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Diary Dates and News in 2008 |
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Service Details and Events Coming Up |
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JULY |
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13th July |
Sunday |
10:30am |
Holy Communion |
Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13 (Rachel) Matthew 13;1-9, 18-23 (Bob) |
Intercessions: Simon Sunday School: Nikki & Shelley Lay Assistant Cynthia |
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20th July |
Sunday |
10:30am |
Family Worship |
Readings: Isaiah 44;6-8 (Jean) Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 (Bob) |
Intercessions: Jackie No Sunday School:
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27th July |
Sunday |
10:30am |
Holy Communion |
Readings: 1 Kings 3:5-12 (Sandra) Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 (Bob) |
Intercessions: Janet No Sunday School:
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SEPTEMBER |
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27th Sept |
Saturday |
7:00pm |
Nightingale Singers’ Autumn Concert |
Concert rescheduled due to the heavy commitments of the choir. We apologise for any inconvenience caused |
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News and Comment in June 2008 |
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Sol + stice come from two Latin words meaning ‘sun’ and ‘to stand still’. As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. The Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. The Northern Hemisphere celebrates in June, and the Southern Hemisphere celebrates in December. St. Patrick helps us to honour God, the Creator.
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He inspires all, He gives life to all, He dominates all, He supports all. He lights the light of the sun. He furnishes the light of the night. He has made springs in dry land. He is the God of heaven and earth, of sea and rivers, of sun, moon and stars, of the lofty mountain and the lowly valley, the God above heaven, and in heaven, and under heaven. |
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June 15th |
Another miracle?
A priest was speeding down a motorway when he was stopped by the police. The officer smelled alcohol on his breath, and then saw the empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. “Sir,” he demanded, “Have you been drinking?” “Just water,” says the priest. “Then why,” said the officer, “do I smell wine?” The priest thought rapidly. “Good Lord!” he cried. “He’s done it again!”
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The Nightingale Singers
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June 8th |
The banner was produced by the congregation at an ‘Interactive Service’ by everyone in the congregation. The theme was ‘Hands’ and how they help and care. |
The Nightingale Singers
The next concert in church by the Nightingale Singers will be on Saturday 5th July. Flyers are now ready for delivering if anyone is able to help by taking a bundle to distribute around the village. Bob is selling tickets for the event, so if you want to come to see what is usually a fantastic evening of musical entertainment, have a word with Bob today or give him a ring on 0161 643 6000.
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25th May |
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Library Coffee Rota We will be serving coffee every fortnight when the library bus is outside church, starting on Friday 30th May. The bus arrives at 1.40pm for 15 minutes and we will be opening the church from 1.30 – 2.15pm.
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18th May |
Christian Aid Week
Many thanks to all who contributed to Christian Aid and to those who took out the envelopes and then collected them. The total collected was £270.
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11th May |
The flowers for the service today are in memory of Mrs Flo Fitton.
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New Banner for Pentecost Janet Woodall has again been busy and made us an absolutely stunning banner for Pentecost.
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Christian Aid Week
This week is Christian Aid week.
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News and Comment in April 2008 |
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27th April
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Holy Baptism
Today, we welcomed Neo with his parents and Godparents for his baptism. Neo and his family have only recently arrived from India and the ladies looked resplendent in their saris.
Click photo or here for photos of the day
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Ascension Day
This Thursday is Ascension Day, when we remember Jesus returning to heaven 40 days after his resurrection and after many appearances on Earth. You can read about this in the reading for Ascension Day, Luke 24 v44-53.
Grant, we pray,
almighty God,
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New Poster
The excellent poster made by the Sunday School last week. Well done!
Click the picture or here to see a larger view
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20th April
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Have you walked in the garden? (Mk14:33-34,42, Jn20:16)
Have you walked in the garden of desolation, Do you know what it’s like to fall down? Have you trusted and shared and been rejected, Has the broken heart within you turned to stone? Have you known the pain of misinterpretation, Of betrayal by the ones you knew as friends? Have you pleaded that your nightmare might be lifted, Just to waken to a night that never ends? Have you walked in the garden of desolation?
Jesus walked in your garden.
Let him lead you from the garden of your suffering, Let him show you to the place beyond the night. He has overcome the darkness by his death upon the cross, He has won for you his glorious Easter light. There is life and joy within his resurrection, There is freedom and forgiveness for the past, Let him lead you in the garden of his triumph As he calls your name and offers peace at last. Let him lead you from the garden of your suffering. Daphne Kitching
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13th April |
DEAR GOD
I want to thank you for what you have already done in my life.
I am not going to wait until things in my life look better - I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry – I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears- I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves- I am not going to wait until I get the job- I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier - I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. Most of all, I'm thanking you, God...because you haven't given up on me.
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Happy Birthday!
Daniel 21 today
Victoria 7 tomorrow
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A God who does miracles!!
Moses and the Red Sea
Nine-year-old Joseph was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. 'Well, Mum, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
“When he got to the Red Sea, Moses had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed HQ for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.”
“Now, Joseph, is that really what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked, startled.
“Well, no,” her son admitted. “But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!”
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Another 2 ‘Miracles’ …the vestry and toilet (Phase 2) finished at last.
A short time ago, the final stage of the vestry make-over was completed. We now have hot water on tap for the first time and it now feels a bright and welcoming room to be in.
You will see that our earlier ‘Toilet Project’, (Phase 1) begun around 2003, had to be revamped. Because of the legislation for disabled access, the original location we developed for the toilet was unsuitable for wheelchair access and a new location had to be found. By extensive modifications to the old entrance lobby, and the widening of the door from the vestry, a beautiful toilet facility has been created, from what had become the ‘junk room’. We even have baby changing facilities. BUT…we still haven’t finished! This is only the end of Phase 2.
As you may notice, the toilet is currently a porta-potti, (admittedly with an electric flush!), those with caravans will recognise it. Phase 3 will replace the porta-potti with a ‘proper’ flushing toilet. That involves considerable external work and expense. A huge plastic chamber for the waste has to be accommodated under the grounds behind the church and it then has embedded into a concrete bunker, presumably to stop it turning into a barrage balloon from the waste gasses! So, I’m afraid that means continued efforts and fund raising for its final completion.
Having said that the current facilities are very adequate and it now allows the much wider use of the church for the community. The Nightingale Singers now regularly use the church as their rehearsal venue, and it is far more convenient, if you’ll excuse the pun, for when the church is used as a Polling Station. We are also considering opening up the church on the day the Mobile Library arrives to allow people a change to meet for coffee and a chat as they exchange their books.
If you wish to hire the church for any social functions or children’s parties, then we would be happy to accommodate you. Please contact Mr Bob Pearson, our warden, 0161 643 6000 to make a booking.
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News and Comment in March 2008 |
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Because of JesUs
Before U were thought of or time had begun, Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand? God even stuck U in the name of his Son. He rose from the dead, with U in his plan. And each time U pray, you'll see that it's true - The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, You can't spell out JesUs and not include U. and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
You're a pretty big part of his wonderful name, When JesUs left earth at his upward ascension, For U, He was born; that's why He came. He felt there was one thing He just had to And his great love for U is the reason He died. mention. It even takes U to spell crUcified. "Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - just like I love U."
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Prayer Tree made during today’s Interactive Communion Service.
Click the picture to a larger version. |
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!!CONGRATULATIONS!!
!!CONGRATULATIONS!! Also to Betty on becoming a great grandmother again this week.
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23rd March
Easter Sunday |
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A snow fall overnight brought an unexpected scene to the church gardens following the erection of the cross after the Walk of Witness on Good Friday. |
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22nd March Easter Saturday |
Confirmation Service at Manchester Cathedral Jessica and Rebekah were confirmed in a packed Manchester Cathedral on Saturday night along with more than 80 other candidates, many of whom were adults. Our prayers go with them as they continue their Christian journey through their lives.
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Good Friday |
Good Friday Witness Middleton Churches held their annual open-air Service of Witness in Middleton Town Centre on Good Friday. It was a very cold and windy day but it did not deter a number of hardy souls from attending the service.
Later, at 5:00pm we held a short but moving service in St Mary, Birch before carrying the cross to St Thomas’, where we all gathered around the cross to sing “When I survey the wondrous cross”
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Easter Acclamation
Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! What’s that you say? Jesus is risen! But he was dead! Jesus is risen! Nailed to a cross Jesus is risen! Laid in a grave Jesus is risen! Dead for three days Jesus is risen! Now he’s alive? Jesus is risen! Death overcome? Jesus is risen! Hope for us all! Jesus is risen! Shout with one voice: Jesus is risen!
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St Patrick’s Day moved to 15 March The Roman Catholic Church has moved St Patrick's Day this year, after discovering it clashes with a key day in the Church's calendar. The Irish patron saint's feast, normally on March 17, this year would clash with the second day of Holy Week. RC Church rules decree the saint's feast day does not rank as highly as the Monday before Easter and therefore it had to be moved two days back to March 15, which falls on a Saturday. Senior Irish clerics wanted to keep the date as close to international civic celebrations as possible, as they are planned years in advance. The last time St Patrick's Day had to be moved was in 1940 when it coincided with Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. The next date it will have to be moved again is 2160.
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BBC TV – The Passion This coming Holy Week, you may want to tune in to watch a major forthcoming BBC television series – The Passion. Praised by numerous church leaders, it is expected to make a huge national impact over the Easter season – drawing more than ten million viewers.
The series, which starts on Palm Sunday 16th March, will be scheduled in peak time on BBC1. It tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life, his trial and crucifixion. The last episode, to be broadcast on Easter Sunday 23rd March, dramatises his post-resurrection appearances.
The Passion has been made by award-winning drama producer Nigel Stafford-Clark, who was responsible for Bleak House and Warriors. The cast includes Cold Feet star James Nesbitt as Pilate and EastEnders actor Paul Nicholls as Judas Iscariot. The part of Jesus is played by the relatively unknown Joseph Mawle, who at 33 is the same age as Jesus during the events of the Passion.
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2nd March |
Mothering Sunday Today was Mothering Sunday and we welcomed all mothers (and fathers too) to share in our Family Communion service.
The most excellent banner that the Sunday School produced last week was on display and every lady present received a bunch of flowers.
The Photo Gallery can be viewed by clicking the thumbnail. |
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!!Smile Lines!!
A very dirty little boy came in from playing in the garden and asked his mother: ‘Who am I?’ Ready to play the game, she said, ‘I don’t know. Who are you?’ ‘WOW!’ cried the child. ‘Mrs Smith next door was right. She said I was so dirty that my own mother wouldn’t recognise me.’
The Sunday school teacher asked his class: “Do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the ark?' 'No,' replied one logical youngster. 'How could he, with just two worms?'
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Geoff and Anne
Many thanks to everyone who donated to a leaving present for Geoff and Anne Garrett. With the money given, we bought them a year’s subscription to The National Trust so they can begin to explore their new area!
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1st March |
Coffee afternoon
Many thanks to all who came to support the Coffee Afternoon and to those who helped set up and put away. We raised around £190 for the work of the church.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures of the afternoon as our resident photographer had a senior moment and forgot to take any!
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News and Comment in February 2008 |
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24th February |
Farm Africa
We are still collecting 5ps for Farm Africa and the pot is at the back of church. If you have any 5ps in your loose change, please bring them along to church with you.
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Reading and Intercessions Rotas
If anyone is interested in joining either the reading or the intercessions rota, please have a word with Alan.
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19th February |
Spectacular Sunrise A completely cloudless sky gave us the opportunity to witness a most spectacular sunrise. Perhaps a similar one gave rise to the hymn ‘Morning has broken’. |
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10th February |
What is true love?
Here are the answers that a group of four to eight year olds gave….
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - age 5
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." Nikka-age 6
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." Karen - age 7
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8
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3rd February |
Please remember the Woodall family in your prayers this week as Stuart’s Mum died on Thursday.
We pray for Janet, Rachel & John, Michelle, Richard, Jenny and Milly and Stuart and Linda that God would be especially close to them and would comfort them. We pray they will know His peace and love with them at this time. We pray particularly for Michelle away in Canada that will have the support she needs. Amen
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Quizmaster Bob
Bob has decided that it is time for him to put away the quiz books and enjoy taking part in a quiz instead. Many thanks Bob for all the quizzes you have complied over the years and the hours of fun (and debate!) you have provided.
Our next quiz would normally be at the harvest supper.
If anyone would like to have a go at putting one together – please have a word with Alan. Thanks.
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News and Comment in January 2008 |
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World Leprosy Day 2008 January 27th
God of those who feel unlovely and unloved We pray everyone affected by leprosy may know the beauty of Your love in their lives God of the outcast We pray that they may know Your arms are waiting to welcome them home God of those living in fear We pray they may know You are walking beside them God of the homeless We pray they may find shelter in You God of the poor We pray they may know the riches of Your grace God of the past, present and future We pray for a world where all know You as their Lord and Saviour Amen
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20th January |
What are angels like? Try asking school children that question, and you'll get some imaginative replies! Like these….
§ Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter. Sara, 6 § Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter Jared , 8 § All angels are girls because they have to wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. Antonio, 9 § My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. Katelynn, 9 § Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the kid get over it. Vicki, 8 § What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. Sarah, 7
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Last Day for Worship Surveys Please could everyone complete a survey from the back of church. We are currently looking at our pattern of worship for the next few months and it would be helpful for us to know which services people prefer (Holy Communion, Morning Worship, Family Worship etc). Please indicate your preference on the form so that we can get a general feeling from everyone. The forms are all anonymous. Please return the form to the box at the back of church. Thank you. |
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Instead of a sermon today, we had another DVD in the series by Rob Bell. The title was ‘Luggage’ and told of how we can offer forgiveness allowing God to resolve our problems instead of carrying the ‘luggage’ of revenge around with us in our lives. It ended very brutally with the message that if we don’t take the opportunity to forgive, then we may never get the chance to.
If you missed the service and would like to borrow the DVD, please let Jackie know. It is really worth seeing and, good as the others have been, this one was quite the most moving and engaging in the series to date.
The flowers today were in memory of Mrs Florence Fitton.
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For all the news in previous years please click on the News & Diary Menu Tab => Monthly Archive
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Wants and Needs
Old Clothes The Salvation Army would be grateful to receive any clothes in good condition. There is a branch in Rochdale just past the College and next traffic lights going up the dual carriageway. |
Going BeggingIf you have an item you no longer have a use for and feel it may be useful to someone please let us know and we will see if we can find a good home for it. |
Weekly Newssheet mailingIf you would like a full colour copy of the weekly newssheet e-mailed to you every week, then please click on the following e-mail address. newssheet@stthomasbowlee.org.uk |
Why not make this page your HOME PAGE?In Internet Explorer, select TOOLS->INTERNET OPTIONS: Select ‘USE CURRENT’ on the General Tab. |
Keeping in touch with web site updatesIf you would like to be informed, by e-mail, when changes are made to the web site, then please e-mail us by clicking on the following e-mail address webupdate@stthomasbowlee.org.uk |
Contributions PleaseAny items or changes for next week’s ‘Latest News’ item please submit them by 7pm Wednesday. Phone 0161 643 8269, or email: info@stthomasbowlee.org.uk
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