

Psalm for this week 110 Sunday 26th: Timothy & Titus - Heavenly Father, who sent your apostle Paul to preach the gospel, and gave him Timothy and Titus to be his companions in faith: grant that our fellowship in the Holy Spirit may bear witness to the name of Jesus. Monday 27th: The further the soul is from the noise of the world, the closer kit may be to its Creator, for God draws close to the person who seeks solitude and silence. Tuesday 28th: Thomas Aquinas - God of truth, whose Wisdom set her table and invited us to eat the bread and drink the wine of the kingdom: help us to lay aside all foolishness and to live and walk in the way of insight, that we may come with your servant Thomas Aquinas to the eternal feast of heaven. Wednesday 29th: You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16: 11 Thursday 30th: King Charles - King of kings and Lord of lords, whose faithful servant Charles prayed for those who persecuted him and died in the living hope of your eternal kingdom: grant us by your grace so to follow his example that we may love and bless our enemies, through the intercession of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Friday 31st:

For this new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends. For everything Thy goodness sends, We thank Thee, dearest Lord. Amen.

Let us give thanks for all the gifts we have received from God, our Father; also, for His continued love. We have many things to thank God for – family, friends and all our spiritual needs. We see that the goodness and love of God follows us all the days of our lives.

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SUNDAY HEALING ROTA NOVEMBER 2019 - APRIL 2020

12 January 2020 Mary Judith

09 February 2020 Carol Sue

08 March 2020 Andrew Hedley

19 April 2020 Ray Judith

Maggie’s Music Makers New Year New You? Come and enjoy the health, physical and spiritual benefits of singing together. You’ll even get to learn the hymns for the coming Sunday services! We meet for weekly singing practices every Wednesday in church from 5.30-6.30pm.

Do come along – everyone is welcome! No experience necessary, no need to be able to read music.

Articles for future editions of our parish magazine should be emailed as

an attachment (Word doc, A4, portrait, no columns) to

stmargaretsprestwich@gmail.com no later than:

February magazine 26 January March magazine 23 February April magazine 22 March May magazine 26 April

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Large print version of the magazine. We are

planning to produce a lager print version of

the magazine. If text this size easier for you to

read, let whoever brings your magazine know.

Epiphany Colouring

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