The Link

Alsager and Congleton United Reformed Churches Magazine Advent, Christmas and New Year In the gift of waiting in darkness, in the open-eyed receiving of mystery in the now-ness of the present moment: The God of wonder is here with us

Unto us a child is born Alleluia!

Celebrate the moment This is the time when old became new….. Here is a journey…so, follow it through. It starts with two and then becomes three… A baby from heaven born for us to be. He changed the world with his meekness and might, For true love was born on that cold winter’s night. Thousands of stars made a bright canopy Above shepherds below gazing on bended knee. Over the miles came travellers three Their gifts they gave for all to see, Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold, Fit for the King they came to behold. So begins the story…never to end… That babe is our Master, Redeemer and Friend. So rejoice on his birthday be thankful and praise… That God loves us all to the end of all days. Valerie Atkinson 2008

Dear Friends, As we enter Advent those of us at Congleton have been hosting a Nativity Scene Festival, reminding people of why we celebrate Christmas. Alsager have played their part with a number of scenes and poems including those by Jacqueline McCullough and Val Atkinson which you can read in this edition of The Link. When we look at the Nativity scene we are looking at elements of the story told by two Gospel writers Matthew and Luke, each of whom tell of the birth of Jesus in slightly different ways. Of course, as we enter Advent we also start the Christian new year. For those who follow the lectionary this also heralds a change in focus from the Gospel of Matthew to the Gospel of Mark, one of two Gospels we have that do not include any record of Jesus’ birth. Mark’s priority was to record and interpret those things Jesus did as an adult which showed he was the Son of God. John felt it important to demonstrate that what Jesus did on earth was an integral part of God’s overall plan, that as the incarnation of the pre-existent ‘Word’, Jesus had been present and involved since the very beginning. So we are treated to those wonderful, though enigmatic, first 18 verses of the Gospel of John; the first verses of which deliberately echo the first verses in the book of Genesis. It is only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke which provide us with any accounts of the birth of Jesus. Matthew gives us the genealogy of Jesus back to Abraham the Father of the Jewish Nation to demonstrate the kingship of Jesus the Messiah. Herod’s involvement in the story (something we don’t have in Luke’s account) demonstrates how Jesus as King of Heaven is opposed by Herod as representative of the ruler of the earthly powers. Luke identifies Jesus as the fulfilment of prophecy; the new ‘Son of God’ who replaces Adam, the divinely-created first ‘son’ of God. Thus Luke’s story emphasises the activity of God in the birth story and his genealogy traces Jesus all the way back through a line of prophets to Adam. One of the advantages of following the lectionary is that it allows us to focus on one Gospel story at a time and so begin to understand where each writer is coming from and thus their emphasis. However, it can also be advantageous to place the gospels side by side and read them together. It is only when we do that that we can fully appreciate the holistic nature of the picture the different Gospels give us when they come together as they do in the Bible. Then we can begin to explore and comprehend the breadth and depth and entirety of what God was accomplishing in the event of Jesus Christ, Alpha and Omega. Such a complete picture of God’s activity could not have been achieved by one person writing from one perspective for one community. So whether you decide to immerse yourself in one of the Gospel stories this Advent or place them side by side to gaze at the fuller picture, thank God that we have such a variety of stories that provide us with such a comprehensive affirmation of the faithfulness and love of God. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year Your friend and Minister Murray

A QUESTION FOR THE CHURCH ABOUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Same-sex marriage has been allowed by law in England and Wales since March 2014. A number of URC ministers and congregations have been approached with requests for same-sex marriage services. In England and Wales local churches may not go ahead alone. The law will only permit same-sex marriage in URC buildings if the URC General Assembly expressly allows this. The General Assembly met in Cardiff in July 2014 and received a report , One plus One, from the Church’s Human Sexuality Task Group. (A slightly adapted version of this report is available to all our churches now). The One plus One report aims to help us understand the personal, pastoral and theological issues around marriage so as to enable informed and careful discussion about same-sex marriage. General Assembly took time over the discussions and a formal resolution (full text on p. 34 of the One plus One booklet) was put together following these discussions. The core of this resolution was that;

‘General Assembly gives permission to those who wish to uphold the traditional view of marriage to do so and also gives permission to Church Meetings and ministers who decide to take the necessary steps to be able to solemnise and register marriages between same-sex couples and to instruct Trust bodies accordingly.’

It was not possible to come to a full consensus (which Assembly required to carry the resolution), although a clear majority of Assembly were willing to vote for this proposal. Instead Assembly agreed to refer the question to the Church for wider consultation and comment. The core of this resolution (full text on p. 35 of the One plus One booklet) was:

‘…to invite synods and local congregations (a) to reflect on the report of the Facilitation Group (i.e. the ‘One plus One’ booklet)

(b) to discuss whether they would wish a future meeting of the Assembly to authorise local church meetings to offer same-sex services (c) to report their views to the General Secretary by 31st March 2015.’ In summary, the question we are to address in our churches and Synods is this:

‘Would you wish General Assembly to allow same-sex marriage, in those local URC churches that wish to offer and host these services?’

We are not being asked what we would do locally and we are not being asked the question: ‘Would your local church expect to offer and host services of this kind?’ We are asked to discover the balance of opinion in our local churches, remembering that every person has a right to offer their own opinion. The United Reformed Church is committed to holding together people of different opinions in one Christian fellowship. We are encouraged to deal respectfully with one another even when we disagree. When we handle difficult issues with care, we can both show and discover something of the love of Christ in our midst.

General Assembly could be recalled for one day to discuss this issue again, depending on the feedback from the consultation process. The date set for this is 27th June 2015. The same people who attended in July 2014 would be invited. A decision about this will be made at Mission Council in May 2015 when the feedback has been reviewed. What happens now in Alsager and Congleton URC’s? There are booklets available for you which focus on the nature of marriage; they provide good background material and will aid our prayerful discussions although they do not specifically focus on same sex marriage. Murray has started and will continue to lead a short bible exploration series looking at relevant biblical texts on gender, sexuality and relationships which will take place on Tuesday evenings 25th November, 2nd December and 6th January 7.30pm at Congleton and Wednesday afternoons 26th November, 10th December and 14th January 2.30pm at Alsager. People from either church will be welcome to whichever they can get to. Two open church meetings for each church have been pencilled into the diary. They are Saturday 17th January and Wednesday Feb 4th at 7.30pm at Congleton and 31st January and 22nd February at Alsager (times will be confirmed nearer the date.) At the end of the final meeting in each church the mind of the church will be recorded and a report sent to the General Secretary. A Christmas quiz based on ‘The twelve days of Christmas’ 1. In the song `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`, what did my true love give to me on the 12th day? 2. In `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`, what does the partridge in the pear tree represent? God, Jesus or Love? 3. In `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`, what were there two of? 4. What type of bird features on the seventh day of Christmas in the song `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`? 5. According to the song `The Twelve Days of Christmas`, how many gifts in total did my true love give to me? 6. In `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`, what were there eight of? 7. In `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`, which gifts represent the six days of creation? 8. In the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, what are the 10 Lords-a-leaping said to symbolise? 9. In the song `The twelve days of Christmas`, what did my true love send to me on the 9th day? 10. In `The Twelve Days Of Christmas`, what do the French Hens represent? The Quiz answers can be found towards the end of the magazine.

PRAYER PAGE: Dear friends, John has kindly agreed to let me write this edition’s Prayer Page so that I can give you news of a number of new developments in the prayer life of our churches and some that are being updated. Inserted into every magazine this month is a new Pattern of Daily prayer. This is a small leaflet designed to fit into a pocket, purse or wallet with a short liturgy for morning, midday and evening prayer. It was produced by the Rev. Ian Fosten during the Vision4Life Prayer year. It is shorter that the Congleton Act of Daily Prayer and so can be a real asset, helping to focus on, worship and bring our concerns and joys to God even in the course of a busy day wherever we are. To complement the Daily Prayer leaflet, in the February edition of The Link an updated Congleton Monthly Prayer diary will be published and inserted together with a new prayer diary for Alsager that Rev. John is working on. The prayer diary can be used together with the Daily Prayer leaflet to provide a monthly cycle of prayer points as part of which the whole of the church family is prayed for. It can be really uplifting to know that at regular points each month we are being held up in prayer by the rest of our church family. However, at different times, you or other members of the church family may be in need of specific prayer and this is where a prayer chain comes into its own. Anyone in Congleton can ring Linda Copestick on 01260 408834 to have their name passed along the prayer chain. In Alsager we are just launching a Prayer Chain and the other insert will give you everyone involved in the chain together with details of who to contact and how. The main coordinator is Melanie Edwards and she can be contacted or a message left for her on 07920 111891 and your name will be passed along the chain until everyone on it will be praying for you. Keep the number somewhere handy so you can find it when you need it. As this is the first time we have had a Prayer Chain in Alsager some people may be nervous of using it because they want to maintain their or their relative or friend’s privacy; however, no-one will be asked why a name is being placed on the prayer chain. It is enough that someone feels the need for prayer support! People’s names will remain on the prayer list until they ask for it to be taken off. My thanks go to Linda and Melanie for maintaining and heading up the respective Prayer Chains and to the other members of the Prayer Chains in Alsager and Congleton. If you feel that you would like to be a member of the Prayer Chain of your church please speak to Murray, Linda or Melanie. On the first Saturday of each month I will hold Morning Prayer at Alsager between 08.30 and 09.30. am. If anyone wishes to join me at any time you would be welcome. It

will be a chance to share prayer in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere at the beginning of the day. And for anyone in Congleton who is not aware, there is a small group who meet on a Thursday morning at 0800 -0900 at the home of Ruth Hughes for Morning Prayer. If you would be interested coming along please speak to Ruth.

Alsager Thursday Afternoon Fellowship Programme December/January 2014

December 11th Christmas Dinner followed by Carols in the Church (meals must be pre-booked) 2015 January dates and details to be confirmed

Alsager United Reformed Church invite you to our Too Busy to Stop Time On Wednesday 17th December 2014 From 2.00pm to 6.00pm What’s a ‘Too Busy to Stop Time’? This is an attempt to carve out some time for God at one of the most important yet busiest times in the Christian calendar. At a time when the real reason for the season is Jesus we find ourselves with so many other things to be done that less and less of our focus is on the birth of our Saviour. So our ‘Too Busy to Stop Time’ means that the Church will be open from 2.00pm until 6.00pm to provide the opportunity to come and spend some quiet time with God – maybe just for a few minutes, perhaps longer – you don’t have to stay for the whole time! Quiet reflective music will be played and a sheet with devotional thoughts will be available. (Further details from Rev John 01782 771288). Meditative Prayer Sessions:

Please note that the Wednesday Evening Meditative Prayer sessions have ceased for the present. (I would like to thank Rev. John and Jan Wood for offering and leading the Meditative Prayer time and ministering to people in this way. I and the others that have attended to them over the years have found them to be a wonderfully enriching and often calming experience in the midst of an often hectic life. For me they have been a quiet oasis each month when I have been reminded and given the opportunity to simply sit and be with God. Thank You. Murray) Reflections on November Synod By Melanie Edwards Alsager URC Synod Representative On Saturday, 1 November 2014 I got up very early (for me) to accompany Murray to the November 2014 Mersey Synod. This was the first time I had been, and feeling rather nervous and a little daunted at what lay ahead I talked all the way to St James’s Church, Woolton, Liverpool. I need not have worried - I had a very warm URC welcome and felt at ease as soon as I walked through the doors of this beautiful church building. The first cup of tea was drunk (I thought it was only Methodists who drank gallons of tea!) and we all congregated in the church for a short worship session. So far, so good. Reports were discussed and resolutions past, new members introduced, then back for more tea. After the break (via the book stall) we joined in a Bible Study led by Revd. Tim Searle wow. The Holy Spirit touched us all. The Big Day Out was discussed - an event that you will hear more about in the New Year. All denominations have changes ahead of them, and we are asked to think about the use of the language to encompass all people who attend our individual churches for worship. The sacrament of marriage is to be discussed and Murray will lead discussions around this at a later date. My first Synod was a very enjoyable experience and left me with much to think about and it was good to get a wider vision of the URC church. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the privilege of agreeing that I could be the Synod Representative for Alsager and I look forward to March 2015. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact me. 01270 884267 or 17920 11189. Church: I looked for the church and found it in the world; I looked for the world and found it in the church. Horatius Bonor

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 December 6th

Tom and Janet Beamon

January 3rd

Audrey Dawber & Marie Riley

February 7th

Bob & Ria Harrison

CONGLETON PIE AND PEA SUPPER An enjoyable evening was had by all on Saturday 22nd November at our Pie and Pea Supper with Pub Quiz. It was organised by Margaret Bourner and family to raise funds for Ghana Aid. About 22 people attended and we raised the sum of £105 after all expenses. Although some of the questions were challenging, there was lots of laughter when answers were revealed at the end. A lovely evening! To see a photo from the evening go to the Congleton URC website www.congletonurc.org.uk

Dorothy and Brian Wakefield would like to wish all their friends at Congleton URC a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

SNAPPERS PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION 2014. A great success with encouraging comments from both displays in the church and local library.

Although we only exhibited for two days in Alsager library town viewers said how much they now look forward to our displays.

Those who took part in the competition identifying “the congregation in their younger years” were good sports as it wasn’t easy.

Congratulations to all who took part. The winner was Barbara Harkness who won a Marks and Spencer voucher. I promise to make it easier to win next time!

We chose to collect donations for the local “Carers Group”; the amount received was £59.66.

The Group send you all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year and thank you for your support and encouragement.

Why not join us when we meet again in 2015 February 9th at 2pm.. ? Val

Come and be fed in Body, Mind and Spirit at Alsager Worship and Buffet Lunch On 16th December at 12 noon The worship lasts about 35 minutes and is followed by lunch at approx. 12.40pm We take a break in January and meet again on February 17th 2015

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 Worship continues throughout the festive period although The café will be closed on 30th December MESSY CHURCH?

A few people from Alsager and Congleton when they went to the recent Fresh Expressions of Church events heard a lot about Messy Church. Some expressed a wish to try it for ourselves so here is a brief description of what Messy Church is and isn't.

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Messy Church is: Messy Church is a form of church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. Its aim is to introduce Jesus, to give an opportunity to encounter him and to grow closer to him. It's primarily for people who don't already belong to another form of church. So it meets at a time that suits people who don't already belong to church. It typically includes a welcome, a long creative time to explore a biblical theme through getting messy; a short celebration time involving story, prayer, song, games and similar; and a sit-down meal together at tables. All elements are for, and should include, people of all ages, adults and children. It's a church for people at all stages of their faith journey and of any age - a congregation that is as valuable and worthy of investment as any other. Messy Church isn't... ... just for children – It’s for the young and old, families and single people, male and female, academic and practical, poor and rich. ... a club - The whole of Messy Church is about worshipping God, having fellowship, exploring faith matters. It welcomes everyone, involves everyone, values everyone, is always there for the outsider. It's a church. ... a way of getting people to come to church on Sunday - There are examples of people starting in Messy Church and deciding to join Sunday church as well but these are the exception rather than the rule. If people wanted to go to established church, they would be going by now. Messy Church is interdependent with established church, but will usually operate as a separate congregation or church. ... just for church families – It is about helping others come to know Jesus. ... just for families - All are welcome: single, widowed, childless, divorced. Church is inclusive, not exclusive. ... a quick fix - Growing disciples takes time, money, prayer, commitment and energy. If anyone would be interested in forming a joint church team (Alsager and Congleton) to explore the possibility of developing Messy Church 4 times a year in each church please speak to Murray and he will arrange a get together to explore it more. Purpose The two greatest days in a person’s life are the day they were born and the day they find out why they were born. Anon.

Congleton Christmas Party! January 10

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4pm - 6pm with a faith supper Everyone is welcome

ALSAGER CHURCH FAMILY NEWS DECEMBER 2014. This is a busy time of the year, such a lot to think about, food, buying presents, visitors, invitations, writing cards, wrapping presents etc.. Well that applies to most of us, but we need to remember those who are unable to join in such moments through ill health or who are experiencing stressful pressures. Let us set a few moments aside and pray for those who we know need our support and prayers …. Lynne and Philip Eardley, Joan Phillips, Ken and Dorothy Bragg, Margaret Mumford, Amy Coe, Beryl Garwell, Ken and Joan Heaton, Pat Averill, Tom and Janet Beamon, Jan Wood.

May the Lord bless, heal and make whole all those who we name, and those who choose not to be named, in this their time of need, Amen Let our prayers also be for those who are alone and are finding it hard to cope, and those in this town who rely on the food bank. …. The Food Bank Network givse a Christmas Shopping list here below: UHT milk, Tinned vegetables, Tinned ham, Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies, Christmas Cake, Long life fruit juice, Large bars of Chocolate, Snacks and Nibbles. Box of Biscuits, Box of Chocolates, Children’s selection box, Christmas Crackers, Sugar, Rice/Pasta, Pasta Sauces. The Collection Box is in the church for any of the above. On behalf of those who benefit from donations may I thank you. Val. Alsager URC Thursday Afternoon Fellowship Once again we have enjoyed numerous very interesting speakers and celebrated a delicious mid- term luncheon, which was followed by an interesting talk on fridge magnets by Lynne. Jane Thomas enthralled us with a talk on the History of Buttons and Pearly Kings and Queens. In November Shirley Pilkington entertained us with her informative talk, this

was followed by Rev Graham Joyce’s inspirational talk on ‘change’ , ‘pink bathrooms’ and the Holy Land (thank you too to Val Atkinson for leading this meeting). We look forward to our Christmas lunch on 11th December which will be followed by Carols in the Church, this will lead us into a short break over the Christmas season and into the new year. We take this opportunity to thank all those who have participated in the Thursday Fellowship in any way, especially Philip and Lynne Eardley who have dedicated many hours in leading, serving, entertaining and feeding us (both physically and emotionally). We would also like to wish all our friends and members a very Blessed Christmas with lots of fun and laughter with friends and family. Should anyone wish to join us in the new year please contact either Philip or Lynne Eardley and look out for the new programme which will be circulated in the new year.

ALSAGER PRE – TEENS It has been a busy time at Pre-teens recently with lots of activities linked to annual events we have made bonfire Cakes and Christmas Crackers, Stained Glass cards and friendship bracelets. Just before Remembrance Sunday Rev Murray talked to us about a soldier in WW1 nicknamed ‘Singing Jim.’ He was called that because he would spend all his time singing the hymns he found in the back of a little booklet he had been issued when he went to the Front. The booklet contained the gospel of John and some prayers and hymns. We all listened to the story quietly and then heard why Rev. Murray wore two poppies, a red one for remembrance and a white one for peace. One of the things we have concentrated recently is how we treat and care for each other. You may see in church a small frame with a set of ‘Family rules’ in it. We try to think of ourselves as a family at Pre-teens part of the larger church family and so the framed rules help remind us how we should treat each other. We could not finish without mentioning the other thing that happens each week at Pre-teens, we make a different type of food and often end up eating it ourselves (although sometimes we give it to another member of our family), Maddi and Courtney are very clear that this is the best bit of most weeks as far as they are concerned!

Messy Church

A few of us also make it to once a month and the last time we were there we began to make a prayer chain with a difference. And anyone at Alsager can help us with this.

On the cupboard next to the kitchen there is a little tray with some strips of paper in. Please take a strip and on the plain side we would like you to write: The name of a person you would like to remember. A short prayer A line of a hymn that means a lot to you. Once you have done that place the strip back in the box and we will do the rest. Thank You from all at Pre-teens and Messy Church

The following people are known to be celebrating their birthdays during the next two months HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL! ****************** December 6 Marion Rowbotham th 7 Karen George 15th Norma Barnes 18th Robert Vince 22nd Diane Owen 26th Eileen Skyner th

JANUARY 2 Lynne Eardley 4th Ria Harrison 5th Margaret Abraham 12th Dennis Jerrard 20th Barbara Hurst Joan Philips th 26 Bob Harrison 31st Amy Coe ND

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! Congleton URC Nativity Scene Festival A big thank you to all those who helped to make our Nativity Scene Festival a very enjoyable and successful event. People helped in so many ways – bringing and making their displays, preparing the church (and tidying up afterwards!), dressing in costume to hand out leaflets in town, making tea and coffee and chatting with visitors. We had around two hundred visitors over the three days and there was something for everyone. The stable photo-booth was enjoyed by children and adults alike. The huge variety of nativity scenes (over fifty of them) ranged from a tiny scene in a Christmas

bauble to a stunning and very moving scene made from recycled plastic bottles and plaster, from beautiful cakes to wall hangings. The knitted nativity scenes were much admired, as was the Chat and Make Group’s contribution with moveable nativity figures. There were some delightful scenes made by children; a lovely Lego one made by 7 year old Milly Bourner, the Brownies’ nativity scene, and a nativity scene made by the children of Haslington and Crewe URC in 2000 which is displayed in their church every Christmas. The wall hanging made by the children of Quinta Primary School was a very effective way of telling the nativity story with recycled materials. The tableau of the modern homeless family, sheltering in the beer cellar of a pub, was particularly moving and thought-provoking. The many different forms of outreach to the local community throughout the festival has been wonderful to see, and the chance to spend a little quiet time reflecting on the real meaning of Christmas much appreciated by all who came.

For more photos of the exhibition visit the website www.congletonurc.org.uk

Many people brought their own treasured family nativity scenes to share with us. The two wonderful cakes made by Claire Copestick and Sandra Hassall were raffled off to raise funds. Sandra’s raised £97.00 for the work of Cancer Research and Claire’s raised £80.00 towards church funds. All other proceeds from the events which totalled £180 are being split equally between Church funds and Ghana Drive-Aid. Thanks to the Churches across Cheshire for their support and loan of Nativity scenes and especially Alsager URC who donated a number of the scenes they have as well as the wonderful poetry of Val Atkinson and Jacqueline McCullough. Here are a few snapshots taken of the exhibition. If you would like to see more they will be appearing on the website over the next few days.

Congleton Clothes Bank New Life Church in Congleton has been the home of the local Storehouse Food bank for a number of years now; however, that church does not have room to house a clothes bank as well. But as an increasing number of people are needing the help the Store house offers, there are many people who struggle to clothe themselves and their families. Even the charity shop prices can be beyond a growing number of people. In response Congleton URC is developing a Clothes bank. In order to do that we need a range of clothes for people of all ages and sizes, male and female. So if you’re clearing your wardrobes to make space for the gifts you may get at Christmas or after Christmas and you find you have one or two unwanted or unneeded clothes please bring them along. They can be dropped off on any Tuesday from 10.00 am -2.30 pm, Wednesday afternoons between 2-4pm Friday and Saturday mornings between 10-12midday. Thanks must go already to those at Alsager who have brought gifts which Rev. Murray transported over to Congleton. As we are only just starting this we are in need of as many clothes as possible of all types and sizes including children’s but there will be a particular need for: Shoes, underwear, socks, warm jumpers, hats and gloves, water and wind proof items. A small stock of blankets and sleeping bags, shoe and boot laces would also be useful. We have already helped a couple of people out with a few items and as we move into winter and the coldest months of the year the need is only likely to grow. Thank you for your generosity

Worship dates and times Date Time

Alsager

Leader

Dec 7th 14th 16th 21st 21st 24th 25th 28th

10.30 am 10.30 am Midday 10.30 am 4.30 pm 11.30 pm 10.00 am 10.30 am

Toy Service with Holy Communion Family Worship Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Carol Service Crib Service Midnight Christmas Communion Christmas Day Family Worship Ecumenical Worship at Wesley Place

Rev Murray George Rev Bob Parker Rev Murray George Worship Group Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev John Keeling

Jan 4th 11th 18th 18th 25th

2015 10.30 am 10.30 am 10.30 am 6.30 pm 10.30 am

Worship with Membership and HC Family Worship Family Worship with Messy Church WPCU Worship at Christchurch Family Worship (Gideons)

Rev. Murray George Mr Ian White Rev Murray George

Feb 1st

10.30 am Worship with Holy Communion

Rev John Keeling

Time

Congleton

Leader

Midday 10.30 am 6.30 pm Midday 10.30 am 7.00 pm Midday 10.30 am 6.30 pm Midday 3.00 pm 9.00 pm 09.30 am 10.30 am

Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Family All age Worship Evening Service Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Family Worship Carols with The Rode Hall Silver Band Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Worship With Holy Communion Christmas Meditation/Reflection Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Crib Service Christmas Eve Communion Christmas Day Family Worship Family Worship

Rev Murray George Junior Church Mrs Carol Booth Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Mrs Carol Booth Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev Murray George Rev Bill Farquar

Date Dec 2nd 7th 7th 9th 14th 14th 16th 21st 21st 23rd 24th 24th 25th 28th

Mr Dennis Smith

30th Jan

Midday 2015

Tuesday Lunchtime Worship

Rev Murray George

4th

Worship Group

4th

10.30 am Family all age worship Ecumenical Worship 6.30 pm HC Trinity Methodist

6th

Midday

Tuesday Lunchtime Worship

Rev Murray George

11th 13th

10.30 am Family Worship Midday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship

Rev Keith Jarvis Rev Murray George

18th

Rev Bernard Moss

20th

10.30 am Family Worship Midday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship

25th

10.30 am Worship With Holy Communion

Rev Murray George

25th

6.30 pm

Ecumenical Worship for WPCU

Mr Bob Booth

27th

Midday

Tuesday Lunchtime Service

Rev Murray George

Rev's D Oldshaw, M George

Rev Murray George

Feb 1st

10.30 am All age worship with Blessing

Rev Murray George

18.30 am

Rev Murray George

Ecumenical Worship at URC

Dates For your Diary Date

Time

Place

Details

Dec 2nd

7.30pm

Congleton

One +One Bible Exploration

6th

10-12noon

Alsager

Coffee & Chat

th

7.15pm

Congleton

Elders Meeting

9th

7.15pm

Alsager

Elders meeting

8 9

th

10

10-12pm

Congleton

Meet the Minister

th

2.30 pm

Alsager

One +One Bible Exploration

th

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.00pm 7.30pm

Congleton Congleton Congleton Congleton

Property Group meeting Special Vision Meeting Carol Service with Rode Hall Silver Band Social Group Meeting (Young Pretenders)

10 11th 14th 20th

16th 17th 18th

9.30-11.30 2 – 6 pm 2.30pm

Alsager Alsager Alsager

Meet the minister To Busy to Stop time Alsager Court service A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

25th Jan

AND MAY GOD BLESS YOUR NEW YEAR

1st

3rd 3rd

8.30-9.30am Alsager 10-12.00pm Alsager

Morning Prayer Coffee & Chat

5th 6th 10th 13th

7.15pm 7.30pm 4pm – 6pm 10-12.00pm

Congleton Congleton Congleton Congleton

Elders Meeting One +One Bible Exploration Christmas Party with a faith supper Meet the Minister

14th

2.30 pm

Alsager

One +One Bible Exploration

17th

2.30-4pm

Congleton

One + One Special Church Meeting

09.30-11.30 2.30pm 2.30-4pm

Alsager Alsager Alsager

Meet the minister Bible Exploration One + One Special Church Meeting

7.15pm 7.30pm

Congleton Congleton

Elders Meeting One + One Special Church Meeting

10-12.00pm

Alsager

Coffee & Chat

th

20 28th 31st Feb

2nd 4th 7th

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

Activity 1st Congleton Rainbows 4th Congleton Brownies

Photographic group Card Making Group

Contact Pauline McKeown 01260 275947 Pauline McKeown 01260 275947

Tues

10 am12 noon 12noon 12.30 12.30 - 2.30 1.30 pm

Congleton

Café in foyer

Congleton

Lunchtime Worship Chat & Make

Tues twice a month

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

Morning Prayer

1st Sat

10am-12

Coffee and Chat

Sat

10am -12 Congleton

Café

Sat

10am

Music Practice

Tues Tues Tues

Congleton Congleton

Alsager Congleton

Joy True Joy glows in the dark.

Anon

Keep Fit for the not-so-fit Bible Exploration

Jean Cook 01260 276513 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 Jean Cook 01260 276513 Jean Cook 01260 276513

All I want for Christmas is… To isolate want and need, Before the onslaught of greed. For words to mean what they say With no spinning on display. Not just to listen but hear Making others’ talk more clear. Reality checks in force, For those in charge of our course. Acknowledgment that true peace, Can’t be bought for an oil lease. Knowing that a man’s true worth, Is not measured by his purse. Jacqueline McCullough

Faith Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. Augustine

The boxed quotes at the bottom of the pages in this magazine come from a book called “Gathered Gold: A treasury of quotations for Christians,” compiled by John Blanchard. It was a book given to me by Doreen Robbins, a valued and loved member of Hassall Road Methodist Church, and when that closed, a member at Alsager URC for many years. Doreen recently moved to live nearer family. She is already missed but the quotes in this (and I am sure future) magazine will help to keep the links strong. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Doreen as she starts a new part of her life. Christmas quiz answers 1. Drummers Drumming 2. Jesus 3. Turtle Doves 4. Swan 5. 364 6. Maids-a-milking 7. Geese-a-laying 8. The Ten Commandments 9. 9 Ladies dancing 10. Faith, Hope and Charity

The deadline for the next Magazine: 20th January 2015 The next issue will cover February – March E-mail Karen George at: [email protected] Or ring on: 01260 273873

Alsager Please give paper information to Murray George or leave in the folder in the vestry

Congleton Please give paper information to Murray George, Barbara Farrington or any Elder Or Place in the labelled folder on the bookcase at the back of church

Alsager URC

Contacts Minister Rev. Murray George 01260 273873 [email protected]

16 the Moorings Congleton CW12 3RF Alsager Elders Church Secretary Ria Harrison 01270 487067 Gordon Stockton 01270 878421 Chris Keeling 01782 771288 David Keeling 01562 747377 Philip Eardley 01270 877861 Christine Roche 01270 764175 Val Atkinson 01270 766909 Bob Harrison 01270 487067 Congleton Elders Secretary Barbara Farrington 01260 273901 Bob Booth 01260 273772 Carol Booth 01260 272580 Margaret Bourner 01260 281045 Alan Bowers 01477 533467 Adrian Browne 01260 270628 Nigel Browne 01260 279974 Muriel Fraser 01260 276783 Tony Hall 01260 275897 Marion McGuinness 01260 281314 Pauline McKeown 01260 275947 Cynthia Muncaster 01260 271844 Lisa Spencer 01260 275171 Mrs Jean Vale 01260 400536