I once remarked to somebody that I am not a natural writer and that I often find it difficult to think of something new to write for church newsletters and magazines. Their reply was well why not use one you’ve done before, probably no one will notice even if one or two things do seem […]
Everyone welcome at the table top sale on the 6th November at the White Church. In aid of church funds.
As November approaches we enter a quiet time, a season of reflection and remembrance. At this time of year, as the nights grow longer and the temperatures drop, we gather round our ‘hearths’ (or televisions) for warmth and companionship and the season, especially from the end of October up to Christmas, becomes a time for […]
Once again we have come to that time of the year when everything is changing. Summer has given way to autumn, the trees are shedding their leaves and birds are preparing to fly south for the winter, if they haven’t already left. By now farmers’ grain harvests will all have been gathered in marking the […]
It’s that time of year again when I wish everybody a Happy New Year. Before you think I’m going crazy or that I have accidentally sent the wrong month’s newsletter to everybody September is actually the New Year for many people. Sunset on Monday 6th September is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, (literally ‘the head […]
Rev Jim is planning a Bible Study over 8 sessions in 4 locations in October and November : Fleetwood URC, Fairhaven URC, Hambleton URC and Poulton URC. He would encourage people to move around the various locations and meet new people. More details to follow
I am writing this August newsletter a little bit earlier than usual at the beginning of July because I am going on holiday and it will be too late for some magazine deadlines by the time I get back. Even so, we are now well past Pentecost and into what some church calendars call ‘ordinary’ […]
You no longer need inform the Acting Church Secretary of your intention to attend worship each week, although we will still have to maintain a register of those who attend. The Church’s Risk Assessment will be under constant review. If there is a rapid rise in local infections, we may need to adapt the way […]
Ansdell Lytham and St Annes Churches Together are delighted to announce their next event. This will be a walk from Lytham or St Annes to Fairhaven Lake, followed by an outdoor short Service. The walk from Lytham will leave from the Promenade near Lytham Lifeboat station at 2.45 pm and the walk from St Annes […]
Royal Lancashire Show 30th July 31st July & 1st AugustSalesbury Hall, Salesbury Hall Road, Ribchester PR3 3XRFairtrade Lancashire will be at the Royal Lancashire Show celebrating, encouraging, and promoting Fairtrade throughout Lancashire. Visit our stand in the Mall to learn more. Where you can browse and buy a selection of Fairtrade goods, take part in […]
As I write this it is a bright sunny day in mid-June but by the time you read it it will probably be the beginning of July. By then I will have had my induction service, just over 15 months late! Unfortunately after the extending of the Covid restrictions it will not be with as many people as I […]
According to the mediaeval English poem, ‘Sumer is icumen in, Lhude sing cuccu! Groweth sed, and bloweth med, And springth the wude nu.’ But is summer really coming in? As I write this it is a beautiful, sunny, late May day and it seems as though a good summer is a real possibility despite the […]
Reverend Jim is hosting a seven week Bible study over Zoom looking at the book of Genesis. The series starts on Wednesday 26th May with a session at 3pm repeated at 7pm. Each session will last about 90 minutes. Bring a Bible if you can. Link for 3pm session here Link for 7pm session here
This is Christian Aid week. The focus this year is on the climate crisis, with people living in poverty fighting the worst of it every day, You can read more about this here With no door to door collections this year, the Lytham St Annes Christian Aid group has set up an online giving page. […]
I’ve just looked back to what I wrote for May last year and of course found the common theme that ‘infected’ everything that has happened over the last 15 months or so – Covid. We were in the middle of the first lockdown and amidst all the problems and disadvantages were beginning to find the […]
We are delighted that the Church will reopen for weekly public worship on Sunday 18th April 2021. These services will be held in a Covid secure way and numbers will be limited. It is no longer necessary to pre book a place for the service. Please also read the following advice SAFETY MEASURES FOR RE-OPENING […]
We are delighted to be able to celebrate Easter Sunday in the Church with Rev Jim leading a communion service at 2pm . Please read the Covid guidance carefully. SAFETY MEASURES FOR EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE 4th April 2021 at 2pm PLEASE DO NOT COME IF YOU EXHIBIT ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS. In order to comply with […]
Here at the United Reformed Church, as more of our family, friends, and neighbours receive their vaccine, we are both joyful and relieved. But we are aware that many communities around the world are suffering and don’t have access to vaccines. And many of them lack the basics they need to protect themselves like clean […]
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people […]
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the season of Lent. This is season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. Rev Janet has prepared a Lent journey calendar to aid preparation.
The Secretary of Fairhaven United Reformed Church made the following announcement today. “I am sorry to have to inform you that, although the government has said communal worship may continue, in view of the rapid rise in cases of the new variant of Covid across the country and following advice from Rev Brian Jolly, the […]
In Search of Christmas is a trail for all the family in Ansdell and Fairhaven exploring what Christmas is all about. Look for the first poster to the right of the gate into Fairhaven Lake, near the Ice Cream kiosk at Granny’s bay and follow the clues from there! You will need a mobile device […]
Sunday 20th December at 10.45amWorship led by Rev Terry Hudson.Places are limited so please book by 6pm on Saturday 19th December. Bookings to whitechurchsec@btinternet.com Friday 25th December at 10.30amChristmas Day Worship led by Val Atkinson.Places are limited so please book by 4pm on Thursday 24th December. Bookings to whitechurchsec@btinternet.com Sunday 27th December There will […]
Excerpts from Fylde Foodbank Volunteers Coronavirus Newsletter September 2020 A message from the Chair of Trustees – Kim Cook “Firstly a really big thank you to all those volunteers who were able and willing to step forward and run the St Annes, Kirkham and Warton warehouses during the early days of the pandemic when many […]
The Sunday service at The White Church on 27th September 2020 is our Harvest Service. For details click here
We are pleased to announce a return to Sunday worship at The White Church. Services will begin at 10.45am and last for about 20 minutes. Whilst we should like to be able to welcome you all once again, because of Covid-19 restrictions we are limited in what we can provide. If you are intending to […]
The Elders of Fairhaven URC are now aiming to re-open the church for public worship on Sunday 20th September when the Reverend Janet Calderley is due to lead the service.
The Holy Trinity: Fr. A. J. Thamburaj, SJ (India 1939–) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 We reformed churchers rely heavily on the written word in our teaching and reflection of scripture and all things […]
The tomb with the hands (Roermond, Netherlands, 1888) I came across this photograph recently whilst delving into my family ancestry. To me it speaks volumes about the world of today. Here we have a couple who were divided by their religious beliefs to such a degree that not only were they buried separately but a […]
Fylde Foodbank Volunteers Coronavirus Newsletter May 2020 Latest instalment of our Newsletter for volunteers. As the pandemic continues, a few volunteers in the over 70’s age group have asked when they can return to their volunteering duties as some restrictions are lifted.There is to be a Trustee meeting at the end of this month and […]
It’s been nearly 3 months now since we had to close our church doors. It’s not been an easy decision to live with and it has often been questioned if we should bow down to the will of state. The church has stood shoulder to shoulder with its local community in facing off this dreadful […]
Another Place: Anthony Gormley (2005) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10 And so, the drama of the last few months is coming to an end. […]
Doves by Yves Cass (2013) When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him. […]
“Game Changer” (Banksy 2020) No art series would be complete without an appearance from Banksy the subversive and secretive street artist renowned for his novel, comic and often ironic artwork and installations (see www.banksy.co.uk for more examples). This piece, called ‘Game Changer’, is currently on display at Southampton General Hospital. It pays tribute to the […]
Ball and Chain (The Bear 2020) The picture shows one of three pieces of street art by the graffiti artist The Bear which have appeared in Glasgow during the lockdown. The image shows a young man chained by the corona virus and looking down at his chains in surprise, frustration and annoyance. I am sure […]
“The Fever Van” by Laurence Stephen Lowry, (1887-1976) The fever van was the colloquial term in the north of England for the ambulance that transported patients with infectious diseases, usually scarlet fever or diphtheria, to the local isolation or infectious diseases hospital. No social distancing being shown here, but a definite sense of great concern, […]
As a member church of the Ansdell and Fairhaven Churches Together group we are sharing this message from the Vicar of St Pauls, Paul Bye, about the Fylde Foodbank, where several of our own church members are helpers. Thank you so much everyone for your generous donations and regularly giving to the local Foodbank. The […]
This time we have reflections from two members of the West Lancashire URC Partnership. The first is from Karen Abrams of Fleetwood URC and the second is from Ian Mottram of Elswick URC. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vertigo by Leon Spilliaert (1881-1946) Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, because I’m with you; don’t be anxious, because I am […]
Some Ascension Day thoughts from the Rev. Janet Calderley: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acts 1:1-11 New Revised Standard Version The Promise of the Holy Spirit 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy […]
Dear Friends Over the last few weeks I attended the “ Church on the Margins” zoom meetings. In one of these sessions we were invited to reflect alongside Deirdre Brower on how does “walking alongside” God’s people look like in our current situation. She said the following: I’ve always thought it was an important Christian […]
Number 4 in Rev. Jim Williams ‘Art Theology’ series: An old woman with a rosary: Paul Cezanne 1895-96 Daniel 9:18 “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve […]
Update from the United Reformed Church following the statement by the Prime Minister In light of recent statements from the Prime Minister, and from the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland, the United Reformed Church holds to the position that all church buildings should remain closed except for the provision of essential services (foodbanks, addiction […]
Fylde Foodbank Volunteers Coronavirus Newsletter May 2020 It seems many volunteers have appreciated keeping up to date with news from the foodbank so here is the next instalment. Today the Trussell Trust announced the latest figures from foodbanks during the last two weeks of March. Foodbanks in the network reported their busiest ever fortnight, with […]
Next in Rev. Jim Williams series of ‘Art Theology’ reflections: Shaida Walking: Julian Opie 2015 Palm 119: 1 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. Every year I question why tens of thousands of people would board overcrowded coaches and travel for hours to get stuck in […]
St Annes United Reformed Church REFLECTIONS for 3 May 2020 Greetings to the eleven churches in the Partnership in the Western Area of the NW Synod of the United Reformed Church from Rene Kendall a lay preacher from St. Anne’s United Reformed Church. I have, over the years, visited all of the eleven churches in […]
Christian Aid Week runs from 10th May to 16th May. Under the current circumstances, sadly, donation envelopes will not be collected, and it will not be possible to make a cash donation at all. Donations can be made online at the Christian Aid website. Another way to give for Christian Aid Week is […]
Here is the second in Rev. Jim Williams series of ‘Art Theology’ reflections: The Hotel Room: Edward Hopper (1931) Proverbs 19:15 Lethargy brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry. In a former life I spent many days on the roads around the UK, Europe and further afield. A typical week would see me […]
Hi everybody Another peculiar week! The hospital seems a little less busy, but I’ve heard that the foodbank (especially the one at Kirkham) was really, really busy. I’ve been able to spend a little more time on the phone this week; thanks to all of you who’ve given me a warm welcome. I’ve had to […]
Noli me tangere (Don’t cling to me) altarpiece: Jacopo Di Cione ca. 1368–70 John 20: 15b She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Don’t cling to me”, said the risen Lord to […]
Christians in Lancashire are being encouraged to make a cross on Palm Sunday and place it in the window of their home. This will be a sign to those who pass by that in the saving work of Christ there is healing, life and salvation. This initiative has been taken up by Churches Together in […]
We miss going to Church for our Sunday services and it is especially hard this Easter time. However there are other ways to share worship. As you won’t be able to receive a palm cross at church on Sunday, a digital one is offered by the United Reformed Church which you are welcome to download, […]
Following advice from the Ministries Office of the United Reformed Church, which in turn is a response to Government guidance, the elders and members of Fairhaven URC regret that services of worship, and all other church activities at The White Church are suspended until further notice. Lord Jesus, In the midst of a storm, […]
Margaret Russell will lead our service on Sunday (15th March), beginning at 10.45am. All are welcome. This is our World Leprosy Sunday and Paul Moores, Regional Manager for The Leprosy Mission, will talk about their campaign for more ‘Hospital Heroes’ to help people like Phyo, shown in the photo. Phyo is a patient at Mawlamyine […]
Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 runs from Monday 24th February to Sunday 8th March. The Fairtrade organisation continues its mission to ensure that all farmers are paid fairly for their work and are able to earn a living income. This year they are continuing to focus on cocoa and the special role women farmers play in the […]
On Friday (6th March) we have another Fylde Arts Afternoon Recital at The White Church, starting at 2pm. It features Jonathan Guy on clarinet and Philip Kubilius on Piano. Admission £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) For more information of Fylde Arts events please see www.fyldearts.org The programme for the recital is: Brahms – Sonata in […]
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER , 6th MARCH 2020 (A WOMEN LED, GLOBAL, ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT) Women, men and children of all ages are called to ‘Rise, take your mat and walk’ to join this day of prayer.* Women of Zimbabwe have prepared this year’s service and they encourage us all to reflect on the difficulties and […]
Fylde Arts Association Afternoon Recital at The White Church Friday 7 February 2020 Starts at 2.00pm The Stonebridge Quartet Programme Mozart Quartet No 22 in Bb K589 Shostakovich Quartet No 8 in C Min Op 110 Admission £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) For more information please see www.fyldearts.org PAMELA REDMAN (violin) has many years’ experience […]
Fylde Arts Association Afternoon Recital Friday 7 February 2020 Starts at 2.00pm Charlotte Dowding (violin) and William Dowding (piano) Programme Chausson Poème Op 25 Wieniawski Violin Concerto No 2 in D minor Op72 2nd Mvt (Romance) Brahms Violin Sonata No 3 in D Op108 Admission £10 […]
Table Top Sale with bottle and cake stalls. Saturday 1st February, 10am to 12pm, at the Dawson Hall of The White Church Admission 25p or donation. Buy something interesting, have a brew, have a chat and help a great cause in The Gambia. Proceeds for Churches Together chosen charity for 2020 – Gambian educational projects.
Our Scottish Evening was a great success, thanks to the hard work of the ladies of the White Church Social and Fundraising Group. A good meal and lots of fun, enjoyed by all those who came.
Each year, White Church member Janet Sherwood coordinates the purchase and distribution of the Meaningful Chocolate Company Real Advent Calendar. It is the only Fairtrade chocolate Advent calendar which includes a book for children which tells of the real meaning of Christmas. This time, over 200 calendars were sold by Janet at the White Church […]
Fylde Arts Society Afternoon Recital Friday 24 January 2020 at 2.00pm, Fairhaven URC (The White Church) Eberle String Trio Pamela Redman (violin) Allison Calderbank (viola) Robert Buller (cello) Admission is £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) Programme Chopin Nocturne in E min, Op 72 No 1 Beethoven […]
To mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven are holding a service in Fairhaven Methodist Church at 7.30pm on Thursday 23rd January. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January – the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. […]
Our regular Sunday service at 10.45am on 5th January marks Epiphany, which falls on 6th January, and will be led by Reverend David Phillips. Director of Music is Arthur Lingings. Coffee is served after the service, in the Dawson Hall.
A short service, beginning at 10.30am, at which we give thanks and celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Christmas Eve Service (including Holy Communion) begins at 11pm on 24th December and ends just turned Midnight as we greet Christmas Day and celebrate the birth of our Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. The picture shows our Memory Tree on which can be hung names and messages, for those special to us, […]
Gifts for Syrian refugees were collected at The White Church on Sunday 15th December. These were donated and wrapped by Church members for refugees who have been welcomed to the Fylde. Ruth, our Church Secretary, later commented, “Thank you to everyone who brought gifts………. The response was amazing. The looks on the refugees faces when […]
The Blackpool Male Voice Choir gave a wonderful concert of Christmas music on Friday evening, 13th December. Ruth, our Church Secretary said, “Special thanks to the Outreach group for organising it, as it raises money for the Church’s charity. Thank you to all those who prepared and served the refreshments, provided or sold raffle prizes […]
Our service on 8th December, the second Sunday of Advent, is our Christingle Service. for a full list of our December services, see below.
Our Advent Tea was held on Saturday 30th November, 2pm to 4pm. Here is how our Church Secretary described the event, “This was a very happy and successful afternoon. The hall looks lovely. Our thanks must go to everyone who decorated the hall, prepared and served the tea, manned the stalls, helped in any way […]
Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven hold their Advent Service at The White Church on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30pm. Please join us for worship and enjoy the fellowship of Christians from five local churches. For more information about Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven click the picture below.
Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven – Supporting Charitable Projects Joan Baldwin, representative from The White Church and Chair of Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven reports on the projects to be sponsored in 2019/2020: “We thank everyone who has given us great support over the last year. We are proud to say, that with your […]
Soprano Jane Wilkinson will be performing at the White Church on Friday 22nd November at 7.30pm Jane Wilkinson grew up on the Fylde Coast and attended Rossall School. She studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow before going on to study at the Royal College of Music, London. Jane is an […]
On Sunday 10th November, after our Service of Remembrance inside the church, prayers were said at our Peace Pole in the grounds of the White Church, and members of the congregation placed crosses in memory of individuals special to them.
An action packed evening of opera with Musica Lirica Opera singers and orchestra plus special Italian guests: Sonia Sciamanna, soprano and Stefano Grassi, tenore. Sunday 17 November at 7.30pm at the White Church, tickets on the door.
The Christmas Gift and Craft Fair in aid of Marie Curie took place on Saturday 9th November at The White Church and was very well supported. Those attending enjoyed tea, coffee or mulled wine with a mince pie and the opportunity to purchase from a variety of gift and craft stalls. There was also a […]
Friday 1 November 2019 at 2.00pm at the White Church Fylde Arts Society Afternoon Recital Admission is £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) Eberle String Trio with David Battersby (piano) Mozart Piano Quartet No 1 in G min K478 Allegro Andante Rondo (Allegro) Schumann Piano Quartet No 2 in Eb Op 47 Allegro ma non troppo […]
Representatives from Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven, including Jan Hirst and Linda Lunn from the White Church, recently handed over a cheque for £1,617.49 to the Fleetwood Trust for the Community Hub being created in the Fleetwood Hospital building. They met with Trustees and were given a guided tour of the premises that will […]
The annual ‘Walk for Africa’, organised by the White Church Outreach group, took place on Saturday 19th October. This is a fundraiser to support the Stuart Gay Memorial School in The Gambia. Eleven sponsored walkers, and three dogs, walked from the White Church to Lytham Hall and back and then enjoyed a lunch of soup […]
Recently, The White Church was visited by a class from Ansdell Primary School. 33 children completed the Children’s Church Trail, devised by The Arts Society Fylde specially for The White Church. They also sang ‘ Sing Hosanna’ in the choir stalls, before having their packed lunch in the Dawson Hall. This was a successful visit, […]
Fylde Arts Society present: Laurie Ashworth (soprano) John Gough (piano) Rachel Filhart (clarinet) Friday 25th October 2019 at 2.00pm in the White Church Admission is £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) Programme: The Shepherd on the Rock D 965 Schubert Five Bagatelles for clarinet and piano […]
Congratulations to Brian Jolly who has been nominated as the next Moderator of the North Western Synod of the United Reformed Church. Read more about Brian and his appointment here
Lytham Community Choir’s Autumn Concert at the White Church on Saturday 12th October featured an entertaining mix of songs and included three beautifully performed songs sung by the Lytham Youth Choir. It was a joyous event, supported by a large audience, and raised a substantial sum for Church funds. Many thanks to Lytham Community Choir, […]
Fylde Arts Association present: The Pennine Piano Trio Julian Cann (violin) Robert Buller (cello) Philip Kubilius (piano) Friday 4th October 2019 at 2.00pm Admission is £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) Programme: Mendelssohn Piano Trio No 2 in C min Op 66 Allegro energico e con fuoco Andante espressivo Scherzo: Molto allegro quasi presto Finale: Allegro […]
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Richard Golding led us today in an uplifting Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Here are some pictures of produce brought to the Church, set out for display during the service. Gifts of […]
Richard Golding is leading us in worship on Sunday, 22nd September. This will be our Harvest Thanksgiving Service. All are welcome. Our service starts at 10.45am. Traditionally, at this time, we give thanks for the produce that has been newly harvested and some of that produce is brought into the church and displayed. Those of […]
The Arts Society Fylde have produced a Children’s Church Trail for the White Church. This is to be launched at our Heritage Open Days on 19th, 20th and 22nd September 2019. The trail is suitable for 8 to 12 year-old children, who can take a question sheet and follow the trail round the Church to […]
The White Church is a Grade 2 * Listed building and we show our building to the public every year as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme. This year the Heritage Open Days are Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Sunday 22nd September. We are open from 10.30am to 4pm on each of these […]
Fylde Arts Association present: Philip Kubilius on Piano Friday 6 September 2019 at 2.00pm Admission is £10 (Fylde Arts Members £8) Programme: Mozart Sonata No 5 in G K283 Allegro Andante Presto Chopin Selection of Waltzes and Nocturnes […]
The Strawberry Tea held in the Dawson Hall of the White Church on Saturday 20th July was a great success. It was a really good social occasion and raised £300 for Church funds. The weather wasn’t good enough to have tables outside but there was a lovely atmosphere inside, with Marie Pilgrim having, once again, […]
We are in our 16th year of opening the Church every Thursday and Sunday afternoon for prayer and meditation. People who have lost someone or are troubled can come in, have a cup of tea, listen to beautiful music and find some peace. We have helped many people in this way. We are also in […]
Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven are under the umbrella of Churches Together in Lancashire. Five churches are in the group and the aim is ‘to work together, for the benefit of the community and share our Christian principles.’ We have four services together each year, one for the Week of Christian Unity, a morning […]
The concert performance of Carmen, with full orchestra, on Sunday 30th June, by Musica Lirica Opera Company was a huge success with an exceptionally large audience. White Church volunteers worked hard to facilitate this event, including members of the Outreach group who provided refreshments and put on a raffle. @musicaliricaoperacompany www.musicalirica.co.uk
Another success for the Marie Curie Lytham St Annes Fundraising Group at the White Church. They put on a great afternoon tea event on 7th June, enjoyed by all who came, including the new Mayor of Fylde, Angela Jacques. Beaverbrookes volunteers helped to set up and in the kitchen and a fantastic final total of […]
Towards the end of 2014, Lytham United Reformed Church closed, and 10 members of that Church became members at the White Church. Some artefacts and furnishings also came to the White Church from the Bannister Street church before the building was sold. Some time later, a banner from Lytham United Reformed Church was spotted at […]
Linda Lunn took over the role of collecting for the Leprosy Mission at the White Church, from Hilary McGregor who died last year. Donations of cash in collection boxes and donations of used postage stamps are now passed on to the Leprosy Mission by Linda. An annual focus for support of the Leprosy Mission is […]
On Sunday 7th April 2019, the White Church hosted an Ecumenical Service for Peace led by Reverend Daleen ten Cate which included the dedication of the Peace Pole, recently installed in the grounds of the Church. Prayers of Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving were read by Ruth Cooper, Janice Downward and Jan Hirst; a litany of […]
The latest in a series of successful social and fund-raising events took place at the White Church on Saturday afternoon, 6th April 2019. Those attending were entertained by magician Philip Eardley and enjoyed scones with jam and cream and a selection of cakes.
On Saturday 16th March, an Irish Evening was held in the Dawson Hall of the White Church. Like the Scottish Evening, the event was a great success, and a good time was had by all. Again, the hall was suitably decorated, a two-course meal was served and afterwards, Linda Lunn, accompanied by Jim Thomas on […]
To mark the end of Fairtrade Fortnight, a Fairtrade Coffee Morning will be held after morning worship this Sunday, 10th March. Please join us and support a very good cause. The event takes place in the Dawson Hall of the White Church from 11.45am and replaces the usual after-worship serving of tea and coffee.
The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical initiative led by Christian women, who welcome you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. It is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. Our local World Day of Prayer event was held at the White Church this year, […]
Mike Fenton, President of Lytham St Annes Men’s Forum presents a cheque for £471-50 to Margaret Gregory of the Marie Curie, Lytham St Annes Fundraising Group Lytham St Annes Men’s Forum held their annual charity fund-raising coffee morning in the Dawson Hall at the White Church on 15th February. The current season’s President of […]
On Saturday 26th January, a Scottish Evening was held in the Dawson Hall of the White Church. Attended by nearly 60 people, the evening was a great success, and everyone enjoyed themselves. The hall was nicely dressed, thanks to the design skills of Mairi Pilgrim, and the hard-working ladies of the Church’s social and fund-raising […]
Walk for Africa 13th October 2018 – the walkers gather at the White Church When preaching recently at the White Church, Stuart Gay updated the Congregation on the Nemu Genku School in Gambia, which we, along with other Churches, support financially. The Walk for Africa is an annual event, organised by the White Church […]
Blackpool Male Voice Choir Concert on 14th December Photo credit: Becky Ryan The Church resounded to the wonderful sound of the 30+ members of the Male Voice Choir who entertained the audience with Festive Songs in addition to leading the Carol Singing. Mince pies were served with tea and coffee when Christmas Good Wishes […]
The new Peace Pole at the White Church is now bedded in. It received some coverage in the Lytham St Annes Express, in the 15th November edition, thanks to our publicity officer John Cooper. A photo was published together with a couple of column inches. Val Atkinson, who is responsible for the White Church’s Peace […]
On Saturday afternoon, 24th November the White Church held its Advent Afternoon. Volunteers from the Church set-up and decorated the Dawson Hall on Friday evening and opened this social and fund-raising event on Saturday at 2pm. Tea and mince pies were on offer together with various stalls and a raffle. The White Church’s own, John […]
On Monday 29th October 2018, a chilly but wonderfully bright day, a Peace Pole was installed in the grounds of the White Church. Peace Poles are monuments recognised throughout the world as symbols of the desire for peace between people and nations. The idea originated with Masahisa Goi in Japan, in 1955. Masahisa Goi dedicated […]
On Saturday 27th October members of URC Churches from across the Fylde area gathered together at the White Church to meet each other and share aspects of their Church mission and experience. Over fifty people from Poulton le Fylde, Fairhaven, Bispham, Elswick, St Annes, Marton, Kirkham and Fleetwood URC Churches were present, and we also […]
Happy eaters enjoyed a two-course lunch and good fellowship after the Harvest Thanksgiving Service at the White Church on Sunday 30th September. The magnificent efforts of members of our Church Life Group under the leadership of Valerie Aitken were much appreciated.
The Church looked splendid for our Harvest Thanksgiving Service led by Andrew Barratt. Many thanks to those who created the lovely displays and to those who made donations that will be given to Fylde Food Bank. .
From the Blackpool Male Voice Choir Facebook page: “For our friends in Lytham! It is a couple of years since we sang in Lytham and we are really looking forward to this forthcoming concert as we have previously been well-received. Hope to see you all again!“ This is a highly accomplished choir and it promises […]
The White Church hosted a visit by refugees and asylum-seekers on Monday 23rd July, when a group journeyed from Darwen, in very distinctive transport, for a day out at the seaside. The visit had been arranged by Darwen Asylum-seekers and Refugee Enterprise (DARE), who operate a drop-in centre at the Central United Reformed Church, Darwen. […]
The National Churches Trust, who gave a grant of £12,000 towards repairs to the White Church, have recently featured the White Church as their ‘Church of the Week’. Here is the post on their Facebook page: The White Church is open to visitors every Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 1 pm to 4 pm. Come […]
The Marie Curie Afternoon Tea took place on Friday 6th July and it was great to see the Dawson Hall full of life again. The Marie Curie volunteers were well prepared and worked very hard to serve the large number of people that attended. They were delighted with the success of their fundraising event at […]
Janet Sherwood, treasurer for Christian Aid at the White Church, has reported on the results for Christian Aid Week and described them as “an amazing effort by everyone at the White Church.” £1,432.26 was raised from door-to-door collections, Christian Aid boxes raised another £112.60 and £219.90 was raised from pew collections making a magnificent total […]
Lytham Club Day Songs of Praise at Lytham Hall with Lytham Community Choir, Sunday 24th June 2018. Brilliant weather for a lovely service to mark the end of the Club Day events. The marquee was empty as everyone sat outside in the sunshine and sang together. (Pictures by Cath Powell of Lytham Community Choir)
The concert by 2nd Rossendale Scout Band at the White Church on Saturday evening, 23rd June was a great success. The magnificent sound of the band filled the Church, enhanced by the good acoustics. Everyone benefited from this event: the audience enjoyed the performance and the Church and the Band raised some funds. This special […]
Fairhaven United Reformed Church are pleased to announce that, with the current phase of restoration work coming to an end, the Dawson Hall at the White Church has been reopened. The Hall is coming back into use and we are pleased to be welcoming back some of our regular hirers and some new clients. If you […]
The Churches Together, Pentecost Walk of Witness took place on Sunday afternoon, 20th May, with some members of Fairhaven URC attending. On this warm afternoon, walkers from Lytham churches set off from Lytham Lifeboat Station and walkers from St Annes churches set off from the bandstand near St Annes Pier. Others went straight to the […]
White Church members Judith and Mike Fenton completed the Coniston to Barrow Challenge on 12th May. They walked 21 miles in 7 hours,(including stops). They were part of a team from BAE Systems taking part in this major event, in which some entrants walk from Keswick to Barrow. One third of the money raised in […]
The Church Recording volunteers of The Arts Society Fylde spent nearly six years studying the White Church and its history. The result of their painstaking work is a beautifully bound and gold blocked 119 page book, detailing items such as memorials, metalwork, stonework, woodwork, textiles, paintings and windows, enhanced with 93 photographs and line drawings. […]
Our afternoon of celebration on Saturday 21st April raised over £350 for Church funds Church members and visitors (some just passers by) enjoyed home made scones with cream and jam, served with tea and coffee, and a selection of cakes. Tables were set in the intimacy of the Parlour and in the airy splendour of […]
As our contribution to Fairtrade Fortnight, a Traidcraft Big Brew was held in the Dawson Hall after the Service on Sunday 4th March. Traidcraft tea, coffee and biscuits were served, our Fairtrade Raffle was drawn and there was also a Tombola. Baskets of Traidcraft products were given as raffle prizes along with goods donated by […]
The winning raffle tickets are drawn. The Lytham St Annes Men’s Forum held their annual charity fund-raising coffee morning in the Dawson Hall of the White Church on Friday 23rd February. The charity being supported this year was the RNLI Lytham St Annes Shannon Lifeboat Appeal and the event was attended by Digby Moulden […]
The first of this year’s Lent lunches organised by Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven was held at the White Church on 21st February. Over fifty people enjoyed a variety of delicious home-made soups, followed by a hot-cross bun and a cup of tea or coffee. The meal was free of charge, but guests gave […]
Val Muir, Outreach Group Leader Jan Hirst and Janet Sherwood hand over a donation from the White Church to Digby Moulden at the Lifeboat Station in St Annes. On Monday 15th January representatives of our Outreach Group presented a £1,000 donation to Digby Moulden – the Chair of Fundraising for the Lytham St Annes […]
A couple of pictures and a note of thanks from Elder and Church Secretary, Valerie Aitkin. “Many thanks to everyone who made our services over the festive period so welcoming. Everyone who read a lesson, preached a sermon, sang their hearts out, Thanks. Everyone who made coffee, provided and warmed mulled wine and minced pies, […]
A selection of pictures to show our celebration of Advent: Christmas decorations and our Advent candles. Nativity service, Sunday 17th December. Enjoying mulled wine and a mince pie after the Carol service. The Memory Tree
A number of White Church members took part in the Walking Nativity in Lytham on Saturday 16th December. John Addey took these pictures.
The sale of ‘The Real Advent Calendars’ at the White Curch by Janet Sherwood, our Traidcraft and Fairtrade representative, enabled the White Church, along with Fairhaven Methodist, Church Road Methodist, St Josephs, St Cuthberts, St Thomas’ and St Annes UnitedReformed Churche to donate 60 calendars this year for local charities to distribute to families. For […]
On the evening of Friday 15th December we welcome the Salvation Army Fellowship Band who will be performing a Christmas Concert.. Tickets for this popular seasonal event are £6.50. Seasonal light refreshments are included. Concert starts at 7.30pm.
On Sun 12 November our Remembrance Service was led by Stuart Gay, Salvation Army Envoy. During the Service, Stuart was presented with a cheque for £1,000 by Outreach Elder, Jan Hirst. This was a gift of money raised by the White Church to continue our help with the funding of the Stuart Gay Memorial School […]
The Pre-Advent Fair on Saturday 4th November was well supported. Everyone enjoyed a pleasant social occasion with tea and mince pies, and various stalls. A good sum of money was raised for Church funds.
On 21st October twenty members and friends from Fairhaven, St Annes and Elswick URC’s took part in a sponsored walk around Fairhaven and Ansdell to raise money for the Stuart Gay Memorial School in the Gambia. The walk was followed by delicious soup and apple crumble prepared by ladies from the White Church. The school […]
On Sunday 12th November the White Church celebrated the recent 100th birthday of our oldest Church Member and Choir member – Jim Crossan. At morning worship Jim was presented with a birthday card and the congregation sang ‘Happy Birthday’. After the service everyone celebrated by sharing a lovely birthday cake that was specially made for […]
Lytham St Annes RNLI is the White Church’s chosen local charity for this year and to raise funds towards the costs of the new Shannon lifeboat the Church held a Coffee Morning on Friday 6th October.. Digby Moulden, Shannon Appeal Chairman attended, representing the RNLI and is pictured chatting to a supporter at the Coffee […]
At our Harvest Service on 1st October cash donations of £228.58 were received in the ‘Wishing Well’ for Fylde Food Bank and 132.11kg of food stuffs was donated. The Harvest Lunch after the service raised £294.67 for Church funds and was enjoyed by all who attended.
Fairhaven United Reformed Church is now featured in an excellent new website. ExploreChurches has been created by the National Churches Trust working with partners including all the main denominations and heritage organisations. Its objective is to create ‘themed’ collections of Churches – lists of churches, grouped within a theme to promote Church visiting by showing […]
White Church members Mike and Judith Fenton took part in the Great North Run to raise money for a new lifeboat at Lytham St Annes. They ran in this famous half-marathon event on 10th September 2017. Mike, who is Webmaster for the White Church, has run in this event once before and Judith, who is […]
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be collecting free donations for the White Church? There are over 3,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and Sainsbury’s – it doesn’t cost […]
Stuart Gay has provided an update on the Matero Salvation Army project in Zambia: Some time ago, The White Church selected the building of a Sunday school at Matero Salvation Army in Zambia (where Stuart led services) as one of their outreach projects. The road has been long and tough for Matero Salvation Army but […]
Over the last five years the White Church has supported a school in West Africa which was founded by Stuart Gay of Blackpool Salvation Army. Stuart is a good friend of the White Church and sometimes leads our Sunday worship. The ‘Stuart Gay Memorial School’ is a school for 4 to 7 year olds in […]
Our annual Strawberry Tea on 8th July raised a grand total of £495.51. This has since been boosted by further donations to provide a total of £517.51 for Church funds.
Lytham Community Choir’s concert at St Annes Lifeboat House on Saturday 1st July was a great success, raising more tha £900 for the new Shannon lifeboat. Members of the White Church supported this event, with three members performing and others in the audience. The RNLI’s appeal for the new lifeboat is the White Church’s chosen […]
Janet Sherwood continues to run a Traidcraft stall in the White Church almost every Sunday with others from the White Church Outreach Group helping on an “ad hoc” basis. Janet also supplies Fairtrade goods to other churches and to schools. Fairtrade Advent calendars are sold and the profits used to purchase more calendars that are […]
Members of the White Church regularly volunteer at our local Foodbank (Fylde Foodbank). They assist by meeting clients, sorting the food in the warehouse, collecting donated food from supermarkets or assisting in general administration tasks. All this contributes to assisting families to feed themselves when there is no finance left in their budgets, for whatever […]
