This Month’s Letter

A SPECIAL MOMENT

Lounging in my easy chair watching the Queen’s Birthday Party celebrations (in the Mall) on television; I was reminded of a pleasurable incident some 29 years ago!

Sally and I were in Blackpool at the time – so was Princess Diana! We were close to the Talbot Square – so was Diana!

With a smile on her face, Diana approached us. As she and Sally shook hands, I casually mentioned that it was a special day for us! It was our 40^th Wedding Anniversary.

“Oh lovely” said Diana with that wonderful smile she had, “My congratulations”

Only a moment in a lifetime but, together with the red (deep red) roses Sally always received on our Anniversary, a moment of wonder for both of us – but particularly for Sally.

George J

Thanks for sharing this lovely memory George and we all wish you a very happy 94^th birthday. The Editor

COMMITMENT FOR LIFE PRAYER JULY

Don’t make me weep, then speak of justice

Tie my hands and expect me to thrive,

Cover my wounds with sack cloth and ashes,

Park your second hand car on my drive.

Ensure my poverty to double your wealth.

And never speak of change.

Cover your eyes as my land is ravaged

Frackers, trackers, coal mines or land mines

Water your garden and let my thirst rise,

Hopes dashed by democracy misused by the powerful

Tear down my trees, no cedars in Lebanon,

Bulldoze my house; build a wall in it’s place

Uproot my olive trees, rub out the green vine,

Remind me, remind me the twentieth time

I do not count, my value is lost,

Don’t speak of change without counting the cost.

Stand if you will, stand here with me,

My brothers and sisters, let new hope arises,

When is replaced as life’s greatest prize,

Bring justice, bring peace, let the love of God reign

It refreshes the desert, it eases life’s pain,

Stand together for justice, work together for change,

Your speaking, your listening, is all the world’s gain.

Glenis and Eric Massey

COMMITMENT FOR LIFE PRAYER AUGUST

A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN LIFE

Hear me Jesus. When we sit here in silent meditation,

bring your power for peace to all the Politicians and

Tribal Heads of the warring tribes and Nations in the Middle East.

Show them that envy and greed lead to permanent destruction

and that history shows that there are no winners.

Be you known as a follower of Isaiah, a Holy Prophet,

or The Son of God; bring your Peace to the Arabic Countries

Ben Howard

Fellowship Information

GENERAL NOTICES

HERITAGE DAY 10^TH SEPTEMBER

10AM – 4PM

This year will be a spectacular event as we celebrate our 200^th Anniversary. 

Along with an exhibition showing our history, we will have baptism, marriage records and cradle roles on display when we hope that good advertising will bring along people from around Tameside whose names might well appear.

This year, however, we will also have some of our members dressed in Victorian costume representing past members of Albion who will be able to discuss with visitors the history of the person represented.

We will also have an interesting ‘box of tricks’ which, when opened, will display interesting artefacts relating to our church and Sunday schools which should be of interest to young and old alike. 

Please support us and ask your friends and families to join us at this special event.

Mary Whitehead

FULL ALBION FELLOWSHIP CHURCH MEETING

This meeting will take place at Charlestown at 7.30pm on Thursday 21^st July.

ELDERS MEETING

This meeting will take place on 27^th July at 7.30pm at Charlestown. Please note this is a change of date to enable a visit from Rev Andrew Mills, Synod Moderator and Ken Greer, Pastoral coordinator.

PATTERNS OF MINISTRY IN THE NORTH WEST SYNOD

A RENEWED VISION – CENTRAL AREA ROAD SHOW

This meeting will take place on12^th July at 7.00pm at Hurst Nook. Please let your secretary know if you plan to attend as numbers are required.

FLOWER FESTIVAL – THANK YOU

Many thanks to all who got involved and helped in any way at the Flower Festival; to all who sponsored the arrangements, to those who acted as stewards or on door duty, to all responsible for the excellent refreshments, to Derek and David for providing organ music, to Gillian for liaising with the printers who were responsible for posters, flyers, banners etc. and to the flood action squad!

I want to extend a special thanks to the members of the Stalybridge Flower Club and friends who were responsible for the wonderful arrangements, which visitors described as “awe inspiring”.

It was good to have descendants of Nathanial Buckley and Hugh Mason sharing the event with us. Thanks are due to Mary Whitehead for making contact with them and for preparing the exhibition in the Hazelhurst transept. The event could not have taken place without this team effort. Thanks to you all,

Barbara.

MISSION OUTREACH

Thanks to all who supported our Afternoon Tea. We raised £210 which will go towards supporting our sponsored children 

ALBION BOOKS FOR SALE …. £10 EACH

On sale at Albion are two books – please contact Jean Goodall or any elders at Albion

‘A Tribute to the People of Albion, Ashton-under-Lyne.’  In Celebration of Albion’s 200 Years of Ministry 1816 – 2016.

Researched by: Mary Whitehead MA Mary’s book tells the story of Albion through the people of the past.

Albion United Reformed Church, Celebrating 200 years 1816-2016. This book, by Mrs Jean Goodall contains information and colour pictorial of Albion church and all its events plus Charlestown, Hurst Nook and Hazelhurst.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to our Treasurer, John, who had been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. This award recognises his work as HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System) Coordinator for Greater Manchester Police. HOLMES is a computer system used by the Police in all major incidents including serial murders, multi-million pound fraud cases and major disasters.

It also recognises his voluntary work, including;

• Church Fellowship Treasurer since 1996.
• Main Responsible Person for weddings and related official returns.
• Conducting initial wedding interviews and arranging cover, in the absence of a Minister.
• Managing the maintenance of our Grade II* listed building (Albion Church) and some ‘hands on’ repairs. 
• Fundraising eg creating woodwork pieces to sell at church functions.
• Arranging and helping his wife to prepare and cook a Christmas meal for up to 30 church members, some of whom might otherwise have been alone.

Thanks to John for all you do.

MIDWEEK SERVICE

Wednesday 13^th July 2016 at 11.00am The fellowship of a light lunch after the service will continue for those who wish to stay; a “cuppa” will be served. There will be no service in August.

Albion News & Dates

FLOWERS                            JULY

Olive Warner                          Birthday memories of Harry, a loving husband

Hilda, Enid and families         Loving memories of a very dear father

Amanda and David Hey         Wedding Anniversary

 FLOWERS                            AUGUST

Colin                                              Camping Holidays with Jim Potter

Judith, Phil Nicola & Debbie          In loving memory of Mum and Dad (Sutton), Nana and Grandad                        

Olive, Heather Roger & families          In loving memory of Nora  

Gregson Family                              Loving memories of our MUM and DAD, Eileen and Harry                 

                                                             joined in eternal peace, August 15th and August 21st.

May the Lord be with all these friends uniting them in your love

MESSY CHURCH

The dates have been set for Messy Church for the remainder of 2016. The next one is Sunday 10^th July during the morning service. All families are invited to join us. Future dates are11^th September, 23^rd October, 27^th November and 11^th December. These dates are shown on the website.

ALBION PARENTS AND TOTS

Friday morning 9:30am -11:00am term time only. In the memorial chapel. £1 per family ALL welcome

FAMILY NEWS

Congratulations to John on being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Congratulations to Janet R as she takes up her new role of District Commissioner for Girl guiding Ashton District 1.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR:

Edward B, Mary B, Barbara D, Val and Martin B, Olive B, Brian P, Dorothy C and anyone who needs our prayers at this time. Our sympathy, love and prayers go to Barbara and Bob D and family following the death of Barbara’s mother.

There is a prayer book in Albion, please add concerns; to be included in our prayers of intercession.

THE CIRCLE

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 19th July at 7.30pm – a meal out together, venue to be confirmed. There will be no meeting in August.  Anne and Barbara

200 YEAR CELEBRATION

FORTHCOMING CONCERT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Sunday 24^th July Tameside Choral Festival Choir

Saturday 10^th September 7:30pm Saddleworth Male Voice Choir Tickets £6

Saturday 24^th September at 7:30pm Organ Recital – Jonathan Scott

Please note the date on the “pink flyer” for Jonathan Scott’s organ recital is incorrect – it should read SATURDAY 24^TH SEPTEMBER at 7.30pm The cost is £8

Charlestown News & Dates

FLOWERS                                    JULY

Larrayne W                        In loving memory of a wonderful Husband, Dad and Grandad

                                                           Birthday Wishes to Mum/Grandma from all “Your Family

Pat O’Brien                             For Loved Ones

Ruth, Colin and Adam            Loving memories of a dear Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma

Nancy H                         Loving Memories of Stan Dearly Loved Brother and Uncle

AUGUST

Barbara P            Loving Memories of her Mother

GIFT WEEKEND / CHURCH ANNIVERSARY SATURDAY 9^TH AND SUNDAY 10^TH JULY

• SATURDAY 9^TH JULY:

We are holding our usual morning coffee morning 11:00-13:00. All money raised will be for church funds, this is being organised by Christine, help and support on the day would be greatly appreciated. All are welcome

We are hosting a family fun and games night from 7:00pm until 9:30pm. Tickets are available £2.00 for adults and children are free. This includes potato pie supper. This is our main fund raising event and we ask for everyone’s support, to make it a success

• SUNDAY 10^TH JULY:

During morning worship, personal and organisational donations will be received. Special Gift Weekend envelopes will be available for personal gifts. Donations will be received alongside weekly offertory . Those who Gift Aid are asked to write their name or number on the envelope

AUGUST COFFEE MORNING

There will be no coffee morning during August as our members enjoy their holidays

SUNDAY 3^RD JULY

There will be no morning worship at Charlestown on Sunday 3^rd July, we will join our friends at Albion or Hurst Nook

PILOTS

Big thanks to all who supported us at our recent Beetle Drive celebrating 80 years of PILOTS

WOMEN’S GUILD

The ladies will meet on Thursday 28 July at 2.30pm. There will be no meeting in August

FAMILY CONCERNS

We continue to pray for Nancy H, Keith B, Lorraine W, Anne S, Barbara R and Kathleen.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Anthony and Julie celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary

Hurst Nook News & Dates

FLOWERS                            JULY/AUGUST

Pat B                                   Memories of Dad

Doris and Janet W        Memories of loved ones

Phyllis   H                    Memories of Paul, Dad and Grandad    

Flo J                                 Memories of loved ones 

Marion T                        Memories of Frank 

Natalie W                Memories of Derek

HURST NOOK FELLOWSHIP MEETING

This will take place on 6^th July at 7.30pm. The speakers are Barbara and Peter. All are welcome.

GIFT DAY AND AFTERNOON TEA Our Gift Day is on 3^rd July. We are having an afternoon tea on Saturday 2^nd July for our gift day. Gift Day envelopes are available from Marilyn.    CHRISTIAN AID  

Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to our Christian aid raffle. £90 was raised, well done. HURST NOOK TOTS 

Tots take place every Thursday 10am –11.30am during term time. The cost is £1 per family.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR:

The family of   Jack S, Oliver, Janet and Doris W, Mark H, Martin B and anyone who needs us at this time.  A lot of people at Hurst Nook are working to keep us with speakers every Sunday. We give them our special thanks.

Well done.

SHALOM!

Messenger Sponsors

Ashton Foot Clinic Chiropodist

Routine Chiropody

Discounted Nail Cutting Scheme:

Only £10.00

In growing Toenails/Nail Surgery

Insoles & Orthotics

Veruca treatments

Specialist in Sports Injuries,

Arthritis & Children

Save £5 off your first treatment;  only one offer per person

0161 330 1658

Shubar

36 Old Street, Ashton under Lyne

www.ashtonfootclinic.co.uk

Messenger Sponsors

Debbie’s Mobile Beauty Therapy

Ladies let me bring the spa

 to you in the comfort of your own home

Manicure      Pedicure     Indian Massage

Signature Gel Nail Polish

Waxing    Facials  Massage

 Pamper and Princess Parties

Special Treatment Packages and

Vouchers Available

For Enquires and Prices

Home: 0161 339 0508 

Messenger Sponsors

Goodall’s Chimney Services 

WHAT WE DO

.  All domestic & commercial flues swept

.  CCTV inspections available

.  Bird nest & blockage removal

.  Swept in accordance with NACS Codes of Conduct and Practice

.  Newest technology used (power sweeping)

.  Ring or complete the online form for a free no obligation quote

For a clean, friendly and professional service

Call Dave on 07542 196095 or

0161 351 1151

www.goodallschimneyservices.co.uk

Messenger Sponsors

Westhead’s Florist

Arrangements for All Occasions

Weddings – Funerals Anniversaries

102 Penny Meadow

Ashton-u-Lyne

 OL6 6EP

Tel. No.

0161 343 6743