The Link
Alsager and Congleton
United Reformed Churches
Magazine
Linked through the love of Christ
February and March 2015
Dear friends,
Recently I read a book by Francis S. Collins, the scientist who heads the
Human Genome Project. Francis is one of the world’s foremost scientists and a
committed Christian. In ‘The Language of God’, he discusses how he finds faith in
God and faith in science compatible. As far as he is concerned, science does not
conflict with the Bible, it enhances it.
But it was not always the case and at the start of the book, Dr Collins
describes how he travelled a long road through agnosticism (not knowing whether
there is a God or not), to atheism, (being sure – at least intellectually – that God
did not exist) back to agnosticism and finally to faith.
It was this journey and the influences on it that fascinated me. Dr Collins describes
some of the different experiences he had on this journey and the different choices
he made that slowly altered his understanding. As I read one thing in particular
struck me; it was through people of faith that his atheism was ultimately
questioned and it was their impact on his life that led him to acknowledge the
possibility of God and begin his faith journey.
As he worked as a hospital doctor he witnessed how many people’s faith
helped them in and through often terrible times of suffering, pain and hardship.
Their faith gave them hope, ‘with a strong reassurance of peace, be it in this world or the
next’. The daily experience of observing and interacting with ordinary people of
faith living or dying affected him profoundly. Then one day a woman with a
terminal illness asked him a question; “What do you believe?” He realised in that
moment that he was unsure. He goes on to write, ‘That moment haunted me for several
days. Did I not consider myself a scientist? Does a scientist draw conclusions without considering
the data? Could there be a more important question in all human existence than “Is there a
God?”
As a consequence of this question he began to seriously explore the
question ‘Is there a God?’ and his conscious journey of faith began. He sought out
ministers and theologians, he read widely and found the books of C.S. Lewis
(another atheist who came to faith) particularly helpful as they reflected his own
journey.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus tells a number of people he has healed not to tell
anyone else what has happened to them, but how many of them would have
actually had to tell anyone else? They had changed in ways that all could see and
they could not hide that even if they tried; could Blind Bartimaeus hide the fact
that he was no longer Blind Bartimaeus? (Mark 10: 46-53)
Whether we realise it or not our faith affects the way we act in ways that
those we come into contact with notice. God can work through us in ways we are
unaware of. Some of us are called to ministries as missionaries and evangelists,
ministers and prophets, but even if we are not, God can work in and through us
because, in faith, like Bartimaeus, we have been transformed and like all those
ordinary people with whom Dr Collins came in contact, through the simple living
out of our lives of faith we can affect people in ways that can ultimately lead to
transformation. Happy living, this day and every day!
‘The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith
has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10:
51-52)
Your friend and minister
Murray
Quiet Day 7th March 2015
Our next QUIET DAY will be held at Croft Meadows Farm, Horton on Saturday
7th March 2015 from 10.00am to 4.00pm and it will be led by John Keeling.
Participants will need to bring a packed lunch and a Bible, notebook, pen/pencil
and even a camera might be useful.
The cost of the day will again be £7.00 and names and money should now be
given to Murray or John.
PRAYER PAGE:
Inside this edition of ‘The Link’ is a
separate insert for use in Alsager. It’s
the new ‘Weekly Prayer Diary’ for use
each day of the week as we pray for
each other and for the Church.
Apart from Sundays when we pray for
Murray, the Elders and their spouses
each day contains the names of
people who belong to each Elders
Pastoral Visiting List.
It follows, therefore, that this is a
‘work in progress’ and always will be
as different people will be added and
deleted as and when necessary –
WATCH THIS SPACE for future
amendments (although a revised
Diary will be issued each year).
It may be that there are names
missing from this first Diary or
indeed names that are on but
shouldn’t be – if that is the case
please speak to the relevant Elder or
Murray.
There is a suggested Prayer for the
Day on the back of the Diary which I
hope you will find helpful.
And now for a complete change a few
Prayers before reading the Bible that
I’ve picked up on my own journey of
faith:
Father of all, to hands and minds
prepared and ready, send you Holy
Spirit, that by the Scriptures our faith
may be increased and our hope
strengthened; and this we ask through
you Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Earliest known collect preceding the
reading of the Scriptures (c.340)
I open myself to the wisdom of the
Word of God
I open myself to the guiding of the
Word of God
I open myself to the power of the
Word of God
Father, you spoke your Word and the
earth was birthed
Speak new life to me this day;
Jesus, you came to us as the Word of
God
Speak new life to me this day;
Spirit, you awaken me to the Word of
God
Speak new life to me this day.
Father, Son, Spirit
Welcome me now to the Word of life.
(Amen)
(General prayers (Community of
Aidan and Hilda))
Assist us with your Holy Spirit, O
God, that the precious jewel of your
holy word may be written in our
hearts to comfort and reform us, to
renew us in your own image and to
build us up into the perfection of
Christ, the source of all holiness and
author of all virtues; and this for his
own name’s sake. Amen.
(From the preface to the Geneva
Bible (1560)
Every blessing
John
The Massacre of the Innocents – 21st C
Just before Christmas Sheila and I attended a candlelit vigil near the new
Mosque in Hanley to remember the slaughter of 132 children in Peshawar,
Pakistan, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim sisters and brothers
whose grief and pain were palpable.
The room was packed, with various faiths represented. Brief words of
solidarity were spoken by Hifsa Iqbal, a longstanding friend of ours who is the first
Muslim woman to head-up Stoke on Trent’s Forum of Faiths; the Bishop of
Stafford; leaders from the Jewish and Sikh faiths, and Lloyd Cook from Saltbox
who held the whole event together with great sensitivity. The theme was peace,
linked to a shared abhorrence that such a deed could be perpetrated in the name of
Islam.
We shared a moment of silence after lighted candles and roses had been
distributed to everyone. Poignantly there were a lot of Muslim children present,
looking round with wide-eyed innocence just as their counterparts in Peshawar
must have done a week earlier.
During the moment of shared silence I put my arm round one of the elders
from the Mosque standing next to me, and as the silence progressed very
tentatively he put his arm round me and we stood together… then a child cried.
Bernard Moss
Come and be fed
in
Body, Mind and Spirit
at
Alsager Worship and Buffet Lunch
Midday
February 17th
March 17th
April 21st
The worship lasts about 35 minutes and is followed by lunch at approx.
12.40pm
ABRAHAM – AND ALL THAT
Migration – the movement of people from one part of the world to another
has been with us ever since the days of Abraham, and indeed long before.
Sometimes families or tribes have moved to find more fertile land or a better
climate.
However there is another kind of migration. This happens when people’s
situation endangers their lives – through war, for example, or natural disaster, or
persecution. The subjects of this kind of migration we call “refugees”. At the
heart of the biblical story is the escape of the Hebrew people from slavery in
Egypt; they became refugees.
Our own country has been familiar with refugees. In the 1600’s Dutch
Protestants fleeing from persecution in their own country settled in Britain (and
through their engineering skills changed the face of East Anglia). We have also
produced our own refugees, for example the persecuted Puritans who left these
shores to settle in America.
In January three of us from St. Mary’s attended the Christians Aware
conference with this year’s theme “Refugees – Misery or Hope?” Here we were
reminded that this is a worldwide issue. More than 25 million – many of them
women and children – eke out a precarious existence, often in countries that are
themselves deep in poverty and can do virtually nothing to support vast refugee
camps. Most refugees are so as the result of war (think of Syria, the Congo,
Eritrea), and some adult refugees are ‘second generation’ (Palestinians for
example). Women and children suffer most.
One speaker was Anthony Harvey, former Canon of Westminster Abbey,
worker for the Churches’ Refugee Network, and author of Asylum in Britain. He
reminded us of the significance in international law of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (1948) and the 1951 Convention for Refugees, to both of which
Britain is a signatory. These speak of a universal right to humane treatment – this
is a matter of justice. In religious tradition all human beings are created in the
image of God and should be treated with dignity.
However, national governments have an obligation to protect their own
citizens. This can lead to difficulties over the admission of “asylum seekers”
(refugees escaping from persecution or armed conflict), and the whole question of
immigration becomes a political issue.
Our present situation in Britain is coloured by largely misguided public
opinion, with some elements of the media stoking fears of the country being
“swamped” (a frequently used word) by refugees. Louise Zanre, lawyer at the
Jesuit Refugee Service, provided us with the latest figures. In 2013 there were
29,300 applications of which 17,600 were decided. 327 of these were given leave
to remain. 8,500 of the rejected made an appeal and 25% of these were allowed.
At the same time about two thirds of the incoming total was matched by British
people emigrating and foreigners returning to their own countries.
Sadly, the whole process of dealing with asylum seekers on their
arrival is (quoting Anthony Harvey) “a serious case of injustice in our midst
today”. These are people who have suffered great hardships to reach safety; who
are destitute on arrival and ask only for a fair hearing and opportunity to support
themselves by working for their keep. Instead they are liable to be aggressively
questioned, presumed to be lying, have limited, sometimes no legal representation
when they appeal, are denied all right to work, are often placed in detention while
waiting for a decision, are dispersed to regions where they may have no personal
contacts and difficult access to lawyers, and may even be denied accommodation
and provision for health and food if their final appeal fails.
Behind the statistics are human stories of suffering. This was brought home
to us by Zoya Phan, Manager for the Burma Campaign U.K. At the age of 14 she
had to escape from Burma when her village was razed to the ground and
inhabitants murdered by the military campaigning against ethnic minorities. Zoya
came to Britain as a refugee 10 years ago, now educated with an MA. She has
revisited (and recently) the refugee situation on the Thai/Burma border where she
tells us of continuing ill treatment and rape by the military. Her pictures, sadly
made clear the reality and so she continues to work both here and in the refugee
camps to alleviate the human rights issues.
It is an understandable temptation to put refugees out of our mind, or
worse still accept the media’s false claims that all asylum seekers are “Bogus”. Who
is our neighbour? - if it is not those who have been persecuted or whose lives
have been torn apart by war.
Bryan Halson For J PIC
The scientific way of looking at the world is not wrong any more than the
glass manufacturer’s way of looking at the window. This way of looking at
things has its very important uses. Nevertheless, the window was placed there
not to be looked at but to be looked through; and the world has failed of its
purpose unless it too is looked through and the eye rests not on it but on its
God.
Benjamin B. Warfield
Alsager Coffee and Chat
Why not come along and bring a friend on the 1st Saturday of the month.
Enjoy great company and service, wonderful refreshments and a charity stall
So come and enjoy!
Your hosts will be
February
March
April
May
June
Bob & Ria Harrison
Doreen & Barbara H
Lynne & Jacquie
Tom & Janet
Audrey and Marie
Congleton Church on Tuesday
Café – Lunchtime Worship – Chat & Make
A warm welcome,
friendship and fellowship,
sustenance for body mind and spirit,
craft and conversation
Join us weekly between 10.00am and 2.30pm
Congleton URC, Antrobus Street.
Drop in to the Café:
10am -12 midday
Reflective refreshing worship:
Chat and Make:
12 – 12.30pm
12.30pm – 2.30pm
Tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout this time
AlsAger And Congleton UrC’s
2015
Lent course
‘test of fAith’
Science and Christianity Unpacked
Are science and Christianity in conflict?
Has the Big Bang pushed God out of the Universe?
Is the theory of evolution compatible with Christian faith?
YES?
NO? UNSURE?
Whatever your points of view are why not come and explore these and other
issues raised by science for both faith and ethics.
Congleton
Alsager
1
24th February 7.30 pm
25th February 2.30 pm
2
3rd March
7.30 pm
4th March
3.00 pm
3
10th March
7.30 pm
11th March
2.30 pm
4
24th March
7.30 pm
25th March
2.30 pm
Everyone Welcome!
Come along and bring a friend!
Refreshments served
ALSAGER CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
It has been said that germs don't survive in cold weather. Such a claim is hard to
believe seeing most of us have been targeted by colds, flu and chest infections
lately. I suppose “cold weather" can mean a certain temperature below what we
feel at present as cold.
We are all vulnerable beings in so many ways, no one is exempt from suffering. No
one should suffer alone. This does highlight the blessing of the support we give to
each other in times of need. Being somewhat incapacitated at present I can only
marvel and be grateful for the help I have received from so many.
We are blessed in our church in that there is such a hidden network of wonderful
caring people. In caring for one another, as we do in our church family, we are
serving as Christ has asked of us in that we should love one another ....
Our cares and prayers are extended to Joan and Ken Heaton, Dennis Jerrard,
Ken and Dorothy Bragg, Philip and Lynne Eardley, Amy Coe, Beryl Garwell, Pat
Averill, Tom and Janet Beamon. (I would add Val’s name to this list, Murray) All
names in the Prayer Book and all names held in confidence in the Prayer Chain.
We will remember our dear friend Joan Phillips in her memorial service at 2.30pm.
on February 17th.
" The Children of Messy Church told the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus
in their own special way in the Crib Service. It quite rightly was a joy to behold.
Special thanks go to Lynne, Philip and Murray as supporting actors and the
mothers of the costume department.
Photographs will soon be on display at Alsager for those who were unable to
share in this colourful occasion "
Val
A letter from Joan and Ken Heaton
Dear Friends,
We would like to ‘Thank You’ for your continued support during this difficult
time, we appreciate being remembered in your prayers and for the offers of help in
taking Joan shopping.
Christmas cheer was brought to our home by six ‘Church Choristers’ who willingly
gave of their time to come and sing some familiar carols. It meant such a lot to us
and made us feel part of the Church family.
Thank you Murray for your Pastoral Care
Wishing you all a peaceful and happy 2015
Joan and Ken
The following people are known to be celebrating their birthdays during the next two
months
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!
******************
February
4
Janet Beamon
th
18 Philip Eardley
23rd Gilbert Band
March
3 Barbara Harkness
6th Sidney Rowbottham
16th Pat Averill
th
rd
If your birthday, or that of anyone you know within our Church Family is not on the list, then
please tell one of the Elders. We don’t need the age, just the date!
SHOEBOX APPEAL
BELATED THANKS are extended to everyone who filled a box or contributed in
any way to the “Operation Christmas Child” Shoebox Appeal.
We were able to deliver 22 boxes this year for distribution to needy children. This
simple gift, packed with love can communicate God’s love and the Good News of
Jesus Christ wherever these children are in the world.
Philip
HOPE HOUSE Children’s Respite Hospice
On behalf of the children and families that use Hope House Hospice, can I offer
heartfelt thanks for the £55 cheque which I received from the Church Treasurers
today. This of course comes from donations made by friends who displayed one
card on the display boards in church instead of sending individual cards to the
church family.
Once again many thanks, Philip and Lynne.
Easter
I first became aware of the meaning of Easter as a child going to Sunday school
and church during World War II.
I remember as a child being very upset about Jesus being crucified. I don’t
remember Easter eggs, as there was rationing. But, I do remember, my two sisters
and I had a lovely new spring outfit for Easter, (brought with clothing coupons)
and we always wore a hat in church.
We walked nearly a mile along a beautiful country lane to church, with wild
primroses, forget-me-nots and violets in the hedgerows and the lovely pussy willow
tree. Spring had arrived!
I never thought that one day I would visit Jerusalem. Seeing the sites where the
crucifixion took place, walk the stations of the cross and see the slab on which
Jesus lay.
I felt a real presence in the Garden of Gethsemane and saw the ancient olive trees
still growing. There. I remembered as a child thinking how awful Judith Iscariot
was, so I could imagine the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane.
I think of Easter as a sad and joyous time. What a wonderful world. We could be
living if everyone followed the teaching and examples of Jesus Christ.
Pat Averill
Inside the Church of the Sepulchre on the site where Jesus Christ was crucified
Thursday Afternoon Fellowship
Our final meeting of 2014 was our Christmas Lunch superbly prepared and served
by Beech Tree Caterers. It was excellent but sadly missed by a number of members
who were suffering from illness.
After coffee and freshly baked mince pies, everyone received a gift, lovingly made
by Gwen Pask and we retired into the Church for a Carol Service led by Philip
with Marion James accompanying us on the piano.
The New Year meeting on the 8th January was a “Free and Easy!” when we enjoyed
singing hymns, a time of prayer, remembering all members and friends who were
unwell and fellowship with many who we hadn’t seen from some weeks.
Philip gave out a new programme of speakers and events right up until July and
then we sat back and chatted some more over a delightful array of cakes!
A warm invitation to join us for our meetings which start at 2.30pm unless
otherwise stated, is offered to everyone.
PROGRAMME 2015
February
12th
26th
Cycling Challenge - Revd Kim Stillwell
Ian White and Fraser the Retired Guide Dog
March
12th
26th
Bob and Ria Harrison
Revd John Taylor – Easter Reflections
A letter from Crewe NSPCC following the Alsager Toy service in December.
Dear Mr and Mrs Riley
I write to thank you for the wonderful Toys that you kindly donated to Crewe
Service Centre. We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone
involved in this year’s toy and food collection.
For lots of children we work with, life is hard all the time, but Christmas makes
things more difficult with the added pressures on their families and the knowledge
that Christmas is such a happy time for other children around them.
You have made it possible for us to change some of that. The Toys which have
been donated help us to give our children a little bit of Christmas magic and help
to show them that there is kindness in the world.
The children who receive your gifts will never be able to thank you personally, so
please accept our most grateful thanks from everyone here on their behalf.
Yours sincerely,
Anne-Marie Noon, Fundraising Assistant. Northwest
CRIB SERVICE
Greeted at the church door by two opulently dressed Bedouins (Bob and Ria) the
congregation gathered and were seated to listen to the beautiful music which filled
the air, thanks to Graham.
An aged shepherd (Murray) was the Narrator and led the townsfolk/congregation
in our Crib Service. He thanked everyone for attending and dressing appropriately
before opening a large pack of hay to line the crib. (Aged shepherd?? – Murray)
The children lit the Advent Candles and gently with carols and prose the story
unfolded.
The Angel Gabriel (Gracie) walked up the aisle slowly to begin the formation of
the tableaux, followed by Joseph (Philip) and his two Mary’s (Jasmine and Dulcie).
As they approached the dais Joseph constantly told his Mary’s just how well they
were doing and asked them to hold on until they reached the safety of where they
would stay the night.
At this point the aged shepherd (Murray) retold the scene of what happened when
Joseph knocked on the door of the inn. The innkeeper and his wife (Lynne and
Faye) told them that there was no room but eventually decided that they could stay
in the stable with the animals.
At this point a very bright star (Owen) arrived over the stable (up in the pulpit) to
shine brightly.The shepherds (Alfie, Sophie and Emmie) followed the aged
shepherd and travelled throughout the church before they arrived at the stable
where they looked on quietly.
The dais was becoming quite crowded by now and young Mary (Dulcie aged 3)
decided to sit on the other Mary’s (Jasmine’s) knee – she was very tired! – and we
suspect that she nodded off. Joseph (Philip) was also experiencing problems after
the long walk – his legs were going numb from kneeling so long!
Attention then turned to the aged shepherd again who promptly gave Christmas
crackers to all those who weren’t dressed up – at least they suddenly became kings
with their paper hats. Instant magic!
Two kings (Alex and Matthew) made their way to the wonderful scene. They
carried their gifts, presented them and knelt down near the crib.
Oh dear! Our youngest shepherd (Emmie) decided that she actually wanted to see
Baby Jesus (Ellie’s doll) which didn’t arrive and so the crib was quickly covered in a
small sheepskin rug and everyone pretended that the baby was asleep and this was
the story that the aged shepherd (Murray) stuck to.
The scene was set, the story told, and after singing the last carol we all got changed
to continue our fellowship in the hall over refreshments. A very different way of
telling one of the best stories ever told.
Luckily for us a kaftan dressed Turkish traveller (Val) sat on the front row and took
photos, some of which you can see on the children’s notice board in the church
hall.
Please take the time to have a look as we all enjoyed it and I think it shows on the
faces of the children.
Lynne
Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union Seek Volunteers
Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union (CNCU) is looking for volunteers who
can spare a couple of hours per month to help them at Alsager Library.
CNCU, a not-for-profit financial organisation, offers a range of savings
accounts and affordable loans to members. It promotes effective money
management and is open to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Cheshire.
By volunteering with them, you will learn new skills, meet new people and
gain valuable experience. You will also make a difference in your community by
helping to keep local residents out of the clutches of loan sharks and other payday
lenders.
CEO John Weir said: “Some local people who have fallen on hard times
struggle to access financial services from high street banking providers. As such,
they often fall prey to doorstep lenders.”
“Unlike banks, we are a not-for-profit organisation that works within the
local community of Cheshire, providing access to fair and affordable loans and
savings. Volunteers make a huge contribution to CNCU and their commitment
and dedication means we are able to provide services at locations convenient to
our members. “
If you are interested in volunteering, please call John Weir on 01270 685625
for more information.
Alsager Handmade Cards Group
Our group meet on the third Monday of each month at 7.00pm in the winter months
when the weather and dark nights are best in our own homes – card making! We chat a
lot and discuss various techniques, share ideas and are always ready to try something
new! All the cards we make are sold to raise money for church funds and with prices
from £1.50 to £2.50 they really are a bargain.
However, if there is a special card which you would like making, or if you are interested
in joining the group then please speak to one of the ladies or ring Lynne on 877861
When God works in us, the will, being changed and
sweetly breathed upon by the Spirit of God, desires and acts,
not from compulsion, but responsively.
Martin Luther
Have you booked your ticket for the BIG DAY OUT yet?
Great fun is to be had for all the church family: the whole of The Mersey and
North Western Synods have taken over the whole of the Southport conference
centre on the 18th July.
A variety of events are taking place throughout the day. There will be a practice
and performance of a Roger Jones musical, a puppet workshop and performance,
kid’s praise, Bollywood dancing, Bible Study and a range of speakers including
Steve Chalke, Michael Jagassar, Loretta Mingella and John Proctor.
There will also be a variety of stalls and a roving magician and roving games.
There really is something for everyone so please book early! £7.00 before April and
if enough book we might even get a free coach! Children also go free but need to
book so put your names down now!
There are sign up and booking forms at Alsager and Congleton
Congleton Christmas Party
Pass the Parcel at Congleton Christmas Party
This is always held in January and I am never sure whether it is late for last year’s
or early for this year’s Christmas festivities. Whichever it is, this year’s party, as
always, was a joyful occasion with a quiz and a number of other games including
Pass the Parcel.
God food provided by everyone and of course much merriment and fellowship!
Thanks go to the Fellowship Group (previously the Social Group) for organising it
and providing the games.
Women’s World Day of Prayer
Friday, 6 March 2015
Alsager
2:30 pm at St Mary's Church.
Congleton
10.30 am at St James Church.
On Friday, 6 March 2015 an estimated 3 million people in over 170 countries will
gather to observe the day of prayer, using an order of service written by Christian
women from The Bahamas and translated into over 1000 different languages and
dialects. In the British Isles alone over 5,000 services will be held. The day will
begin when the sun rises over the island of Samoa and continue until it sets off the
coast of American Samoa some 35 hours later.
The theme of the service is - "Jesus said to them: Do you know what I have done
to you?"
The Bible Study is John's Gospel Chapter 13, verses 1-17. It challenges us to
demonstrate the same radical, unconditional love for others that Jesus showed
when he washed the feet of his disciples.
Everyone is welcome to attend the service, men, women - people of all ages.
‘Science cannot solve man’s moral problems.’
Carl Gustav Jung
‘I only trace the lines that flow from God’.
Albert Einstein
Congleton Street Pastors Quarterly Report 3rd October -21st December 2014
During the quarter we have patrolled every Friday from 7pm till 11pm, and ended
the quarter with a late night patrol (11pm – 2am) on Sat20th/Sun21st December.
Each team has comprised 4 members (male and female). Additionally there have
been Prayer Pastors covering each evening at Westwood House and others who
pray at home.
Contact has been maintained with various doormen, proprietors of shops and
takeaways etc. and security guards, and the feedback from the public with whom
we have had contact continues to be very positive.
The teams have continued to make contact with groups of young people who
congregate in a number of areas ( park , market ), and some of these are now used
to what Street Pastors are around for, and are happy to engage in some banter and
various discussions.
The teams have been able to respond to requests for help by individuals of various
ages and small groups, and have provided advice, prayers and practical support e.g.
bottles of water, help with a specific problem.
We have resumed our regular patrols from Friday 9th January 2015 7pm – 11pm ,
and in the next few months we will be reviewing how the patrols can be best used.
We plan to have a new recruiting drive this year, and when we have trained
sufficient additional Street Pastors we hope to be able to extend the coverage of
patrols.
We thank you all for your support. Please continue to hold Congleton Street
Pastors in your prayers
Dianne Burgess
Congleton Street Pastors Co-ordinator
‘Science can add years to your life, but only Christ can add life to your years’
Anon
‘No sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible’
Isaac Newton
Worship dates and times
Date
Time
Alsager
Leader
Feb
1st
8th
15th
15th
17th
18th
22nd
10.30 am
10.30 am
10.30 am
6.30 pm
Midday
10.30 am
10.30 am
Worship with Holy Communion
Church Family Worship
Family Worship with Messy Church
Ecumenical service with Communion
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Ash Wednesday Service
Church Family Worship
Rev. John Keeling
Rev. David Hamblin
Rev. David Spence
March
1st
8th
15th
15th
22nd
29th
10.30 am
10.30 am
10.30 am
6.30 pm
10.30 am
10.30 am
All age Worship with Christening
Church Family Worship
Mothering Sunday with Communion
Ecumenical Worship with Communion
All age Worship with Christening
Palm Sunday Family Worship
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Sally Willett
Val Atkinson
Rev. Murray George
Les Sanderson
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
April
2
3rd
4th
5th
nd
Date
Feb
1st
1st
3rd
8th
10th
15th
17th
18th
22nd
22nd
Maundy Thursday Reflective with
Midday
Communion
10.00 am Good Friday Worship
10-12 am Holy Saturday vigil/quiet time
10.30 am Easter Celebration with Communion
Rev. Murray George
Rev. John Keeling
Rev. John Keeling
Rev. Bob Parker
Time
Congleton
Leader
10.30 am
6.30 pm
Midday
10.30 am
Midday
10.30 am
Midday
7.00pm
10.30 am
6.30 pm
All age worship and Christening
Ecumenical Worship at URC
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Family All age Worship
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Worship With Holy Communion
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Ash Wednesday service
Worship With Holy Communion
Celtic Style Communion
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
Mrs Carol Booth
Mr Bob Booth
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
Mrs Carol Booth
Rev. Murray George
Mr Peter Drew
Rev. Murray George
March
1st
1st
3rd
8th
10.30 am
6.30 pm
Midday
10.30 am
All age Worship
Ecumenical Service at WellSpring
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Church Family Worship
Mrs Carol Booth
Rev. Derek Balsdon
Mrs Carol Booth
Rev Keith Jarvis
10th
Midday
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Rev. Murray George
15th
10.30 am Mothering Sunday Worship
Rev. Murray George
17th
Midday
Mrs Carol Booth
22nd
24th
10.30 am Worship With Holy Communion
Midday
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
29th
10.30 am Palm Sunday Family Worship
Midday
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Rev. Bernard Moss
31st
Tuesday Lunchtime Worship
Rev. Murray George
April
2nd
7.00pm
3rd
TBC
Maundy Thursday Reflective with
Communion
Congleton Walk of Witness
4th
12-2pm
Holy Saturday vigil/quiet time
5th
10.30 am Easter Celebration with Communion
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
Rev. Murray George
Dates For your Diary
Date
Time
Place
Details
1st
Midday
Alsager
Elders Meeting
2
7.15pm
Congleton Elders Meeting
7th
7th
9th
10-12noon
8.30- 9.30am
7.15pm
Alsager
Alsager
Alsager
Coffee & Chat
Morning Prayer
Elders meeting
11th
17th
18th
2.30 pm
9.30-11.30
Midday
Alsager
Alsager
Alsager
One +One Bible Exploration
Meet the minister
Ash Wednesday Service
18th
7.00pm
Congleton Ash Wednesday Service
Feb
nd
19th
22nd
2.30pm
Midday
Alsager
Alsager
Alsager Court Service
Same sex marriage debate church meeting
24th
7.30 pm
Congleton Test of Faith Lent course 1
25th
2.30 pm
Alsager
Test of Faith Lent course 1
March
2nd
7.15pm
rd
3
7.30 pm
Congleton Elders Meeting
Congleton Test of Faith Lent course 2
4th
3 pm
Alsager
6th
10.30am
Congleton Women’s World Day of Prayer at St James
6
7th
7th
7th
2.30 pm
8.30-9.30am
10-12.00pm
10-4pm
Alsager
Alsager
Alsager
9th
10th
10th
7.45pm
10-midday
7.30pm
Congleton Church Meeting
Congleton Meet the minister
Congleton Test of Faith Lent course 3
11th
17th
18th
2.30pm
10-11.30
7.30pm
Alsager
Alsager
Alsager
24th
25th
7.30 pm
2.30-4pm
Congleton Test of Faith Lent course
Congleton One + One Special Church Meeting
April
2nd
Midday
Alsager
7.00pm
11.00
Congleton Maundy Thursday Reflective Communion
Congleton Good Friday Walk of Witness
8.30-9.30am
10-Midday
10-Midday
Alsager
Alsager
Alsager
Midday-2pm
Congleton Holy Saturday Vigil
th
2
3rd
4th
4th
4th
4th
nd
Test of Faith Lent course 2
Women’s World day of Prayer at St Marys
Morning Prayer
Coffee & Chat
Quiet day - Croft Meadow Farm Horton
Test of Faith Lent course 3
Meet the minister
Annual General Meeting
Maundy Thursday Reflective Communion
Morning Prayer
Coffee and Chat
Holy Saturday Vigil
Regular Weekly Activities
Day
Monday
Time
5.15 pm
Place
Congleton
6.15 pm
Congleton
2nd Mon
2.00 pm
Alsager
3rd Mon
7-9 pm
Alsager
Tues
10 am12 noon
12noon 12.30
12.30
- 2.30
1.30 pm
2nd and 4th
Tuesdays
7.30 pm
Congleton
3rd Tues
Midday
Alsager
Midday service
& Buffet meal
Wed
10.00 am
Congleton
Mums and Tots
Wed
2.00 pm
Congleton
Bible Study
2nd & 4th
Wednesdays
2.30 pm
Alsager
Bible
Exploration
Thursday
8.00 am
Congleton
Morning Prayer
2nd & 4th
Thursday
2.30 pm
Alsager
Afternoon
Fellowship
Thurs in
term time
6-7 pm
Alsager
Pre-Teens
Thurs
7.30 pm
Congleton
Bible Study
3rd Thurs
February
2.30 pm
Alsager
Alsager Court
service
Friday
10 am
Congleton
Café
1st Sat
8.30-9.30 Alsager
Tues
Tues
Tues
Activity
1st
Congleton
Rainbows
4th Congleton
Brownies
Contact
Pauline
McKeown
01260 275947
Pauline McKeown
01260 275947
Congleton
Café in foyer
Jean Cook
01260 276513
Congleton
Lunchtime
Worship
Chat & Make
Congleton
Congleton
Photographic
group
Card Making
Group
Keep Fit for the
not-so-fit
Bible
Exploration
Morning Prayer
Lisa Spencer
01260 275171
Pauline McKeown
01260 275947
Marion
McGuinness 01260
281314
Christine Astil
01260 273027
Carol Booth
01260 272580
Ruth Hughes
01260 272606
Philip &
Lynne Eardley
01270 877861
Philip &
Lynne Eardley
01270 877861
Bob Booth
01260 273772
Jean Cook
01260 276513
Rev. Murray George
1st Sat
10am-12
Alsager
Sat
10am -12 Congleton
Café
Sat
10am
Music Practice
Congleton
Coffee and Chat
Jean Cook
01260 276513
Jean Cook
01260 276513
A dove of peace Maze, see how long it takes you to complete
The deadline for
the next Magazine:
22nd March
The next issue will cover
April – May
Contacts
The Minister
Rev. Murray George
01260 273873