OCTOBER 2016
EMMANUEL METHODIST UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, ORMSKIRK
Message from our Minister Dear Friends, As I write this article, I have been your Minister for almost three weeks, and what an incredible three weeks it has been! God has blessed me in so many ways. I have met with the Stewards and Searchers leaders and engaged in conversation at Sunday Worship, the Luncheon club, Emmanuel Guild, Emmanuel Fellowship, Boys and Girls brigade, Thursday Prayer Group, the Bowling Club and the Ormskirk Churches Together Council. I have shared Holy Communion with the residents of Court Field Lodge, met with the children in our Schools and baptized my first baby! Throughout these encounters I have received an abundance of words of encouragement and affirmation as I begin my journey with you all. I have had the privilege of listening to people talk about their faith and many people have shared with me their hopes and aspirations for the continuing witness of Emmanuel Methodist/URC Church here in Ormskirk and the surrounding areas. As I led devotions at our Leadership Team meeting, I shared my reflections that arose from praying through an app I have on my phone; ‘Our daily Journey: A 30-Day Walk with Jesus’. I would like to share these reflections with you all. The devotion is based on the Bible text from Hebrews chapter 11, verse 1 ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’. The African impala is a beautiful deer like creature. It can cover distances greater than 11 meters (36 feet) and jump to a height of 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in one bound. And yet zoologists tell us that the impala can be confined in an enclosure with a wall measuring just 1meter-high. Why? Well because the animal is not tall enough to peer over the barrier, and unless it can see where its feet will land, it won’t jump! I wonder if there have been times in our Christian journey when we have been apprehensive to take a leap of faith unless we have been sure where we will land. In know I have, and still have moments of apprehension when I feel God calling me to take the next step forward with him. Am I prepared? What might be the risks I will have to take? Do I really want to leave the comfort and security of where I am and take a leap forward into unknown territory?
1
If we turn to the New Testament and Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 16, verses 13-17 we read, ‘When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven!’ The Apostle Peter declared his faith in Jesus as God’s Son, and this confidence in Jesus as his Lord enabled him to leap in faith. Yes, he had his doubts along the way, even denying knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22; 54-62) but his total confidence and ongoing relationship with Christ enabled and equipped him to journey and became a founding Father of the early Church. ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’. As the body of Christ, we are called as a Church family to continue to ‘leap in faith’ as we seek to serve God. We may not have the agility of the African impala, but through the power of prayer, God’s Holy Spirit will energize us for service. Over the coming weeks and months I look forward with excitement to exploring how we can continue to question where God is leading us forward at Emmanuel. I thank you all again for the overwhelming welcome Mark, the family and myself have received. And so I would like to leave us all with a prayer; Gracious God, enable us to continue to trust in you and to follow you without reserve. Help us to leap in faith. Grant us grace to entrust ourselves into your everlasting arms in the assurance that you will be sufficient for all our needs. Guide us and lead us in the days to come as we seek to do your will, in service to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen. May I wish you every blessing,
Sue
2
Ormskirk Methodist United Reformed Church exists to promote the worship of Almighty God, to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and, in the power of the Spirit, to serve neighbours in Christ at home and abroad. It seeks to play a part in transforming the unjust structures of society and promoting strong communities based on Christian values. As part of the World Church, it will strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain the life on earth.
‘O God, make the door of this house wide enough to receive all those who need human love and a heavenly Father’s care, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children or straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power. Make it the gateway to Thy Eternal Kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Taped Services If you would like to receive a taped copy of the Sunday morning service, then please contact Ynyr Jones on 423474.
3
Services for OCTOBER 2016 Sunday, 2nd October 10.30 a.m.
Dr. Malcolm Abbott
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Stephen Foster
Sunday, 9th October 10.30 a.m.
Mrs. Jenny Ashcroft
4.00 p.m.
Sunday tea service led by the Revd Sue Guénault
Sunday, 16th October 10.30 a.m.
The Revd Sue Guénault - Parade Service
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Michael Tindsley - Holy Communion
Sunday, 23rd October 10.30 a.m.
Mrs. Joyce Cundall
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Rick Preston
Sunday, 30th October 10.30 a.m.
The Revd Sue Guénault - Holy Communion
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Michael Tindsley
4
Sunday Tea service:9th. October Revd Sue Guénualt
13th. November Mrs. Joyce Cundall
LUNCH CLUB Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month 12.45 p.m. A home-cooked lunch - 2 courses plus drinks Additional drivers and helpers also needed
A recent delicious meal was: Chicken bake, followed by Ice cream
Please contact Bob (576703) or Roy (573372)
5
Boys Brigade recycling Used printer cartridges and old mobile phones. Original manufactured cartridges only but not copies or remanufactured. Please pass your cartridges/phones to Ian Price or place them in the church porch recycle box.
SUPPORTING CHARITIES THROUGH RECYCLING
STAMPS - for Methodist Homes. This is an ongoing collection. Stamps should be trimmed 1/4 inch (not from the postcards) and can be given to Elizabeth at any time.
Thank you
Looking ahead to Autumn : As you enjoy your summer holidays or break you are reminded that we will,once again be supporting the Shoe-box Appeal. It is not too soon to be looking out for suitable gifts for the children. Details will be given in the next In Touch
6
Psalm 121King James Version (KJV) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. King James Version (KJV) Public Domain
EMMANUEL FELLOWSHIP - Tuesdays at 7.30 October 11th "Open Doors" with Marion Walker. Marion, who lives locally, will tell us about this charity that supports Christians who are persecuted for their faith. October 26th "Land of my Fathers" a presentation by Gordon Bartley, focusing on North and South Wales, Snowdonia, Anglesey and the Pembrokeshire coastline. We can recommend excellent photography and an enjoyable evening.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD We hope that once again you will join us in filling a shoe-box for a needy child. Shoe-box Sunday is November 20th. Flat-pack boxes are now available with leaflets, at 50p, in Langham Hall. Please help yourself 7
Colour in the picture Colour me in
Is this bread and wine for a special occasion? 8
Saturday Coffee Shop 10.30 to noon Closed during August Volunteers wanted for a Few Saturdays per year Please contact Pat Loch
ROOM AND HALL HIRE AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH Contact :- Lyn Jenkins 01695 422573
Items for the November edition by 5p.m. 17th. October please to Nigel Cann 24 Dyers Lane, Ormskirk L39 4RW Tel: 01695 580270 Email –
[email protected] Closing date for material with photographs one day earlier. Any material containing artwork/graphics in pdf format please.
9
Welcome to Sue Guénault as Minister of Emmanuel Church
Sue
and
Sheryl
The welcome to Sue, as the new Minister of Emmanuel Church was a brilliant occasion which was very well attended by Emmanuel Church members and many people from Sue's home Church and Choir in Eccleston. In addition many of her family came to the service . Some members of the Guénault family were set up with musical instruments in the church to play when required throughout the service. Sue’s husband, Mark, was doing a few runs to the upstairs organ - then back to his electronic musical instrument at the other end of the church. It was obvious that everybody enjoyed the music rendered by the family band. Before the service started Mark and his family band started us off with music for worship songs to which the large congregation sang with much enthusiasm. This was followed by Rev. Michael Tindsley introducing the Welcome Service. 10
Hymns, prayers and readings were next in the programme much to the delight of all present and followed by a sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Sheryl Anderson the Chair of the Liverpool Methodist District; She gave a good sermon and managed to make a few good humoured remarks directed toward Sue who laughed as much as the congregation. Next came the Presentation, Promises and Welcome presided over by Sheryl who noted the dedication required of Sue to further the work of Emmanuel Church to which she readily agreed. After the Ceremony a Circuit Steward addressed the people with these words:“Sisters and brothers, Will you welcome Sue And will you offer her your friendship, support and prayers As we join together in the work To which God Calls us?” The people replied “With Gods Help, we will” Words of welcome to Sue were offered including a presentation of ‘gifts’ to Sue by Rev Michael Tindsley and were a map so as Sue could find her way round the circuit, ginger bread (“a local delicacy”), a dictionary of “scouse language” and a book about Ormskirk by Mona Duggan. Next came Hymns and prayers and the large congregation raised ‘the roof’ singing the hymns with great enthusiasm. It would be difficult to find anyone who did not value this Welcome Service with praise to God and joy for bringing Sue to lead our congregation in worship. The evening was not quite over - as afterwards the Langham Hall was filled with people enjoying a brilliant buffet prepared by Emmanuel members.
11
Would you believe that I got an entry wrong in a recent In Touch? It was a long word I mistook as meaning something else as the entry sent in was abbreviated. So to be a complete pain please let me ask - do not use abbreviations when sending to the In Touch. Thank you,
REFURBISHMENT OF THE WORSHIP AREA There is no substantial news to report this month. After a quiet time during the summer the necessary process of gaining Consent from the Methodist Church is now being worked upon. Fred McClenaghan is researching possible grants, Martyn Wilshaw (Architect) is putting some figures together and I am wading my way through the various sections of the Consent form which is online. When this information is submitted then will be the time to discuss the details with the architect. If you have skills and experience which would assist the Steering Group on this journey please do consider offering your assistance. Please continue to pray for the project which will, when complete, enable us to extend our mission far wider than is currently possible. Anne Baldwin 12
13
REFURBISHMENT FUND - September 2015 to August 2016 During the recent Church financial year the fund has increased by £9,286 to a total of £239,486. I give below some of the individual items which contribute to this figure. Saturday coffee £1,580 Christmas concert 360 Tea Dance 410 AMVC (net) 576 Crosby G & S (net) 360 Hop Pot Supper 506 CFB Interest 1,311 Monthly Envelopes 2,202 Copper jar 228 We are grateful to all who have given and helped in any way to raise this amount. Roy Cumberlidge
"Re t
urn
of
th e To b Saturd Tay a e ru lors n al y Octob ’ Br ong er unc Tel side the the 1st Mar h" For s w t a k Ta omen rting mo r y ' e de a tails lor 079 s evenin t 10.30 3 g afte r 2 2 n d 2 4 0 6 6 g ro u p 9 stall 6 . Se . ptem ber
14
Birchwood Homeless Centre. After many years collecting donations supporting Fox Street Mission in Preston it seems appropriate now to choose another charity with our Christmas Donations. The Birchwood Homeless Centre in Skelmersdale supports homeless young people between 13 and 25. The Centre accommodates 10 youngsters in the Centre and a further 20 who have been helped to get into their own flats. The Centre would appreciate items of clothing, especially pyjamas, underwear and socks. They would also welcome items such as kitchenware, pots and pans, cutlery etc. as well as toiletries. A basket will be placed in the porch beginning October for your gifts. The Birchwood Centre is a very worthwhile cause and your usual generous support is appreciated. Gerry Smith
Monday Guild October 3rd. R. Smith “Traditional customs and dances” October 17th. Members’ own “Grandparents” October 31st. Get together
November 2014
15
And finally………………….. Old Wisdom After working his farm every day, an old farmer rarely had time to enjoy the large pond in the back that he had fixed up years earlier with picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and benches. So one evening he decided to go down and see how things were holding up. Much to his surprise, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer he saw it was a group of young women swimming in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave." The old farmer replied, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond. I only came down to feed the alligator."
16
HALL / ROOM HIRE AT
EMMANUEL Langham Hall Is available for hire and has tables and chairs which can comfortably accommodate approximately 95 people. In addition we have a wall projector screen ready for your talks and such like in the hall. There is also a kitchen which can be used by arrangement, next to the hall, that is well equipped and for many years has received the 5 star award for hygiene .
Lecture room Has seats for some 40 people, is set up with a wall projector screen and is carpeted. Lounge
24 seats are kept in the carpeted lounge which is ideal for a small meeting. Enquiries to:Lyn Jenkins
01695 422573
Or Bill Jones
01695 574268
