1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

CHURCH DIRECTORY
BOLTON ROAD:
Secretary: Susan Blezard, 31 Cranberry Close, Darwen
CENTRAL
Secretary: John East Tel 01254 771957
E mail. johneast@centralurcdarwen.org.uk
Room Lettings:
Helen Robinson email : rooms@centralurcdarwen.org.uk
NEW CHURCH
Stewards:
Room Lettings:
SPRING VALE
Stewards:
Room Lettings:
Working together to learn, live, love and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
October/November 2014
BOLTON ROAD
CENTRAL
Norman Yates, 53 Avondale Road, Darwen
Anne Halliwell, 18A Woodbank Avenue, Darwen,
Jennifer Battrick, 62 Birch Hall Ave., Darwen
Val Gregory Tel 705314
Jean Fish Tel 773935
NEW CHURCH
SPRING VALE
Marion Haslam, 4 Sunnyhurst Close, Darwen Tel: 773633
TRINITY
Janet Ashton, 11 Knowsley Meadows, Darwen
Lilian Nicholson, 660 Bolton Road, Darwen
Julie Claux, 137 Harwood Street, Darwen
Chris Allan, 2 Sudell Close, Darwen
David Foster, 4 Derby Close, Darwen Tel 703858
email: davidfosterld@btinternet.com
TRINITY, LOWER DARWEN
Secretary:
Helen Williamson, 164 Sandy Lane, Lower Darwen
TOCKHOLES:
Secretary:
"Methodist and United Reformed Church News in Darwen”
Kathleen Knowles, 12 Alexandra View, Darwen
CHURCH NEWS EDITOR Liz Rutherford 68 Barley Bank Street, Darwen Tel 774715
email: lizrutherford@live.co.uk
TOCKHOLES
MINISTERS
Rev Debbie Keegan, 2 Highercroft Road Lower Darwen, BB3 0QR (01254 678858)
Deacon Dave Keegan, Tel 01254 678858
Rev Albert Gayle, 35 Somerset Ave, Wilpshire BB1 9JD 01254 248212
FORMAL YOUTH ORGANISATIONS
Trinity: Cubs
Spring Vale: Guides, Brownies, Rainbows; New Church: Brownies, Rainbows
PARENT AND TODDLER GROUPS
Weekday Groups at Central, Spring Vale, Trinity and New Church
ENQUIRIES: The Churches welcome all enquiries. For Baptisms, Marriages and
Funerals please contact one of the Ministers before any other arrangements are
made. Other enquiries may be made through the Ministers, Secretaries or Stewards.
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Central Website: www.centralurcdarwen.org.uk
Methodist Website: www.westpenninemoorscircuit.org.uk
1
BIBLE READINGS
WORSHIP FOR OCTOBER
SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Rev Terry Young: Communion
Central
9.30am Rev Geoff Tolley: Communion
10.30am Ruth Platt
New Church
10.30am June Littlemore
Spring Vale
10.45am Dc Dave Keegan: Harvest All Age Worship
Trinity
10.30am George Grime
Tockholes
Junior Church
Jean Yates
Colin Garley
2.00pm Rev Terry Young
SUNDAY 12th OCTOBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Colin Garley
Central
10.30am Doreen Goodship: Communion
New Church
10.30am Charlotte Rumble: All Age Worship
Spring Vale
10.45am Bryan Lamb
Trinity
10.30am Rev Terry Young: Communion
Tockholes
Doris Hamer
Mike Adamson
Helen Williamson
2.00pm Barbara Duxbury
SUNDAY 19th OCTOBER
Bolton Road
10.30am George Grime
Central
10.30am Rev Geoff Tolley
New Church
10.30am Judith Wilcock
Spring Vale
10.45am David Farnworth
Trinity
10.30am Colin Garley
Tockholes
Nancy Briggs
Charles Doutou
Jack Williamson
2.00pm Rev Terry Young: Communion
SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Doreen Goodship
Central
10.30am Colin Garley: Gift Day
New Church
10.30am Myles Sumner
Spring Vale
10.45am Rev Debbie Keegan: Communion
Trinity
10.30am John East
Tockholes
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NOVEMBER
Philip Entwistle
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Acts 17.1-15
Acts17.16-end
Acts 18.1-21
Acts 18.22-19.7
Matthew 21.33-end
Acts 19.8-20
Acts 19.21-end
Acts 20.1-16
Acts 20.17-end
Acts 21.1-16
Acts 21.17-36
Matthew 22.1-14
Acts 21.37-22.21
Acts 22.22-23.11
Acts 23.12-end
Acts 24.1-23
Acts 24.24-25.12
Acts 25.13-end
Matthew 22.15-22
Acts 26.1-23
Acts 26. 24-end
Acts 27.1-26
Acts 27.27-end
Acts 28.1-16
Acts 28.17-end
Matthew 22.34-end
Philippians 1.1-11
Philippians 1.12-end
Philippians 2. 1-13
Philippians 2.14-end
Philippians 3 1-4.2
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Philippians 4.2-end
Matthew 24.1-14
Daniel 1
Daniel 2.1-24
Daniel 2.25-end
Daniel 3.1-18
Daniel 3.19-end
Daniel 4.1-18
Matthew 25.1-13
Daniel 4.19-end
Daniel 5.1-12
Daniel 5 13-end
Daniel 6
Daniel 7.1-14
Daniel 7.15-end
Matthew 25.14-30
Daniel 8.1-14
Daniel 8.15-end
Daniel 9.1-19
Daniel 9.20-end
Daniel 10 1-11.1
Daniel 12
Matthew 25.31-end
Isaiah 40.1-11
Isaiah 40 12-26
Isaiah 40.27-41.7
Isaiah 41.8-20
Isaiah 41.21-42.9
Isaiah 42.10-17
Mark 13.24-37
David Yates
Answer to last Word Search—Live to Benefit Others: Golden Rule
Stephen Henry
Deadline for December 2014/January 2015 issue: Sunday 23rd November, 2014
2.00pm Rev Geoff Tolley
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GROUPS AT NEW CHURCH
Sunday
10.30 am
2nd Sunday in month
WORSHIP FOR NOVEMBER
Sunday Service with Junior Church
All Age Worship
SUNDAY 2nd NOVEMBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Doreen Goodship: Communion
Monday
1.00pm to 2.30 pm
Stay & Play for babies and toddlers
Monday
6.15pm to 7.30 pm
Rainbows
Monday
6.30pm to 8.00 pm
Brownies
New Church
Midweek Holy Communion (2nd Tues in month)
Spring Vale
10.45am Simon Huggill: Church Anniversary
Unity Choir
Trinity
10.30am George Grime: Communion
Tuesday
10.00 am
Tuesday
7.00 pm
Wednesday
1.00pm to 3.00 pm
Stroke Association (alternate weeks)
Wednesday
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Trefoil Guild (once a month)
Thursday
9.30 am to 10.30 am
Weight Watchers
Thursday
11.15 am to 12 noon
Baby Signing
Thursday
5.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Weight Watchers
Thursday
7.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Home Group (speak to Dave Keegan 01254 678858
for details)
Friday
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
West Pennine Slings Group for babies & toddlers
Friday
4.00 pm to 4.30 pm
30 Minute Praise Party
Family Worship with refreshments
Saturday
8.30 am to 10 am
Weight Watchers
Saturday
10.00 am to 3.30 pm
Spinners, Weavers and Dyers
(2nd Sat each month)
GROUPS AT SPRING VALE
Yoga meets each Monday 10 to 11.30 am
Line Dancing meets each Monday 7 to 8.30 pm
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet every Tues & Weds 6 to 9 pm
Stay and Play Toddler Group each Thursday 10.30 am to 12 noon
Spring in Your Step Over 50’s 1 to 3 pm every Thursday
Occasional guest speakers & activities—contact Tel 012543 703858
Also Dance Crazy Theatre School classes during the week
Sunday Worship every Sunday at 10.45 am
Mid week Holy Communion 9.30 am 2nd Thursday in the month
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Central
9.30am Rev Geoff Tolley: Communion
10.30am Barbara Duxbury
Tockholes
Sandra Wilkinson
2.00pm Doreen Goodship
Central
10.30am Barbara Duxbury
New Church
10.30am Colin Garley
Spring Vale
10.45am Rev Debbie Keegan: Communion
Trinity
Tockholes
10.30am Simon Huggill
2.00pm Rev Geoff Tolley: Communion
SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Doreen Goodship
Central
10.30am Kath Hodkinson
New Church
10.30am Bryan Lamb
Spring Vale
Trinity
10.45am Rev Debbie Keegan
10.30am Rev Terry Young
Janice Hassan
Anne Adamson
Helen Williamson
Ron Walsh
Bill Chynoweth
Bryan Weal
Gordon Beveridge
Dorothy Yates
George Grime
2.00pm George Grime
SUNDAY 30th NOVEMBER
Bolton Road
10.30am
Central
10.30am
New Church
10.30am
Spring Vale
10.45am
Trinity
10.30am
Tockholes
Raphael Nketsiah
Rev Debbie Keegan: Communion
SUNDAY 9th NOVEMBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Colin Garley
Central
10.30am John East:: Remembrance Service
Communion
New Church
10.30am Dc Dave Keegan: All Age Worship
Spring Vale
10.45am Rev Terry Young
Trinity
10.30am Barbara Duxbury: :All Age Worship
Tockholes
2.00pm Kath Hodkinson
SUNDAY 16th NOVEMBER
Bolton Road
10.30am Danny Wilson
Tockholes
Junior Church
Barbara Duxbury
Colin Garley
Rev Debbie Keegan: Communion
John Venables
Doreen Goodship
Susan Blezard
Janet Goodship
Sandra Wilkinson
2.00pm Rev Terry Young
3
Dear Friends,
I am the Interim moderator for the United Reformed Churches in
Darwen and Lower Darwen and am pleased to have been invited
to write this letter.
It seems to me that this is a time of change for both the Methodist and United Reformed Churches of Darwen and Lower Darwen.
Change, of course, is not always welcome; it can be challenging;
it can make us uncomfortable and apprehensive about what is
going to happen next . But change can be positive too; it can
open up new possibilities and can create hope for a better future.
Often we resist change because we get used to things being the
same. There is a security in knowing that everything is going to
remain the same.
But we delude ourselves if we think things can stay the same.
We age; children are born and grow and people die. Society and
culture change. Fashion, leisure activities, eating habits … in fact
whatever you care to think of, it seems to change. Perhaps the
biggest change in the last few years has been in technological
innovations, so much so that many people find they cannot keep
up with the new technologies.
The church can seem like an oasis of calm where we can retreat,
because ‘nought changes here’; a place where we can go to find
an unchanging God.
But that is not what being church is all about. Being church is
about sharing God’s love in word and deed and if we use it as a
hiding place we can’t share with anyone only ourselves.
If we want to know more about God and commit to a life of Christian discipleship, we find that change is part of that process. And
this change is in ourselves. Because Jesus calls us to turn our4
Central Flower Rota
October
5th
‘Memories of Belgrave’ Ken and Janet Pickering
12th ‘In loving memory of Joe’ Olive Hargreaves
19th ‘In memory of Mum and Dad’ Brenda Bury, Lynda Reay and families
26th ‘In memory of Jessie and Tom Smith’ the family
November
2nd ‘In memory of Geoff’ Eunice Yates
9th
‘In memory of Edward Marsden and John Shorrock and those who lost their
lives in the wars.
16th ‘In memory of Edwin and Doris Raine’ the family
23rd Maureen Ainsworth
30th ‘In memory of Albert, Annie and Stuart Brooks’ the family
Central Coffee Rota
October
5th
Dorothy Yates, Mavis Aspinall, Margaret East.
12th Liz Rutherford, Karen Narramore, Margaret Williams.
19th Barbara Duxbury, Beryl Shaw, Annette Barker.
26th Kathleen Knowles, Doreen Bannister, Margaret Burns.
November
2nd
Dorothy Yates, Mavis Aspinall, Margaret East.
9th
Janice Cowell, Annette Barker, Beryl Shaw.
16th Liz Rutherford, Karen Narramore, Margaret Williams.
23rd Lynda Reay, Dorothy Yates, Mavis Aspinall.
30th Kathleen Knowles, Doreen Bannister, Margaret Burns.
Central Communion Rota
October: Jean Yates, Margaret East, Mike Adamson, *Anne Adamson
November: Doreen Goodship, Alison Atherton, Eileen Pye, *Janet Goodship
(*Denotes who is to supply bread) If you are not available, please arrange a replacement, strike out your name and choose an alternative month.
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FLOWER ROTAS—OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER
Bolton Road Flower Rota
October
5th
Mr & Mrs B Wickers and Family In Memory of Mum, Dad, Betty & Jack
12th Flower Fund
19th Doris & Raymond Hamer and Family - ‘In Loving Memory’
26th Gillian, Damien, Rhys and Lucy Curson - ‘Memories’
November
2nd
Peter & Susan Blezard and Family In Memory of a Dear Mum and Grandma
9th
Flower Fund Remembrance Sunday
16th Janet Cooper and Family—’Memories’
23rd
Flower Fund
30th
Flower Fund
Tockholes Flower Rota
October
5th
Family of Kitty and John Haworth – In Memory
12th
In Memory of Mr & Mrs Eli Smith and Richard
19th
Mrs J Clayton – In Memory of Mother, Mrs G Horsfield
26th
Vacant
November:
2nd
Mrs K Knowles and Family – In Memory of Norman
9th
Mr & Mrs R Gradwell – In Memory
16th Enid & Clare – In Memory
23rd Mrs M Smith – In Memory of Family
30th Mrs O Pickup – In Memory of Mother, Mrs Turner
Spring Vale
selves around, to repent, and follow in the ways of God. This is
something we have to do repeatedly because we are human
and fallible; even St Paul in Romans chapter 7 expresses his
frustration at getting things wrong .
Being a Christian is a process of allowing God to enlighten us of
our need to change to become more like Jesus. In doing this our
perception of God can change and grow as we discover more
and more about the mystery of God.
God is everywhere. God is outside the church buildings as well
as in them and is right in the middle of all the changes wherever
they are. God calls us to be there too . God calls us to change
so that we may have the humility to share all that we have received with each other and with those who do not know Christ.
So let’s make sure that we engage with God in every area of
our lives, listen to God and embrace the changes that God leads
us to. Let us allow ourselves to be changed by God so that we
may become more like Christ to become the body of Christ for
the world.
May God bless us all on our journey
Rev’d Michele Jarmany
October
5th
Jenny Atkinson
12th Susan & Geoff Kay
19th Chris, Renee & Sharon Allen
26th Alice Moss
November
2nd Jenny Atkinson
9th
Remembrance Sunday
16th Chris, Renne & Sharon Allen
23rd Margaret Huggill
30th Julie Jones.
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5
The Church and World War 1
Over recent months I have been listening to and reading about the
history of WW1. One group of men that have hardly been mentioned are the Chaplains, of whom 250 lost their lives with the men
in the trenches, some won the VC, the Military medal and did a
great job for the troops. It must be remembered that in 1914 most
of them will have had church and Sunday school experience and
would have expected the Church and the Christian Faith to be represented on the battlefield. The prayers, communions and care for
the dying were part of their everyday life. Stretcher Bearers, some
of whom were Conscientious Objectors, also served on the ambulances. They gave men water and placed their own coats under
their head for comfort
They called them Padre and these Chaplains gained a place of
honour amongst the men. During my National Service days I always looked forward to the Salvation Army tea wagon as the men
did in the Trenches.
During my early years as a minister I met people who suffered both
physically and mentally, one from the horrible effects of mustard
gas and another could not remember anything in 1963 since the
battle of the Somme and was in a care home. To me the Chaplain
was one of the most important roles in WW1.
One Chaplain was Studdard Kennedy an Anglican Vicar who wrote
many poems including his book “Unutterable Beauty” .The men
knew him as he carried his New Testament and packet of Woodbine cigarettes: -
Asylum and Refugee Drop In at Central
Held each Wednesday 10.30am-1.30pm
English Club at 10 am
Lunch at 12 noon
Legal Advisor 2nd Wednesday in the month 10 am to 12 noon
Looking for volunteers to help out
Local Alcoholics Anonymous Group meet at Central URC, Duckworth
Street, Darwen— every Monday at 7.30 pm (except public holidays)
Do You have a drinking problem ?
Do you want help ?
Ring Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555.
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
My name is Peter Quigley. I am a parishioner of St. Joseph's and I am also a bell
ringer at St. Peter's, which is the only church in Darwen still having a working ring of
bells. Church bell ringing is an English Christian tradition practised for over 400
years and provides an unmistakable backdrop to Sundays and special occasions,
such as weddings. For the ringer, it also can be a very enjoyable pastime.
Unfortunately, the number of ringers at St. Peter's has dwindled in recent years, to
the point where we will need to recruit more ringers to be able to continue ringing
regularly. With that in mind, we would like to increase awareness of ringing by sharing with you the attached leaflet. We would also like to invite you to come along to
one of our Tuesday evening practices to see how the bells are rung (it's not quite
like the Mars advertisement!) There is absolutely no obligation - we just want to
increase awareness and, hopefully, one or two people might want to give it a
try. Everyone is welcome to come along but, for safety reasons, ringers need to be
12 years or older.
Please feel free to contact me on 07816 909042 or peter.quigley@gmail.com, or just
turn up on a Tuesday evening between 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
6
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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE DROP-IN
ARE YOU GRIEVING FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS DIED AS A RESULT
OF ILLNESS?
If you wish to discuss different or additional support for yourself than that provided
by the ‘Drop-In’ please contact the
Bereavement Support Co-ordinator, East Lancashire Hospice
On 01254 733407 (Direct line and voicemail)
East Lancashire Hospice Website www.eastlancshospice.org.uk
They gave me this name like their nature
Compacted of laughter and tears
A sweet that was born of the bitter
A joke that was torn from the years
Of their travail and torture, Christ’s fools
Atoning my sins with their blood
Who grinned in their agony sharing
The glorious madness of God
Darwen Community Furniture Project - Chair: John East
We are in need of volunteers, who can apply for an application form by emailing
Darwen Community Furniture Project (darwencfp@btinternet.com ) or by telephoning 775686. It will not initially include electrical goods
Their name, Let me hear it – the symbol
Of unpaid – unpayable debt
For men to whom I owed God’s peace
I put off with a cigarette.
Darwen Blind Society
When men went missing
First Monday of the Month 1.30 pm to 3 pm
Central United Reformed Church, Duckworth Street, Darwen
Contact Jean Donaghar for more details 01254 773559
Just a little scrap of paper.
In a yellow envelope
And the whole world has gone
Even hope.
Darwen Churches Food Larder For emergency food parcels
Cornfield Cliff House, Cornfield St, Darwen (off Olive Lane, by Bowling Green)
Parcel Distribution by Nightsafe staff.
Referrals may be made 24 hours a day Telephone 01254 705120,
(Please contact the staff yourself and do not give this number to the client)
Churches to drop off food can take it to St Josephs' church office, Mon- Friday between 10 12noon. If there is no-one in the office, try the church; failing seeing anyone, leave the food
at the back of the church. The food is sorted on the 1st Wednesday & 3rd Thursday of the
month between 10 am and 12 noon.
Planned Packing Sessions at St Josephs Church Store Room
1st Wednesday and 3rd Thursday each month
Zillah Griffin (co-ordinator) 01254 772478
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Geoff Tolley
7
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
CENTRAL
Word Search—Dreams, Visions and Prophecies
There is a line in the hymn ‘Think of a world without any flowers’ which is not in
many hymn books, ‘thanks for our church and all the joy we find there’. It has
been lovely to see many of the people, who have been on our sick list, return
from illness, infirmity and operations. These have included Dorothy Yates,
Karen Narramore, Beryl Hubbard, Bobby Wainwright, Olive Hargreaves, Beryl
Slater, Margaret and Ian Turner and John Dean. Others we have prayed for
have included Lois Cook, Mavis Aspinall’s grandson Graham, Katherine and
Matt Donnelly’s grandson Noah who is improving daily and will be two in October, Lynda Reay’s father-in-law and Ken Brennand from Tockholes URC. We
offer all these people our prayerful support.
There have been not one but two Golden Wedding celebrations: Beryl and Ken
Shaw and Barbara and Harry Duxbury. Janice and Trevor Cowell recently celebrated 43 years of marriage and Lynda and Andrew Reay celebrated 29 years
of marriage. We wish all four couples much happiness in the future.
Those people celebrating birthdays have included Geoff Tolley, Barbara Duxbury, Eunice Yates, Beryl Slater, Alice Robinson, Raphael Nketsiah, Bert
Bannister, Ken Fish and Liz Rutherford, not forgetting Ahija Makanga whom we
sponsor through the charity ‘Compassion’ is now 20. We hope they all enjoyed
their special days.
The Elliott family have good reason to celebrate as Rachel Lyons gave birth to a
baby girl Lucy Isabel weighing 9 lb 1oz. We hope the family have much pleasure watching Lucy grow up. Watch out Rachel, the Duchess of Cambridge is
catching you up. Mavis Aspinall has a great-grandson called Alfie.
It was good to share worship with Bolton Road URC on two consecutive Sundays. We had a cafe style communion led by Daleen Ten Cate and Rev Geoff
Tolley at Central. There were bread rolls on each table (I thought Mum had
eaten it by mistake, but that was not the case, so we shared Olive Hargreaves’
brioche during the communion). It linked in well with the previous week’s teaching on the service which Doreen Goodship led on the feeding of the 5000.
The following week 28 of us from Central went up to Bolton Road where
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Ananias, Baker, Beast, Bethel, Brothers, Burning bush, Cedar, Centurion, City,
Cup bearer, Daniel, Descendants, Dragon, Drought, Elijah, Ezekiel, Fire, God,
Heaven, Isaiah, Jacob, Jeremiah, Joseph, Kings, Ladder, Lamb, Light, Moses,
Nineveh, Pharaoh, Plagues, Prophet, Rain, Reign, Saints, Seven heads,
Seventh seal, Statue, Temple, Wings, Witnesses
Try to find the mystery answer: after you have found all the words, sort
the left-over letters into the correct order to form the mystery answer.
21
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
MacMillan Coffee Event New Methodist Church
Friday 3rd October 12 noon - 2 pm
Traditional Afternoon Tea £5
Christmas Fayre
at New Methodist Church, Darwen.
on Saturday 15th November
10.30am - 1.30pm
Lunches served from 11.30am.
Please come along and join us,
Enjoy lunch, have a chat and buy your Christmas presents.
BRENDA’S QUIZ No. 5
In aid of the East Lancs Hospice
Sat 22nd November Time 7.30 pm.
At Darwen Masonic Hall, Hawkshaw Avenue, Darwen
Tickets £5 including supper
Teams of up to six.
Please contact Norman on 01254 771176 to book your team in
by Wed 19th Nov. but preferably a lot sooner !!
As usual there will be a raffle
BAG PACKING AT SAINSBURYS
SATURDAY 29th NOVEMBER 10 am to 4 pm
ALL PROCEEDS TO DARWEN FOOD LARDER
If you are able to help out and do a 2 hr slot, or more, it would be most
appreciated. We have 7 tills where we are able to collect money, so the
more people we have, the more money we should be able to collect for
this very worthwhile cause. Please contact lizrutherford@live.co.uk or Tel
01254 774715 to book a timeslot.
20
John East led a lively service which included a lively drama featuring Raphael
Nketsiah, Ron Walsh and Charles Doutou. Rev Geoff Tolley led a service on the
importance of flowers and creation. Doreen Goodship led one on the conflict
both inside and outside our church.
The Heritage Weekend held on the weekend of 13/14th September included focusing on the fallen of the two world wars, particularly World War I. John East
led our worship which also looked at the heritage of our church. A special thankyou to Margaret East for her hard work archiving all the names on the Duckworth
Street Remembrance Plaque. This does add to the heritage of this building and
our town.
Doreen’s service on the 21st September relayed the message that in God’s eyes,
everyone should be treated equally, because god loves everyone, just as the
message in the reading from Matthew about the landowner who paid out wages
to his workers.
I would just like, on behalf of the church, to thank all who lead worship in this period when we have no minister. To Daleen Ten Cate, I say thank you for the 6
week period and I am pleased we will see some more of her in the future.
It was lovely to see Andrew and Candid in church on the 21st September and
catch up with events in their lives. Andrew is due to start at Northern College in
Manchester. During the service, John invited us to lay our hands on Andrew’s
head and wish him blessings for the future. We wish Andrew and Candid well for
the future.
Those who attended the Holiday at Home event at St Peter’s and the trip to Lytham enjoyed themselves and the weather was good. Thank you to the organisers for making this a success.
Ken Fish
9
BOLTON ROAD
In August we started using our new hymn books ‘Complete Mission Praise’ and we
would all like to say a big thank you to Mel and Evelyn Henson who kindly donated
them. It was very much appreciated. All who attended the joint services during the
summer, at Central and Bolton Road, enjoyed the fellowship at the services led by
Daleen and Geoff and by John. It was good to meet and worship together.
On 7th September we had a lovely Baptismal Service for Theo George Addy led by
John East. Theo is the young son of Simone and Richard and little brother to Amelia.
Theo’s grandparents, Peter and Anita are well known to many of us including John.
The service included hymns, a famous Beatles song and a meditational reflection on
Baptism. Theo’s two Godmothers also read during the service. It was a very proud
occasion for all of Theo’s family and friends, including one of our Church members,
Great Grandma Mary. We pray for God’s Blessings and guidance for Theo now and in
the future. Thank you to John for such a meaningful service and also to Ben who
acted as technician.
Our All Age Harvest Service also included Communion and was another very happy
occasion led by George Grime. George kept us all involved as we made lots of words
from ‘Harvest’, whilst reminding us how fortunate we are. He also talked about people
who haven’t sufficient food in other countries and closer to home. Thank you to everyone who was very generous in donating food that Gordon kindly took to our local
Foodbank.
Congratulations to Ben who once more made us all proud when we heard that he had
been awarded ‘A Star Award’ from Blackburn College for his achievement in the face
of challenging circumstances. Ben has worked really hard and achieved 100% in
attendance and effort. He will now complete the final year of his catering course.
Becky also faced many challenges as she has recently completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. We know a lot of dedication and commitment was needed in order
to gain this award, so well done Becky.
Dates for your diary
Wednesday Fellowship
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He has done marvellously well. The consultant and all the staff on his ward say his
recovery has been wonderful. Tommy had a bone marrow transplant in July; the donor
was his 4 year old sister Olivia. On the 10th of September all the tests were clear and
his is now back home with his family who have been told to treat him like any other 2 yr
old little boy. He has to return to the out-patients clinic at the hospital twice weekly for
chicks to be kept on him.
Again, I and my family thank you for your prayers and support for Tommy through this
very anxious time for us
God bless you all, Alison Kelly
I want to write a few words in loving memory of my dear sister Elsie who died in June
at the age of 93. She married Roy Stratton-Smith whom she knew from Lower
Chapel School years before. They had one son, Ian, and lived in Hertford. Ian arranged her funeral and sent a CD recording of it, which was very moving. Roy’s parents had a Draper’s shop in Newton Street, and both Elsie & Roy were always interested in anything about Darwen. Roy died some years before.
Olive Hargreaves
This is just a big thank you to all those people who, whilst I was in hospital, care
home and since I came home, have sent cards and letters, brought flowers & gifts
and helped to pass the time on for me by visiting.
Thank you for so much thought and care—it didn’t go unnoticed and I am really glad
to be back with you all.
Beryl Hubbard
Once again, we would like to thank everyone at Central URC for their prayers, concern and love shown to us during Beryl’s illness. Beryl is certain that prayer has
been the thing that pulled her through at this bad time. She has another serious
operation to undergo in the near future, so please keep on praying for her. We are
so grateful—thank you and love to you all.
Tom, Beryl and family
29th October Barbara Duxbury 2pm
5th November Bonfire Night Party 7.30pm
Church Members’ Annual General Meeting
Message from Kathleen Duperouzel (New Church)
My Great Grandson "Tommy" who was admitted to Manchester Children's Hospital last
February with leukaemia, is now an out -patient at this hospital.
Sunday 26 th October
Susan Blezard
Thank you to everyone for your good wishes on my retirement and for your prayers,
and the cards and flowers I received following my recent operation. Dorothy Yates
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TRINITY
A Prayer for Autumn
On 17th August, Albert led a very special service to celebrate Ned's 100th birthday. All the hymns were chosen by Ned, and it was lovely to welcome some
members of his family to share in our worship. We presented Ned with a card
signed by everyone at church. The service was followed by coffee and a birthday cake, baked by Emily Atkinson.
God beyond age
Look with mercy on our mortality
That we may grow up with joy,
Mature with grace
And grow old in wisdom,
Having learned those values of eternal worth,
Which equip us in this life,
For time and eternity,
In the freedom of your Spirit,
In the way of Christ
And with the promise of your blessing
Now and ever more. Amen.
Sunday 31st August was Albert's last service as our minister. The church was
full as Albert baptised two children, Estelle Lola Nellie McCormick, daughter of
Victoria and Kevin, and Lucas Jamie Maudsley, son of Joeleen and Jamie. At
the end of the service, John Atkinson thanked Albert on behalf of the whole congregation for everything he has done for us over the past three years. He also
presented him with a book token.
There has been much to celebrate in the Atkinson household recently. Emily
learned one day that she had gained the A level grades she needed to enable
her to take up her place at the University of Bath to study Psychology, and on
the following day she celebrated her 18th birthday. We wish her well as she embarks on this new and exciting stage of her life.
A Prayer for Advent
God of all grace and peace and love,
As the sun shining bright over a deep frost
Warming and thawing the frozen beauty of the earth
On that day when your name is one,
You shall unite all your peoples Not through war or conquest or subjection,
But through reconciliation,
Love of other and mutual respect
Bringing peace to the worlds you have created,
Redeemed, sanctified and blessed for ever more. Amen.
In our prayers we have remembered Lilian's friend from the wood-turning club,
whose wife has died, and Sheila Robinson. Many of our congregation will remember Ron Ainsworth – he has been in hospital for treatment but should be
home again by the time you read this.
Finally, we wished happy 6th birthday to Colin's grandson Noah.
(Inspired by the Word of God in Zechariah 14:9 – on that day the Lord
will be one and his name one - and by a bright frosty morning on the
day before Advent in 2008)
Judith Atkinson
Terry Garley
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Uganda Trip, July 2014
I would like to thank everyone who
kindly donated to my fundraising for The
Good Samaritan School in Uganda. In
July myself and twenty other 17 and 18
year old students took the trip out to
Kampala in order to visit the school and
see how the money raised was helping
the pupils and teachers there.
Whilst at the school, we used some of
the money raised to paint five classrooms and the outside of two buildings.
When we arrived the school buildings were very plain, with grey walls and no displays
as you would see in a school over here. If it wasn't for the blackboards and swarms of
enthusiastic children, you wouldn't have been able to tell that it was a school! We
painted ABC murals on the walls of some of the classrooms and just colourful murals
on the walls of others to brighten the place up. People had donated other classroom
decorations which we hung as well - it was amazing to see the difference a lick of paint
and a few alphabet banners could make!
We also spent a great deal of our time at the school giving out aid - old clothes and
shoes which had been donated and which we had taken to Uganda with us. Overall we
spent 5 of our days at the school giving out the clothes, and a lot of the children had
multiple t-shirts and trousers by the time we left, which was amazing as before this
many of them did not even have a change of clothes and would wear the same every
day. I would like to thank all those who donated clothes for me to take with me. The
children were so excited when a new jumper or pair of trousers was given to them.
The money raised before our trip also helped to buy the school a photocopier, which
may seem like a not-so necessary item; however, for a school with so few resources, a
photocopier makes a huge difference as they can now photocopy worksheets etc. for
the children.
Thank you again to everyone who donated to the cause. In the future we are hoping
that the money we raised will help to rebuild a classroom block, which needs doing as
the classrooms are nearly failing apart and are becoming unsafe for the children.
CENTRAL CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Tues
Tues
14th October 1.30 pm
11th November 7.30 pm
Sunday
30th November
Elders and Finance Committee Meeting
Church Meeting
Advent Tea 4 pm followed by Advent Service
Mid Week Communion 12 noon
Wednesday 15th October
Wednesday 19th November
Bible Study Bridge Street Cafe 10 am
Wednesday 8th October
Wednesday 12th November
Meditation Group every Wednesday in church 6.30 to 7.15 pm.
Monday Fellowship
October
Thursday 2nd
Monday 13th
Monday 27th
Joint communion with Women's Guild 2.15 pm in the lounge.
Mrs Joan McCann at the home of Kathleen Knowles. 7.30 pm
Rev. Fleur Green [Jewellery] 7.30 pm in Church
November
Monday 10th
Monday 24th
Mrs. Rose Donkin [All that glitters is not gold] at the home of
Mrs. Eileen Pye 7.30 pm
Doreen and Colin Hunt [Beautiful Cornwall] in Church 7.30 pm
Book Club
Tuesday 18th November to discuss The Daughter Game by Kate Long.
Tel Anne Grimson 01254 703994
It was an eye-opening trip which I feel lucky to have been a part of, and every donation
received has helped to improve the school and has made such a great difference to the
children's lives.
Emily Atkinson
More pictures will be posted on the website.
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TOCKHOLES
SPRING VALE
Well what a wonderful summer we have had, and it seems incredible to think
that we are now officially in Autumn.
We are looking forward, as always, at what is a special time of the year for us
and we will hold our annual Harvest Festival service on the 5th October. Our
worship group have been busy planning a special service and we thank everyone involved for all their hard work.
The week before our Harvest service we are having a 'back to church' service
following on from last year, and we hope that you have all picked up your invitations and can persuade a friend, relative or neighbour to come along with you,
to what hopefully will be and inspirational service.
We are still running all the usual groups in our church and there is now always
lots of activity centred around the church and we invite you all to come along to
our groups the Stay and Play group meets every Thursday morning at 10.30 12.00 and following on in the afternoon 1.00 pm - 3.00pm is our 'Spring in your
Step' over 50's group, so from young to old there is something for everyone.
Over the summer months it has been necessary to undertake some vital building work to repair the render on the outside of our building and resolve some
deeper problems that were discovered. In particular we must express our
heartfelt thanks to Simon and Chris who you have undertaken a great deal of
work and dedicated their time in order to ensure that the job is completed before
the winter months, a very, very big
THANKYOU !
Finally we think of all our young people who have now returned to school, colleges and universities and wish them all well in the coming year.
As always, thank you to everyone for all the work that is carried out
week to week, it is very much appreciated.
Irene Hindle
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Following our summer break at the end of July, we returned to our Sunday Worships
full of the joys of the sunny weather in Tockholes. However, on August 10th, we were
unable to find a Minister to lead our service. We really didn’t want to close our doors
again so we ‘broke the mould’ and held our first ‘DIY’ service!! Now you’re probably
thinking we headed to B&Q for some paint and brushes but no – we really did run the
service ourselves! Our congregation, members and elders came out in force to lead
different elements of our Worship – they were too numerous to name all. Special
thanks though go to Ann Swanton who welcomed us to worship and led our afternoon’s
service, and Marlene Jump who delivered a thought-provoking sermon on Jesus’ Feeding of the Five-Thousand.
We had lots of fun during our family service on 7 September, where the theme for the
afternoon was ‘listening’. John East started a game of Chinese Whispers that ran
through the whole congregation! Our children enjoyed taking part, and during the worship we were able to pray for them returning to school that week. Our thoughts were
especially with Millie Cirino whom we wished ‘Good Luck’ starting big school after leaving Tockholes Primary. We also welcomed the family and friends of Sid Sayers, as we
interned his ashes following the service.
Our Chapel was beautifully adorned with flowers and gifts of food for our Harvest Service on 14 September and it was lovely to welcome some of the children and teachers
from Tockholes School to our service. The children took part throughout, reading
verses and leading hymns. Their rendition of ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ was really
befitting to the day, and the array of flowers and food was delivered to the elderly and
needy in the village the following day.
Looking forward to November, our Remembrance Day service will commemorate the
lives of those from Tockholes who died in the First World War. If anyone has any local
memorabilia that we could use during our service, it would be greatly appreciated.
You may have noticed that some of the shops are already selling tinsel, cards and tubs
of Quality Street! So we may as well continue the Christmas Theme and announce that
Radio Lancashire are resurrecting their ‘Sing for Lancashire’ Carol Concert this year
and we’re already looking forward to joining the chorus (and tucking into the hot-pot) in
the Victoria Hotel on Thursday 18th December. So please note the date for your diaries, as it’s always lovely to see our friends from other Darwen Churches who join us on
that evening.
...and finally at the time of writing this newsletter, Alan Rainford and Rosemarie Dugay
will be celebrating their first full day as Husband and Wife following their wedding at
Tockholes on 20 September. Our warmest wishes and love go out to them at this special time.
Emma Jump
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NEW CHURCH
30 Minute Praise every Friday, 4pm-4.30pm
New Methodist Church, Blackburn Road, Darwen, has launched '30 Minute
Praise' each Friday 4pm-4.30pm. After conversations with several parents it
was noted that many wanted to come to worship but Sunday proved a difficult
day for them. The weekend is often the only time when families can spend time
together and are therefore unable to get to church. '30 Minute Praise' offers a
time of family worship that is conveniently held just after school. Parents can
collect their children and come to a service which is reflective and creative. At
the first service on 12th September twenty people attended. For more information contact Deacon Dave Keegan 01254 678858.
Icky Sticky Art for Toddlers
Every 3rd Tuesday, 10.30am-11.30am parents/carers have the opportunity to
explore creative crafts suitable for pre-school children. Based around a theme
there is 60 minutes of sticking, gluing, painting and colouring. The hour is a
great time to get together and explore creative art with a reflection to close the
session. For more information contact Deacon Dave Keegan 01254 678858
West Pennine Slings Group every Friday, 1.30pm-3.30pm
New Methodist Church has teamed up with West Pennine Slings who offer advice to parents on baby slings and baby carriers. The group have a borrowing
library of slings available to parents. The sessions run each Friday, 1.30pm3.30pm, and also provides a drop-in for parents/carers and toddlers. Volunteers
from the church provide refreshments and crafts for those who come. For more
information contact Deacon Dave Keegan 01254 678858
Stay and Play
New Methodist Church every Monday 1pm-2.30pm
Spring Vale Methodist Church every Thursday 10.30am-12noon
Stay and Play for parents/carers and toddlers is growing but more are welcome. There are toys for the children and refreshments available in a safe environment for adults to chat and meet each other. For more information contact
Deacon Dave Keegan 01254 678858
All the parent and toddler events for Spring Vale and New Church are now on
our Facebook page - Stay and Play Methodists.
Dave Keegan
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Some of you may have read in the Lancashire Telegraph recently about the new weekly
praise service at New Methodist Church.
The service starts at 4pm and lasts for half an hour. Refreshments are available after if
one wanted to stay for a chat.
I went to the first service on 12th September and was pleasantly surprised to see about
20 people there: most were not members of the church; they all said they had enjoyed
it, especially the seven children; four of them helped Deacon Dave act out the New
Testament story of the four friends who lowered their friend through the roof for Jesus to
heal him. Let's hope they all come again and bring their friends.
I am writing this after the first service, I will be away for the next service, but I hope others will go along, you will enjoy it.
Marion Haslam
Prayer Room at New Methodist Church
October
Friday 3rd October
10.30 am
Christian Meditation
Tuesday 14th October
10.00 am
Holy Communion Service
Friday 17th October
10.30–11.30 am
Prayers for Healing
Friday 24th October
10.30-11.30 am
Prayers for the life and mission of the
church
November
Friday 7th November
10.30 am
Christian Meditation
Tuesday 11th November
10.00 am
Holy Communion Service
Friday 21st November
10.30-11.30 am Prayers for the life and mission of the
church
Friday 28th November
10.30-11.30 am Prayers for Healing
Come and experience a real spirituality in our new Prayer Room.
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