Diary Dates for 2010

2010 Service Details and Events Coming Up

JULY

11^th

Sunday

10:30am

Holy Communion with Rev’d Alan Broxton

Readings: Amos 7 v7-end (Tricia) Luke 10 v25-37 (Bob) Intercessions:   Rachel Sunday School: Nikki & Shelley Lay Assistant: Rachel

September

13^th

Monday

7:30pm

DCC Meeting

25^th

Saturday

6:00pm

Harvest Supper and Quiz

More details later

26^th

Sunday

10:30am

Harvest Thanksgiving

October

9th

Saturday

7:00pm

Nightingale Singers Concert

More details later

November

8^th

Monday

7:30pm

DCC Meeting

20^th

Saturday

2:00pm

Coffee Afternoon

News and Comment in July 2010

July 4th

This week’s Sermon Thanks to Rev’d Ian Cook for his ministry today. If you missed his sermon, then you can hear it now. He speaks on the fulfilling of one’s vocation. Those of you who know about Ian’s views on the Ordination of Women Priests will find it a very interesting perspective. Click hear to listen to the sermon (The sermon lasts 18m:40s)

Granny's Attic Sale Many thanks to everyone who helped with Granny's Attic Sale - setting up, collecting, pricing, selling etc. Despite a disappointing turnout we made around £275 and are able to donate unsold items to local charity shops. Click on picture to view all the photos

News and Comment in June 2010

June 27^th

DCC Meeting There will be a short DCC meeting after church next week to discuss the new protocol for the Parish of Langley. Can each member of the DCC make sure they have a copy of the protocol and has read it before the meeting then it should be quicker. Thanks.

Ordinations Please pray for Pauline Jones as she is ordained deacon at the cathedral this morning. Eighteen new curates will be ordained deacon today. The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, said: “Manchester is a city with a strong tradition of ordaining committed men and women who will serve in our diverse communities. Ordination recognises and celebrates the exciting way God is at work in his church, calling men and women to serve him in new and surprising ways.”

A good likeness An infant teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew.  She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork. As she came to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.  The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the girl replied,. . . . "They will in a minute."

June 20^th

Marys in the Gospels If Alan's sermon got you thinking last week and you want to find out more.... Manchester Cathedral is hosting a lecture, on Tuesday this week - 22nd June 10.15am - 1.45pm. For more information look on the church of England website or see the flyer at the back of church. You are invited to a fascinating lecture sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Dr James Fleming: New Discoveries about the Marys in the Gospels The lecture will feature: Mary, the Mother of Jesus (and a Dead Sea Scroll fragment) The Cana Wedding Feast Mary of Bethany on the Mount of Olives (and the archaeology of the Bethany) The Feast at Simon the Leper’s House Mary Magdalene (and the current excavations at Magdala) The Feast at Simon the Pharisee’s House It will address the following points: From where did the tradition come that Mary Magdalene had been a prostitute? Why is Jesus’ Mother not mentioned by name in John’s Gospel? What evidence do we have for where Jesus’ mother’s last days were spent? Who was the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears in Luke 7? Why were tears sometimes kept in bottles? What might Leonardo Da Vinci say about The Da Vinci Code? What do we really know about Mary Magdalene?

Sermon: Angels & Demons by Rev’d Alan Broxton If you missed Alan’s sermon this week, then here’s a chance to hear it. It talks of how ‘demons’ can affect people’s lives and Alan’s and Rev’d Geoff Garret’s life experience of one such encounter. Click HERE if you would like to listen to it. (The sermon lasts 14minutes)

June 13^th

World Cup Prayers You may have noticed that a certain sporting event started last Friday. Right Rev Nick Baines, the Bishop of Croydon, has written a trinity of prayers for the occasion! A prayer for all those involved: Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being, guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup. May all find in this competition a source of celebration, an experience of common humanity and a growing attitude of generous sportsmanship to others. Amen A prayer for the host nations: God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world, bless all who take part in the World Cup. Smile on South Africa in her hosting, on the nations represented in competition and on those who travel to join in the party. Amen A prayer for those just not interested: Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever, bless us with understanding, strengthen us with patience and grant us the gift of sympathy if needed. Amen

Wood Street Mission Wood Street Mission are running a project to encourage children to read and so are asking for donations of children's books. They hold a children's book club and vulnerable children are able to pick as many as they like to take home and keep. Please have a look through your bookshelves to see if you have any you could donate. Thanks.

June 6^th

Christian Aid Thanks again to everyone who helped collect the Christian Aid envelopes. The total so far is around £270. Any final donations, please give to Jackie a.s.a.p. Thanks.

News and Comment in May 2010

May 30^th

Mother’s Union Annual Social Evening We have been invited to the All Saints and Martyrs Mother's Union Annual Social Evening which will be held on Monday 7th June at 7.30pm in their church hall. It would be a good opportunity for the two congregations to get to know each other a bit. If you are interested, please give Jean Walker a ring on 0161 653 0151, so they have an idea on numbers for catering. Thank you.

What to plant? The visiting gardener listened very warily as Mrs, Gray, our club’s most struggling gardener, described the difficulties she was experiencing with her garden.  “What would you recommend that I plant,” she asked, “in that area which is half clay and half rock, with extremely high acidity, subject to far too much midday sun and receiving hardly any rainfall?”   The expert scratched his head and finally ventured: “A flagpole.” Black Death An elderly parish priest was tending his garden near a convent when a passerby stopped to inquire after the priest's much-loved roses.  "Not bad," said the priest, "but they suffer from a disease peculiar to this area known as the black death." "What on earth is that?" asked the passerby, anxious to increase his garden knowledge. "Nuns with scissors."

May 29^th

Trinity Sunday : Sermon by Rev’d Canon Philip Miller If you missed the service this week, here is an opportunity to hear what Philip had to say about The Trinity. It’s worth listening to. Click here to listen to the sermon. The Sermon lasts 19 minutes.

May 23^rd

Pentecost Sunday Sunday School Work Click the picture for a larger image

Plant Sale Many thanks to everyone who helped to set up, provide plants, sell plants, serve teas and clear away at the plant sale yesterday. It was a beautiful day and we made around £300. Click the picture to see the bigger photo of the plants before they all went!

Are you a crack-pot? A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it,  while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water to the house. The cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishment, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of spilling water, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.” The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house." In life, we're all cracked pots. But our weaknesses need not destroy our lives.  God only ever has imperfect people to use.  Despite our flaws, God can still bless us and make us fruitful for him.

May 16^th

Christian Aid Week - Thank you Christian Aid Week finished yesterday, 15^th May. Many thanks to everyone who has helped to collect the envelopes. They do some very important work, like setting up a Fairtrade cocoa company in Ghana, using radio to help educate the people of Afghanistan in the fight against HIV, transforming the lives of people living in one Kenyan slum by building a shower block and many more. Everything we send is always appreciated.

Sunday School Work “Blast off for Jesus!” Click the picture for a larger image

May 9^th

An Evening with J. John & Friends Middleton Parish Church are hosting an evening with J. John as part of his current tour which sees him travelling around the UK in April and May. He will be in Middleton on Tuesday 18^th May at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5. To purchase tickets or for more information call 0161 643 2693 or email office.stleonards@ntlworld.com. More information is also available on the J. John website www.philotrust.com.

May 2^nd

Spring Daffodils and the renovated benches We recently had the church repainted, both inside and out along with the two benches in the garden, through the Community Payback Scheme. The painting of the window frames, especially, now really set off the coloured glass to catch the eye of passersby. Many thanks to the Team and those who look after them. Last but not least, our thanks go to Mr Graham Eckersall J.P. who made it all happen.  Click the picture for all the photos

VOTE IN GOOD FAITH - a Pledge by the Greater Manchester Faith Community Leaders “We pledge to stand up for Hope not Hate. We are proud of Greater Manchester and its people. We celebrate our common heritage and gain strength from this region’s diversity. We welcome people from around the world, from different cultures, religions, backgrounds and outlook. We will stand up against those who try to undermine this city and region by dividing our people and whipping up intolerance, violence and hatred. We pledge to: 1. Promote positive relationships between all communities and reject and condemn any form of discrimination, violence or harassment to any member of our communities 2. Campaign on messages of hope and will not publish anything likely to generate hostility or division between communities 3. Avoid doing anything to cause racial or religious hatred or prejudice on grounds of race, nationality, sex, sexuality or religion 4. Ensure everyone involved in our campaigns abides by this pledge. We expect our political party and the wider community to hold us to account in promoting Hope not hate in our city and region.”

Bishop’s Memento Following the “Run The Race” visit by the Bishop of Manchester, he has kindly sent us a signed certificate/memento of the day. Click the thumbnail to see a larger image

News and Comment in April 2010

18^th April

For your thoughts – Friend of God Who am I that You are mindful of me That You hear me when I call? Is it true that You are thinking of me How You love me it's amazing? I am a friend of God He calls me friend God Almighty, Lord of Glory You have called me friend              Michael Gungor & Israel Houghton ©2003 Integrity’s Praise CCL: 942837

11^th April

Under his wings An article in National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of the Lord’s love for us… After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.. Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Praise the Lord for his goodness and protection for all those who put their trust in him.

4^th April Easter Sunday

!! Happy Easter !! 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!

Easter Day in church Click the picture to view all the pictures

Happy Birthday Victoria 9 on Wednesday

2^nd April Good Friday

Walking the Cross This year we welcomed members of All Saints and Martyrs, Langley who joined the congregations of St Mary, Birch and St Thomas, Bowlee for the annual walk of witness from Birch to Bowlee. There was a very good turnout this year, especially as the weather was not terribly inviting. Following a short service at St Mary’s, we took it in turns to carry the cross to where it was erected in the garden at St Thomas’ where we all sang a hymn around the cross. Click the picture to see all the photographs

News and Comment in March 2010

28^th March

Wood Street Mission Thank you for all your support for the Wood Street Mission Hamper Appeal. Three deliveries to Wood Street Mission were made in total and they are delighted with our contributions.  There is a letter of thanks at the back of church. Don’t forget to sign up as a friend if you have a Facebook account!!

Plant Sale Please check your diary for a suitable date the plant sale as we need to make a decision after the AGM today. Thanks.

AGM This year’s Bowlee AGM will take place straight after the service TODAY. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served and everyone is encouraged to stay. Electoral role forms are at the back of church if you need one. We do not yet have a date for the Parish AGM down at All Saints, Rhodes.

21^st March

Wesley Owen / Living Oasis Wesley Owen is now open as Living Oasis under the ownership of the Nationwide Christian Church. Please continue to support this new venture. Pop along and have a look to see how things have changed!!

7^th March

Bits and Pieces The painters should be back tomorrow to hopefully finish off painting the church! Don’t forget to swap during Fairtrade fortnight. See www.thebigswap.org.uk

News and Comment in February 2010

28^th Feb

Sophie’s Christening Today we welcomed Sophie and her family for her Christening. Click the picture above to see all the photos of their special day

Chocolat and Lent Group This year’s Lent Group is based on the film Chocolat. Lent Group will start this Monday, 1^st March at 8pm at 241.

Wood Street Mission Wood Street Mission have started their Easter appeal. In the current economic climate they are being asked to help more people than ever before. They are trying to provide hampers and Easter Eggs for families.  The food parcels will be like the Christmas hampers they distribute and will contain a variety of non perishable items, including tins of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, soups, cereals, packets of pasta or rice, biscuits, tea or coffee and luxury items (sauces, condiments etc).The basket is now at the back of church for donations. We are asked to keep Easter Eggs separate so they do not get crushed. Maybe during Lent everyone could buy one extra thing in their shopping each week as a donation? If you are a member of Facebook, you can also add Wood Street Mission as a friend. They now have 159 friends and have set a target of 1000 friends. See Janet for more details or have a look at their latest newsletter at the back of church.

27^th Feb

Coffee Afternoon Thank you to everyone who helped or supported the Fairtrade Coffee Afternoon yesterday. Nearly £200 was raised. See photos of the afternoon by clicking the photo above. Don’t forget to swap during Fairtrade fortnight. See www.thebigswap.org.uk

14^th Feb

Church Painting At the back of church there are six paint swatches. Please have a look at them and decide which one you think would be best for painting the church. We have a group coming next week who will paint it for us. Please write your suggestion on the list at the back of church. Thanks.

7^th Feb

10^th February    Scholastica  (d. c. 543) Scholastica should be the patron saint of any woman who can bend her brother to do her will - no matter how ‘powerful’ that brother might seem to other people. For Scholastica’s brother was no less than the great monk Benedict, who founded the famous Benedictine order and lived at Monte Cassino. In no way over-awed, Scholastica simply became the first ever Benedictine nun, with a nunnery five miles down the road – at Plombariola.  Now Scholastica greatly enjoyed her annual meetings with her brother at a house nearby, but the time passed too quickly. One year she begged him to stay longer, to discuss “the joys of heaven”, but he refused.  So Scholastica took swift action:  she prayed up such a mighty thunderstorm that her brother was forced to spend the rest of the night talking to her.  Or maybe – she talked and he listened?  No one knows for sure.  In any case, Scholastica died happy three days later, and was buried in the tomb Benedict had prepared for himself. She became the patron of Benedictine nunneries.

Curiosity A teacher was finishing a lesson on the joys of discovery and the importance of curiosity. "After all,” she declared, “Where would we be today," she asked, "if no one had ever been curious?" One child quietly spoke up from the back of the room “In the garden of Eden?"

Christian Aid awarded major prize Christian Aid has become the largest development agency in the UK to be awarded the Humanitarian Accountability and Quality Management Standard (HAP) for its humanitarian, development and advocacy work in developing countries.  The certification process saw the agency undergo audits in its British, Irish, Indian and Burkina Faso offices where policies, procedures, management processes and relationships with partner organisations and communities were scrutinised.

News and Comment in January 2010

31^st Jan

Run the Race Many thanks to all who helped prepare for the Run the Race event last Thursday – cooking, cleaning, preparing flowers, music etc. It was a great event, very uplifting and inspiring and feedback from people within the community has been very positive. Bishop Nigel encouraged us all to pass on the gospel baton of faith, hope and love and made a great impression on all he met and spoke to. The new communion table was also dedicated in memory of Mrs Flo Fitton. The young people particularly enjoyed holding the Commonwealth baton! Click the picture above to view all the pictures of the day

Wesley Owen Wesley Owen will probably be open for another couple of weeks as they take on more stock from other shops already closed. The closing down sale still continues so if you are thinking of buying Christian books, cards, gifts or want to be prepared early for next Christmas you have an extra opportunity. Please continue to pray for all the staff as they look for new work as they still face great uncertainty about the future. Some of the shops have been bought by a couple of other Christian organisations but as yet the Manchester branch has not.

17^th Jan

Run the Race (Provisional timetable) 4pm                  Bishop arrives at Birch for short service/prayers Bishop at Birch/Bowlee visiting local businesses 6pm                  Refreshments at Birch for members of the local community, hosted by members of the DCCs. Invitations have been sent. 7pm                  Service of celebration and commissioning at Bowlee All welcome

Congratulations Victoria for passing her Bury Grade 2 Cornet

3^rd Jan

Wishing everyone peace and joy in 2010.

For all the news in previous years please click on the News & Diary Menu Tab => Monthly Archive

Housegroup at 241 Heywood Old Road Housegroup usually meets every fortnight on a weekday. If anyone is interested in coming along, please have a word with Jackie (0161 643 8269) and let her know which day is your best – it is very flexible. It usually starts with some worship and prayer and then watch a DVD relevant to the evening’s theme to stimulate discussion and finish off with coffee and biscuits. Anyone is welcome to come along and lifts from Birch and Rhodes can be arranged if you have no transport.  Come along for an interesting evening.

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 Begging If 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 mailing If 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

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Contributions Please Any 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