July 2011 Bamford Chapel Magazine

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Sunday 3rd

July 10.30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley

Sunday 3rd

July 6.00 pm Evening Worship led by Joan Warner

Thursday 7th July 7.30 pm Elders Meeting

Sunday 10th July 10.30 am Family Worship led by David Watson

Sunday 10th July 6.00 pm Evening Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley

Sunday 17th July 10.30 am Family Worship

led by Revd Richard Bradley

Sunday 17th July 12 noon CHURCH MEETING

Sunday 17th July 6.00 pm Evening Worship with Holy

Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley

Sunday 24th July 10.30 am Family Worship

led by Revd Richard Bradley

Sunday 24th July 6.00 pm Evening Worship

led by Sid Hazlehurst

Sunday 31stJuly 10.30 am Family Worship

led by Margaret Ogden

Sunday 31st July 6.00 pm Evening Worship

led by Joanne Shaw

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Message from the manse

Last month I shared with you the story of the

clearing of the manse garden. I want to continue the theme of gardening this month by thinking about

pruning. I often wonder when the best time is for a plant, shrub or tree to be pruned. I suspect it is best

done when the plant has come to the end of its

seasonal cycle – but I will stand to be corrected if I am wrong.

I was once reliably informed that when the pruning of a plant, shrub or tree happens then it helps the

future growth of the item concerned. And to me there is something spiritual in that. I often reflect

on situations where I feel that God is pruning or cutting back the dead wood in my life and I know of

others who feel the same when they feel God is pruning them as well.

In John’s Gospel we read those well-known words of Jesus:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the

gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does

bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2)

Sometimes people struggle with these words because it sounds to them like God is a God of

destruction. This is not the case. God is doing something that is for our good and not to harm us.

He is doing it so that we will become even stronger and even more fruitful. As is often the case Jesus

uses an example that his listeners would have understood – that of gardening.

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Sometimes people feel that the pruning is hard and

perhaps sometimes painful as God takes from us that which is not fruitful, i.e. that which is not good

for us. I recall once helping a man who was gripped by alcoholism. He had lost most of his family and

was facing eviction. I, and those who were helping him, did all we could to support and fend off the

eviction but to no avail. He was evicted and lost his home. But about two years later one of us who was

helping him bumped into him in the town centre. He was recovering and hadn’t had a drink for well over

a year. What surprised me was that in hindsight he was glad that he lost his home as it was the time

when he felt God began to do a serious work to deal with the addiction that he had.

What was a difficult time in his life – losing his home

– you might say was God pruning him so that he could be even more fruitful. That is not to say that

all pruning is this drastic and in this sort of situation. Pruning could be God showing us the thing (or

things) in our life that we allow to get in His way.

What I hope we will know if we go through such a

pruning experience, is that God is doing it so that we will be even closer to Him, even more fruitful in the

way we live our lives and so point the glory to Him.

I hope we will know the

comfort, strength and presence of the master gardener, our

heavenly Father,

Your servant in Christ,

Richard

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News of the family

We give thanks for the life of Thelma Sharples, whose

funeral was held at Rochdale Crematorium on Tuesday 7th June. Please remember her family in

your prayers.

Concerns continue to be expressed for Michelle McLaughlin, Tracey Scoresby, Christian Platt and

Patricia Lapworth. Patricia is now into her second week of treatment at Christies’. Thanks to everyone

who has offered help to the family in recent weeks. Please also remember John, who has strained his

chest with lifting, and Martyn and Anne in your prayers.

Please pray for Helen Baillie who has started a further

course of treatment, Marjorie Farrington who has

broken her wrist, Finlay Galloway and Malcolm Kerford.

We give thanks that the news about Isabel Lewis is

more hopeful.

Peter, Tracey, Peter, Sarah, Mark, Joshua, Simeon

and Lizzie would like to thank everyone for their cards, support and kind words on the sudden death

of Shirley Mills.

Particular thanks to Richard for the lovely

service and for his thoughtful, reassuring

care.

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Norden United Reformed Church

Forsyth Street Norden

Every Monday Line Dancing

1.00 pm - 3.00 pm Every Tuesday

Crochet and Knitting Class 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm

Come and learn to crochet or knit, or sort out

any problems in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.

Every Tuesday Yogalaties

7.00 pm - 8.00 pm The tutor takes you through very relaxing and

gentle exercise.

Coffee Morning Saturday 16th July 10.30 am - 12 noon

The craft class will be holding a coffee morning

where we will be showing some of the items we have made, of course there will be

a cake stall, a raffle, costume jewellery and a few crocheted and

knitted items for sale. All proceeds to church funds.

All welcome.

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Quiet Time

Like laser beams of light God’s probing queries pierce hardened hearts, challenge apathy and ease, reveal malignant selfishness, shatter prides’ illusions heal broken hearts, deliver shining truths, and lead us again and again to the Person of Jesus Christ, who is The Answer to every question in heaven and on earth. Susan Lenzkes © 2010

Used by permission of CWR Shared with us by Ray Atkins

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A big thank you

Saturday 11th June saw various tasks being undertaken

over and above those regularly completed by our loyal "Monday Gang" and regular cleaning teams. Work was

carried out to replace the cellar floor and the fence alongside Norden Road together with various jobs in

the grounds.

A good number of

people turned out to complete the work.

The picture shows Anne Newman and

Muriel Sturrock at work in the grounds

together with our local

decorator David Palmer, "up the

ladder".

This picture shows from

left to right Brian

McLaughlin, Andy Platt,

Malcolm Beaumont and

Ian Hampson at work

alongside Norden Road.

All of the efforts were

greatly appreciated and

some aspects are still ongoing and offers of assistance

are always welcome.

Ian Sturrock

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Nature in Play Project

Funding has been awarded to

RADPAC through the Awards

For All Lottery Fund to run

activities for children during

the school holidays for most of

2011.

The club will be called the Young Explorers’ Club,

sessions will be run at Queens Park in Heywood, in

partnership with BTCV, RADPAC staff and with help

from the Wardens service at Queens Park through

Rochdale Borough Council.

The Club started Tue 31 May

1pm-3pm and runs for three days

a week; on Tuesdays, Wednesdays

and Thursdays. Activities will be

provided at these times for the

full summer holidays and will

finish in the Autumn half term.

This club is for children

aged 8 – 13.

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Young Explorers’ Club 2011

Learn and play at Queens Park throughout

the school holidays in 2011.

Activities will include;

Den Building

Pond Dipping

Making bows and arrows

Paper making from grass and old paper

Willow Weaving

Making miniature shoe box gardens

Stream walk

Fire Making and Twisler Bread

Blackberry and Dock Leaf Tie-dying

And many more…..

If you want to join

the club please

contact-

Katie Lowry BTCV-

07740 899539 or

Kay Carrington

RADPAC-

01706 621332

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Prayer

‘Prayer is simply responding to God. It’s about turning our hearts towards God: bringing us to God and God to us. It may involve talking or listening, stillness or

action. There are no special words to say, and no required way to kneel or stand.’ SGM Lifeworks

Recently Finlay and I, as observers, attended the URC Area Meeting at Greenmount URC, the minister there is

Revd. Andrew Lonsdale. When we visit churches we tend to pick up booklets or church magazines to help with daily personal worship or church good practice. At

Greenmount we came across a little book. After discussion at a recent Elders meeting we were given

permission to purchase several copies. There will not be a charge but a donation of 50p or over would be appreciated. Those who have already seen the book

have said how useful it was and a lovely idea to give as a gift.

So what is the book called?

Inspiring Prayer: The introduction written by SGM Lifeworks says ‘Whether you pray regularly or have

never tried it before the aim of the little book is to Inspire Prayer. Explore God’s invitations to pray, use

the written examples to get started, or expand your experience of prayer through the simple exercises. Start wherever you like, and see where prayer takes you’.

Inspiring prayer will be available from 3rd July following morning worship.

Never stop praying. 1Thessalonians 5-17

Finlay and Gillian Galloway

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Bamford Chapel Ladies

Fellowship

Bamford Chapel, Norden Road

ROCHDALE

Tickets £2.00

or pay on the door

Contact 01706 638005

for more

information

Cake/Bring and Buy Stalls

MACMILLAN CANCER

SUPPORT

Friday 24th September 2011

10.00am – 12Noon

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Is it Shakespeare, Dickens, The Beatles, Tony Blair or the Bible?

New research has found that while

people still value the Bible, they’re confused about where some familiar

English phrases come from – such as ‘my brother’s keeper’ and ‘a drop in the

bucket’ – was it Dickens, Blair or the Bible?

A recent ComRes poll for Bible Society revealed the

following:

‘My brother’s keeper’ (Genesis 4:9): 56% rightly identified the phrase as originating from

the Bible.

‘A drop in the bucket’ (Isaiah 40.15): Half of all people (49%) didn’t know where the phrase

was from, but an equal proportion said that it originated from Tony Blair (12%),

Shakespeare (14%) and Charles Dickens (12%). Only 7% correctly identified the phrase

as coming from the Bible. ‘The writing on the wall’ (Daniel 5:5-6): The

same proportion of people said that the phrase originated from the Beatles (18%) as that

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saying it was from the Bible (19%).

Eat, drink and be merry’ (Luke 12.19): The greatest percentage of people (41%) said that

the phrase derived from Shakespeare, while just one in ten (9%) said that it originated

from the Bible. ‘Filthy lucre’ (1Timothy 3.3): One quarter of all

people thought the phrase was from Shakespeare (23%) while one in ten (10%)

said that it came from the Bible.

The poll also asked how important knowledge of the Bible was for appreciating culture, history and

politics. On the whole, people thought it was significant, with nearly half of people believing it

important for the vision arts, literature and history,

but only 24% thinking it important for an appreciation of classical music.

Pat Gate and family would like to thank everyone for their

prayers and concern during Bob’s illness. Also for all the

cards, letters and flowers fol-lowing his death.

Special thanks to Richard for

all his care and for the lovely service of thanksgiving.

To anyone who helped in any way

we are very grateful.

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Bible Reading Plan: 5th July – 25th September 2011

As we continue with the journey of reading through

the Bible in a year please find below the readings for July, August and up to the 25th September.

I have continued with the same pattern as the June

magazine by also giving the month ahead of the edition of the magazine.

I hope people have found it a useful discipline as it

becomes part of our daily lives as for some people they find a set time each day works for them where

others do not stick to one set time but read the day’s readings when they get a break long enough to do it.

Epistles The Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Gospels

Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5 (3rd July) Romans 9-10 Genesis 16-19 Joshua 21-24 Psalms 12-14 Job 9-10 Isaiah 23-28 Matthew 11-13

6 (10th July) Romans 11-12 Genesis 20-23 Judges 1-6 Psalms 15-17 Job 11-12 Isaiah 29-33 Matthew 14-16



9 (31st July) 1 Corinthians 1-2 Genesis 32-35 Judges 17-21 Psalms 24-26 Job 17-18 Isaiah 45-50 Matthew 23-25

10 (7th August) 1 Corinthians 3-4 Genesis 36-39 Ruth (all) Psalms 27-29 Job 19-20 Isaiah 51-55 Matthew 26-28

11 (14th August) 1 Corinthians 5-6 Genesis 40-43 1 Samuel 1-5 Psalms 30-32 Job 21-22 Isaiah 56-61 Mark 1-2

12 (21st August) 1 Corinthians 7-8 Genesis 44-47 1 Samuel 6-10 Psalms 33-35 Job 23-24 Isaiah 62-66 Mark 3-4

13 (28th August) 1 Corinthians 9-10 Genesis 48-50 1 Samuel 11-15 Psalms 36-38 Job 25-26 Jeremiah 1-6 Mark 5-6

14 (4th Sept’er) 1 Corinthians 11-12 Exodus 1-4 1 Samuel 16-20 Psalms 39-41 Job 27-28 Jeremiah 7-11 Mark 7-8




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If anyone wanted to share with others what they have found thus far I am sure Louise and the

editing team would like to hear from you and to print your reflections.

Many thanks and God Bless, Richard

Bible reading plan taken from www.bible-reading.com

Copyright 1995-2009 Michael Coley

Epistles The Law History Psalms Poetry Prophecy Gospels

Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5 (3rd July) Romans 9-10 Genesis 16-19 Joshua 21-24 Psalms 12-14 Job 9-10 Isaiah 23-28 Matthew 11-13




9 (31st July) 1 Corinthians 1-2 Genesis 32-35 Judges 17-21 Psalms 24-26 Job 17-18 Isaiah 45-50 Matthew 23-25

10 (7th August) 1 Corinthians 3-4 Genesis 36-39 Ruth (all) Psalms 27-29 Job 19-20 Isaiah 51-55 Matthew 26-28

11 (14th August) 1 Corinthians 5-6 Genesis 40-43 1 Samuel 1-5 Psalms 30-32 Job 21-22 Isaiah 56-61 Mark 1-2

12 (21st August) 1 Corinthians 7-8 Genesis 44-47 1 Samuel 6-10 Psalms 33-35 Job 23-24 Isaiah 62-66 Mark 3-4

13 (28th August) 1 Corinthians 9-10 Genesis 48-50 1 Samuel 11-15 Psalms 36-38 Job 25-26 Jeremiah 1-6 Mark 5-6





http://www.bible-reading.com

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Ladies’ Fellowship May 19

th 2011

AGM & potluck supper

We met at 7.45, summoned by the ref’s whistle (from Madame Chairman, Margaret Entwistle). Margaret then welcomed everyone, including the guest speaker, our own minister, Revd Richard Bradley. She thanked the committee for all their hard work and support through the year. Joan said an opening prayer.

We had a VERY short business section (led in too much of a rush by our secretary - me). All reports were on the chairs. All were accepted without discussion.

Linda Kerford spoke about the 16 cards she has made and delivered to members during the year. This is part of our pastoral role. We hope to mark significant events, such as ‘big 0’ birthdays or a move to a new home. We want to be a support in times of illness, distress or bereavement. We are very grateful to Linda for the service she provides in this way. BUT – she can’t make or deliver a card, if she doesn’t know of a need. So please let her know in time.

The current chair (Margaret Entwistle) and secretary (Joan Warner) were re-elected, as were the committee: Elizabeth Hazlehurst, Lesley Hynes, Linda Kerford, Jennifer Lee, Margaret Riley and Angela Smith. New people

were encouraged to join if they wished. We are delighted that Margaret is still keen to continue in her role after her recent health scares. Her positive attitude is an inspiration to us all.

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Our current treasurer, Lesley Sutton is resigning, with the words of the politician, ‘to spend more time with her family’! Lesley was not present at the meeting. She was thanked at our June outing (see later report) She remains involved as the first ever LF-outings consultant!!

The meeting was pleased to accept Anne Newman as our new treasurer. In the time since her return from living in Australia, Anne and her husband Ian have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the life of Bamford Chapel

We then enjoyed a lovely buffet supper together. Thank you for all contributions & help in the kitchen. God bless. Joan Warner

Then Richard gave a moving account of his faith journey and call to the ministry. From skiving schoolboy, through tent mission challenges, electrician apprenticeship and the gradual drip, drip of our nudging God.

From being anti-academic he became an enthusiastic learner, all in response to God’s call on his life. He completed a TLS course and then finally, full theological training at Cambridge. And now he’s with us in his second ministerial role. If God has sent such a man to us, then God’s got plans for Bamford Chapel. Keep awake, keep ready.

If you’re wondering about the teddy bear motif throughout this article – tough! Richard’s sworn us to secrecy!!

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On a dry, sunny evening in June (Thursday the 9th

was actually dry!) 36 ladies met at The Turnpike

Inn, Rishworth for our annual summer evening

meal. Thanks to Angela Smith for organising it and

beating them down to a good price in true Yorkshire

fashion! We travelled in 10 cars (not in convoy)

some via the scenic route and others via the

motorway. It was good to have Ruth Bradley and

her mother Barbara with us, although there was a

question of whether they would get home again!!

That was also the case with the ‘Sheila’s Wheels’

quartet that set off home in Wendy’s open-topped

car at 9.30pm!

The venue was super, the food was good with

enormous lamb shanks and of course the company was excellent. Conversation however was

interrupted several times by the bothersome secretary – but for very good reasons!

We thanked Lesley Sutton for her work over the years as treasurer,

publicist, photographer, registrar,

outings consultant and pastoral adviser to the secretary. Angela

Smith presented her, on our behalf, with a hanging basket and

Ladies Fellowship - June Outing 2011

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a hand-made card from Linda Kerford with all our

signatures. Lesley remains the official LFOC (Ladies’ Fellowship

Outings Consultant). Anne Newman our new treasurer was formally introduced and welcomed

with a promise that she really ONLY has to deal with the money!!

The next event is our Cake & Produce Stall at the Garden Party on Saturday 9th July. My plea for staff

on the stall was willingly met by offers from Joyce Cooper and Doreen Watts. More help welcome – it’s

a good stall to be on because it always sells out quickly and you can soon shut up shop!

Our annual day out is on Thursday 11th August. For

£25 you get coach travel to and from Southport, morning coffee at Homestead Farm, Ormskirk and

lunch at the Ramada Hotel in Southport. In the afternoon we visit the Botanic Gardens, Churchtown

(weather permitting) and Dunscar garden café with garden centre and shop. The money should be with

Lesley Sutton and the menu choices with Joan Warner by 9/10 July. We

have a full coach of 49 travelling and look forward to

a good day.

Joan Warner (Sec)

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Something new at the garden party

Selling the Church

A new stall will appear at this year’s garden par-

ty to promote Bamford Chapel and what we of-fer.

Ideas include:

All organisations to prepare a poster to advertise what they do

Promote Alpha Promote House Groups

Any other suggestions?

Volunteers needed—see Joan Warner

Once again I am appealing to everyone to

donate any unwanted and small new gifts for the Tombola. I am not able to organise it this year

but all gifts can be given to Anne and John Fitton who will be in charge. I

will be there helping.

Many thanks as always for your wonderful

support.

Thank you

Margaret Entwistle

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GARDEN PARTY SATURDAY 9th JULY at 2.00 pm

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

A list of the usual stalls we run is under the clock in the coffee area please put your name

against the stall you wish to organise.

New ideas are needed if you can arrange something different please add to list or see

Lyn Jefferies. It could be a stall or a game to entertain the children we need new ideas and

people to help.

Julie Platt needs lots of help with the catering.

The following donations are required:-

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Bamford Chapel Project 2011: Preview.

I am writing on behalf of the Church in the World Committee to keep you informed of the forthcoming

church project.

The Committee presented their recommended project, Eden Farm Children’s Village in Zambia, to

the Church meeting on 15th May 2011and the membership agreed to the recommendation.

Eden Farm is a project of an umbrella charity Life Support.

For more information see:

www.lifesupportcharity.org.uk http://www.edenfarm.org.uk/

Eden Farm Children’s Village is

based on farmland on the outskirts of Chingola, Zambia, providing

homes and protection for orphans

and vulnerable children in the area. It provides a safe haven and a loving, hopeful atmosphere where

children are brought up in a “family” environment, knowing they are precious and to provide a positive

future for them.

Life Support is committed to the rehabilitation of Eden Farm in order to provide food and income to

ensure that the children’s village operates in a long term sustainable way.

http://www.lifesupportcharity.org.uk/

http://www.edenfarm.org.uk/

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The farm currently cultivates a variety of fruit trees,

vegetables, and maize and has begun breeding chickens, goats and pigs; however this is currently

more of an ad-hoc development. It is hoped that any money we raise will be used to

employ an experienced Zambian farmer to take responsibility for setting up and developing the

farming on the land owned by Eden Farm. The cost of employment is anticipated to be around £150 to

£200 a month, including food for the farmer and his family, therefore an initial 18 month term would cost

£3,600. In addition to employment costs, it will be necessary to provide some capital to allow tools,

seeds and plants to be purchased for use in the agricultural development of the farm.

The project will be launched at the Harvest Service on Sunday 18th September. We are fortunate to have

Michelle, Linda Kerford’s daughter, and her family, coming to introduce the project to the congregation

along with Nathaniel Edwards, the Project Director.

After the service there will an opportunity to sample some traditional Zambian foods and to talk

informally to Michelle and her family who have recently returned from Zambia, and to Nathaniel

Edwards.

Preparations are underway to plan the launch and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who

would like to help. Please contact Gillian James or

Addie Redmond, the Elders who lead this committee if you feel you can help.

Carole Greaves

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Whit Walk Sunday 12th June Our Whit Sunday Walk of Witness in Bamford took

place on Sunday 12th June. The Churches involved were St. Vincent’s R.C. Church, St. Michael’s Parish

Church and Bamford Chapel U.R.C.

Members of the

congregations took part along

with young people from the

uniformed organisations

attached to those Churches,

Brownies,

Guides and Boys Brigade.

Live music was provided by Rochdale Youth Band, conducted by Eric Landon, the young people from

the band were excellent despite having to march and play in the rain.

We were looked after by our local PCSO Colin Taylor and we thanked him for that.

Sadly we could not avoid the rain which started at about the time the walk commenced but

nevertheless almost 200 took part, as

the rain became heavier, we had to

miss a few of our usual stops along

the route.

Ian Sturrock

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I would just like to say a very big thank you to

everyone at Bamford Chapel for their ‘Get Well’ cards and ‘New Home’ cards, flowers and visits

to me since my stroke in December. Everyone has been very kind and caring.

Elizabeth Hazlehurst and the elders arranged

my own personal car ferry to enable me to get to Church on a Sunday, for which I am eternally

grateful to all concerned.

I am happy to say I have now settled into my new home. No more climbing stairs which is a

blessing. My new address and telephone number are as follows: 13, Ford Gardens

Bamford

Rochdale OL11 4DZ

tel: 01706 523684

Please feel free to call any time and have a coffee with me.

I have always known Bamford Chapel was a

very special place and since my illness I can honestly say this is true.

Thank you once again to

everyone.

Yours in love and friendship.

Margaret Entwistle

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Letter received from our Chinese speaking guests who joined us on

Sunday, 29th May (letter printed as received)

Dear all,

Many thanks for kindly hospitality and wonderful food on 29th May. We all enjoyed worship with you,

and appreciate so much that you sang with us those

songs choir had performance. Our group love to talk and walk with you, we all had no forgettable day

with you all. May God grace and power be with you and Bamford

chapel always be a blessing to people around. Shou-Hui

Revd Shou-Hui Chung

Chaplain to Mandarin Speaking Students

St. Peter's Church and Chaplaincy

www.stpeters.org.uk

University Precinct Centre

Oxford Road, Manchester

M13 9GH

For those who missed their visit our guests sang to

us during worship. Later, during our ramble folk

were arriving for the afternoon service at St James’s,

Ashworth and so were able to have a look inside and

also sang to the congregation there.

We then continued onto Millcroft Tea Rooms where

we sang for them “Consider yourself one of the

family” from Oliver. I agree we all enjoyed their visit

very much.

Ian

http://www.stpeters.org.uk/

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Confidence in God

Alone with none but Thee, my God, I journey on my way.

What need I fear, when Thou art near O King of night and day?

More safe I am within Thy hand Than if a host did round me stand.

A prayer of St Columba

Those who use the roads

Lord Jesus Christ, who travelled the roads of Palestine ... grant to us who use the roads such

consideration for others as befits your servants, and such a sense of your will and direction that we may

journey always in faith and hope, for your great glory. From a prayer by Llewellyn Cumings

And finally….

The Cost of preaching One beautiful Sunday

morning, a priest announced to his

congregation: "My good people, I have here in my

hands three sermons...a £100 sermon that lasts

five minutes, a £50 sermon that lasts fifteen

minutes, and a £10 sermon that lasts a full

hour. Now, we'll take the collection and see which

one I'll deliver."

Documents

July 2011 Bamford Chapel Magazine