Signs of Autumn – geese flying over our area last Sunday (Anne & Peter F.)
Dear Church Friends,
I can hardly believe that I have put Week 30 on the top of these notices. How has your week been? I hope you are managing to keep positive in outlook, despite the worrying times at the moment. Lancashire has now been moved into Tier 3 of Covid restrictions. At present I am not aware that the regulations about places of Worship are changing, but we will all need to be extra vigilant when attending church and make sure to keep our distance from other people, especially after the service. Please don’t come to worship if you feel at all unwell. Last Sunday the heating was on in Church and one of the outer doors was closed so it wasn’t cold, but please come prepared for it not to be quite as warm as it might usually be. 24 people attended last Sunday and I should like to thank Stuart for leading our worship with his uplifting words and meaningful music. Every one of our congregation is in our thoughts each week and we pray for the time when it is safe for us to come together again. We know you are with us in spirit if not in person. The Lord is with you wherever you are.
The TV weather forecast came from Westonbirt Arboretum yesterday morning and all the trees there are changing into their Autumn mantle. The myriad colours are magnificent and due to get even better. One doesn’t need to visit there to see beautiful trees in Autumn. Look through your window and no doubt you will see the changes afoot. As Ecclesiastes 3: 1 says: ‘To every season there is a time.’
In Ohaugo in the North Island of New Zealand there is a Tree Church. Set in three acres of distinctive Gardens, the TreeChurch was inspired by Barry Cox’s love of churches and although initially created as a private garden, Barry was persuaded to open the gardens to the public in 2015. Barry combined his passion for trees with his interest in church architecture and had the inspired idea to plant some trees and grow them into the shape of a church, thus creating a living church. The TreeChurch and Gardens are set on three acres. Work on creating the gardens started in 2007 – the established feel has been created by transplanting mature trees with a tree spade. The trees were planted in a conventional shape of a church and then bent over a frame to allow them to continue growing as an arch to form the roof. Apparently it has become a place of interest and contemplation; somewhere one can retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a calm and beautiful environment. People who have been there talk about the sense of peace they come away with. It’s a building that’s a living part of creation. Where better than that to worship the Creator? If you would like to see a picture of the TreeChurch, the website is: treechurch.co.nz We may be a long way from New Zealand but we can see the work of our Creator all around us and take comfort that the Lord is with us during these difficult times.
QR Code
If you have downloaded the NHS Track and Trace App, the QR Code for the White Church is positioned in the main porch on the wall to the left of the steps leading into the Sanctuary. It is not a requirement to use this, as all names are put on the Booking Register for that week and each Register is retained for three weeks.
If anyone who visits our Church is unfortunate to receive a positive test result at any time, please would you let me know.
Letter from Rev Brian Jolly Moderator of the NW Synod – To members of the churches of the North Western Synod and synod staff
15 October 2020
Dear friends
I write briefly to commend to you an address given last Saturday to the Synod Meeting of the East Midlands Synod by Rev Dr John Bradbury [the recently appointed General Secretary of the United Reformed Church.
In what he says to the East Midlands Synod Meeting, John Bradbury addresses some important questions concerning our current experiences and the future under the title:
Covid-19, Exile and Resurrection: A Word for the United Reformed Church.
I found his words and approach to be comforting, stimulating, challenging and hugely relevant to our lives as Christians, members of local United Reformed Churches and the church universal today, as well as relating to the future of our local churches. He reflects on words of Jeremiah and part of John’s story of the resurrection in these contexts, and asks us to do the same.
The length of the address is around 20 minutes, and I believe it will be time well spent if you are able to listen to it. It can be access on-line by using this link:
https://youtu.be/3kQqAz-Xlf0 .
I hope you will be able to find 20 minutes to listen prayerfully to John Bradbury and, perhaps, later to reflect with others on what he says to us.
This brief letter comes to you with my ongoing prayers for you and your local church/es in these strange and difficult times. It also comes with a request for you to support in your prayers the staff in our synod office and our field staff [our Children & Youth Development Officer, and our Mission & Discipleship Mentors], as they continue to serve you and all our local churches.
Brian
Letter received by Siobhan Tweedale Community Liaison Officer (ESOL), Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde
Dear All
I received a letter from the charity The Ripple Effect to say thank you for all the support they have received from you all recently. (See below).
The response has been so positive, and as you will see from the letter all the donations have now been sent and distributed to the families in need.
So, thank you again for all your help and kind donations, you really have made a difference to someone’s life.
I would be grateful if you could also let all your friends, colleagues, parish members and families who also helped out to how grateful the charity is.
Kind regards
Siobhan xx
October 2020 update from The Ripple Effect
A BIG thank you for all your support….
Over the last few weeks, we have continued to collect and sort aid for Refugees in Moria and other areas in need of supplies. So far, we have sent 8 pallets with specific items that was donated and requested, and we have received notification that these have now arrived and are being distributed to the families in crisis.
The response to this appeal has been amazing from the people in the Fylde Coast, we are so grateful for each item donated which has been issued out to a one of the Refugees in one of the camps.
On behalf of all those displaced people who are not able to provide for themselves or their families due to the appalling circumstances they find themselves in……THANK YOU 💕
Thanks to everyone involved for your continued support. We really appreciate it.
Churches Together in Ansdell Fylde Foodbank – Local Pickup
Joan B has received the following email from Paul Bye and thought that anyone living near to St Paul’s and with goods to donate to the Foodbank might wish to use this option.
Dear All,
I’ve been asked to email around the CTinA, from Julie Webb who kindly helps organise the local pickup from our church hall for the Foodbank. At present, the usual things continue to be required by the Foodbank. But from their website: UPDATED 6TH OCTOBER 2020
JAM; NOODLES; WASHING UP LIQUID; WASHING POWDER
These are particularly noted.
In Him Paul
Vicar St Paul’s Ansdell and Fairhaven 01253 734562 [email protected]
Fairtrade Advent Calendars
Janet S has asked me to include the following information this week:
“I am selling the Real Advent calendar again which has Fairtrade chocolates and a booklet for children explaining the real meaning of Christmas. I would welcome purchases and donations and will use the profit to buy more. The Fylde Fairtrade Group donates them to our three chosen charities- Sydney Street Children’s Centre in St. Annes , Blackpool & Fylde Home Start and Fylde Coast Women’s Aid. In the past we have also supported Brian House Children’s Hospice but they don’t want chocolate eggs or calendars anymore just money. Our purpose is to promote the Christian message and Fairtrade.
I also have the Traidcraft Autumn/Winter catalogue featuring Christmas cards, craft and food. These can be picked up in Church on Sundays, I can drop one off or it can be viewed online.
Janet S
01253 739195/ 07837750810”
After last Christmas, Janet wrote in the church notices that the profit from selling over 200 calendars and donations meant that 120 calendars were delivered to the chosen charities. I realise that it won’t be as straightforward this year, but please let’s try and give as many children as we can a bit of cheer this December. Please speak to Janet if you require any further information. Thank you in anticipation.
Our Worship tomorrow – Sunday October 18th will be led by Andrew Barratt.
If you are intending to come, please will you let me know by 6pm today.
Our Worship on Sunday 25th October will be led by Rev Terry Hudson.
Bible Studies
Rev Jim Williams has offered to lead weekly Bible Studies, both via Zoom and physically, starting with Genesis.
If you are interested in joining in please let the Acting Secretary know.
Sunday Communion Services
Rev Jim and Rev Janet conduct a regular Communion service on Sundays at 7pm. This can be accessed on Zoom and by phone. People should ring Jim – 01253 896371 or Janet – 01253 896056 for details and access.
Let us Pray
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for all the blessings we have received this week. We pray for those among us who are going through difficult times. Be with all those who are unwell, in hospital, recovering from operations, coping with bereavement, feeling depressed, lonely or unwanted and grant them your love and peace. We pray for all those caring for others in any way. We pray for your strength, encouragement and help during the coming weeks. Help us to stay close to You. Amen
Please join me in saying the Grace together.
May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen
God Bless you all
Ruth
