MAY 2008 CHURCH WEBZINE
From the Rector
Whenever we pick up a newspaper we are bombarded with advertising, especially
these days from the large supermarkets – Morrison’s is cheaper than Tesco is
cheaper than Asda is cheaper than Sainsbury’s is cheaper than Morrison’s… and
so it goes on, round and round in circles. ‘Buy one get one free’ offers are
everywhere, and yet for all the millions spent on advertising to convince us
otherwise, the truth is that there is nothing free in a shop or supermarket – the best
we can say is that some things are cheaper than others sometimes. There is, as the
old adage goes, no such thing as a free lunch. However, there are three things that
I would draw our attention to which are indeed free and which can actually make our
lives better – and you never see them advertised in any supermarket.
The first of these is simply good manners. I think we are relatively fortunate
in this parish because from what I can see, and this includes young people as well,
most people are well-mannered most of the time. If you let a car through the driver
will acknowledge it. If someone asks for a pint of Lee’s best bitter in the Smithy it is
very rare that the request is not accompanied by please and thank you. Likewise in
John Leak’s shop. We are lucky when we consider some of the complaints that are
regularly aired (and not only about the youth of today – apparently there are some
areas where pensioners are terribly ill-mannered) in the media in respect to foulmouthed and ill-mannered behaviour. Good manners are totally free and they sure
do make life more pleasant for all concerned.
The second of these ‘freebies’ is God’s gift to us of prayer. I regularly comment at
both weddings and baptisms that a small fortune has usually been spent on the day
(especially weddings) and that considerable sums of money have also been spent
on presents for bride and groom and, in the case of a baptism, for the baby. And yet
people constantly need reminding that there is one gift that they can give to the
happy couple, or screaming baby, that costs nothing at all and which, in fact, might
just turn out to be the most valuable of all the gifts that are given – the gift of prayers
for the life together of the newly married couple or else for the future of the newly
baptised child – that each respectively might enjoy God’s blessings and favour and
grow under His protection. Prayer is a great gift of God and it is totally free – God
doesn’t need to make offers such as ‘buy one prayer from me now and you can
have 50% off your next two prayers!’ - as many as you want as often as you want
and wherever you want and whenever you want – that is God’s prayer offer to us.
Finally, the third of these freebies is God’s love to us – given unconditionally
on the cross for each one of us. Remember those words from John 3:16 ‘God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…’ Please note that God did not
make a special offer, nor did He sell His love in a cut-price deal. No, He gave it,
voluntarily, painfully and freely. It is just sad that so many people deny themselves
access to this love. God never promises that He will make life smooth or easy but
He does promise that He will help us through the difficult times as well as guiding us
through the good ones. It is over forty years since John Lennon sang ‘The best
things in life are free…’ How true that is and how foolish we are if we do not
continue to make our own lives, and those of others, better by rejoicing in those
things that we can enjoy which are free – good manners, good prayer and God’s
love. When did you last see those advertised in a supermarket?
Steve
Church Officers
The Rector:
Revd Steven Hughes, MBE – Tel: 612267.
Email: steven.hughes24@btinternet.com
The Churchwardens:
Mr Robert Hawthornthwaite – Tel: 612952
Mr John Clarkson – Tel: 612855. Email: shipsinfocus@btinternet.com
Licensed Lay Reader:
Mr Stan Pickles – Tel: 615708. Email: stan.pickles@virgin.net
PCC Secretary: Mrs Margaret Clark – Tel: 616990. Email: mic0802@onetel.com
PCC Treasurer:
Mrs Barbara Wood – Tel: 617679. Email: Barbara.wood2@tesco.net
Deanery Synod Representatives:
Mr Bill Prescott and Mrs Avril Wright.
Stewardship Recorder/Covenant Secretary:
Mrs Pearl Read.
Magazine Secretary: Mrs Elsie Kirkham – Tel: 615832.
Flower Secretaries:
Mrs Althea Slater – Tel: 614966, and Mrs Marion Clarkson – Tel: 612855.
Electoral Roll Secretary: Mrs Julie Tanham – Tel: .
Verger: Mrs Val Simpson – Tel: 614458.
Weekly Giving Envelopes: Please contact one of the Churchwardens.
Organisations
Sunday School – meets 10.30am in School
Leader: Mrs Kathleen Leigh – Tel: 612146.
Youth Club for 9-13 year olds – meets 6.30-8.30pm on Wednesdays in School
Leader: Mrs Mandy Hughes, MBE – Tel: 612267.
Email: steven.hughes24@btinternet.com
Hoole Church Ladies’ Group – meets 7.30pm, 3rd Tuesday, in School.
Leader: Mrs Joan Wilson – Tel 613063. Email: Joan_Wilson@btinternet.com
St Michael’s Men’s Fellowship – meets 7.30pm, 2nd Tuesday, in School.
Secretary: Mr Ted Hopkins – Tel: 617002.
Hoole St. Michael C E Primary School
Head Teacher: Mrs Kathryn Melling – Tel: 613219.
1st St Michael’s Hoole Scout and Guide Groups
Group Scout Leader: Mrs Jacqui Sherrington – Tel: 619579.
Sporting & Boxing Club
Secretary/Treasurer: Mr William Carr – Tel: 615321.
Email – williamgcarr@hotmail.com
Website: www.hoolevillage.com and www.hooleparishchurch.com
Calendar and Events
Our next Service of United Worship with members from both Methodist Churches will
take place at St Michael’s at 10.45am on June 22nd.
We are also currently midway through a short series of Bible studies where, over a
period of five weeks, we are looking at five different psalms. This is a united
churches initiative, and whilst they are all to be held in Hoole Methodist Church on
Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, they will be led by different people each week.
Each week will be self contained – we all have various commitments, so don’t worry if
you cannot get to them all – come down when you can, you will be most welcome.
Please see the weekly sheet for fuller details.
Magazine material to Stan Pickles/Honey Penrose by 18th May, please
Thursday May 1st
7.00pm
th
Sunday
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
4
11th
Sunday
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
18
25th
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
(Said)
8th
Rector
Rector & S Pickles
S Pickles
(BCP)
(CW)
(Said)
Rector
Rector & S Pickles
S Pickles
Trinity 1
Revd Kathleen Wood
S Pickles
S Pickles
Trinity 2
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Evensong
Sunday
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
(BCP)
Holy Communion
(BCP)
Family Worship & Parade
Evensong
(Said)
Sunday June 1st
Rector
Rector & S Pickles
S Pickles
Trinity Sunday
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Evensong
Sunday
(BCP)
(CW)
(Said)
Pentecost/Whit Sunday
Holy Communion
Morning Praise
Evensong
th
Rector
Easter 7
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Evensong
Sunday
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
Ascension Day
Holy Communion
(BCP)
(CW)
(Said)
S Pickles (Communion)
S Pickles (by Extension)
S Pickles
(BCP)
Rector
Rector & S Pickles
S Pickles
Trinity 3
Holy Communion
Morning Praise
Evensong
From the Parish Registers
Holy Baptism
6th April
“We welcome into the Lord’s Family”
KATE LOUISE HOUGH daughter
LUCY JANE HOUGH daughter and
THOMAS JAKE HOUGH son of
Mark Hough and Emma Louise Baxendale of Longton
Holy Matrimony
“Those whom God hath joined together”
The Departed
“Rest Eternal grant unto them”
11th April
DOREEN MURRAY of Much Hoole.
Cremation followed at Preston.
From the Register of Services
Attendance
Communicants
Collections
23rd Mar (Easter Day)
325
198
£1041.45
30th Mar (Easter 2)
98
40
£506.95
6th Apr
(Easter 3)
96
79
£547.55
13th Apr
(Easter 4)
103
60
£475.30
The figures for Easter Day include details from Holy week and Good Friday; in addition the
cash collection on Good Friday of £65.00 was donated to Christian Aid.
Church Stewards
The Church will be open for visitors on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 2.00pm
till 4.00pm from May to September inclusive. Whilst we assume that our regular “churchsitters” will go on the rota, we are in need of a few new volunteers; if anyone would consider
going on to the rota of stewards for two or three Wednesdays or Saturdays, please contact
David Turner on 614192.
During April we had a visit to the church by Sir Arnold Wolfendale FRS, 14th Astronomer
Royal, who was in the area, and interested in seeing the church because of our “Horrocks”
connection.
Diary Dates
Sat 3rd May
Wed 7th May
Sat 10th May
Mon 12th May
Tues 13th May
Sat 17th May
Tues 20th May
Men’s Fellowship Race Night in Hoole Village Hall
PCC meeting in school at 7.30pm
Walmer Bridge Methodist Church Garden Party
Ladies’ Group committee meeting at Low Barn at 7.15pm
Men’s Fellowship AGM in school at 7.30pm
Coffee Morning at Banks Farm, Station Road in aid of funds for the Flower
Festival
Visit to Roukes Forge, near Burnley organised by the Ladies’ Group
In aid of funds for the Flower Festival
A COFFEE MORNING
will be held on Saturday 17th May
from 10.00am to 12 noon
at Banks Farm, Station Road, Little Hoole
Entrance: £2 to include first cup of coffee and cake
Raffle – Cake Stall – Bring & Buy
We’re hoping to get the flower festival funding off to a great start, so please come along on 17th
May. Any contributions to the Bring & Buy, Cake stall or maybe a raffle prize would be much
appreciated. Many thanks.
John and Honey Penrose (613816)
Ladies’ Group
At our last meeting Gordon Medlicott came along to give us a talk entitled “The Last
Lighthouse Keeper” – he had been the lighthouse keeper – in 20 different ones over 32 years –
and had many a tale to tell, some of which were amazing, some amusing and all interesting.
On the 20th of this month we are running a visit to Roukes Forge, near Burnley. Please
contact Sylvia Birtles on 613396 for more information.
Committee members: please see Diary Dates for details of our next meeting.
Men’s Fellowship
This month we hold our annual fund raising event – the Race Night, which is to be held
in Hoole Village Hall on Saturday May 3rd at 7.30pm. It will follow the now usual pattern,
including Hot Pot Supper and raffle. Funds raised at this event, which is open to all, go
towards churchyard maintenance: please give it your full support.
Then on Tuesday May 13th at 7.30pm in school, we hold our Annual General Meeting,
when we plan our programme of events and speakers for next year. We are open to
suggestions and if anyone has any information at all about speakers who may be suitable,
please pass the information on to Ted on 617002.
St Michael’s Garden Party – 21st June
Your support for our church is requested at this event – to be held at the school from
2.00pm on 21st June. The attractions will be: Plant stall, Cake stall, Raffle, Dancers,
Accordionist, Young Farmers’ Vegetable stall, Youth Club Hot Dogs stall, etc.
Gifts of cakes and bedding plants etc for the plant stall would be much appreciated, as
would help with setting up the stalls at 12.15pm and putting away again at 4.00pm.
As in previous years we shall be putting a box in the font area of the church
during May and June for those unwanted gifts you’ve received which could be used as raffle
and tombola prizes. Thank you in advance.
Churchyard Maintenance
Once more the mowing season is upon us and the task begins again of maintaining the
churchyard to the high standard we have grown to expect. Maintenance is not easy, and it is
greatly handicapped by the addition of extra ornaments, vases and other items placed in front of
the head stones. The diocesan instructions are quite clear, permitting only grave stones of a
certain size with an incorporated flower container. These additional items not only make the job
more difficult, but when broken, as sometimes happens, can be a danger to others visiting the
churchyard.
Over recent years, several repairs have had to be carried out to our large mower which
has been damaged by unforeseen objects hidden in the grass, so much so that we now at the
start of this season need to purchase a new mower. We have received a generous donation
towards this, but would welcome any further contributions in order that we may buy a good
mower, capable of keeping the churchyard up to its high standard.
Sidespersons’ Rota
4th May
11th
18th
25th
1st June
8th June
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
9.00am
10.45am
3.00pm
Rob McMurray
Eric Barker, John Aughton & Janet Tugman
Sylvia Douglas
Val Van Holsbeke
Scott Eckersley, Ted Hopkins & Wesley Clough
Clifford Orritt
Brian Taylor
Gill Slinger, Norman Skellorn & Tom Wignall
Peter Smallwood
Henry Redshaw
Bill Prescott, Elizabeth Hedley & Philip Wilson
Vacant
Jeremy Leigh
Eric Barker, John Aughton & Janet Tugman
Sylvia Douglas
Rob McMurray
Bill Carr, David Turner & Olivia Graham
Clifford Orritt
Readers’ Rota
4th May
11th
18th
25th
1st June
8th
W Clough
Acts
Ch 1 vv 6-14
J Elphick
1 Peter
Ch 4 vv 12-14 & Ch 5 vv 6-11
G Slinger
Acts
Ch 2 vv 1-21
J Dewhurst Isaiah
Ch 40 vv 12-17 & 27-end
E Gilkes
2 Corinthians Ch 13 vv 11-end
Uniformed Group Members
E Hopkins
Genesis
Ch 6 vv 9-22. Ch 7 v 24. Ch 8 vv 14-19
B Wood
Romans
Ch 1 vv 16-17. Ch 3 vv 22b-28
D Turner
Genesis
Ch 12 vv 1-9
Church Flowers
4th May
11th
18th
25th
1st June
8th
Arrangers
J Martland & J Wilson
A Slater & E Kirkham
M Clarkson & J Smallwood
J Aughton & S Westell
M Taylor & K Orritt
B Wignall & A Dalton
Donors
Rector & Family
Mrs H Evans
Ladies’ Group
Mrs E Hedley
Vacant
Mrs K Ball
WALMER BRIDGE METHODIST CHURCH
GARDEN PARTY
Saturday 10th May from 2.00pm
at South View, Gill Lane, Walmer Bridge
To be opened by our Rector – Revd Steven Hughes
Attractions include
TOMBOLA – GIFT STALL – BRIC-A-BRAC – POUND/PLANT STALLS
Beat the Goalie and other games
AFTERNOON TEAS – ICE CREAM – RAFFLE
Everyone welcome – Admission: Adults 50p, Children free.