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NEWSLETTER
Haslington & Winterley Methodist Churches
Minister: Rev Simon Sutcliffe
20, Tate Drive, Haslington, CW1 5FZ. Tel: 01270 501552
July
(Issue 7 - 2009)
We welcome you to our `Newsletter'
and pray you find a blessing through its pages.
Remember all God's children!
"Jesus took the children in his arms
and blessed them ..."
Focus on the caring work of `Action for Children'
(formerly NCH)
Sunday 12th July 2009
Light for darkness; joy for sorrow;
love for hatred; peace for strife.
These and countless blessings follow
as the Spirit gives new life.
Hugh Sherlock
Our lead letter this month has been written by Mr John Cain, a member of our Haslington Church and a Local Preacher in our Sandbach & Alsager Circuit of Methodist Churches.
Dear Friends
My first writing for the lead letter in the Newsletter made me think of what can I write about.
I have had a good year up to now and on Ascension Day I was accredited to being made a Local Preacher. Preaching and the summer period, when we go on holiday and have a good time and hopefully enjoy some sun. I think of all the places I have been so blessed to go, from this country to many places throughout the world. From rich based to very poor countries but there is one thing in common to every country.
I try to go to the local church in that country and take in the message of Christ in the very different styles throughout the world. It is wonderful to feel the love which is shown no matter where you go and the diversity of the people. But there is one thing in common no matter where you go - the message of Christ is the same and not altered in any way. It is great to know no matter where we go throughout the world the Gospel message is the same.
If you have not been to church while on holiday why not give it a try and feel how God is blessing them as they worship together. Usually you can find an English speaking church no matter where you are, if not why not take in the worship in another language. It is surprising how you follow what is going on.
It is great to know the message of Christ has reached to the ends of the earth and with his final words this is being obeyed.
Mark 16: 15 `And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere."'
Have a blessed holiday season
John Cain
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Let all the world in every corner sing: My God and King!
The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither fly;
the earth is not too low, His praises their may grow.
Let all the world in every corner sing: My God and King.
George Herbert
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WHEELOCK METHODIST CHURCH
AFTERNOON TEA
Sunday 5th July - Tea served from 4.30pm prior to outdoor worship -
Cost £2. Proceeds to Church Funds
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Coach Trip to Llandudno
All welcome
Tuesday 14th July
Cost: £13 - £5 deposit please
To book telephone 01270 872832
Pick-up points:
Alsager 9.00am; Wheelock 9.10am; Sandbach 9.20am
IN AID OF `BIBLE SOCIETY'
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WEEKDAY HOLY COMMUNION
Wednesday 15th - 10.00am
Venue: 28, Waterloo Road - Welcome to all.
The service will include a time of prayer remembering Haslington & District & specific needs. If anyone has a particular concern for prayer please contact Rev. S. Sutcliffe on 501552
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Christian Aid ->
COFFEE EVENING
£1 inc coffee & scone / biscuits
Tuesday 28th July 2009 - 7.00pm to 9.00pm
At 32, Repton Drive, Haslington
The home of Pete & Chris Howarth
Bring & Buy, Cake Stall, Bric-a-Brac, Raffle
Everyone Welcome
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Taking Time
I didn't feel inclined to talk I had so much to do.
But someone seemed to need a word, a friendly smile or two.
I really didn't have the time for someone walking slow.
But as we strolled along, I found a person nice to know.
So as the busy days go by I find it clear to see
I must make time for everyone as God makes time for me.
Submitted by Ruth Hughes
- Prayer -
Churches Together ¬> Haslington - Crewe Green - Winterley
PRAYER POINT
(PP)
The Neighbourhood Prayer Scheme - A service to all within our community
For all - whether you are connected with a church or not.
For PRAYER - July 2009
Pray for:
- All the activities of our Churches - that God's guidance will be with the leaders through the power of His Holy Spirit and that all involved will be blessed with a deeper experience of God's love and saving grace in their lives. Also that each activity will be a channel for others to come to faith and know Jesus as Saviour and Lord
- The young people those connected with our Churches and those who lead them - those gone away from home to university, or starting a job.
- Haslington Methodist Church building restructure - Praise for progress in building activities and guidance in furnishing.
- That you can bring someone to know Jesus as their Saviour.
- Pray for our Vicar/Ministers - Revd's Anne, Ruth and Simon - that God will equip them in everything they do.
- Churches Together outreach into our communities, and more people use the Prayer Request cards. Give God praise for all the prayers that He has answers in the many different ways.
- For a greater & wider vision for His Church in Haslington, Winterley and the surrounding area.
- Healing in someone you know is in this need, physical as well as mind and heart, as there are so many in need
- Those who are suffering in the many different ways.
- Local Preachers, remembering those who are on note or on trial, that the Lord continues to bless them and guide them in their calling
- Christian influence over this country, both in Government and in Society
- Unity and love in families
- During your prayers think of the local organisations.
- His grace to be channels of His love to all in our community, whatever their colour, standing, race, or creed.
Prayer life: Thoughts on Prayer
Why should I spend an hour in prayer when I do nothing during that time but think about people I am angry with, people who are angry with me, books I should read and books I should write, and thousands of other silly things that happen to grab my mind for a moment? The answer is: because God is greater than my mind and my heart, and what is really happening in the house of prayer is not measurable in terms of human success and failure.
What I must do first of all is be faithful. If I believe that the first commandment is to love God with my whole heart, mind, soul, than I should at least be able to spend one hour a day with nobody else but God.
The question as to whether it is helpful, useful, practical or fruitful is completely irrelevant, since the only reason to love is love itself. Everything else is secondary. The remarkable thing, however, is that sitting in the presence of God for one hour each morning-day after day, week after week, month after month-in total confusion and with myriad distractions radically changes my life. God, who loves me so much that He sent His only Son not to condemn me but to save me, does not leave me waiting in the dark too long. I might think that each hour is useless, but after thirty, or sixty, or ninety such useless hours, I gradually realize that I was not as alone as I thought; a very small, gentle voice has been speaking to me far beyond my noisy place." So: Be confident and trust in the Lord." - Henri Nouwen
God Bless.
John Cain
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Inspiration
One smile begins a friendship
One handclap lifts the soul
One star can guide a ship at sea
One word can frame the goal.
One step must start each journey
One word must start each prayer
One hope will raise our spirits
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom
One heart can know what's true
One life can make a difference
You see, it's up to you!
Submitted by Ruth Hughes
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Beyond Belief
`...I went straight out and bought a Bible and read St Paul's letter to the Romans. He describes how to be a Christian, and it slotted right into what I had been searching for, something beyond, something mystical, but also a way of being I could relate to.'
-actor David Suchet, who was confirmed as an Anglican two years ago and is well known for playing Hercule Poirot
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To smile about ¬>
`When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to 6."'
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Moving on
Each day is a fresh beginning for yesterday has gone.
Another chance to start anew, to change things and move on.
Another opportunity to love and smile and give,
and act with generosity, to look up and laugh and live.
Each morning is a fresh, clean page, as yet unwritten on,
the threshold of an unlived day but yet not walked upon.
So choose how you will live this day as on your way you go,
for through our acts we all leave tracks like footprints in the snow.
Kathleen Gillum - Submitted by Ruth Hughes
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Chester & Stoke-on-Trent District + Sandbach & Alsager Circuit - News ¬>
Women's Network
Women's Network is the weekday fellowship for all ladies and was formed in the latter half of the 20th century from all the differing ladies groups in the Methodist Church. It's aim is to enable encourage and equip in Christian discipleship in a caring friendly, supporting, sharing and challenging fellowship together. Network is not a club, but an active Christian movement of women. Do take up the invitation to join in - details of this months meeting are as below.
Sandbach & Alsager Methodist Circuit invite you to
WOMEN'S NETWORK
Theme for 2008 / 2009 ¬> `WHAT CAN I DO'
Meeting this month ¬> Saturday 15th July - Outing to Winsford
Meeting at Trinity Church Winsford at 2pm
(Theme for the month ¬> `YOU ASKED US TO FEED THE HUNGRY ')
Where there will be a `Pause for Thought' from Rev. Graham Wassell
followed by Afternoon Tea (cost £3)
If anyone would like to book a tea can they please let
Jean Ellershaw know ( 01270 765932 ) by 5th July at the latest.
All welcome - please do join us
Help `Network' to support the work of `The Samaritans' - ask for a `Network Silver Jar'.
`Lord, forgive us for our calculated efforts to serve you only when it is convenient for us to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so and only for those who make it easy to do so.'
For further information and if you require transport please contact Mrs. Christina Nickells 01270 253916, our Women's Network representative, or Sheila 01270 588389
Interesting and challenging meetings - do come along, enjoy, and be inspired
Circuit women's Network - the future way
Circuit Women's Network as we have known it, (The monthly Meeting) in a way has died a natural death. The good news is that Women's Network is not dead and as women of the Circuit we plan to concentrate our efforts on attending District events and events organised by The World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Women where possible. We will make sure these events are publicized in the circuit churches and offer transport where necessary.
We realize that we still need to raise money for Network within the Circuit and to keep awareness alive, and so we propose next year to hold a Network lunch followed by an Easter offering Service. This will be at Elworth on Tue. 20th April 2010.
It is with sadness that we have reached this decision as Network has been a vital part of the lives of many women within this circuit, but we believe there are new and exciting challenges ahead to make Network as relevant for today's women as it has in the past we would ask for your support and prayers at this time.
Bronwen Degg, Circuit Network president.
Dates for your diary
Sunday 5th July 10.30am Rev'd Denise Harding's Reception into Full Connexion
Venue: Wolverhampton
5.00pm Rev'd Denise Harding's Ordination Service -Ticket only
Venue: Swan Bank Methodist Church, Burslem. For tickets please
contact Denise (0117 961 5592) or Janet (580229) asap.
Denise would love it if you were able to share in these events with her - it's been a long and exciting journey, and each of you has been a partner in it.
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"Cross - Cultural Christ"
Churches Together in Cheshire Forum 2009
Saturday 19th September 2009
9.30 am - 1.00 pm
Foxhill Conference Centre, near Frodsham
An opportunity to reflect on mission in the contemporary world and be refreshed and inspired by a challenging and stimulating speaker!
Keynote address by Professor Gerald J. Pillay
Vice Chancellor and Rector of Liverpool Hope University
Cost £10 per person including light lunch
For more information or to book a place email
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HASLINGTON METHODIST CHURCH (HMC)
Web site: ccgi.collinet.plus.com/hmc
Senior Steward: Mr. L. Pickford - 01270 582289
Services and Appointed Preachers
5th 9.15am Rev. S. Sutcliffe - Holy Communion - Venue: 28, Waterloo Road
10.00am Rev. S. Sutcliffe - Venue: Fox Public House, Haslington
6.30pm Rev. S. Sutcliffe - Venue: Wheelock Methodist Church
12th 11.00am Mr. R. Shore - Venue: St Matthews - AforC.*
6.30pm Mr. B. Glassonbury - Venue: H&C URC "
19th 10.30am Rev. R. Allen - Church Family Service - Venue: H&C URC
6.30pm Mr. J. Cain - Venue: H&C URC
26th 11.00am Mrs. B. Degg - Venue: St Matthews
6.30pm Mr. R. Shore - Venue: H&C URC
* - AforC ¬> `Action for Children' Sunday
Creche each Sunday morning during the service for little ones.
A helping hand to Church - If you would like a lift or someone to come along with to Sunday Services please contact Linda on 581518.
Flower Rota - Suspended during HMC building closure
Cleaning Rota - Suspended during HMC building closure
"Love Gift"
The love gift container will be made available at the venue a detailed above where each service is held.
Weekday Activity Venues - those which were held in our Church building
During our building closure venues for weekday activities are as follows:
- Boys Brigade - Juniors section -Wheelock Methodist Church
- Company section - Wheelock Heath Baptist Church
- Worship Music Group - Various times and venues - contact Glenys & Selina
- Drop In - The 65 Club, Mere Street
- Holy Communion - 28, Waterloo Road
- Young Peoples Cell Group - 67, Sunnymill Drive, Sandbach (Johnny's home)
- Church Mice - St Matthew's Church
- Jampact - 26, Campbell Close, Haslington
See back page of this magazine for other details of these activities
Cell Groups small
is beautiful"
We can offer you the opportunity to:
- Be part of a small lively Christ centred group
- Enter into challenging and rewarding relationships
- Encourage and be encouraged
- Delve into how the Bible relates to life today
- Explore ways to express and share your values
- Reach your potential in our Church and Community
Don't miss out - come and explore your possibilities
Cells:
Mondays 7.45pm led by Maggie Roberts (582460)
7.30pm led by Wendy Cain (586521) - Venue: 28, Waterloo Road
Tuesdays 7.45pm led by Debbie Lewis (588649) & Christina Nickells (253916)
Wednesdays 7.30pm led by Sue Brownbill (560340)
Thursdays 7.30pm- Bible Study Group led by Dave Nickells(253916)- Venue: 10, Balfour Close
Young Adults (20 something's!) Cell:
Monday 7.30pm- see Gill Guy (588845)
Youth Cell:
Wednesday 7.30pm- led by Johnny Israel (766585)
Talk to a Cell Group Leader to find out more
ARE YOU MISSING OUT! This is what cell members say they gain from cell
- ¨ friendship, support, fun and laughter
- ¨ learning more about yourself and others
- ¨ how we should live and treat each other
- ¨ there is a lot more to God than meets the eye!
so don't miss out - come and find out for yourself!
Drop-In
Don't forget `Drop In' each Wednesday Morning. Come and enjoy a Coffee / Tea and a biscuit etc in a friendly atmosphere. All are very welcome and look forward to seeing you. During our building restoration Drop-In is being held in the `65 Club' building, Mere Street.
Cell Leaders Meeting
This is to be held on Sunday July 12th from 8pm to 9.30pm at Haslington & Crewe United Reformed Church
Action for Children (previously known as NCH)
Many thanks to all who have given generously through the home collecting box. For the year May 2008 to May 2009 a grand total of £451.47 has been raised towards Action for Children funds to enable the charity to help the most vulnerable children, young people and their families so that they can reach their full potential. If you would like to support `Action for Children' and would like a box for your giving please contact me.Pam Everson 01270 589153
Building Progress.
- The roofing is now completed including on the kitchen extension which includes the `Velux' windows.
- All the steels are in and the internal walls have been demolished, and the back wall, this seeing the end of the major demolition work.
- The plasterboard is fitted to the Schoolroom ceiling andfour new windows have been installed.
- All the insulated flooring has nowbeen delivered and fitted in the main worship area.
- Scaffolding is in place in main worship area and removal of existing ceiling taking place.
- Good news, the Building Inspector has been and everything has passed with flying colours. He is pleased with the work done and only needs to attend one more time when the coffee lounge floor is removed and a new honeycomb wall has been built for thefloor joists. It has been confirmed with the Inspector that the top of the stairs will be enclosed with one hour fire protection walls, the floors between the worship area and the coffee lounge will be vented and that we will install a single door to the new main entrance. Apparently we cannot have two 600 cm doors as we had planned because this would create problems for any disabled user. The building inspector will be sending a letter to confirm that he has passed the work.
- Lighting recommendations being sought.
- Arrangements for sample chairs of different designs to be sent for the congregations to view, and give personal preference, hopefully in early July, with Coffee Morning(s) to be arranged for this purpose. It would be good to knowthe quantity of chairs we require and if the general opinion is that we have the same chairs through out the building. As a guide some rough plans of chair arrangements have been drawn up and the seating numbers for the worship area would be about 120 max..
edited from progress reports by Dave Nickells
Thank you Dave, and Colin, for all your work towards this project.
FOCUS ON ¬> Our Young People
http://www.haslingtonboysbrigade.co.uk/
Company Section¬> now meet at Wheelock Heath Baptist Church -Thursdays - usual times
Dates for your Diary
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17/19 July
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Weekend Camp at Watermillock, Lake District
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August (TBD)
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Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition
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August (TBD)
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Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition
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Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. A great bunch of young people. If you are interested to join in and would like to know more, if aged 12years to 21, please contact either:
Dave Kerr -
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
;
Johnny -
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`Action for Children'
Action for Children has been working with the UK's most vulnerable children and young people since I869. Thomas Bowman Stephenson, a Methodist minister from the North East of England, had a passionate commitment to social justice and campaigned on behalf of the vulnerable children of his day. Having moved to minister in London, Stephenson challenged the Methodist Church to address the plight of homeless children on the streets of London.
In response to their needs, he set up the first Children's Home in a stable near Waterloo, with the help of two friends from Bolton called Francis Homer and Alfred Mager. They wanted to provide the quality of care that other children received in a loving home. The title he chose, The Children's Home, demonstrated a vision that was radically different from the provision of the day, namely the dreaded workhouse.
In 1878, the ‘Sisters of the Children', later known as the Sisterhood, was formed. At first, the members were girls who had been cared for in the Homes. After a formal and challenging training year, the Sisters were gathered together at Convocation and sent out to their work placements in the Homes (or branches, as they were known). By 1892, there were 140 Sisters working full time. They were vital to the work and development of the charity.
In 1926, it became the UK's first adoption agency, providing loving homes for children who could no longer Live with their parents, and this work continues today.
The work has grown and diversified as we have continued to respond to the needs of children and young people in an ever-changing society. In supporting families across the UK today, Action for Children's work includes services such as Children's Centres, community development, crisis intervention, family projects, family support, mediation, young carers services and residential family centres.
This year on 9th July the 140th anniversary of the opening of the first Children's Home by Revd. Thomas Bowman Stephenson and a group of Methodists friends is being celebrated. `Action for Children' Sunday on 12th July is designated by the Methodist Church as one of its special Sundays - a time to reflect on and celebrate the work of its children's charity
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`Never do anything
that you cannot do in the presence of all'
Saint Teresa of Avila, 16th century
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The Church meets as follows:-
Sunday
- Holy Communion-9.15am-1st in month
- Kids for Christ - 10.15am -11.30am
- Also Crèche for girls and boys up to age of 3yrs during morning service
- Morning Service - 10.30am
- Evening Service - 6.30pm
Tuesday
- Boys Brigade - Junior sections (6-9 yrs.) - 6pm to 7.15pm
- Worship Music Group - 7.30pm
Wednesday
- Drop in Centre - 10am to 12noon
- Holy Communion - every 4th
- Wednesday in the month - 10am
- Young Peoples Group / Cell - 7.30pm.
Thursday
- Church Mice - 2pm (for toddlers up to school age) - except during school holidays
- Boys Brigade - Company sections (10- 16yrs.) - 7pm to 9.15pm
- Bible Study - 7.30pm
Friday
- JamPacT Drama Group - 7.30pm - every 1st & 3rd in month
Saturday
- Coffee mornings & Lunches etc
see inside for dates and details
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Note: Venues for the above activities are detailed within this magazine
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DROP IN - Haslington
each Wednesday - 10am to 12noon
Venue: 65, Club building, Mere Street
All welcome to call in for a time of friendship around a cup of coffee or tea.
Please do call in - especially if you are lonely or feeling low
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We invite you to share with us - All are welcome - Anyone in need of help is invited to get in touch with the Minister(501552), or contact our Senior Stewards (582289 for Haslington & 583701 for Winterley. Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals - by arrangement.
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Could you please submit to the editor all items for the August 2009 issue of Newsletter by latest Sunday 19th July. Thank you for your help. Cliff Wright, Editor -T:01270 581205; A: 46, Oakland Avenue, Haslington, Crewe, CW1 5PB; E:
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"...I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life..." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Every day we have the opportunity to choose thoughts of life and victory or choose thoughts of defeat and despair. God promises that when we choose His ways, we are choosing life and victory
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