Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Bamford Chapel Magazine Sept 2012
Citation preview
Bamford Chapel
www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
September 2012
BAMFORD CHAPEL
Mission/Vision Statement
MISSION
TO MAKE KNOWN THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LOVE OF
GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
WORSHIP
We believe as a congregation that our worship should be
wholehearted and meaningful as we join together in praise and
thanksgiving to God. In response to God’s love, we wish to
express our joy, to open our hearts to God’s voice and to respond
to His word.
LEARNING
Recognising our need to learn of God and from God, we seek to
provide an environment within which learning and teaching can
take place. We would want to enable each person to accept God
into their life and to have the ability to discuss and share their
faith with all.
PASTORAL We are joined together in our faith by the Holy Spirit. As a
loving fellowship we wish to deepen and extend our care for each
other encouraging everyone to use their gifts, as they are enabled
by God, to show tenderness and compassion in a spirit of
humility.
MISSION/SOCIETY
We accept that we are called to make Christ known in our
community at Bamford and in all other places. We would wish to
influence others by example and comment, accepting that God
will speak through us as we maintain a relationship with Him.
We recognise the need for the Church to participate in all aspects
of the life of the world, and proclaim God’s will, as it is revealed
to us.
Further Details may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
Sunday 2nd September
10.30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
led by Joanne Ackroyd
6.00 pm Evening Worship led by Ken Greer
Tuesday 4th September
8.00 pm Worship and Discipleship Committee Meeting
Thursday 6th September
7.30 pm Elders meeting
Saturday 8th
September
1 pm til 4 pm Heritage Open Day
Sunday 9th September
10.30 am Family Worship led by Dave Watson
1 pm til 4 pm Heritage Open Day
6.00 pm Evening Worship
led by our Minster Revd Richard Bradley
Sunday 16th September
10.30 am
Harvest, Parade and launch of our 2012 Project
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley.
Followed by Harvest Lunch. Please sign up.
2.30 pm Praise in the Park.
led by Local Churches in Queen’s Park
6.00 pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley.
Sunday 23rd September
10.30 am
Approx 12 Noon
Family Worship
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley
followed by Church Meeting.
6.00 pm Evening Worship led by Walter Brisk
Wednesday 26th September
1.30 pm Mid week service, All Welcome
Sunday 30th September - Back to Church Sunday
10.30 am Family Worship led by Margaret Ogden
6.00 pm Evening Worship led by David Watson
2
Message from the manse
“Going for Gold”
As I write we are over half way through the Olympic Games. I think, as it stands, Team GB is one medal above
what was hoped for. For Great Britain it has been an excellent event both in planning and executing but also in the number of medals Team GB have gained. For all of the athletes competing in the Olympic Games and getting on the podium is going to be one of the highlights of their career.
For some who have stood on the podium having received silver or bronze will be satisfied as they weren’t expected to get the gold. For others there may be disappointment that they didn’t get the chance to stand on the top level of the podium. Whatever achievement they gained what can be assured is that they gave their all. They prepared and participated as if they were going for gold. Paul says in Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
This verse is taken from a passage headed Rules for Christian Households and it is specifically about the servants working in the home. I think that this speaks volumes to you and I as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ in the household of God. We are called to strive for perfection, and, in this passage, to work with all our hearts as if working for the Lord not for human beings. Some think that is hard. What is important is keeping our focus on Jesus. When we truly do that, when pleasing Jesus comes before pleasing our fellow humans we will see the Lord begin to work amazingly through us.
3
In other words whatever we do in the church we can do it for the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I have recounted this story before but it is worth repeating: there were two young mums in one of my previous churches who were on the cleaning rota. When it was their week they came
in on a Friday evening to clean the church. On one particular Friday evening they had a busy and stressful week and were complaining that they had to do the cleaning. They were dusting and cleaning and realised that though they were tired, worn out and stressed out from a busy week – they realised actually it was a great honour to be cleaning the house of God in readiness for
the Sunday worship. These two women were a real example of how we are called to do what we do for the Lord. Not for praise from others but to do what we do because of our love for Christ. Whether that be leading junior church, cleaning the building, cutting the grass, mending broken chairs or tables – it can all be done to the praise and glory of God. I hope that as, in academic terms, we begin a new year – we will do with a renewed focus on God. I hope that we will set our sights on Jesus and do what we do for the praise and glory of God. May the Lord bless us as programmes, meetings and events start again. And may we all “Go for Gold” in the work we do for the Lord. Your servant in Christ Richard.
4
News of the family
Concerns continue to be expressed for Auriel and Ray Atkins, Helen and John Baillie, Alistair Linden, Geoff and Margaret Ogden, Fred and Margaret Riley, Dorothy Hartley, Winifred and Don Schofield, Peggy Newton, Irene Miller, Derrick and Joyce Yates and Ruth Bradley. Angela Hall and Graham Healey have both had surgery recently. Please remember all these people in your prayers, along with any others of whom you are aware. Joan and Ray Ashton have recently celebrated their fifty sixth wedding anniversary, and several people have had birthdays during the holiday period. Congratulations to Julie Platt, who celebrated a special birthday in August. Gillian Galloway had to celebrate her August birthday without Finlay, who was away at the Olympic Games. Well done to Finlay and all the other organisers who made sure that the games were such a resounding success for both athletes and spectators. Not forgetting that it will all be happening again from 29th August when the Paralympics take place. We pray that they will be equally successful.
Our thoughts are with our young people at this time of
year. GCSE, AS and A Level results will have come out
by the time you read this, and decisions will have been
made about the next steps forward. Our best wishes go
with Sam James as he begins his
year of studies in Canada. We wish
all our young people a happy and
successful year ahead, whatever they
have decided to do and wherever
they are going to do it.
5
We would like to express a huge thank you to
everyone at Bamford Chapel for all the lovely
cards, flowers and good wishes that we experienced
recently at the baptism of Rhianna and Savanna.
We were genuinely overwhelmed and touched by
the kindness we experienced from so many
people. Thank you also to Richard for such a lovely
service and for indulging me in allowing me to
choose all the hymns myself and to the choir and
G e o f f f o r , a s a lw a y s ,
performing them perfectly.
It was a very special day for our
family and will be cherished.
Thank you.
Karen & James Bentham
If you don’t stand for something
you’ll fall for anything.
This quote was heard repeated by Jimmy Osmond on Aled Jones’s radio programme in April of this year.
PRESBYTERIAN: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER
ASTRONOMER: When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER
ANIMOSITY: When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY
6
I would like to say a sincere thank you to all of you at Bamford
Chapel who have prepared meals, sent cards and visited me
during my period of incapacity. Your help and support is very
much appreciated.
God Bless.
PEGGY NEWTON
Street Pastors in Greater Manchester There are now about 200 Street Pastors
currently taking the church onto the streets in
9 areas of Greater Manchester. The hope is
that if every church sent one member to be a
street pastor, then we would have enough
volunteers to care for 56 different areas.
Plans are going ahead to start a team in Rochdale during 2013. At the
suggestion of the Chief Superintendent of Police in Rochdale, the team
will probably walk the streets in the Kirkholt area and the canal 1 night
per week 19.00 – 24.00. Our minister, Richard Bradley will participate
in the management team.
Funding is needed to pay for uniforms, training of those who cannot
afford to pay the fees, team co-ordinators part-time wages, flip-flops,
water, etc. Much of the funding from the public sector (local councils
and police) has been cut, so our church is now committed to a monthly
donation of £10 to help this work. If any member of our congregation
feels that they would like to make a regular donation to Street Pastors,
please see Addie or Barbara.
7
Church membership
Ever wondered about
becoming a church member? Perhaps you are a member of another church and would be interested
in transferring your membership, or maybe you are interested in what lies behind the United Reformed
Church, its faith basis and structure. If any of this sparks an interest in you please come
along to a series of sessions I shall be leading on church membership, looking at the nature, faith and
order of the United Reformed Church. There is no commitment to becoming a member at the end of
the sessions!
I will hold 4 meetings and we will look at the
following: 1. A journey of faith and the bible
2. What is worship and what does it mean to believe and belong
3. What is meant by “church” and how does the United Reformed church fit into this.
4. Discussion and decision.
The meetings will take place in the lounge and will last about one hour. Dates and times will be
arranged to accommodate those who wish to attend. If you have any questions please do
ask, if you are interested just let me
know and I will arrange the first meeting to suit.
See you then! Joanne Shaw
07702883067
8
9
Christian Aid Tax Justice Bus Campaign
From 24th August to 15th October, the Tax
Justice Tour will take their campaign on the road to raise awareness of the impact tax dodging has
on the poor, and to send a strong message to our
government that it’s time for them to take action to end it.
The tour is being run in partnership with UK
campaigners Church Action on Poverty who bring the perspective of the impact tax dodging
has on people in the UK. The specific dates in the synod are:
12th October – 15th October. The venues to be visited are:
12th Stockport
13th Bury Rochdale and Bolton 14th Preston Lancaster and Blackpool
15th Manchester
Further details can be found at the bus website:
Christianaid.org.uk/tax-bus and specific enquiries about the
location of the bus can be addressed to Dave Hardman
email [[email protected]]
The current issue of Christian Aid news (summer 2012) also carries
full details of the campaign and what they are trying to achieve.
10
Emergency Meal Scheme
As you will remember, the Emergency Meal Scheme was set up so that members of our church family could be supported in a practical way by other family members. The meals are offered in love and nothing is expected in return - as any person would do for a member of their own family.
We had in mind that anyone returning home from hospital, bereaved, recently had a baby, injured, etc could benefit from the scheme. This is not an exclusive list and there may be many other situations we might find ourselves in where the scheme could be of help.
The meal scheme has been in operation throughout this year and we have
provided meals on four different occasions. The cooks are very keen that
the scheme continues for many years to come. We don’t want to miss any
opportunity to offer the meals to those in need, but this could easily
happen and, I’m sure, has already happened. If you know of someone you
think would benefit, or even if you think you would value that offer
yourself, please let Addie Redmond, Angela Smith or Richard Bradley
know. We can get the system operational within 24 hours.
The Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
And now the..
The Senility Prayer
God give me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to remember the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the difference!
11
12
Spiritual Fitness Lending Library
You may have noticed that some
books have appeared in the corner of
the lounge. This is our new Spiritual
Fitness Lending Library.
We are very fortunate that some of our chapel members have
donated books which they have found helpful in their spiritual
journey. Among these, thanks go to Ray and Auriel Atkins and
also to Gillian Galloway who brought some books from Synod.
Please feel free to borrow the books, read them and return
them when you have finished with them.
If you have any books at home which you would like to donate
so that others can have the benefit of them please bring them
in.
It is hoped that you will find this a useful resource for your
spiritual journey.
Book Review:
Walking with Gospel Women - interactive Bible
meditations
By Fiona Stratta, BRF, £7.99
How can Bible stories help us live our lives today? Fiona
Stratta’s response is to make the stories of women in the
gospels ‘personal’, by finding connection with their emotions,
feeling their heartbeat and encouraging you to place yourself
in their shoes to share in their spiritual journey. Using an
Ignatian-style imaginative reflection technique to enter the
scripture, Stratta provides 26 monologues and studies based
on the biblical accounts of women found in the Gospels. Each
character tells the story of her encounter with Jesus.
There is a copy in the Spiritual Fitness Library .
13
2012 Project
Three options were investigated: Gulu Link based in Lancashire working to support families in Northern Uganda torn apart by years of war, Rotary International who are working across Africa providing water carriers for those who have to walk miles every day to get clean drinking water, and finally our recommendation; Orphan Hope which provides funding and support for orphaned children in South East India.
The committee presented an outline of the Orphan Hope Charity to the church meeting in July and it was agreed by members.
The charity founded in 2008 by Donna and Peter Foulds raise money to assist in providing an education at the Holy Faith School for orphaned children and additionally support local families to “foster” orphaned children, integrating them into families and the wider community. Empowerment of adults in the community through education is also being facilitated. The orphanage is in an area of great need. Peter and Donna’s vision is to support these children within their own community so that they can reach their potential.
We are hoping to meet with Peter and Donna soon to look at how the money we raise will be used,.
For further information please view the link below or just ask one of the committee.
http://www.orphanhope.co.uk
We will be launching the project at our Harvest Service on Sunday 16th September. We hope that Donna and Peter will join us to tell us first-hand about their work what the charity has achieved in India. Following the service there will be a light lunch of a mild chicken curry, vegetarian option available, followed by fresh fruit.
Preparations are underway to plan the launch and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help. Please contact Gill James, Addie or Barbara Redmond or myself if you feel you can help in any way.
Carole Greaves
14
An update on last year’s project before we start on this year’s
Dear Bamford Chapel We thought that we would send you an update to let you know what we are up to with your generous donation. It is so nice to be able to progress with some of the development of the farming that we have wanted to do for some time. You will see in the farming update that we have now employed a farm manager, Mr Malambecka and that under his guidance the farm is starting to increase its crops and yield. We have also confirmed with Zambian social services that we are now prepared to support two little boys at Eden Farm. They have one boy in mind and have given us free reign to find the other in the local community. We have therefore taken on helping a young boy, Julius, and his family. They do not have enough money to afford the single room that the eight of them live in, let alone food. Julius will be living with us on the farm and his mother and siblings are moving into the back room at our Kings Table Project. The Kings Table project is currently providing care and accommodation in the local village for a young lady, Gisala, who has Cerebral Palsy. Julius’s mother will now act as a second carer for Gisala in exchange for the single room that we will provide. The groundworks are progressing for our second children’s house on the farm and we hope that the structure will be completed by a group of medical students students from the UK who are visiting us later in the year. Our Volunteer Centre is now almost complete and the team visiting in April this year has already stayed in it. We would love for anyone from Bamford Chapel to
15
come out and see our work first hand and the progress we are making with the farming. We are likely to have groups going in November this year or April next year that you would be welcome to join. But if there were a large enough group we could arrange a dedicated trip although UK Spring and Autumn are more comfortable times of year to go. The April trip usually overlaps with the Easter school holidays so works well for those who are less flexible with their time off . For anyone who is interested we suggest that you should budget for a cost of around £1,000 - £1,200 per person which will cover your flight, necessary injections and tablets, food, transport and accommodation in Zambia as well as a small amount to ensure that projects can be progressed whilst you are out in Africa. There is always work to be done in Zambia, whatever your age, ability and skills; many people are surprised by the gifting that they discover. With Blessings from all at Eden farm and Life Support Steve,
Apologies from the editors as this article was missed out of the July edition. I would like to thank everyone who
showed me great concern during my recent accident, the lovely flowers I received and provided me with trips to
the fracture clinic. - A reminder that we belong to a CARING COMMUNITY
Kathleen Friend
16
Midday Concerts: 2012 – 13
It seems only a few weeks ago that I was
anxiously asking you all to support our special concert featuring the promising young mezzo-
soprano Kathryn Rudge and her talented pianist Daniel Browell. In the event, many of you joined
us for what was a most successful evening and
we were able to hand to the Chapel Treasurer over £800, even after meeting all our expenses.
Friends came from a wide area to help provide a really large audience.
Now it is time to introduce our programme
of concerts for the new season. Concerts are always on the second Tuesday of the month,
begin at 12.45 p.m. and last for about an hour. Admission is £3. Lunches are served from 12 –
our caterers cannot gain access to the kitchen in time for an earlier start, as Tuesday mornings
are when our Mums and Toddlers meet. Margaret Ogden and Auriel Atkins lead two
teams of ladies who work extremely hard to
prepare and serve food for us, and, whilst there are some regular audience members who choose
to come just to the concerts, there are many more who seem greatly to appreciate the lunch!
Please do encourage friends to come for the concerts and invite them to try our lovely grub if
they will! Walter Brisk
Here then is our programme:
17
October 9th Amanda Eloise Kay (soprano) and
Dr. Joe Dawson (piano)
Joe is an eminent local music teacher, and
commended Amanda to us a few months ago. We
have since heard her perform at St. Mary’s,
Rochdale, and we are more than pleased that she
is opening our series this autumn. Not only is she
a truly lovely singer: she is already a Cambridge
music graduate about to undertake a drama
course in London. She helped us greatly by acting
as turner-over for Daniel, Kathryn Rudge’s
pianist – a task none of us wanted to take on!
November 13th Chris Holmes Jazz Trio
(piano, double bass and drums) Another new guest for us. Chris is a noted jazz
pianist and much in demand as a teacher. He is
joined by two equally talented performers whose
names he has promised to send!
December 11th Chetham’s School of Music
This year our performers will be from the
Woodwind Department. The “Chet’s” concert
never fails to please.
January 8th Qian Wu (violin) and Russell Lomass (piano)
Qian has been here once already. He has a very
special talent. The Chinese are not just brilliant
athletes! Russell regularly brings us highly
talented young musicians.
February 12th Triptique (piano, flute and voice)
Maya Irgalina brings two of her RNCM friends
with their own remarkable blend of music
superbly performed.
March 12th Students from the RNCM
We are promised a brass duo. They are sure to be
excellent, coming from our distinguished local
College.
18
Summer Play at Toddlers Group
Thank you so much Jean Fitton, Margaret Ogden, Muriel
Sturrock and Margaret Watson who now help once a
month at Toddlers. Our little people are enjoying the
new faces helping their little fingers in our craft corner.
With the knowledge that there is a need in our
Community for a place of planned activity and safe play
for toddlers the group remained open throughout the
school holidays. We were blessed with up to 28
children plus parents, grandparents and carers at each
Tuesday morning session.
Our fund raising event for Francis House is complete
and we raised £110.00 towards the ongoing work of the
Children’s Hospice.
The bear, made by Gloria, had four names! The first
three names were not guessed by anyone but the
fourth by one person, so congratulations The
Sanderson family will be new owners of Jubilee.
The names were : 1. Mountbatten, the married
surname of Prince William and Kate. 2. Windsor - the
Royal family name 3. Phillip - Prince Phillip and 4 The
winner – Jubilee in this Diamond Jubilee
year.
Thank you to all who took part and helped
Francis House.
Gillian and Gloria
19
Heritage Open Days: an outreach opportunity for our church
Heritage Open Days take place nationwide in mid-
September. they are organised by English Heritage.
The aim is to celebrate England’s rich architecture, history and culture by opening historic buildings that are usually private to the public for free or to make entrance free for
buildings where there is usually a charge.
Increasingly, historic churches are getting involved with local programmes. They are able to welcome new
visitors and tell them the story of the Church in that community.
It’s a great outreach opportunity.
This is the second year that Bamford Chapel has signed up to this event. Many positive comments were received from our visitors last year. Two visitors even signed up
to take the Alpha course here.
We will be open on Saturday 8th September
and Sunday 9th September from 1 pm till 4 pm.
Many thanks to all those who have already expressed an interest in helping to run this event. Further volunteers are still welcome. If you feel that you could help in any way from greeting our visitors to making tea and coffee
please contact Louise Aspinall.
20
Ladies Fellowship
What a wonderful day we had at Trentham Gardens on August 9th.
The weather was perfect, if we’d put an order in we couldn’t have had
better.
When we arrived Joyce Cooper and I were put in
wheelchairs. My driver was Lesley Sutton and she pushed me round the shops and gardens all day. I got
out occasionally for a little walk . We had our lunch at the 6 Arches Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed their meal
although we had too much. But it was very nice.
After lunch most of us went into the gardens. We had
a ride on the Dobby horses, I couldn’t make it on a horse so my cousin and I sat in a coach. Later we
went on the little train. To sit on the train you had to straddle the seat and I managed to get on and put my
leg over to sit on it properly. It was great.
Joan Warner did the BARFUSS walk (Barefoot walk)
which was 19 pathways of different surfaces. She set off on wood, pebbled bark, sand, then knee deep in thick, slimy mud. Her shirt was tucked up in her
undies. Then knee deep in water.
We arrived back at chapel about 6.45 pm. Our driver
got us there and back without any hitches. A vote of thanks was given to Joan, Angela and Anne for
organising such a lovely day. My own personal thanks to Margaret Taylor for the loan of a wheelchair and
also to Lesley for pushing me around all day.
Margaret Entwistle
21
Muriel & I sent our best wishes to Ivor & Delyth Rees on
the occasion of their Golden Wedding celebration and
Ivor responded with news of the event and their family
and asked that their love and greetings be passed to all
at the Chapel. They arranged a family get together at a
hotel near Tewekesbury on the 21st July and the
following morning attended the 8 a.m. BCP Eucharist at
Tewkesbury Abbey.
Dafydd is experiencing further problems with his spinal
problems and this may affect his ongoing employment
situation. Lythan and Phil have moved to Torquay,
Lythan has a two church pastorate at Babbacombe where
they live and Brixham. Phil is at Kingsteignton and
Newton Abbot. Hywel has completed 2 years at the
University of Teeside and Emrys hopes to go there in
October. Carys hopes to start A levels at South Devon
College, Paignton.
Ivor and Delyth were able spend a few days in
Babbacombe and Delyth who had fallen some weeks
earlier is now making some
progress.
It was lovely to hear their news
and we offer them our love,
congratulations and best wishes.
Ian & Muriel Sturrock
Ivor and Delyth Rees
22
The Windermere Centre
I recently took a walking holiday at the Windermere Centre and wanted to share with you all what a great place it is. Louise Aspinall This is what they have to say about themselves:
The Windermere Centre exists to resource the United Reformed Church to become 'God's people, transformed
by the gospel, making a difference for Christ's sake'. Come and take part in one of our courses, or bring your church or network to the Centre for your residential get
together. Let us look after you. After all ... it's your place!
There are many and varied residential courses available, including:
Older Folks’ Fellowship, General Card Making Reimagining Faith 2012 Painting in Autumn Autumn Peaks 2012 Beyond Point and Shoot Finding Your Voice 2012 Advent Retreat A Year with Luke’s Gospel Knit One, Pray One NetGen Connections YouTube and Your Church Finding Your Voice 2013 Winter Peaks
Recovery from Divorce and Separation Adventures in Faith: Spiritual Direction
All Kinds of Stories Alternatively you can just stay as a bed and breakfast guest. For more information take a look at their website:
windermere.urc.org.uk/ or take a look at the notice board in the coffee area.
23
ROTAS ROUND-UP In the service on 26th August, the young people paraded
banners round the church. They illustrated all the different
ways we try to make people welcome at Bamford Chapel.
Here’s the promised list of rotas and organisers to contact so
that you can see what’s involved. MEN & WOMEN ARE
WELCOME IN EACH & EVERY ROLE!
ROTA ORGANISER
Drivers for church Lesley Sutton
Door Stewards (welcomers)
Lesley Sutton
Flowers Pamela Harrington
Readers Angela Smith
Tech team (computer, sound system)
Richard Bradley
Creche Carolyn Divers
Junior Church and young
people
Julie Platt
Coffee after church Diane Healey
Traidcraft Stall Lesley Sutton
Maintenance Ian Sturrock
Cleaning Ian Hampson
Toddlers (Tues am) Gill Galloway
Luncheon Club (Wed) Kitchen & hosting duties Drivers
Muriel Sturrock Ray Atkins
Uniformed Organisations Richard Bradley
Emergency Meal Scheme Addie Redmond
It’s possible to join as a full, permanent member of any rota or to go on reserve / stand-by duty. SO WHY NOT
FIND OUT MORE and then JOIN UP & JOIN IN! You’ll be very welcome!
24
Following on from our Spring Alpha course; as anticipated, the friends made there did not want to part and go their separate ways for too long! Therefore, it was decided that
we would run an eight-week Discipleship Explored course so that we could all stay together and continue to grow and mature on our individual faith journeys with the support of each other. Discipleship Explored is a study of the book of Philippians and is primarily designed for new Christians that may have just completed Alpha or Christianity Explored and want to learn more about what it means to be a follower of Christ. However it is great for anyone wishing to explore for themselves the meaning of the Apostle Paul’s extraordinary words; “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil 1:21).” Throughout the course we went through Philippians week by week, watching a short DVD about what the bible passage was saying and then having a discussion about what we thought or had learnt. In between the Monday night sessions, we all went away and read the same bible readings throughout the week, so that we helped develop the habit of reading the Word daily and praying individually, while still maintaining the spiritual support we received from each other. Philippians is a very cheerful book with the words ‘joy’ or ‘rejoice’ re-occurring 16 times throughout the 104 verses. The key themes we looked at included how to be confident in Christ, how to stand together in Christ, how to know Christ and how to be content in Christ. I think I can speak for everyone in the small group by saying that we were given a lot to muse over and to challenge how we think and act as Christians. If anyone would like to do the Discipleship Explored course we now have a DVD and books to lend out. Anyone would be more than welcome to use the materials for either their own use or ideally for use with a few friends or friends-yet-to-be-made. On the same note, anyone yet to have done the Alpha course and feels they would like to I would strongly encourage! (The food alone is worth it….) Anna James
25
‘LIFE IS WORTH EXPLORING’
The Alpha Course is here again in September!
Come and find out what it’s all about at the ‘Launch Party’ at Queen’s Park Café on Monday
17th
September at 7pm (Meal provided).
If you would like to come please speak to one of the people listed below so that we can arrange catering.
If, following the Launch Party, you decide that you would like to attend the course, it will run on
Monday evenings from 24
th September to 10
th December
Each session begins at 7pm with a meal (if you can help with food preparation &/or washing up,
please see Barbara Redmond). Then there is a DVD and discussion. We aim to end by 9.15pm
Each Alpha Course includes a very important ‘Away Day’.
This will be on Sunday 18th November
(venue likely to be the Bella Vista in Milnrow).
If you would like more information about the Alpha Course, please speak to Richard or any of the following:
(names in ALPHAbetical order)
Louise Aspinall, Sarah Fitton, Anna James or Joan Warner
There are now quite a lot of people who have attended this course. No doubt, they would be happy to tell you
about their experiences if asked. Also please pray for our preparations and come and see
what it’s all about.
26
A prayer for anyone
going through a storm
(Mk4:35-41)
Lord when the storm rages,
When the wind and the waves seem as if
they will overwhelm us, Help us to know the stillness of your
presence and your peace. And even if you seem to be sleeping
through our storm, May that, in itself, be a reassurance that we
are safe. You are with us. You will not abandon ship.
You will bring us through any storm life throws at us.
We will reach the end of our journey Safely in your company.
Thank you Lord, Amen.
By Daphne Kitching
27
Sunday 30th September 2012
Who are you inviting?
Millions of people who
don't go to church
would say yes to an
invitation from a friend.
What if you were that
friend? Who would you
invite?
Back to Church Sunday
has caught on in churches
everywhere because it is
so simple. Since 2004 a
quarter of a million people
have said yes to the
prayerful invitation of a
friend.
Each year more churches
take part and more people
come back per church. In
2011 in the Church of
England 20 more people
came to each church -
across all denominations
about 77,000 extra people
altogether. And at its
heart it is the oldest idea
of all, the one that made
shepherds leave their
flocks, fishermen leave
their nets, and tax
collectors climb out of
trees. Someone invited
them.
Back to Church Sunday
can help you take the
shortest step in
evangelism: inviting
someone you know to
something you love.
28
Brain Teaser Underline the names of the 30 books of the Bible in the paragraph below. Here’s a hint, some books can be found by using a combination of two words. Provided by Salome Lewis.
There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them?
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an
airplane seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu keeping
him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to some
friends. One friend from Illinois worked on it while fishing from his John
boat. Another friend studied it while playing the banjo. Elaine Taylor, a
columnist friend, was so intrigued by it that she mentioned it in her
weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving the
puzzle so involving she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There are
some names that are real easy to spot. That’s a fact. Some people
however, will soon find themselves in a jam especially since the book
names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get
we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some
of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes
is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this
paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this
puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The
local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported this
puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel
Hummana humbly puts it, “the books are all right there in plain view
hidden from sight.” Those able to find all of them will hear great
lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that
may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without
numbers. Also keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle
are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against
those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for
a mass exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere
in this paragraph waiting to be found. Turn to page 31 for the solution
29
Bamford Chapel Ladies
Fellowship
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Bamford Chapel, Norden Road
ROCHDALE
Admission £2.50
Cake stall/Raffle/Bring and Buy
For more information ring 638005
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
Friday 28th September 2012
10.00am – 12Noon
30
31
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an
airplane seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu keeping
him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to
some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on it while fishing from
his John boat. Another friend studied it while playing the banjo.
Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it that she
mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend
judges the job of solving the puzzle so involving she brews a cup of
tea to help her nerves. There are some names that are real easy to
spot. That’s a fact. Some people however, will soon find themselves
in a jam especially since the book names are not necessarily
capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get we are forced to admit
it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the
worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is
responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this
paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this
puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record.
The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who
reported this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen.
As Daniel Hummana humbly puts it, “the books are all right there in
plain view hidden from sight.” Those able to find all of them will hear
great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One
revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may
occur without numbers. Also keep in mind, that punctuation and
spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you
compete really well against those who claim to know the answers.
Remember, there is no need for a mass exodus, there really are 30
books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be
found.
This was one of the activities completed by guests staying at the
Windermere Centre during the Walk and Talk Holiday in August. My
team got 27—how did you do? Louise Aspinall
32
A church is a hospital for sinners,
not a museum for saints.
33
BAMFORD CHAPEL MAGAZINE
EDITORS: Louise Aspinall 01706 719449
Martyn James 01706 868885
SECRETARY: Joan Ashton 01706 360395
DATES FOR THE NEXT MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2012
Articles to be handed in by: Sunday 16th September 2012
Magazine to be completed by: Thursday 27th September 2012
Magazine distributed: Sunday 30th September 2012
34
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
www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
Telephone: 01706 369622
Minister : Rev Richard Bradley
Email: [email protected]
Church Secretary: Ian Sturrock
Telephone: 01706 653109
Email: [email protected]
Wedding Secretary: John Lapworth
Telephone: 01706 632460
Lettings Manager: Linda Kerford
Telephone: 01706 624256
Email: [email protected]
Times of Services: Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1
st Sunday in month
Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3rd Sunday in month
