St Elphin’s Chronicle November 2014 Lest we Forget Vol 126 Price 30p Warrington Parish Church St Elphins School Farrell Street Saturday 1st November 2014 11.00am – 4.00pm Grand Raffle Draw at 3.30pm 1 Free Tea or Coffee on production of this flyer Available 11.00am - 12.00pm and 3.00pm – 4.00pm Worship in the Parish Sundays: 8.30am 10.30am 12.30pm 6.30pm Holy Communion Parish Eucharist Holy Baptism (1st & 3rd only) Evensong Wednesdays: 10.00am Holy Communion Saints’ Days and other Holy Days 7.30pm Holy Communion (unless stated otherwise) A Loop System is in operation in the Church to assist hearing aid users. Please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position for it to be effective. There are large print copies of the Hymn Book and the Communion Service. Please ask the Church Wardens or Sidespeople if you would like a copy. Special Services are announced through Church Notices, the Parish Magazine and the Website as necessary. Holy Communion is taken regularly to the Sick and Housebound by our Clergy and Team of Licensed Eucharistic Ministers. Please inform the Clergy when parishioners are ill, either at home or in hospital. The Parish Staff Rector Reverend P D Wilson The Rectory 129 Church Street WA1 2TL 01925-635020 email: [email protected] Assistant Priest (NSM) Reverend C Waddleton Readers Mr R Whitticombe 3 Franklin Close Old Hall WA5 8QL Mr A G Dunn 56 Orford Green WA2 8PL Church Wardens Mr A Wright 5 Kinsale Drive Locking Stumps WA3 6LX Miss K J Hayes 8 Charlton Street Latchford WA4 1LX Organist and Mr A Thornecroft Choirmaster Websites: St Elphin’s: http://www.warringtonparishchurch.org Diocesan Website: http://www.liverpool.anglican.org Cathedral Website: http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk 0161-962-0062 01925-564408 01925-630417 01925-821048 01925-656790 01925-413744 November, a time for ‘re-membering’ How’s your memory? Can you remember with great clarity and detail the events of something ten or fifteen years ago, but not whether you’ve locked the door before leaving the house? Can you remember what it is you are allowed to put into your green bin, black bin or green box, but not your PIN number, telephone number or your age when put under pressure? Psychologists and psychiatrists tell us that our memories are failing us because of the hectic pace of modern life and the need to cram so much information into our brains, but they also tell us that they’re being stretched in completely new ways through acquiring new skills and learning and experiencing new things. So it’s not all bad! Sometimes it’s good and important to remember. At other times it’s crucial to forget. How are you at remembering what’s good and reminding others of that, keeping a healthy, loving thing alive and well? And how are you at remembering those things which need to be let go of and forgotten and not to keep reminding others of; reopening the wound, re-igniting the hurt and pain, pointing the finger of accusation and reminding people of their faults, mistakes and guilt? To ‘re-member’ literally means to piece back together again. This is good when it’s a broken, shattered life or relationship we’re ‘remembering’, but not so good when it’s petty hurts or personal grievances with others that we’re ‘re-membering’. This isn’t the kind of remembering God expects of us. November is traditionally a time to remember; remembering those from our parish who have been bereaved during this last twelve months, remembering Guido Fawkes, his colleagues and the gunpowder, treason and plot, remembering those who have fought for the freedom of this country and paid the ultimate price. We also remember what we have gained and welcomed and what we have lost and said farewell to through this year. We remember because it’s good to remember and not to forget. We remember because we can always learn something in our remembering – we can learn to remember the right things and let go of all that binds us, imprisons us and prevents us from being free. We can’t always choose what happens to us, but we can choose what we will remember and what we will forget. We can choose to have long memories or short memories Even though our memories may fail us from time to time, God has the long memory/short memory thing just right. When he says that he’s forgiven us and our sins are forgotten – he means it. And he loves nothing more to keep on remembering and reminding us just how much he delights in us and how much he loves us. If only we could do the same – we would remember just what a much better world this would be for everyone. Best wishes Paul Rector of Warrington Special Services in November Sunday 2nd November, Patronal and Dedication day 8.30am Eucharist 10.30am Festival Eucharist 6.30pm Service of Commemoration for families and friends of those whose funerals have taken place during the past year Monday 3rd November, All Soul’s Requiem 7.30pm A Eucharist to remember departed relatives & friends Thursday 6th November, Confirmation Service at 7.00pm Please come along and support the candidates and their families Sunday 9th November, Remembrance Sunday Services as usual Sunday 23rd November, Christ the King and St Clement 8.30am Eucharist 10.30am Parish Eucharist 6.30pm Cluster Service at St Barnabas Church Please join us with the congregations of St Barnabas & Holy Trinity Please note there will not be an Evensong at St Elphin’s Harvest Gifts Thank you to all who brought gifts for the Harvest and to those who took out parcels to the sick and elderly in the Parish. They were all much appreciated. St Elphin’s (Fairfield) School held their own harvest service in Church and there many generous donations of produce brought by the children. Their gifts and the residue of those brought on the Sunday were donated to the Warrington Food Bank. A message from Bob Birbeck Heartfelt thanks to all at St Elphin’s for the wonderful service to mark my retirement held last month, and for all the cards and good wishes, plus many gifts given to me. My time at St Elphin’s has been truly happy and memorable and I am grateful for the friendships which have developed over the years. Again, many thanks to you all. A Prayer for Stillness God of stillness and creative action Help us find space for quietness today That we may live creatively, Discover the meaning of silence And learn the wisdom that heals the world Send peace and joy to each quiet place, To all who are waiting and listening. May your still small voice be heard Through Christ in the love of the Spirit. Amen. Christingle 2014 Collecting candles for the work of the Children’s Society will be available in Church from Advent Sunday. Please take one and return it at the Christingle Service or at any time during the Christmas Season. The Christingle Service is on Christmas Eve at 3.00pm US Missionary Boxes Please can you let Dianne have your House box by December 16th. Quiz Night In St Elphin’s Community Centre Friday 28th November 2014 at 8.00pm Tables of 4 £3.50 each including refreshments Bring your own drink St Elphin’s Ladies Group Dates for your diary Wednesday 5th November Planning meeting and Domino Drive instead of speaker Wednesday 19th November Crystal Hand Bell Ringers – this meeting will take place in the Community Centre and is open to everyone. Admission £4.00 including Cheese & Wine, tickets available from Margaret, Gill or Dianne Thursday 27th November Christmas Fayre with the Brownies and Guides Wednesday 3rd December Christmas Lunch at Trebaron Garden Centre – names to Margaret as soon as possible please Pause for Thought…with Norma Fox My voice you will hear in the morning Lord; in the morning I will direct it to you. Psalm 5:13 Because we are granted a new one every 24 hours the gift of another day can sometimes be taken for granted: but when you think of all the possibilities a new day brings it really is a wonder we can sleep through the night. Abbie Graham’s book ‘Ceremonial of Common Days’ is not so familiar to readers these days but the idea behind it was to find a little extra in the day, a few miracles in the ordinary happenings. For instance, how many of us have complained about having to get up in the morning? It can be tempting to sleep just that bit longer: this author’s view was somewhat different. ‘What happiness there is when I awake to find near me the gift of a new morning’ she wrote. With that attitude there surely can be no such thing as a ‘common day’. I have always been thankful at the prospect of a new day – a new beginning, a fresh start to show God’s love in caring for those I come into contact with. If we let prayer unlock the gates of day, the ensuing hours are more likely to be filled with spiritual usefulness and blessing. Prayer is not a burden to be borne, an obligation to be fulfilled, something that is due to God and must be paid. Prayer is a privilege, like friendship and family love and laughter, great books, great music and great art, it is one of life’s opportunities to be grasped thankfully, and used gladly. The person who misses the deep meanings of prayer has not so much refused an obligation; they have robbed themselves of life’s supreme privilege – friendship with God. In the 1840’s a young man who was an earnest Christian found employment in a pawn shop. Although he disliked the work he did it faithfully until a more desirable opportunity came along. He made some resolutions that he would get up early each day and spend some time in prayer and that he would endeavour to live his life with love and compassion as a faithful witness to Christ’s love for all creation. That young man was William Booth who later led thousands to Christ. The Salvation Army which he founded stands as a monument to his faithfulness in preparing himself each morning in prayer to serve the Lord. Let Christ be first in your thoughts in the morning and He will last in your thoughts all day. I woke quite early this morning and paused before going my way. There was so much to accomplish I had to take time to pray. St Elphin’s 50/50 Club The results of the October draw are as follows: 1st Nell Flanagan 2nd Geoffrey Delooze 3rd James Waddington 4th Alan Card £140.00 went to church funds The next draw will take place on Sunday 23rd November and payments must be made by Sunday 16th to be included in the draw. Any payments made after that date will be assumed to be for the following month. Any cheques should be made payable to ‘St Elphin's 50/50 Club’. New members are always welcome. You could be in line for a prize and money is raised every month for church funds. Remember, you've got to be in it to win it. Maasai Warriors On Thursday 2nd of October we were privileged to be able to host a concert by the Osiligi Troupe of Maasai Warriors. Over 200 people attended the event travelling from various parts of Warrington, from Liverpool, the Wirral and even Cumbria! The evening was both entertaining and informative and an experience many of us will never forget. The Troupe of 8, in their vibrantly coloured traditional dress, explained aspects of their culture in both music and words and even invited some members of the audience to join them in Maasai Jumping….a talent we didn’t know our Rector had! During the interval there was an opportunity to buy refreshments and peruse the stunning beadwork and other jewellery the Maasai produce. Very few of us were able to resist a purchase or two. Then Jim, a Trustee of the Osiligi Charity, gave a brief talk about the aims of the charity and we watched a short video of what has been achieved so far…clean water sources, composting toilets, classrooms with solar powered internet connection, allotments where agricultural skills are developed and food is grown to provide food for the children’s midday meals and for other tribal members. The latest project is the building and equipping of a clinic to provide medical treatment in the local area. After a little more of their mesmerising music, members of the Troupe answered questions from the audience before heading back to their hotel and the next stage of their two month tour. We wish our new friends well in their fund raising efforts and hope that someday they will return to St Elphin’s! Ticket sales for the event totalled over £1000. November 2014 Lord Jesus, your light is the only light I need to follow you each day. Lead me to the place where I should go to serve you, and thank you that your presence is with us as we offer our hands and hearts to do your will. Lord grant us the strength of body and spirit to offer you the sacrifice of our lives. In times of weakness, yours is the strength by which we carry on as your disciples. Help us to learn from our mistakes and to walk faithfully in your footsteps each day. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday12th November 7.30pm in St Elphin’s school, when our speaker from Christian Aid will tell us about some of the work being undertaken by Christian Aid throughout the world. Diocesan Events for the remainder of the year please let Wendy know if you wish to attend and need transport. 20th November Cathedral Day 10.30am – 3.00pm 1st December Diocesan Carol Service 7.30pm All Saints Childwall 7th December Cathedral Evensong with guest speaker Lynne Tembey Worldwide President Baptisms in November 2nd Wendy Bailey & Margaret Gurney 16th Margaret Sefton & Doreen Ross Tea / Coffee Rota 2nd Barbara & Chris 9th Julie & Linda 16th Sue & Lesley 23rd Wendy & Barbara 30th Julie & Linda Wendy Bailey (on behalf of the branch) The Christian Aid Autumn Fayre will take place at Bold Street Methodist Church on Saturday November 8th, 10.30am – 1.30pm. All are welcome. Many thanks to everyone who supported our WaterAid Harvest Appeal. We raised a total of £300 which is enough to purchase a Rope Pump to supply clean water to a village. The money has been sent off to WaterAid and we hope to hear from them soon as to where the pump has been installed. Advance Notice St Elphin’s Brownies, Guides and Ladies Group invite you to their Thursday 27th November, 6.30 – 7.30pm Christmas Gifts Toy Tombola Refreshments Raffle All Welcome Cake Stall Readers and Prayer Rota for November 8.30am Reader 10.30am Prayers 10.30am Reader 6.30pm Reader 2nd Kathryn H Gill W Beryl Dell Memorial Service 9th Pauline B Sue W Chris Bean PW 16th Dianne R Janet Cliffe Barbara Eden GW & DR 23rd Sylvia W Gill W Beryl Dell no service 30th Kathryn H Thelma Walsh Albert Froggatt AW & SW Communicants and Collections Week ending 21st September Communicants 78 Collections 886.73 28th September 107 764.20 5th October 44 838.80 12th October 168 1470.82 Donations: Fabric Fund In memory of Roy & Ivy Jones (USA) from Dot & Len Loving birthday memories 5th November of a much loved Uncle, Sydney Warburton from Barb, Jimmy and family In loving memory of a much loved Uncle Sydney Warburton from Barb, Jimmy and Family Treasured memories of my dearly loved husband, Charles Richard Collins 1987, from wife Olga For the blessings of true friendship, given and received from Albert and Ada Austin 20.00 20.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Choir dates in November Sunday 2nd Patronal Sunday 10.30am Sunday 16th Parish Eucharist 10.30am Saturday 22nd Wedding Parish Registers for October Holy Baptism 19th October Tilly Grace Evelyn Carter Mia Lucy Linaker Layla Rae Roberts Noah Samuel Ralphs Holy Matrimony in October 18th Anthony John Harrison and Sarah Jane Blackburn 2.00pm Christian Burial & Cremation in October 1st Susan Armstrong Aged 62 7th Joseph Hill Aged 77 9th John Edmund Lupton Aged 81 10th Joseph Pucill Aged 70 15th 15th October Aged 77 20th Alfred Brian Hough Aged 87 24th Dennis Bradley Aged 62 Kenneth Furby Aged 63 Edward Hayes Aged 69 31st Lest we Forget Although there were no more casualties from the Parish and Mission Churches during 1914 we still remember the countless others who lost their lives during the first few months of World War 1. They went with songs to the battle, they were young. Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam Laurence Binyon Social and Group Activities Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm Wednesday 6.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm Thursday 6.30pm 7.30pm Kids Club (term time only) – Elmwood Avenue United Reformed Church St John’s Brownies – Scout HQ, Vale Owen Road Mothers’ Union – St Elphin’s School (2nd only) St Elphin’s Ladies Group (1st & 3rd only) meet in the Community House next door to St Elphin’s Community Centre St Elphin’s Brownies – St Elphin’s School St Elphin’s Guides – St Elphin’s School Men’s Group (1st only) Friday 6.30-7.30pm Beavers - (Boys/Girls aged 6 – 8) 6.30 – 8.00pm Cubs - (Boys/Girls aged 8 - 10) 6.45 – 9.00pm Scouts - (Boys/Girls aged 10 - 14) At Howley Fairfield Neighbourhood Project, Fairfield Street. For more details contact Debbie (Group Scout Leader) on 07804 267310 All members of the Church and local community are welcome to come and join with us in these and any occasional activities which are announced in Church or advertised on the Church Notice Board. School St Elphin’s (Fairfield) CE Primary School Head Teacher: Bookings: Mrs Mary Cummings 635143 made with the Head Teacher St Elphin’s Junior Church Sundays at 10.30am in the Choir Vestry Occasional Services Holy Baptism 1st and 3rd Sundays in the month at 12.30pm Arrangements to be made with the Rector or Church Wardens Holy Matrimony and Banns Arrangements to be made with the Rector or Church Wardens Funerals Arrangements are usually made with the Rector by the Funeral Director who has been engaged. The Church Wardens hold a surgery in Church on Saturdays from 10.00am to 11.00am for Applications for Baptism, Holy Matrimony and Banns. The Clergy are available at any time in cases of emergency. Readers are encouraged to support our Sponsors who have given generously towards our costs. For that Special Occasion The Winmarleigh Rooms Large and small licensed Function Rooms available for: Wedding Receptions, Christenings, Birthdays etc For further information and bookings please contact: The Winmarleigh Rooms, Winmarleigh Street, Warrington 01925 651468 Email: [email protected] Bewsey Road, Warrington, WA2 7LW 01925 445555 Michelle & Co Ladies and Gents Hairdressing 4a Bold Street, Warrington 01925 630714 Knox & Son Ltd Independent Family Funeral Directors • 24 Hour Personal Care • Private Chapels of Rest • Pre-Paid Funeral Plans • Horse Drawn Hearse Available • Religious and Non Religious Ceremonies 43-45 Orford Road, Warrington 01925 633388 Proprietor Betty Mercer Manager Harry Taylor Shelley’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop 8 Bold Street, Warrington 01925 654000 Cheshire Funeral Services Park View Funeral Home 57 Gorsey Lane, Warrington 01925 571048 ‘Caring for our Community’ Hospice Shops Birchwood Bridge Foot (Furniture) Golden Square Hood Manor Latchford Village Longford Street, Warrington Lymm Stockton Heath 01925 825561 01925 650800 01925 575780 01925 629494 01925 415414 01925 411626 01925 758057 01925 602932 Readers are encouraged to support our Sponsors who have given generously towards our costs.
© Copyright 2024