News and Comment       2012

15^th April

PLANT SALE Saturday 12th May Doors Open 11am Bedding plants, houseplants, shrubs, etc.

6^th April Good Friday

Good Friday : Walk of Witness Our annual Walk of Witness took place again this year. I spite of the inclement weather a larger number turned out than we have had in the past. We were again joined by members of our sister church of St Mary, Birch and of our parish church of All Saints and Martyrs, Langley. Click here to view a couple of photos SHORT VIDEO OF EVENT Click here to view a short video of the walkers as they walked through Birch

1^st April

Advance Notice On Saturday 16th June, Jackie Calow is being ordained as priest at Manchester Cathedral. To recognise this event, there will be a Joint Parish Service at All Saints and Martyrs, Langley, beginning at 10.45am on Sunday 17th June, where Jackie will be presiding over  her first Holy Communion. The service will be followed by a buffet in the church hall. Everyone is very welcome to attend the service and the buffet afterwards. Lifts will be available to help people get up to Langley - please have a word with Simon if you need a lift.

25^th March

Nightingale Singers Many thanks to everyone who supported The Nightingales event last night and to all who helped supply the tea. Thanks also to Bob for organising, setting up and arranging the event. It was a brand new programme of songs and humorous banter and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Click here to view a couple of photos

18^th March

Happy Mothering Sunday!

17^th March

Spring Coffee Afternoon A rather smaller turnout than usual didn’t stop those who came to enjoy meeting old friends and making new acquaintances. All the usual stalls were there, with the tombola a firm favourite with young and old alike. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the event a success. Click here to view photos

4^th March

Parish Meal On Palm Sunday (April 1^st) there will be a Parish Meal after the different church services. This will involve travelling to the three churches for different parts of the meal. The starter will be at St. Mary, Birch, the main course at St. Thomas, Bowlee and the dessert at All Saints and Martyrs, Langley. If you are interested in joining the meal or if you are able to help cook the main course, please have a word with Jackie or Alan. Thanks.

26^th February

William Christopher Hick’s Christening We welcomed the Hick family and friends to today as William was baptised. Click here to view photos of the event

19^th February

Wood Street Mission Easter Project The basket is at the back of church to collect items for Wood Street Mission Easter Project. They need donations of Easter Eggs for the children and non-perishable food towards the food hampers - in particular tea or coffee and tins of meat or fish are items they always run short of. Maybe put an extra item in your shopping basket each week which could then be donated to Wood Street Mission. Thank you.

January 6^th

Twelfth Night Supper and Quiz Everyone enjoyed the quiz and the lovely supper tonight. A close contest with the Laying geese pulling away in the final Marathon rounds. Thanks to all who cooked the hot food and to those who provided the puddings and also to everyone who helped to tidy up afterwards. Click here to view all the photos

January 1^st

Have you ever wondered where the name ‘Jesus’ comes from?   The name Jesus is a transliteration of a name that occurs in several languages.  It is of Hebrew origin, ‘Yehosua’, or Joshua.  Or there is the Hebrew-Aramaic form, ‘Yesua’.  In Greek, it became ‘ Ἰησοῦς’ (Iēsoûs),  and in Latin it became ‘Iesus’.    The meaning of the name is ‘Yahweh delivers’ or ‘Yahweh rescues’, or ‘Yahweh is salvation’.   No wonder the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-33 told Mary to name her baby Jesus:  “because he will save his people from their sins”.

News and Comment       2011

Whole of 2011

Sanctuary Flowers through the Year Thanks to May Pye who arranges our sanctuary flowers throughout the year. Click to view the range of flower arrangements

18^th December

Carols by Candlelight This evening we held our annual Carols by Candlelight service. Again we had a packed church. The children performed a Nativity scene and everyone seemed to enjoy the service along with the delicious mice pies and mulled wine served at the end. Thanks to all who prepared the service, those who took part, those who contributed the pies and wine for the evening. Click here to view the pictures of the evening

11^th December

Koumba Stall Bring and Buy Stall was held after the service today to raise money for Koumba. Thank you to all who supported the appeal. View pictures and the Advent Candle lighting

8^th to 9^th December

New Chairs makeover At long last our new chairs arrived. Tony, our friendly antique dealer, took away the old chairs and pews, ably assisted by members of the congregation. Bets were placed as to whether it all would go in the van. It did! Just! The following day the new chairs arrived, two to a box, in a much larger waggon! They were successfully installed in very short time, with a large contribution to the cardboard re-cycling plant! Click here to view the photos

27^th November

Serenade Christmas Concert The Serenade Christmas Concert will be on Monday December 12th at 7.30pm in church. As usual they will be singing a range of songs including some Christmas ones. Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments. Please speak to Jackie to buy tickets or for more information. Thanks.

20^th November

Shoe Boxes Thank you!! Thank you to everyone who sent goods and helped to pack shoeboxes after the service last week. We have sent around 200 shoeboxes up to All Saints and Martyrs. View all pictures

Coffee Afternoon Thank you!! Thank you to everyone who helped and supported at the Coffee Afternoon yesterday. As usual a lovely time was had by all. We raised around £200 towards church funds. View all pictures

Wood Street Thank you!! Thank you to everyone who has bought toys and goods for the hamper for Wood Street Mission. Last Christmas they helped 1600 families and 3300 children. We can continue to collect items for the hamper until 9th December.

Koumba Appeal On Sunday 11th December, we will be holding a fundraising event for Koumba. Please see Rachel if you could help or have ideas for things we could do after the service. Thank you.

13^th November

Shoebox packing will take place after the service. Please remember to bring new and unwrapped toys for our Toy Service next week. All toys are for the Wood Street Mission Christmas Appeal. The hamper for gifts of food and groceries is also at the back of church. Many thanks for your support.

6^th November

Real Easter Egg company reveals choccy Christmas tree campaign A campaign to make the UK’s 20 million Christmas trees a bit more meaningful this December has been launched by the company behind The Real Easter Egg. To help communicate the Christmas story to the next generation, The Meaningful Chocolate Company has produced the UK’s first ever interactive set of chocolate tree decorations, based on the characters of the Nativity story. Each box of Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations contains a limited edition Christmas card, a sticker set and six hand wrapped, high quality, Fairtrade chocolate decorations. The Christmas story, which can be found on the card, enables adults or children to read the story while placing character stickers on the decorations. Once completed, the decorations can be hung on the tree as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas. David Marshall, from The Meaningful Chocolate Company, said “We estimate that most of the UK’s 20 million Christmas trees don’t have anything religious hung on them. The Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations are an opportunity to buy a gift that allows the telling of the Christmas story at home. The Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations cost £3.95. Orders can be made from Traidcraft. Orders should be made by mid November 2011 as supplies are limited.

30th October

All Saints, or All Hallows, (1st November) is the feast of all the redeemed, known and unknown, who are now in heaven. When the English Reformation took place, the number of saints in the calendar was drastically reduced, with the result that All Saints’ Day stood out with a prominence that it had never had before. This feast day first began in the East, perhaps as early as the 5th century, as commemorating ‘the martyrs of the whole world’.  A Northern English 9th century calendar named All Hallows as a principal feast, and such it has remained.  Down the centuries devotional writers have seen in it the fulfilment of Pentecost and indeed of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice and resurrection. The saints do not belong to any religious tradition, and their lives and witness to Christ can be appreciated by all Christians.  1,255 ancient English churches were dedicated to All Saints - a number only surpassed by those dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

9th October

Wood Street Mission Christmas Appeal If you would like to support the Wood Street Mission Christmas Appeal then the basket will soon be at the back of church for donations. We will collect contributions to the food hampers which include non-perishable items of fish or meat, fruit, vegetables, pasta or rice, soup, tea or coffee, biscuits, pudding, chocolates and one or two luxury items. Thank you for all your gifts.

Operation Christmas Child (Shoeboxes) A quick reminder of the categories and ideas for the shoeboxes.

Toys

Bear, soft toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yoyo, building blocks, small musical instrument, trucks and cars, dolls, jewellery etc.

Educational Supplies

Felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, colouring book, notepad, chalk, pencil case, stickers etc.

Hygiene Items

Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, clips, bar of soap, flannel etc.

Other items

Sweets (sell by date at least March 2012), gloves, scarf, sunglasses, cap, hat, bangles etc.

25^th Sept

Harvest Festival Many thanks for the gifts of fruit and vegetables, tins and dried food for distribution around the village and for Wood Street Mission. They are always greatly appreciated. Thanks also to May for the beautiful flowers and to all those who decorated the church for today’s thanksgiving. The earth is filled with the gifts of the Lord: wine and oil and bread, to strengthen us and cheer our hearts. Psalm 104 v13,15

22^nd Sept

Two Sisters and a Funeral A brand new musical by Roger Jones A fantastic retelling of the Easter Story seen through the eyes of Mary, Martha and Lazarus Sunday 29^th October 2011 7:30pm All Saints and Martyrs Church, Langley, Middleton, M24 5GL Tickets Adults   £5 Under 18’s £2 Box Office 0161 643 8269 “Two Sisters and a Funeral” is Roger Jones’ latest musical.  It is being presented by the United Christian Singers, an ecumenical choir from all parts of Manchester, conducted by Walter Brisk. When the choir presented Roger’s previous musical, “ROCK” in 2009, it was hugely enjoyed by a packed church. “Two Sisters and a Funeral” is the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, their relationship with Jesus and the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. It is very much in the style of ROCK, with modern music, both lively and meditative, along with new tunes to two old favourites, ‘O Worship The King’ and ‘Abide With Me’.  It promises to be a wonderful evening with music and songs to suit all ages and tastes. Tickets will be available on the night, but to avoid any possible disappointment, tickets may be reserved in advance from the Box Office.

21^st Sept

New Chair Fund The fabric for the new chairs has been chosen, however the cost of the chairs cannot be met entirely by church funds. Would you be willing to contribute towards the chair fund? Each chair will cost £60 and any donations are welcome. Gift Aided donations received before the end of September would allow the tax to be recovered in time for the purchase of any chairs. Various fund raising events are also planned - bottle tombola, Serenade concert. Any other ideas also welcome! Thanks!

18^th Sept

Annual Harvest Supper and Quiz Night Next Saturday is our Annual Harvest Supper and Quiz night. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children (15 and under). Please call Alan on 0161 6436319 if you would like to reserve a place. We need to know numbers to help with the catering. Thanks.

Harvest Festival Our Harvest Festival then follows on Sunday at 10.30am. Gifts of fruit and vegetables will be distributed around the village (Please speak to May if you know anyone we should add on the list.) Gifts of tins and packets etc. will be the start of the hamper for Wood Street Mission. Thank you again.

Shoeboxes We will once more be collecting for shoeboxes - a list will be at the back of church soon so people can note which items they already have. This has worked well in the past and helps to avoid duplication. Wood Street Mission We will also start collecting tins, packets, tea, coffee etc for Wood Street Mission Christmas Hampers - more information next week!

11^th Sept

Prayer from the Church Of England for the 10th Anniversary of September 11th 2001 Let us affirm our desire for peace and reconciliation, our commitment to build a world of love which is characterised by awareness, trust, friendship and respect among all people: Lord God our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you in serving all people: in the cause of peace with justice and for the relief of want, fear and suffering. Direct us by your Holy Spirit; that we may become rich in wisdom, courage, and hope; and keep us faithful to this pledge: for the glory of your Name, for our good, and the good of all people. Amen

4^th Sept

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary  (September 8th) In both eastern and western churches, Mary has always been held as pre-eminent among all the saints. The unique, extraordinary privilege of being the mother of the One who was both God and Man, makes her worthy of special honour.  Thomas Aquinas believed she was due hyperdulia, or a veneration that exceeds that of other saints, but is at the same time infinitely below the adoration, or latria, due to God alone. The gospels of Matthew and Luke give Mary most mention.  Luke even tells the story of Jesus’ infancy from Mary’s point of view. Her Song, or Magnificat appears in Luke 1:46-55.  The virginal conception of Christ is clearly stated in the gospels.  But after Jesus’ birth, Mary fades quietly into the background.  During Jesus’ public life, she is mentioned only occasionally, as at the wedding at Cana.  She reappears at the foot of the Cross (John’s Gospel), and is given into John’s care.  In the early chapters of Acts, Mary is with the Apostles, and received the Holy Spirit along with them on Whitsunday.  But her role was not the active one of teaching and preaching. Mary’s significance grew with the centuries.  By the fifth century she was called Theotokos, The Mother of God, and from the seventh century onwards, she was given four festivals. Marian devotion has played an enormous role in the church down the years.  Mary has been the object of countless prayers, accredited with performing many miracles, and the subject of thousands of artistic endeavours. She has had hundreds of chapels or parish churches named after her. During the Reformation many images of Mary were destroyed.  The Second Vatican Council 1962 made an extended statement on her, stressing her complete dependence on her Son, and regarding her as a model of the Church.

28^th Aug

BBQ Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the barbeque yesterday. Despite a few showers a great time was had by all. Thanks to everyone who cut the grass, set up, made food, cooked the food and cleared up afterwards.

August 29th Beheading of St John the Baptist Spare a thought for John the Baptist tomorrow: however rough your local sandwich bar may be, it probably doesn’t serve you locusts with a honey dip; you won’t be imprisoned for saying derogatory things about the local MP’s wife, and even the boss from hell is unlikely to have a daughter who wants to hiphop about with your head on a platter.  Look up the full story in Matthew Chapters 3,11 and 14.

ALL IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST - Part 4                 It was.... 20 years ago:  on 6^th August 1991, that the first ever website (info.cern.ch) went live.  The web’s inventor, Tim Berners-Lee, also posted a description of the World Wide Web project, and provided a link to download the first browser, though it only ran on NeXT workstations. Also 20 years ago:  on 8^th August 1991 that British journalist John McCarthy was released by Islamic Jihad in Lebanon after being held hostage for more than five years. 15 years ago:  on 23^rd August 1996, that Osama bin Laden issued a fatwa entitled ‘A Declaration of War Against the Americans Occupying the Land of the Two Holy Places’.  At that time few people knew who he was, so the fatwa received little attention. Also 15 years ago:  on 28^th August 1996, that Prince Charles and Princess Diana were divorced.  Princess Diana was now to be known as Diana, Princess of Wales. 10 years ago:  on 6^th August 2001, that U.S. President George W Bush received a daily briefing warning that Osama bin Laden was determined to strike in the USA (six weeks before the September 11^th terrorist attack on New York).

14^th Aug

ALL IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST - Part 2                 It was.... Also 100 years ago: on 16^th August 1911 that E F Schumacher, German-born British economist and statistician, coined the term ‘small is beautiful’. 90 years ago: on 19^th August 1921 that Gene Roddenberry, American screenwriter and creator of Star Trek, was born. 80 years ago: on 2^nd August 1931 that Nobel Prize-winning German physicist Albert Einstein urged all scientists to refuse to do military work. Also 80 years ago: on 24^th August 1931 that British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald resigned following the rejection of emergency cuts in spending during the economic crisis.  With the labour government in deadlock, King George V instructed MacDonald to form a new National Government – a coalition with the Conservatives and Liberals.

7^th Aug

ALL IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST - Part 1                 It was.... 300 years ago:- on 11^th August 1711 that the first horse race meeting at Ascot took place, initiated by Queen Anne. 150 years ago: on 6^th August 1861 that Britain annexed Lagos, Nigeria, making it a crown colony and halting the slave trade. 100 years ago: on 10^th August 1911 that British members of Parliament voted to receive salaries for the first time

31^st July

Famine Appeal Volunteers are needed to pack bags at Tesco on Saturday 20th August. Mona has more information about this and has suggested that all funds raised go towards the East Africa famine appeals. Anyone who can help will be very welcome. Thanks.

Langley Events - Saturday 6th August 10.00 – 12.00 noon - Lectio Divina Divine Reading, With Reader Emeritus Raylia Chadwick A form of prayer where the reading over of a bible passage inspires one to focus, reflect and listen to God. (Lunch Provided) 3pm for 4pm start - A D ay at the Races includes BBQ, Summer Fruit Cocktails, Strawberries & Cream, Activities for the children, Followed by, Music and Dancing in the evening. Tickets: Adults £2, Children £1

24^th July

Middleton Festival - Limefields Middleton Festival is happening today and Ann, from All Saints and Martyrs, has booked stall space. She is going to be taking down church magazines and information from AS&M.  If anyone wants to join her, you're more than welcome, or to wander along and have a look at what is going on. The stall will be open from 12.00 - 4.00.

17^th July

Flowers with Christian connections - Part Two Moschatel - Adoxa moschatellina - also known as the Good Friday flower. There is no other flower like it with its five petals facing north, south, east and west and a fifth facing the sky and a scent of musk. It is the only species in its genus and the only genus in its family in the world. Wild Pansy -Viola tricolor - a member of the violet family, and also known as 'heartsease' and 'Trinity Violets' because they are yellow, white and purple. Pasque Flower - Pulsatilla vulgaris - thought to be the lilies of the field Jesus pointed to in his Sermon on the Mount. Solomon's Seal - Polygonatum multiflorum - grows in the wild now only in a few places. King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, composed 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs and built the first temple. Speedwell - Veronica. When Jesus carried his cross, legend has it that Veronica was the girl in the crowd who offered him her handkerchief. When Jesus handed it back his face was imprinted on the cloth. An old country name for speedwell is 'God's Eye'. Lady's Smock - Cardamine pratensis. In the cloisters of Lincoln Cathedral which is dedicated to Mary there is a garden full of her flowers. Lords and Ladies - Arum maculatum - has also been known as 'Parson in the pulpit' and 'Parson in his smock'.

10^th July

Flowers with Christian connections - Part One There are many plants whose names reflects something of Christianity.   Plants with faith links include: Columbine - Aquilegia vulgaris - is also known as 'dove flower'. The dove is a symbol for new creation and baptism and carvings of the flower are often found in cathedrals and churches. Sorrel - Rumex acetosa - was one of the bitter herbs that Hebrew people ate with Passover lamb and so possibly part of the Last Supper. Cow Parsley - Anthriscus sylvestris - also sometimes known as 'Our Lady's Lace'.

Is it Shakespeare, Dickens, The Beatles, Tony Blair or the Bible? New research has found that while people still value the Bible, they’re confused about where some familiar English phrases come from – such as ‘my brother’s keeper’ and ‘a drop in the bucket’ – was it Dickens, Blair or the Bible? A recent ComRes poll for Bible Society revealed the following: · ‘My brother’s keeper’ (Genesis 4:9): 56% rightly identified the phrase as originating from the Bible. · ‘A drop in the bucket’ (Isaiah 40.15): Half of all people (49%) didn’t know where the phrase was from, but an equal proportion said that it originated from Tony Blair (12%), Shakespeare (14%) and Charles Dickens (12%). Only 7% correctly identified the phrase as coming from the Bible. · ‘The writing on the wall’ (Daniel 5:5-6): The same proportion of people said that the phrase originated from the Beatles (18%) as that saying it was from the Bible (19%). · Eat, drink and be merry’ (Luke 12.19): The greatest percentage of people (41%) said that the phrase derived from Shakespeare, while just one in ten (9%) said that it originated from the Bible. · ‘Filthy lucre’ (1Timothy 3.3): One quarter of all people thought the phrase was from Shakespeare (23%) while one in ten (10%) said that it came from the Bible. The poll also asked how important knowledge of the Bible was for appreciating culture, history and politics. On the whole, people thought it was significant, with nearly half of people believing it important for the vision arts, literature and history, but only 24% thinking it important for an appreciation of classical music.

26^th June

Hedgehogs on the move:      Our towns and cities are getting crowded – with wild beasties. It seems that hedgehogs, like foxes, are turning up more and more often in town and city gardens.  Hedgehogs are now spotted in 30 per cent of urban gardens, with one in seven residents seeing them regularly.   In rural areas, hedgehogs are reported in 48 per cent of gardens.    If you have a resident hedgehog, consider buying it some tinned dog food, as they much prefer this to milk and bread.  And if you ever hear them eating, you will understand why there is a ‘hog’ in their name.

John the Baptist  1st century preacher and martyr John the Baptist is famous for baptising Jesus, and for losing his head to a woman. He was born to Zachariah, a Temple priest, and Elizabeth, who was a cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  John was born when his mother was advanced in years, and after the foretelling of his birth and the choice of his name by an angel, we hear nothing more of him until he began his mission of preaching and baptising in the river Jordan c27. John was a lot like an Old Testament prophet:  he lived simply on locusts and honey in the wilderness, and his message was one of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah and his Kingdom.  He went on to baptise Jesus, at Jesus’ firm request.  When John went on to denounce the incestuous union of Herod Antipas with his niece and brother’s wife, Herodias, he was imprisoned and eventually beheaded at the demand of Salome, Herodias’ daughter. John is the only saint to be remembered three times in the Christian calendar, in commemoration of his conception, his birth (June 24), and his martyrdom. When John saw Jesus he said that Jesus was the “Lamb of God”, and he is the only person to use this expression of Jesus.  In art John is often depicted carrying a lamb, or with a lamb near him.

12^th June

Apples This tale comes from a Roman Catholic elementary school . . .  Up at the head table in the school cafeteria, one of the nuns had placed a big bowl of bright red, fresh, juicy apples.  Beside the bowl, she placed a note which read, "Take only one.   Remember, God is watching."  At the other end of the table was a bowl full of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, still warm from the oven.  Beside the bowl lay a little note scrawled in a child's handwriting which read:  "Take all you want.  God is watching the apples!”

5^th June

Ordination of Rev’d Pauline Jones On Saturday 18th June, Pauline Jones is being ordained as priest at Manchester Cathedral. To recognise this event, there will be a Joint Parish Service at All Saints and Martyrs, Langley, beginning at 10.45am on Sunday 19th June, where Pauline will be presiding over her first Holy Communion. The service will be followed by a buffet in the church hall. Everyone is very welcome to attend the service and the buffet afterwards. Lifts will be available to help people get up to Langley - please have a word with Simon if you need a lift. There will still be a service of said Communion at Bowlee, beginning at 10.30am as usual for those who  do not wish to go up to Langley.

June 2nd     Ascension Day Forty Days with the Risen Christ 40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day.  It may seem crazy to call it Eastertide when Easter is clearly over! - but these are the 40 days during which the Risen Christ appeared again and again to his disciples, following his death and resurrection.  The Gospels give us little of Christ’s teachings and deeds during those forty days.  Jesus was seen by numerous disciples: on the road to Emmaus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc.  He strengthened and encouraged his disciples, and at last opened their eyes to all that the Scriptures had promised about the Messiah.  Jesus also told them that as the Father had sent him, he was now going to send them - to all corners of the earth, as his witnesses. If you want to find more detail to Christ’s appearances, the stories can be found in Matthew 28;  Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20.

29^th May

ALL IN THE MONTH OF MAY. It was.... 400 years ago:- on 2^nd May 1611 that the King James Version of the Bible was published. 175 years ago:  on 24^th May 1836 that Joseph Rowntree, British philanthropist, social reformer, businessman and chocolatier was born. 125 years ago: on 8^th May 1886 that Coca-Cola first went on sale, in Atlanta, Georgia. 100 years ago: on 18^th May 1911 that Gustav Mahler, Austrian composer, died. Also 100 years ago:  on 29^th May 1911, that Sir W S Gilbert, British playwright and humourist, best known for his comic operas produced in collaboration with Sir Arthur Sullivan, died. 90 years ago: on 5^th May 1921, that Chanel No. 5 perfume was launched. 80 years ago: on 1^st May 1931, that The Empire State Building in New York City was officially opened.

28^th May

Christian Aid Thank you to everyone who collected Christian Aid envelopes last week. The contributions from the local community raised £276. Thank you for all your donations.

Plant Sale Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s event so successful. Thanks to all the people who grew plants for us to sell and, last but not least, to Bowlee Nursery who supported our event with some fine quality plants and their transportation to church. We raised a total of £250. Canon Philip Miller who the raffle of the beautiful hanging basket, which you can just make out on the table with the pot plants. Click the picture to see all the photos

Income Surveys Income Surveys are at the back of church to be completed for the diocese. If you have not yet completed one then please take one and put it in the sealed box when completed. Please read the instructions carefully as the information given will be used to generate our Parish Share. Thanks.

20^th May

New Church Chairs Expedition Results Following the last DCC meeting, the appointed working party went to view a selection of possible chairs with the view to replacing the current wooden ones in church.  The ones which fit the bill the closest and would give us the maximum seating in the available space can be seen in the attached photo gallery. We took an existing chair to show the contrast and for scale. We also saw some stacking chairs which would avoid the somewhat time-consuming and inconvenience in bringing extra chairs from St Mary, Birch when we need more than the 50 we normally have. They also showed us an example of a preaching desk to replace the rather small and low one we have at present and as a replacement for the pulpit which is shortly to be removed. Once the style and fabric of the chairs has been decided we will need to submit a faculty to replace the existing set of chairs. Click the picture to see what we found

15^th May

What the Bible really means.... A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means? The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean? "That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'

Spring Harvest 2012 Booking for Spring Harvest 2012 opens very soon and there is only one week for Skegness so demand is expected to be high. The theme for next year is "Church Actually - god's Brilliant Idea". During the week there will be opportunity to explore four of the pictures used in the New Testament to describe it – the People of God, the Community of the Spirit, the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ. Also looking at the mission of the Church in our culture and our calling as God’s people. As always you can take part in as little or as much as you want with opportunities for worship, teaching, seminars, art, swimming, sport, coffee, walks along the beach etc. There are different sessions for adults, young people, children and toddlers. However everybody will be looking at the same daily theme, whether young or old. It runs from Tuesday 10 - Sunday 15 April 2012 (the week after Easter). There is more information on the website www.springharvest.org.uk and you can also download a brochure. Please have a word with Jackie or Nikki for more details. If anyone is interested, Jackie can book as a group so we can be accommodated near to each other.

1st May

Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their marriage. We pray for all who are preparing for or have celebrated their marriage. In particular we pray for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. As they embark on married life together, we hold them and their families before God and ask for his grace and blessing. God of all grace, friend and companion, look in favour on William and Catherine and all who are made one in marriage. In your love deepen their love and strengthen their wills to keep the promises they will make, that they may continue in life-long faithfulness to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (adapted from Common Worship) Gracious Lord, bless the families of William and Catherine that they may grow in love and friendship. Grant that, as they witness the marriage vows, they may find their lives enriched and strengthened and their loyalties confirmed; in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Common Worship)

News and Comment      April 2011

24^th April

Thoughts for Holy Week The death of Christ was the most dreadful blow ever given to the empire of darkness.  William Plumer The world cannot bury Christ. The earth is not deep enough for his tomb, the clouds are not wide enough for his winding-sheet.  E Thomson The best news the world ever had come from a graveyard.   anon The empty tomb of Christ has been the cradle of the church. WR Nicoll The Christian church has the resurrection written all over it.  E G Robinson

Easter Sunday All the children enjoyed the sermon today as it involved finding Easter eggs which they joined in with wholeheartedly! Click the photo to see all the pictures

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!

22^nd April

Good Friday Walk A goodly crowd, of around 30, turned out for our annual ‘Walk Of Witness’, as we took turns to carry the cross from St Mary, Birch to St Thomas, Bowlee. We welcomed a number from All Saints and Martyrs, Langley.  We started with a short service at St Mary’s before forming into a procession to start the walk. We paused a few times on the journey to sing a few verses of hymns to neighbours who came out to meet us as they were unable or too unwell to join in the walk. We ended the walk by erecting the cross in the garden at St Thomas, and all gathered round at its foot to sing ‘When I Survey’ following a short reading to complete our witness. Click the photo to see all the pictures

17^th April

Palm Sunday We had an interest start to the service today with a special delivery of a scroll from a young lady on a bicycle to tell us the news from the temple! Click above to see the pictures

21^st April   Maundy Thursday – time to wash feet Maundy Thursday is famous for two things.  The first is one of the final acts that Jesus did before his death: the washing of his own disciples’ feet.  (see John 13)  Jesus washed his disciples’ feet for a purpose:  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  His disciples were to love through service, not domination, of one another. In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is ‘mandatum novum do vobis’. The word ‘mundy’ is thus a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or command).  The ceremony of the ‘washing of the feet’ of members of the congregation came to be an important part of the liturgy (regular worship) of the medieval church, symbolising the humility of the clergy, in obedience to the example of Christ. But Thursday was also important because it was on that night that Jesus first introduced the Lord’s Supper, or what we nowadays call Holy Communion.   Jesus and his close friends had met in a secret upper room to share the Passover meal together - for the last time.   And there Jesus transformed the Passover into the Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘this is my body’ and ‘this is my blood’ as he, the Lamb of God,  prepared to die for the sins of the whole world.    John’s gospel makes it clear that the Last Supper took place the evening BEFORE the regular Passover meal, and that later Jesus died at the same time that the Passover lambs were killed.

10^th April

Wood St Mission Thank you for all your donations to Wood Street Mission. The last delivery will be taken this week.

3^rd April

Happy 90th Birthday May Everyone is invited to stay after the service, to join May for tea and cakes to celebrate her Birthday. Congratulations May

Happy Mothering Sunday!

News and Comment March2011

26^th March

Click the picture to see all the photos of the afternoon

Spring Coffee Afternoon Thanks to all who helped at this afternoon’s event, whether by baking, setting up or clearing away. We raised a total of £235.90 We had a wonderful selection of cakes and a huge selection of books old and new to choose from along with the White Elephant stall and May’s ever popular tombola and of course the raffle! In spite of there being Formula 1, England playing football and the Boat Race we had a terrific turnout and everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves meeting friends old and new.

13^th March

Coffee Afternoon Many thanks to everyone who has offered to help at our church events. It will make it much easier for the regulars who help every time.

Wood Street Mission Easter Project The basket is at the back of church to collect items for Wood Street Mission Easter Project. They need donations of Easter Eggs for the children and non-perishable food towards the food hampers - in particular tea or coffee and tins of meat or fish are items they always run short of. Maybe put an extra item in your shopping basket each week which could then be donated to Wood Street Mission. Thank you. First batch ready to send Click picture for bigger picture

Signs of Spring Click for bigger picture

Lent Prayer Guides There are Lent Prayer Guides at the back of church. It takes seven of the last sayings of Jesus from the cross as inspiration for reflection and preparation. Please help yourself.

11^th March

RECENT EVENT “Come and Sing!” Two Sisters and a Funeral Click here or above to view pictures Over 140 singers from all areas of Manchester, many from our Deanery, came to Bamford Chapel on Saturday 5^th March to work alongside Roger Jones, the composer, and his soloists to learn his latest musical, ”Two Sisters and a Funeral” during the afternoon and then to sing to the public in an evening performance. It was a hugely successful event. Examples of comments received “What an inspiring time at Bamford Chapel today.” “Let’s have more of these!” “It was such a brilliant afternoon and evening, most enjoyable and worthwhile, the first time I have done anything like this and I loved it!” The deanery is hoping to host a production of the musical, by the United Christian Singers, later in the year at All Saints and Martyrs, in the same way the deanery supported their production of Roger Jones’ previous musical, the hugely enjoyed and sell-out  “Rock”, a couple of years ago.     Watch this space!

6^th March

Congratulations Rachel and John on their engagement!!

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.

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