Electoral Roll
PEOPLE ON ELECTORAL ROLL OF CHURCH as at 17/09/20
The Electoral Roll is the membership of the church. If you would like to be a registered member of our church and your name if not on the attached list, please complete an application either online or post to The Vicarage. If you would like to serve on the Church Council or Deanery Synod and vote at our Annual General Meeting you MUST be on the list.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER TO BE INCLUDED FOR THIS YEAR
Click here to check if your name is currently on the list :
If your name is not on the above list and you would like to be added please complete the form below and email back to parishsec@hotmail.com or post to The Vicarage, Stitch-mi-Lane, Harwood, Bolton BL2 4HU NO LATER THAN 11th OCTOBER.
God's Church Our Future - Church Tower & Spire
GOD’S CHURCH - OUR FUTURE
CHURCH TOWER AND SPIRE
Many of you will be aware that we have a leaking tower & spire that needs totally repointing and repairing. We now know the cost will be about £66,000! A huge amount for us!
Grants for this type of work are notoriously difficult to obtain unless we can do some match funding of our own. This means we need to raise about £33,000 to give us the best chance of grants. If we gift aid too, that will increase our giving by 25%.
The PCC have unanimously agreed to give ourselves 6 months (that’s the time it will take to get all the legal planning etc in place) to raise this amount – or as much as we can in that time.
AS AT 11th OCTOBER 2020 we have raised £26,550.32. Gift-aid (an extra 25% from HMRC at the end of the year) totals £ 2,918.00 this is not included in the above total.
Obviously normal fund-raising is not an option at present so, in the first instance we are appealing to YOU for help.
GOD’S CHURCH - OUR FUTURE
WAYS TO RESPOND
• Prayer
As Christians we are all called to pray continually
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Mark 7:7, Luke 18:1
Call to Prayer meetings will held online and in church – details to be announced.
• Scripture
Matthew 14:13-21
The feeding of the 5000 with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes – and 12 baskets of food were left over at the end. This reminds us of God’s generosity. He can make miracles happen. We thought we would run out of money to keep the church going during the lockdown, but due to your generous donations already, we have been able to keep going – and more!
Matthew 13:31-33
The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. This reminds us that from small things God can grow huge things! When we give from our hearts for the Kingdom of God then he blesses our gift and increases it.
Luke 21: 2-4
The poor widow gave with her heart, all she had, 2 small coins, but what a blessing they were!
• Financially
• either by cheque or online banking:
Account no. 65889318
Sort code: 089299
Marking your gift “Spire Fund”
• Give a donation to the appeal. Remember if 24 people give £1000 – we have reached our target!
• Set up a monthly standing order for the next 6 months for £10, £20, £50, £100 or more, or less
• Organise your own fund-raising event
• Put your small change in the ‘spire’ when you come to church
AND PLEASE DON’T FORGET
Do keep giving your usual offering, as we need to keep the church going as well as raise additional funds to protect the future of our church.
Gifts marked ‘Spire Fund’ can still be pushed through the Vicarage door as you pass.
Please remember to Gift Aid your gift because we can then claim 25% of the amount back from the Taxman at no extra cost to you!
FINALLY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
MAY THE LORD RICHLY BLESS YOU AND YOURS
GOD’S CHURCH - OUR FUTURE
Here are some of the reasons that the PCC has agreed to take up this challenge now when we are still in the grips of Covid-19:
• The spire is leaking more and more each winter. The toilet floods, the upstairs vestry is black with damp and recently water was coming in onto the sound desk! It is now becoming urgent! If we cannot repair the spire, eventually our much-loved church will close.
• If we can apply for grants by early next year, they will be still based on last year’s forecasts and profits. By later in the year it is probable there will be less grant money available as the effects of the slow-down in the economy will be evident.
• We appreciate there are effects of hardship in members of our church, through redundancy and being furloughed from work. However, many of us have found that we have spent less money and may have some extra funds available.
• This challenge will give us all something positive to focus on rather than COVID 19, which is all-encompassing in our lives at present.
Coffee with God by Gail Spence
It’s now 100 days plus, and counting. I’d like to say that I have been spending lots of time having ‘coffee with God’ during the day while in lockdown: just to sit and chat over things that are happening and how I am feeling, but the truth is I’ve not. Things seem to become more difficult as time goes on and I think, like a lot of people, the strain is showing. I thought I was coping - some days I do - and things are good, but some days things just fall apart. So for everyone out there who feels a bit lost, afraid, depressed, uncertain, or anxious about things, you are not alone; there are a lot of others out there feeling the same, and each person will deal with things in different ways. As I said last time, I try to keep busy, but there are days when, no matter what I do, nothing helps. It’s difficult to explain but let me try.
We all know what happens when a bottle or can of fizzy drink is shaken up then opened: the pressure inside just erupts into a shower of liquid that goes everywhere. Sometimes when you open a bottle you can control the eruption, and for me that’s how it feels. Some days things just start building up, fizzing under the surface - and it might only take the smallest of things to set off that ‘eruption’ into floods of tears. It sounds dramatic but for some people that’s how it feels, followed by nothing…… an emptiness - just like the empty bottle or can - not a lot left afterwards to keep you going. It’s difficult to go through and difficult to watch, not knowing what to do. Should you just be there for them, or do you say “Right, come on let’s do something”? What works for one person will not work for someone else, it’s a fine balance.
Someone asked me the other day “How are you with God?” and my reply was “Oh I’m ok”, but thinking about it now I’m not so sure. Sometimes I think the question should be, “How is God with you?”, and I would have to answer “I don’t know”, but I got my answer quite quickly. Before I carry on let me put you in the picture.
My son was in my living room on a ‘Zoom’ conference with his work so I was sitting in the conservatory looking out at my overgrown garden with the odd pot of flowers (I should have been sorting out some of my craft things!) It was raining so the pattering of the rain falling on the roof was at times a bit loud, so I thought I would cover it up the best I could with some music (good old Youtube!). Matthew West, a Christian singer/songwriter I sometimes listen to, was singing. I never even looked at what the song was - I just pressed ‘Start’ and there was the answer to the question ‘how is God with me?’. I wish I could have found it weeks ago. I know over the last few months I have not been good mentally or physically, but I think this song just summed it up for me, and perhaps for a lot of other people at the moment - all the negative feelings and struggles we are going through.
So as I leave you with the words to the song, I pray God will give us all peace in body, mind, and spirit, in this difficult uncertain world.
God Bless,
Gail
Matthew West ‘The God who stays.’
If I were You I would've given up on me by now,
I would've labelled me a lost cause
'Cause I feel just like a lost cause.
If I were You I would've turned around and walked away,
I would've labelled me beyond repair,
'Cause I feel like I'm beyond repair.
Oh, but somehow You don't see me like I do,
Somehow You're still here…..
You're the God who stays,
You're the God who stays,
You're the One who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away.
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms,
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays.
I used to hide
Every time I thought I let You down.
I always thought I had to earn my way
But I'm learning You don't work that way, no
'Cause somehow You don't see me like I do,
Somehow You're still here.
Re-Opening of Church
We are delighted to inform you that Christ’s Church, Harwood will be open for worship with effect from 26th July 2020.
It will be church but not as we know it.
Because only a small number of people will be allowed in church at any one time, due to social distancing, and to make it as fair as possible, we are introducing a BOOKING SYSTEM for church services.
You will be able to book up to 7 days before the service you wish to attend. Please call 07539 533785 giving your name and telephone number, the date and service you wish to attend, and the number of people attending with you.
The phoneline will open for the first time on Wednesday 22nd July at 9am to book for the 26th July 10.30am service.
Some points to note:
If you have allergies to gloves or hand sanitizer please bring your own
Everyone to wear face coverings (do not need to be medical face masks)
Church will open 15 minutes before the service
Please only enter the porch if it is empty
Hand sanitizer to be used as required/directed
The one way system must be followed
Maintain social distancing both in and outside church
No singing or moving around unless directed
Paper service sheet and notice sheet to be taken home with all personal rubbish
Parents/Guardians to ensure children maintain social distancing and use sanitizer
Toilet only for emergency use
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these troubled waters.
God bless
Wendy
Christ's Church in Conversation with Wendy Oliver
In the first of our ‘Christ’s Church in Conversation’ series, Connor Harmsworth speaks to our Vicar, Rev Wendy Oliver, about life in lockdown.
Service of Hope and Remembrance 6th June 3pm
Each year we hold a Service of Hope and Remembrance for those who have been recently bereaved and this year it should have been on 6th June at 3pm in Church. However due to the pandemic we are unable to open the church, but members of our church will be following the prayers below in their own homes at 3pm that day and praying for you and your loved ones.
If you would like to join with our prayers please do so. You might like to light a candle and in the time of silence to remember your own loved one.
If you’d prefer to print off the service sheet you can download it here
Hope comes from the Lord
As we cannot be together in Church to think of those we have lost, we offer prayers to give you hope, to comfort and uphold you. If you are of any faith or none please accept them in the spirit they are intended, which is to offer comfort and to uphold whenever you feel the need. We hope that they will help you on your journey.
‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Romans 8:38-39
Prayers
May the grace of Christ uphold you,
and the Father’s love enfold you,
may the Holy Spirit guide you, and all the joy and peace be with you, now and to eternity.
Amen
Risen Jesus, you are there close beside each person, you descend to where we are. And you take upon yourself all that hurts us, both in ourselves and in others. You accompany every human being. More than that, you visit even those who, as non-believers, have died without having been able to know you. And so, in our inner struggle, the contemplation of your forgiveness gives rise to a radiant goodness in the humble heart that allows itself to be led by your Spirit.
Amen
God of life and love, we come to you in our need. Be with us as we experience the abyss of death and grief. Be there in our sorrow and pain; be with us in our fear, that we may find light in darkness, comfort in your Word; in the name of Jesus, who by death has conquered death.
Amen
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
As we light a candle we take a moment of silence to remember our own loved one.
SILENCE
Merciful Father;
hear our prayers and comfort us;
renew our trust in your Son
Whom you raised from the dead;
Strengthen out faith
That all who have died in the love of Christ
will share in his resurrection
Who lives and reigns with you
Now and forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
the power and the glory for ever and ever
Amen
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, make you perfect in every good work to do his will;
And the blessing of God almighty,
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen
If you would like to talk to someone please contact us:
Harwood Vicarage
Stitch-mi-Lane
Harwood
Bolton
BL2 4HU
01204 525196
parishsec@hotmail.co.uk
Childrens Pictures for Notice Sheet
You may have noticed that Rosie has been adding pictures that the children have sent in to the Parish Notice Sheet.
Please send your pictures to parishsec@hotmail.co.uk by Wednesday afternoon latest each week to be featured in that Sundays notice sheet.
If the children need some inspiration here are some colouring sheets…
Update from our Treasurer
Hi everyone
As we have just passed our 8th Sunday with our lovely church closed, I thought I would bring you an update on our finances.
We currently have £3,300 coming into our account on a monthly basis via regular standing orders, but unfortunately our outgoings are approx £6000.
Our utility bills will remain the same apart from possibly a slight decrease in heating and lighting.
However, the difference in our income now we have no services and in particular cannot open our cafe is proving quite devastating. We have really appreciated the envelopes/collection left at the vicarage. These are difficult circumstances for us all.
For the past few weeks we have relied on some wonderfully generous donations, but of course the worrying part is how long this situation will continue.
We do appreciate this is the same for every single member of our much-loved congregation.
If anyone uses online banking and would like to give either regularly or as a one-off into the church account and the details are as follows:
The Cooperative Bank
Account name Christ’s Church PCC
Account no 6588 9318
Sort code 08-92-99
More details on giving are available on our Giving Page
Also, I have registered us on easyfundraising.org.uk. This is a website that you use for online shopping. As long as you click on this website first, every purchase generates a small percentage for the church. It costs nothing to join and you can search for us under ‘Christ’s Church Harwood’. This also applies to Amazon purchases but there is one extra process to initially register. The name to search for in this case is ‘The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Harwood’.
Once you are registered the process is very simple. There is also a facility to make a donation directly to the church.
Thank you once again for all your support.
Take care
Melanie x
Thy Kingdom Come
Hello Everyone
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement which the Archbishop of Canterbury is inviting people around the world to join. The wave of prayer will start on 21 May and run for 10 days between the Christian festivals of Ascension and Pentecost to 31 May. It’s not complicated – it simply encourages people to pray in whatever way they want and with whoever they want for others to come to know Jesus Christ.
Here is an extract from the introductory letter from The Revd Canon Chris Russell, Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advisor on Evangelism and Witness
“This year as we pray for others, we pray that they would come to know Christ so that they may come to give their lives to serve God’s Kingdom. We will once again encourage every person taking part in TKC to pray for 5 others who don’t know the love of Christ and then to resolve to invite them along to something appropriate once our church buildings are reopened. All this prayer is reliant and expectant that the Holy Spirit would draw more and more to encounter God’s love in Christ, so we might be and bring the difference in the world he sends us to stake everything on”.
Links to follow
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/prayer-journal-2019
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/taking-part
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/#Pledge2PrayCounter
On the website you will find lots of ideas to help you pray, at home, as a family or an indiviual.
There is a Prayer Journal to download and there are resources to help with Daily Prayer.
For families you can order a Family Box with items to help you pray and have some fun at the same time. If you look around at home you may be able to find the items and there is a list below with ideas of how to use them. Be Careful!
There is an interactive adventure map for families which was available last year as well. Just follow the links and it will be there to join in or perhaps you can use this one.
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/prayer-adventure-map
To make your own Family Prayer Box you will need the following:
tea light, candle, bubbles, paper, colouring pencils, scissors, some sweets, tissue paper, balloons, lolly sticks, straws, a few seeds, lemonade/fizzy drink, raisins and a Bible
Each family should do one activity a day and use the read the Bible verses set for each day too.
Day 1 - Jesus - Luke 15: 4 – 7
· Bubbles: As you blow the bubbles pray for 5 people you know and love to come to God.
Day 2 - Praise - Psalm 126: 1 - 3
· Colour: Draw a wheel and cut into segments. Each person takes a segment of the wheel and as you colour it in, thank Jesus for his love and pray for your 5 friends that they might know his love too.
Day 3 - Thanks - James 1: 17
· Sweets: As you share sweets with your family, say a prayer of thanks for all the wonderful things you have, light the tea light candle and pray for your 5 people.
Day 4 - Sorry - Luke 7: 44 - 50
· Paper: Each write down something you are sorry for on a torn piece of tissue paper, screw it up very small and put in inside the balloon. Blow up the balloon with your ‘sorrys’ in it and let it go - they will fly away! Light the candle and pray for your 5 friends and family.
Day 5 - Offer - 2 Corinthians 4: 7
· Lollipop: Each person takes a lolly stick and decorates it with stickers which show something they would offer up to God such as a skill or gift – or even favourite toy.
Day 6 -Pray For Luke 19: 1-10
· Candles: Light a candle and offer the names of the 5 people to pray for up to God.
Day 7 - Help - Luke 10: 30 – 37
· Rocket: Write the name of someone to pray for on a piece of paper and then attach to the top of a straw to make your rocket and then blow them in the air, praying for each person as you do (maybe without lighting the candle beforehand!)
Day 8 - Adore - Matthew 13: 44 - 45 & Matthew 6: 21
· Seeds: Add some seeds to some damp tissue paper or cotton wool and pray to God that he will help the seeds to grow. Then pray that he will help your 5 friends/family to grow closer to him. Light the candle for prayers and tend to the seeds throughout the week.
Day 9 - Celebrate - Luke 15: 8 - 10
· Hearts: Make some paper hearts and decorate them with the names of people to be prayed for and tell God how much we love Him. Pray that these 5 people may come to love Him also.
Day 10 - Silence - Proverbs 10: 14 & Psalm 62: 5 – 6
· Lemonade: You will need a glass of lemonade for this prayer. Take it in turns to drop a raisin into the glass. While the raisin ascends to the surface, use the time to pray for one of your 5 friends.
Day 11 - Pentecost - Acts 2: 1 - 4
· Extreme: You’ve had 10 days of prayer – now try some ‘extreme prayer’. Go out somewhere to pray, and take photos or film yourselves to make your own little prayer album/video/instagram story.
· You can use the Lord’s Prayer and pray for your 5 friends and family as well - you may even want to share what you make with them, so they know you’ve been praying for them.
Keep a prayer journal to help you pray.
For Individuals
In past years we have prayed for 5 people to come to know the Lord. We have had a cord or lace and tied 5 knots in it. You might wish to do the same again. Also you might write their names on a card to remind you to pray each day for them.
Bible References For Each Day
Day 1 Day 1 - Jesus – John3:16-17
Day 2 - Praise – 1 Corinthians 13.4-7
Day 3 - Thanks – 1 John 4:9-10,19
Day 4 - Sorry – Romans 5:6-8
Day 5 - Offer – Luke 15:1-6 also Matthew 18:12-14
Day 6 - Pray for – 1 John :4-7
Day 7 - Help – 1John 3:16-18
Day 8 - Adore -Romans 8 :37-39
Day 9 - Celebrate - Luke 15: 20-24
Day 10 - Silence – 1Kings 19:11-13
Day 11 - Pentecost - Acts 2: 1 - 8
© Thy Kingdom Come 2020
VE Day Prayers from the Church of England
For those who served and died in World War II
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those men and women
who have died in active service,
particularly in the Second World War,
whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen.
For those who serve today
O Lord God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect our service men and women.
Support them in times of conflict,
and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;
endue them with courage and loyalty;
and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For the peace of the world
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth
in a single peace;
we pray that the design of your great love lighten
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sir Francis Drake’s prayer
O Lord,
when thou givest to thy servants to endeavour in any great matter,
Grant us also to know that it is not the beginning
but the continuing of the same until it be thoroughly finished
that yieldeth the true glory,
through him for the finishing of thy work laid down his life,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer of Saint Ignatius
Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest,
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward;
except that of knowing that we do thy will.
Amen.
The Naval Prayer
O Eternal Lord God,
who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the sea;
who has compassed the waters with bounds
until day and night come to an end;
be pleased to receive into Thy almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us Thy servants,
and the Fleet in which we serve.
Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and of the air,
and from the violence of the enemy;
that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, and her Dominions,
and a security for such as pass upon the seas upon their lawful occasions;
that the inhabitants of our islands and Commonwealth
may in peace and quietness serve Thee our God;
and that we may return in safety
to enjoy the blessings of the land,
with the fruits of our labours,
and with a thankful remembrance of Thy mercies
to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name; Amen.
An Army Collect
Almighty God, whose command is over all and whose love never fails,
let us be aware of your presence and obedient to your will.
Help us to accept our share of responsibility with strong heart and cheerful mind.
Make us considerate of those with whom we live and serve,
and faithful to the duties our country has entrusted to us.
Let our uniform remind us daily of the traditions of the Army in which we serve.
When we are tempted to sin, let us resist.
When we fail, give us courage to try again.
Guide us with the light of your truth,
and keep before us the example of Jesus
in whose name we pray and in whom we trust.
Amen.
Royal Air Force Collect
Almighty God, who has promised that they who wait upon thee shall renew their strength and mount up with wings, as eagles, we commend to thy fatherly protection all who serve in the Royal Air Force.
Uplift and support us in our endeavour, that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth and a sure defence to our homeland.
Help us to fulfil our several duties with honour, goodwill and integrity, and grant that we may prove to be worthy successors of those who by their valour and sacrifice did nobly save their day and generation; through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
VE Day Celebrations from The British Legion
75 years ago, households across Britain eagerly awaited news that after six years of conflict, the war in Europe was over. The news finally came and 8th May, 1945 was declared Victory in Europe Day.
Communities across the country came together to celebrate, but war wasn't over for everyone and the day held mixed emotions for some. Millions of lives had been lost, homes and cities destroyed, and people all over Europe had been displaced by the conflict. But after years of uncertainty and living in fear it was one day that everyone came together to mark the start of new beginnings.
This Friday marks 75 years since that historic day. As we remember the struggles the war time generation faced, this year’s anniversary feels particularly poignant, as we too are experiencing an uncertain and difficult time ourselves. But as the nation pulls together, and many make sacrifices to help others, we can look to the Second World War generation and learn from their resilience, determination and hope for better days to come.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to come together for our VE Day 75 commemorations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we refuse to let this important date pass us by, and so we will be delivering a range of remote activities for people to participate in from home.
Please join The British Legion this Friday to mark VE Day 75 and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation.
As we face some of the most challenging times since the Second World War, it is now more important than ever to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago. We therefore are calling on people across the UK to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May and pause for a Two Minute Silence, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.
You are invited to take part in the Silence in whatever way you feel appropriate, be that standing at your window, stepping outside your home whilst remaining distanced from others, or taking the opportunity for a quiet moment of reflection. At the end of this document there are some prayers which you might like to use during this time.
Following the Silence we are hosting a VE Day livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War. Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the programme will feature contributions from social historian Julie Summers and cook and influencer Melissa Helmsley. The stream will be live from 11:15am on our website.
You may like to enjoy an Afternoon Tea at home. Of course you can’t invite anyone, but why not decorate outside your home with bunting and Union Jacks then between 4-6pm sit outside with your afternoon tea and see your neighbours keeping social distancing.
Later in the day we welcome you to enjoy a moment of celebration and thanksgiving by taking part in a UK-wide rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ at 9pm. BBC One will feature the singalong as part of its VE Day 75 evening broadcast.
Links to activities can be found on the Royal British Legion website, including a special downloadable learning pack for children aged 7-14..
There are many parallels between the struggles of the Second World War and what the world is going through today, and looking to the Second World War generation, their resilience and determination helps inspire today’s generation in these difficult times.
Copyright © 2020 The Royal British Legion
Believe in Bolton Mission Evening 16th May 7.30pm
As you will appreciate, we are having to change our plans for the Believe in Bolton Mission, 15-17th May. However, we are determined that the current restrictions will not prevent us from sharing the amazing good news of Jesus Christ; the Gospel is as relevant now as ever before, if not more so. We are now planning to hold one mission event online (via Zoom and YouTube) on Saturday 16th May at 7.30 pm. The evening will be an opportunity to celebrate life and faith in Bolton through music, testimony and sharing the Gospel message. We are delighted to be able to announce that our main speaker for the evening with be Bishop Jill Duff, the Bishop of Lancaster who grew up in Bolton and was a keynote speaker at the recent Spring Harvest Home event. We will also be joined by former Gladiator Ace, who has a powerful testimony to share.
We are really excited about the impact that this evening can make in the town, as the Christian Gospel is proclaimed and people are called to respond. Therefore, we ask you to advertise it as widely as possible and encourage members of all our churches, as well as their family and friends, to join us. We will be advertising the event through social media, so take the opportunity of using this to promote the event. Details about this and the evening can be found on the Believe in Bolton website: www.believeinbolton.org.
While this mission event is being organized by the Anglican churches in the town, it is open to all churches to be involved.
Daily Hope Phone Line
Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.
“With many in our country on lockdown, it’s important that we support those who are feeling lonely and isolated, whatever age they are."
Archbishop Justin Welby
Options available include materials also available digitally by the Church of England’s Communications team such as Prayer During the Day and Night Prayer updated daily, from Common Worship, and a recording of the Church of England weekly national online service.
A section called Hymn Line offers callers a small selection of hymns, updated daily. An option entitled ‘Hymns We Love’, provides a hymn and reflection and is based on an initiative by the Connections group.
Oak National Academy
Archbishop of Canterbury to lead first assembly at National Online Academy
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will deliver a message of hope to school pupils across the country in the first assembly at Oak National Academy, it was announced today.
The Archbishop’s address will be streamed through TES from 10:00am on Thursday 30th April 2020. It will then remain available on the Oak National Academy website.
In addition to the assemblies, the Church of England is also partnering with Oak National Academy to provide separate weekly collective worship sessions led by schools, which will be accessible to those of all faiths and none. This will be part of the Church of England’s forthcoming #FaithAtHome programme, which launches later in the week.
As well as the Archbishop, the first assembly will feature the Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson MP.
Thursday’s event is expected to be the biggest school assembly ever held in the UK.
Since its launch last week the online classroom has seen over two million lessons accessed.
In his pre-recorded address, the Archbishop will say:
“It’s wonderful that this Academy is growing and exists in these dark times, it’s a place of light and of commitment to the future.
“I suspect this year 2020 will stick in the mind for many reasons and there are lots of things that you will be going through.
“What do we do with that?
“For Christians, it’s all summed up in a word ‘hope’… hope means the certain expectation of something you don’t have yet but you will have in the future because it’s been promised by God.
“Hope is hope of Life, hope of purpose, hope of peace, hope of justice, equality and a good future.”
The Archbishop also draws on the words of Nelson Mandela, as well as his own experience of a visit to Sudan where he met and prayed with a young Christian refugee.
Assemblies at Oak National Academy will be held in partnership with TES and be delivered by a range of well-known faces. They will focus on topics like hope and resilience, as well as practical advice and support. They will act as a moment for the country’s pupils to come together and provide reassurance during this uncertain time.
Oak National Academy opened its doors on Monday 20th April. The online classroom provides a sequenced plan of video lessons and curricular resources for teachers, as well as parents and their children.
A direct response to the coronavirus situation, Oak offers over 180 lessons a week, the equivalent of three hours a day for primary school students, and four hours a day for secondary. The online classroom has the support of various education organisations including the Sutton Trust, Teach First, the Teaching Schools Council and the Confederation of School Trusts, and is backed by the Department for Education.
Nigel Genders, Chief Education of Officer for the Church of England said:
"The Church of England is well used to leading collective worship in community schools as well as Church of England schools across the country and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer that through the Oak National Academy at this time.
"Our #faithathome programme for schools will offer a chance to pause, think and reflect and will be open to people of all faiths and none."
Matt Hood, Principal of Oak National Academy, said:
“The wellbeing of our children and young people is so important at this uncertain time. It’s important that we do all we can to reassure them, and to offer advice and practical support. Our assemblies are our contribution to this mission. They will provide a focal point for pupils across the country, allowing them to hear inspiring messages from well-known faces.
“I’m delighted that our inaugural assembly will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury. His message of hope is an important one for young people of all ages, of all faiths and none.”
Ann Mroz, Editor and Digital Publishing Director TES said:
“We are delighted to be using the TES platform to host these assemblies. We know that both teachers and students are missing the social and communal aspects of school right now, so hope that this helps in some way.”
Open Doors Resources for Family Learning
Children may not be able to attend school, but they can still be in touch with their friends and relatives in other households. These ideas encourage this connection. Open Doors is about discovering nature around your home, getting inspiration from the world beyond the screen and sharing the experience.
The ideas will be focused on a theme. There are suggestions for Reception, Key Stage One, Lower Key Stage Two and Upper Key Stage Two but these are interchangeable.
Supporting Children & Young People Navigating Loss
We find ourselves in some of the most difficult days. The impact of death and loss is woven through the news, our communities, our conversations and our emotions in ways we have never experienced before and with this comes a deep sense of grief and mourning. As we process this ever changing situation, we are conscious of the children and young people that we know, teach, serve and minister to, and how they are navigating both this national emergency and the personal loss that they may be experiencing. The Church of England have produced this resource to help support you and the children and young people you are with, both physically and virtually, with resources, sessions and advice.
Coffee with God by Gail Spence
More Coffee with God? What’s all that about? Well, for those who have not come across it before, Coffee with God is an article I write in our church magazine. It started as a ‘one-off’ after a sleepless night. I think the first one was about ‘prayer’. Prayer is important to me, and even more so at the moment. It’s the first thing I go to most days during breakfast; for me it’s a time to be still and think about the day, hence the title “Coffee with God”.
I have a disability, so planning at the start of a day is important and, like I said in that first church magazine article, sometimes my prayer can just be saying, “Morning God”, or just sitting still with my drink and concentrating on my breathing - to a full blown “Why? it’s not fair!” conversation, or “Who cares anyway?” Today was one of those days. I got up as normal and felt good, the morning went well, I managed to get a few little jobs done, then everything started falling apart. The TV reported that the PM had caught the covid-19 virus, then others from the government were confirmed as testing positive. The reporter was constantly going on and on about it; how is he going to cope? who will take over if he can’t run the country? what will happen to the government if more fall ill? Well, call me cynical but they will just have to do what the rest of us are doing - work from home, keep safe, and do our best.
We can all follow the example of the NHS who are dealing with a situation never been seen before, yet they carry on, and most of the time (as I write) without proper personal protection, yet still turn up for work, working long hours. I know some have felt guilty when they can’t go into work due to illness in their family. So let’s pray for all the frontline NHS workers; doctors, nurses, auxiliary staff, porters, cleaners and kitchen staff, clerical and administration staff, all those working in our doctors’ surgeries, pharmacy staff and prescription delivery people, all those delivering vital equipment, the half a million plus who have volunteered in any way to help, and all those unsung volunteers I have missed.
THANK YOU!!!
We pray for protection for them and the strength to deal with each day. When they get time off, hold them Lord, help them rest to renew their energy. We also pray for those who seem to have no regard for others, or the health restrictions, but carry on with their normal lives; Lord open their eyes.
Yes we are living in a time of a viral pandemic, but we are also living with a pandemic of God’s love in action. I know which I would prefer. It’s within each and every one of us, and (thankfully) there is no cure!
Yet you can get a prescription for it.
Prescription for: Patients name. you
Charge: None
To be taken: Daily as and when needed
Repeat prescriptions: Unlimited
Side-effects: Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Self-control, Feeling of well-being.
It doesn’t come in a bottle or packet and can be passed on easily to others in every action we do to help, from a simple phone call, or a card through the door, to full-on care for those who are ill.
So, what is it? God’s Spirit.
So, I pray for peace for us all, that any fear will be stilled as we journey together through these difficult times.
May God hold you,
Christ walk with you,
And the Holy Spirit fill you.
God bless,
Gail
Keep safe and keep taking your prescription.
P.S. This was sent to me just as I had finished writing. It says it all.
‘Prayers for Bolton’ - 96.5 Bolton FM, Sundays at 11am
It is in times of crisis when we see people standing together and the British spirit coming to the fore, and the current worldwide pandemic of the Corona Virus which is hitting everyone is testing most of us but, here in Bolton, we can see a sense of community developing because of the common goal of getting through these awful times. That is the observations of local minister the Reverend Ian Smart.”
Everyone is making sacrifices in one way or another and some more than most if we truly heed the governments advice to stay indoors, and even if we have to go out to shop for essential items or take some exercise we have to take note of social distancing and not getting too close to our fellow Boltonians.
Many people ordinarily attend a religious service of one kind or another and in times of crisis others who might not be normally that religious turn to religion in search of some kind of comfort and solace. With all churches and places of worship closed there will be a real gap in some people’s lives and for that reason local radio station 96.5 Bolton FM are broadcasting a Sunday service.
Because we are unable to attend a church on Sunday you may feel like their worship is taken away from them – but this is not the case. On Sundays, at 11:00 am Bolton FM will be offering "Prayers for Bolton".
It will be hosted by two of the popular providers of ‘It’s the thought that counts’ a truly motivational message with religious undertones that is broadcast daily, Sue Snowden and Rev'd Ian Smart from the Methodist Church. They will lead listeners through a selection of worship, hymns and songs, prayers, readings and reflections all based around the theme of the day. It is a chance for you to be able to worship at home, and to raise your voices in praise with others from around the Bolton Family. This week the speaker sharing his thoughts with you will be The Rev'd Dr. Chris Bracegirdle the Vicar of Bolton from Bolton Parish Church & St Philip's Bolton – we look forward to hearing what he will share with us.
So please join us at 11:00 am on 96.5 Bolton FM, the home of the Bolton family, listen on the website at boltonfm.com, or on your smart-speaker.
The Rev’d Ian Smart said “Although we rightly cannot gather to worship at this time, that does not mean that worship will cease – and through Prayers for Bolton, and other initiatives, we will seek to keep those of faith in Bolton worshiping our God”.