Bamford Chapel Magazine July 2014

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Bamford

Chapel

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BAMFORD CHAPEL MISSION/VISION STATEMENT

Worship

In our devotion we will come together to express our joy, love and thanks through worship.

We shall share our praise and dedicate it to God.

Ministry

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will show compassion and love by understanding, supporting and meeting the spiritual, the physical and the emotional needs of others.

Evangelism

We are called as Christians to share the good news; living as examples of Christ in our everyday lives we can spread the word and love of Jesus.

Discipleship

We as a church have a responsibility as Christians to encourage people to know God and to enable them to develop their relationship with Him through prayer, discussion, study and learning.

Fellowship

We welcome to our church family those who want to belong. We show our love for others by sharing acts of fellowship in God’s name.

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As this magazine went to print in June, please be aware that

details may be subject to change. Please check the website at

www.bamfordchapel.co.uk for the most up to date information

Thank You

Wednesday

2nd July

7.30 pm -

9.00 pm

Christianity Explored Course Session 2 of 7

(at the Crimble)

Thursday

3rd July

7.30 pm Elders’ Meeting

Sunday

6th July

10.30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion

Led by Revd Richard Bradley

6.00 pm Evening Worship

Led by Walter Brisk

Monday

7th July

8.00 pm Focus on Prayer Group

(Crèche Room)

Wednesday

9th July

7.30 pm -

9.00 pm


(at the Crimble)

Saturday

12th July

2.00 pm Garden Party

Sunday

13th July

10.30 am Family Worship - Led by Revd Richard

Bradley (Michael Harvey is speaking about

Back to Church Sunday plans. Michael is an

excellent speaker.



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Monday

14th July


(Crèche Room)

Wednesday

16th July

7.30 pm -

9.00 pm


(at the Crimble)

Sunday

20th July

10.30 am Family Worship


6.00 pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion


Monday

21st July


(Crèche Room)

Wednesday

23rd July

1.15 pm –

1.45 pm

Midweek Communion Service


7.30 –

9.00 pm


(at the Crimble)

Sunday

27th July


Led by Revd David Wiseman


Led by Anne Fitton

Monday

28th July


(Crèche Room)

Wednesday

30th July

7.30 –

9.00 pm


(at the Crimble)

Saturday

2nd August

Time to be

confirmed

Christianity Explored Day at Bamford Chapel

Sunday

3rd August

10.30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion

Led by Ken Greer


Led by Joanne Ackroyd

JULY continued…...

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Monday

4th August


(Crèche Room)

Wednesday

6th August

7.30 –

9.00 pm


(at the Crimble)

Sunday

10th August


Led by Andy Platt


Led by David Watson

Monday

11th August


(Crèche Room)

Sunday

17th August


Led by Ken Greer

6.00 pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion

Led by Walter Brisk

Monday

18th August


(Crèche Room)

Sunday

24th August


Leader to be confirmed

NO EVENING

SERVICE

Monday

25th August


(Crèche Room)

Sunday

31st August


Led by Walter Brisk


Led by Joanne Ackroyd

AUGUST continued…..

Further details may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk

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Message from the Manse “16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all

circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As I sit in my study writing this article the sun is shining and the garden is growing. I cannot believe we are at the summer edition of the magazine again. Some of us will have been away, some of us will be planning on going away and some might even be away as I write. As I think about the summer break I think about holidays and rest. Some holidays are more restful than others! But as we take a break

from the busyness of life I hope we don’t take a break from God. I hope, also, that we don’t take a break from prayer either. As I started writing this article today the words from 1 Thessalonians above came to mind. “Pray continually” Paul says. I think that is an important command for us as a church (especially) at this time. There is much we need to pray for:

The continued outworking of God’s vision for Bamford Chapel.

Which is, of course, an ongoing vision; not one with an end date. Pray for ongoing work on the grant application for the new roof on

the church and Sunday school. Thankfully this has an end date! The pew removal suggestion. For greater flexibility of worship and

uses of the building. The additional morning service suggestion. The faith for all who attend Christianity Explored will be

strengthened and deepened. Our friends at Norden and their future and whether that is with us

here at Bamford Chapel. And the list could go on. Prayer is vitally important – I hope we can all agree with that. Prayer that God’s will will be done is important because in all the things listed above it is vital that we allow God to speak to us about what God wants for His church here at Bamford Chapel.

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I am excited by the ideas and proposals being put forward by the core groups – as I write each group (bar one) has met and had initial discussions. As I speak to people on a one to one there are many who are excited about the discussions being had at present. There are also those who are concerned about change and what it means for the church. We must keep returning to Paul’s words: “Pray continually”. As July and August approach, organisations take a break and leaders hopefully get a well-deserved rest. Let us also think about and pray for those who will have a long and perhaps quiet summer when they don’t see people as much because of holidays or groups closing down for a break. There may be some in our congregation who will fall into this category. There may be people where you live who fall into this category. Hold them in prayer and perhaps knock on their door and pay them a visit. I am always looking forward to the next few months and even though June is not yet over I am thinking ahead to the start again in September after the summer break. I feel the next few months are going to be busy for us as a church. Busy with both buildings related issues as well as more faith based issues. In all of these different situations my hope is that each of us will “pray continually” for each other and for God’s church here at Bamford Chapel. If you are going on holiday, have a great and safe time; if you have been away already then I hope you had a great and safe time. If you’re not planning, or aren’t able, to get away then I pray you will know the

strength and peace of God as you remain in your homes. In all we do may we continue to pray for God’s blessing and guidance on our life together as a church.

God Bless

Your Servant in Christ, Richard

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News of the family

Concerns are expressed for Olive Brierley, Elizabeth and the

wider family, Diane Davis, Marjorie Farrington, Joan Warner

and her sister Sylvia, Peggy Newton, Don and Win Schofield,

Joyce and Derek Yates, Audrey Morris, Katie and Jenny Platt,

and Joshua Gordon, who is recovering from foot surgery.

Gillian Galloway has now got a date in August for her knee

replacement operation.

One of our Luncheon Club members, Joyce Cathcart, is now in

Ashbourne House care home. Please remember her along with

others in care homes, not forgetting Jack Roberts who is also at

Ashbourne House.

Please pray also for Kath Day and the family, following the

death of her granddad, Jim Taylor, who was a valued member

of our Luncheon Club.

Please remember all these people in your prayers along with

any others about whom there are concerns, but who I have

omitted to mention.

At this time of year we think especially of our

young people; some have been doing exams;

some have come to the end of one stage of

their education and must make important

decisions about what they will do next. Some are off on

adventures during the summer. Please remember them all in

your prayers.

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To Anna James on her outstanding

PGCE Result

To Anna James & Rebecca

Baines who have both got jobs

To Lesley and Peter Sutton on the

birth of their fourth grandchild. A

daughter, Isobel Rose, for Kate and

Ken.

To Joshua Gordon on being appointed

Head Boy at Hollingworth Academy

To Rebecca Gooding on being appointed

Deputy Head Girl at Hollingworth

Academy

And to any others I may have missed.

Editor: Please remember to let me have your good

news each month

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A History of Bamford Chapel

Many of you will have a copy of the

History of Bamford Chapel which the

Reverend David Wiseman wrote whilst

he was minister at the chapel. This is

now available on Bamford Chapel’s web

page if you would like to read it online.

A link to this can be found on the

History page of the website.

www.bamfordchapel.co.uk

Also on this page there is a link to some of the records of births and

deaths.

The Register for Baptisms at Bamford Chapel 1802 - 1836.

There are 367 Baptism recorded

The Register for Burials at Bamford Chapel 1826 - 1836.

There are 157 Burial recorded.

At present there are no illustrations or photographs in the History. If

you have an interesting picture of Bamford Chapel or its congregation

from years gone by and would like to see

it on the website please scan and email it

to [email protected]. Alternatively,

Louise will be happy to scan it for you

and return it safely.

Thank you - Louise Aspinall

Don’t forget that the monthly magazine can also be read online.

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Rochdale Foodbank

The Foodbank in Rochdale, as elsewhere, continues to be well

used. There was a slight ‘dip’ in Client numbers during April but

this proved to be just temporary. In May we responded to 335

request for emergency help. However, worryingly, donations of

food have again failed to keep up with demand and we were

forced to spend £1000 on essentials to maintain the service.

We are really grateful for all the

contributions made week by week by

people at Bamford Chapel, both of food and

of money. For those who prefer to

donate money and are U.K. taxpayers,

Foodbank is a registered Charity and

thus able to benefit from Gift Aid to

give a 20% boost and we are happy to supply the relevant forms

on request. Also donations by standing order are a particular help

in budgeting and again, forms are available on request.

Once again Asda and Tesco are generously hosting instore

collections for us so do look out for our volunteers in Tesco 4-6

July and if you choose to donate goods there it’s worth

mentioning that the stores will each ‘top-up’ the value of the

donation. Asda hosted a collection on 14 June.

Thanks once again

Margaret Ogden and Ann Newman

(Thursday volunteers)

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JUNIOR CHURCH DURING THE

SUMMER HOLIDAY

A great opportunity to get

to know our young people

better by leading or helping

with a Junior Church lesson

is available over the school

Summer holidays.

There is lots of help, advice and guidance available.

A list is under the clock — please sign up for one or

more sessions.

For more information please speak to any of the

Junior Church leaders or contact

Louise Aspinall

on 01706 719449 or

Gillian James

on 01706 868885

as soon as possible.

Thank you

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We are going to be running a

Christianity Explored Course.

The dates are Wednesdays:

25th June

2nd July

9th July

16th July

23rd July

30th July

Saturday 2nd August (@ the Chapel)

6th August

It is a similar course to Alpha but if you

have done Alpha this does not stop you

coming to this course.

We will meet in The Crimble for the

Wednesday evenings.

7.30pm—9pm.

We have been given an area that can be

enclosed. Please let Richard know if you

would like to come (01706 369622) or sign

the sheet under the clock

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Christianity Explored The Evangelism Core Group have met and discussed the topic of evangelism in relation to Bamford Chapel. It was agreed at our meeting that we would run Christianity Explored. Christianity Explored is a course similar to the Alpha Course. I ran it in one of my previous churches and it had a very positive impact on all who did it. If you are someone who has: * Been in church for many years… * Been in church a short period of time…. * Questions or uncertainty about the Christian faith…. * Done Alpha in the past but still have questions…. * Done Alpha in the past and enjoyed small groups… Then please add your name to the list under the clock in the coffee area. By the time you read this the course will have begun but do not let that stop you coming. Please see the flyer on the opposite page for more information. If you feel unable to join us on this course then you may consider doing the next Christianity Explored Course.

You might prefer one that runs during the day. If so,

I would like to hear from you, as that is a possibility.

Thanks and God Bless

Richard (on behalf of the Evangelism Core Group)

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BAMFORD CHAPEL PROJECT 2014

I am writing on behalf of the Church in the World Committee to provide an update regarding the forthcoming Bamford Chapel Project. The Project proposal was approved recently by the Elders and subsequently at the May Church Meeting. This year we will be working in partnership with The Tanzania Development Trust, a UK based charity, to help furnish and kit out a safe house and training centre for young women in the Mara Region of Tanzania. Life is tough in the villages of the Kurya people of Tanzania’s Mara Region. It’s a forgotten area, which is intensely poor. Education standards are low, modern influences rare, so families maintain outdated damaging illegal tribal customs which often leads to the physical harm of girls resulting in far reaching and lifelong physical and psychological trauma. The Safe House will provide a secure environment for girls of all faiths and none to stay until their homes are safe for them to return to, or they are able to develop the skills to work and then move on to live independently. Full details of the project will be provided during the launch in September. However if anyone would like

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more detailed information at this stage please contact any member of the Project Group (Barbara and Addie Redmond, Lyn Jefferies, Gillian James, Margaret Ogden). Dates for your diary: Sunday 21st September 2014: Morning Harvest Service with Project Launch during worship followed by a fundraising lunch. Jonathan Pace from the Tanzania Development Trust will be coming to support our launch. Sunday 12th October 2014 (evening): Julian and Ann Marcus of the Tanzania Development Trust along with Mama Rhobi Samwelly of the Anglican Diocese of Mara, billed as one of Africa’s most inspirational leaders will be coming to Bamford Chapel to talk about the work our project will be helping to fund. November 2014: the project group will be organising a Fundraising Meal with proceeds to the Project. Watch this space in the September magazine for more information, along with updates regarding Orphan Hope 2012, and Big Banana Appeal 2013. In the meantime look out for the notice in the coffee area to sign up for the Project Launch Lunch (that’s a mouthful)!!

Carole Greaves - June 2014

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Ladies’ Fellowship June Meeting 2014

On Thursday 12th June, some 26 ladies enjoyed an evening meal at the Red Hall Restaurant on Walmersley Road, Bury. The evening drive over the Owd Betts Road set the scene well. The staff were very accommodating and coped with last minute cancellations and menu choice changes without a murmur. Not only was the food good and the service excellent (apart from mint sauce & horseradish sauce arriving a little late) but the restaurant manager conducted a horticultural investigation for us. No one in our party could remember the name of the flower used in the table decoration. All was solved when the manager googled it on the restaurant computer and provided a printout.

Would you have known the name of this

plant? See the name written upside

down at the bottom of the page

The Garden Party is on Saturday 12th July & we would be very grateful for large cakes and home produce.

ANTHURIUM

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We invite any ladies to join us on our August 14th day trip. We

are visiting Saltaire & Harrogate with an early

evening meal at Skipton Golf Club. See the

Ladies Fellowship notice board for details and

the signing-up list.

Ladies Fellowship would also welcome more members, both

to go on the trip and to join their monthly meetings. Please

see the notice board or talk to one of the committee members

if you are interested.

SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE

The September edition of the magazine will be

produced by Louise Aspinall. All items should be e-

mailed to [email protected] by Sunday 17th

August

(for this one month only)

To make you smile!

God's Creation

In the beginning, God created the earth and rested.

Then God created Man and rested.

Then God created Woman.

Since then, neither God nor Man has rested.

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15th July St Swithun (or Swithin) - saint for a rainy day

St Swithun is apparently the saint you can blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15 July, it will then rain for forty days after that. It all began when he was made Bishop of Winchester in 852 by King Ethelwulf of Wessex.

It was an important posting: Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and during the 10 years Swithun was there, Wessex became the most important kingdom of England. During his life, instead of washing out people’s summer holidays, and damping down their spirits, Swithun seems to have done a lot of good. He was famous for his charitable gifts and for his energy in getting churches built. When he was dying in 862, he asked that he be buried in the cemetery of the Old Minster, just outside the west door.

If he had been left there in peace, who knows how many rainy summers the English may have been spared over the last 1000 years. But, no, it was decided to move Swithun. By now, the 960s, Winchester had become the first monastic cathedral chapter in England, and the newly installed monks wanted Swithun in the cathedral with them. So finally, on 15 July 971, his bones were dug up and Swithun was translated into the cathedral.

That same day many people claimed to have had miraculous cures. Certainly everyone got wet, for the heavens opened. The unusually heavy rain that day, and on the days following, was attributed to the power of St Swithun. Swithun was moved again in 1093, into the new Winchester cathedral. His shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the middle ages. The shrine was destroyed during the Reformation, and restored in 1962. There are 58 ancient dedications to Swithun in England.

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Interested in joining a homegroup?

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (Thessalonians 5: 10-11)

This week the Discipleship group met to discuss how we envisage the church family moving forward together in line with the new Church Vision. We all felt that homegroups have an important role to play in our personal journeys with God and are important for forging lasting friendships with other Christians. It is encouraging to have a core group of friends to laugh with, cry with, pray with or simply to have a brew with. If anyone would like to find out more about what a homegroup is or would like to explore the possibility of joining a homegroup then please don’t hesitate to ask one of us. We will also put up a list under the clock where you can express your interest. If there is a certain time or day that would be best for you to meet then please let us know.

God bless,

The Discipleship Core Group:- Ray Atkins Jane Baines Richard Bradley Gillian Galloway Anna James Simon Wareing Margaret Watson

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Written by Rev. Susan Sarapuk for an article titled “Manse Window” in the magazine ‘The Peoples Friend’

Ancient and Modern

Like a lot of churches, we’ve recently lost our full time organist, and now the vicar has to look around for someone to play the organ every Sunday. In the daughter church in the parish there hasn’t been an organist for a while; a sung service has gone to a said service with hymns, to a service without even any hymns.

Singing is a vital part of our worship – it’s why many of the newer churches dedicate a lot of worship time to it. Occasionally I’ve attended a service at one of the big Pentecostal churches with a band out the front leading the worship. Although I’ve enjoyed it I’ve found myself frequently thinking of how sad it would be if we lost the great old hymns. They teach us a lot about doctrine.

Something like Wesley’s “And Can It Be” thrills the soul as the words sink in and you realise they are true, not only as a statement of doctrine, but also in your own life.

“My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed thee.”

The joy as those words register!“

“Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ, my own.”

As I sing these words I find myself reflecting on the wonder that this is going to be true – and the grace and mercy of God that it can be true! I imagine being in God’s presence with Christian friends who have walked the road of faith with me for over 30 years. How we will look at each other in recognition and joy, and then gaze in awe upon God himself.

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Granted, there are modern hymn writers who have the ability to incorporate doctrine into their lyrics. And you can get that sense from singing choruses, too, as they are meant to bring us into the presence of God. But let’s not lose the doctrine. Although I was sent to Sunday School as a child I didn’t regularly attend church on a Sunday, so when, as a student, I had a conversion experience, I had to learn a lot of hymns from scratch as well as studying the Bible. It would be sad to lose that rich tradition because we are losing organists and thus no longer sing in our services, or because new songs are dominating our worship. The other thing I’ve noticed is how the language of some hymns is being changed. I’ve written before of how “For All The Saints” has been sanitised, with the removal of all battle references even though the Bible clearly tells us we’re in a battle “not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers”. If we expunge those references from our hymnology then we lose a fundamental part of Christian doctrine. So my plea is to keep the old hymns alive. I’ve chosen my favourite for my funeral. Yes, there’s one modern one – “In Christ Alone”. But then I’ve gone for “Crown Him With Many Crowns”, “At The Name of Jesus” and “I Cannot Tell”, because as well as praising Jesus they are packed with doctrine which should make the singer think and respond. There is room for all sorts of worship in our churches and all sorts of different songs and hymns. Let’s make sure we don’t lose any along the way.

Submitted by a Church Member

Editor’s comment:- What are your favourite hymns? I’m still hopeful that you will send a favourite hymn, bible passage or quotation to share with others in the magazine!

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St THOMAS

Thomas was one of the 12 disciples and one thing

we know about his family is he had a twin because

he was called ‘Didymus’ which means a twin.

Thomas was ready to die with Jesus (John 11:16)

but it is as ‘Doubting Thomas’ that most people

remember him. Thomas wasn’t afraid to ask the

questions that the other disciples were thinking.

Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when they first saw the risen Christ. He refused to believe

that Jesus had returned from the dead ‘unless I

see… and touch… I will not believe’, but when he

saw and touched Jesus he exclaimed ‘My Lord and

my God’. You can read this in St John’s Gospel,

chapter 20.

Without Thomas’ doubts perhaps we wouldn’t be as

sure about our faith today. We need someone to

ask the questions that we are too afraid to ask for

fear of seeming silly or foolish.

FOR OUR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

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T-TIME PUZZLE?

All the answers to this Bible puzzle begin with the

letter T – can you find them all? The first one is too

easy.

The disciple called Didymus.

They own names after a Roman Emperor (John,

chapter 6).

Roman to whom Luke addressed his Gospel.

Where St Paul was born (Acts, chapter 9).

Paul’s companion on the journey to Jerusalem

(Galatians, chapter 2).

She came from Joppa and was also known as

Dorcas (Acts, chapter 8).

Deborah sat underneath one (Judges, chapter 4).

Are there any tiles that won’t stick on the wall?

Reptiles.

Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe

you.

Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.

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BAMFORD CHAPEL MAGAZINE

EDITORS:

Linda Peacock 01706 522593

[email protected]

Martyn James 01706 868885

[email protected]

SECRETARY:

Joan Ashton 01706 360395

[email protected]

DATES FOR THE SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE

Articles to be handed in by: Sunday 17th August

To [email protected] (for this month only)

Magazine to be completed by: Thursday 28th August

Magazine distributed: Sunday 31st August

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BAMFORD CHAPEL United Reformed Church

Charity - Reg’d No 1128387

(FAIRTRADE CHURCH) Norden Road, ROCHDALE, Lancs. OL11 5PQ

The Manse, Norden Road, ROCHDALE,

Lancs OL11 5PQ

Telephone: 01706 369622 www.bamfordchapel.co.uk

Minister : Rev Richard Bradley Email: [email protected]

Church Secretary: Ian Sturrock Telephone: 01706 653109 Email: [email protected]

Wedding Secretary: John Lapworth Telephone: 01706 632460 Email: [email protected]

Lettings Manager: Linda Kerford Telephone: 01706 624256 Email: [email protected]

Times of Services: Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1st Sunday in month Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3rd Sunday in month

Documents

Bamford Chapel Magazine July 2014