May 2014
Dear Friends,
2016 – why are we talking about 2016 I hear you ask! 2016 will be a special year in the life of our Church fellowship because it is our 200th anniversary. Now I know it may seem a long way off, but if we are to truly celebrate this time in an appropriate way we need to start the planning process NOW. To this end, a small steering group has been formed made of up representatives from each of the branches and other interested parties who have already made a start. It is envisaged that the celebrations will be launched at the 2015 Christmas Tree Festival and conclude at the 2016 Christmas Tree Festival, possibly taking ‘Go forth and tell as our theme. Suggestions thus far include a flower festival, various musical and choir events (organ, brass / jazz band etc.) the publication of an updated history of our Church etc. as well as special services with guest preachers.
My purpose in drawing this to your attention at this point is two-fold. Firstly, to encourage your thoughts and suggestions as to what you would like to include as part of the celebrations. I wish to stress that is a celebration for the whole fellowship, and a wonderful opportunity for all the branches to work together. This needs to be reflected in what we do. Secondly, and most importantly, we really do need your help if the ideas and suggestions are come to fruition. The reality is if we haven’t the people to help then it won’t happen – which would be a pity and a missed opportunity.
It is hoped that in conjunction with the steering group, small working groups may be formed to concentrate on specific actions required: e.g. getting involved with the flower festival group, or helping with advertising events etc – in fact there is something for everyone to do, as well as offering prayerful support.
Albion has a long history, and one that we as members should be proud of. Over the past 200 years the Church has made a significant impact on the life and witness of our town and community, and I hope and pray that the Albion witness will continue long into the future.
So please, let us hear your thoughts and suggestions. Speak to me or your representative on the steering group or any of the Elders. If you are approached (or preferably if you volunteer) to join one of the working groups, do please give it your prayerful consideration. Let us make 2016 a year of celebration, and a year of thanksgiving for God’s continued and richest blessings in all we do and say in his Name.
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided…past put behind us, for the future take us, Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.”
Your friend and Minister,
Alan
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY | |||
DATE | TIME | EVENT | PLACE |
2nd May | 7.30pm | Help the Heroes Concert | Albion |
3rd May | 11am -3pm | Craft Fair | Albion |
4th May | 12 – 4pm | Craft Fair | Albion |
7ayh May | 7.30pm | H N Fellowship | Hurst Nook |
10th May | 11am – 1pm | Christian Aid Coffee Morning | Charlestown |
10th May | 7.30pm | Nigel Ogden Concert | Albion |
11th May | 5.30pm Tea 6.30pm | Christian Aid Service Churches Together in Ashton | Hurst Methodist |
12th May | 8.00pm | Fellowship Forum | Albion |
13th May | 7.30pm | HN Committee Meeting | Hurst Nook |
14th May | 11am | Mid-Week Service | Albion |
17th May | 10am – 12 | Plant Sale | Albion |
18th May | After Worship | Christian Aid Lunch | Hurst Nook |
20th May | 7.45pm | Bible Study | Manse |
22nd May | 2.30pm | Women’s Guild | Charlestown |
31st May | All Day | Trip to Llandudno | From Charlestown |
8th June | After Worship | Picnic in the Park | King George’s Park |
GENERAL NOTICES
ALBION FELLOWSHIP FORUM
The Forum will meet on Monday 12th May at 8pm. The evening will focus on the work of Frances House.
MIDWEEK SERVICE AT ALBION
The next mid-week Communion Service is on Wednesday 14th May at 11am in the Choir Vestry and will be led by Irene Whitehead.
BIBLE STUDY GROUP
The Bible study group will meet on 20th May at 7.45pm at the manse. All welcome.
CHRISTIAN AID SERVICE – CTA
This year’s, worship at the start of Christian Aid Week will be held at Hurst Methodist Church, on Sunday 11th May at 6.30pm. This will be preceded with tea at 5.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
COMMITMENT FOR LIFE – PRAYER PARTNERS
El Salvador
We pray for:
- Christian Aid partner Acudesbal working with local communities to set up emergency committees and developing emergency plans to lessen the devastating impact of tropical storms, hurricanes and floods. Concepcion Moratalla, one of the leaders in her community explains “The early warning systems we now use have helped us greatly; they have saved lives.”
- And give thanks for the help farmers receive after the storm destruction to plant new crops and new rice varieties which are resistant to floods. This should ensure that, if flooding occurs again, the community will have enough food to eat and sell.
- Those working for organisations supported by Commitment for Life through Christian Aid in the most violent country in Central America, with 19% of adults victims of some form of crime each year. May they be inspired, strengthened and protected when their work is dangerous.
ALBION
FLOWERS
Christine and Geoff
Jean W
Jean and Brian P
Edward B and family
Judith Phil and family
MAY
With very special memories of a Philip and Christine much loved Mum and Dad, Vera and Harry H
In grateful memory of parents and all family
Birthday memories of Edna
Birthday memories of Ruth and wedding anniversary
In loving memory of Roger
Our thanks to the above for their gifts and memories
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
It will grow better if you use good plants. Make sure of this by purchasing them from Albion church on Saturday 17th May from 10 a.m. until noon. To make sure you get the plants you want fill in an order form (available at all three churches) and let Colin B or Edward B have the completed form no later than Sunday 4 May. If it turns out to be a nice day, plants will go quickly unless they have been ordered.
THANKYOU
Karen and Darryl wish to say Thankyou for congratulation cards, gifts and flowers which they received following the safe arrival oh Heidi Elizabeth on 4th April. Eleanor is being very helpful and enjoying being a big sister.
We would also like to say Thankyou for the lovely “grandparents” cards we received, all very much appreciated. We are blessed with three lovely granddaughters.
Thanks and God Bless you all Martin and Val.
BROWNIES CELEBRATION
Brownies are celebrating the Big Brownie Birthday during 2014.
The Brownies from Albion have already been celebrating by sleeping overnight at Guide Bridge Theatre with other girls from the Ashton area. During the craft fair there will be a display of Brownie Memorabilia and photographs and the opportunity to meet up with ex Albion Brownies. If you were a Brownie (or Rainbow or Guide) at Albion call in on Sunday 4th May in the afternoon to see if there is anyone you know… You will be very welcome.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Birthday wishes are being sent to Edward Bamforth (9th May) and Belated birthday wished for Mary Buckley (12th April) both of whom celebrate reaching their 90th year.
Congratulations!
ALBION TOTS GROUP
Albion Tots group will meet at Albion Church on Friday 9.30am till 11.00am
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A CONCERT FOR HEROES FRIDAY 2ND MAY 7.30PM
The Adamson Military Band
West Hill Jazz Orchestra
Liz Taylor (Soprano)
Derek Sharples – Organist
Tickets £5
ARTS AND CRAFT FAIR
Saturday 3rd May 11am- 3pm and Sunday 4th May 12noon – 3pm
Presenting Rachel’s voices on Sunday 12 noon
Admission £1 – includes a drink.
Lunches and snacks available.
Contact Pat Jones for details pattyjo9@talktalk.net
AN EVENING WITH NIGEL OGDEN
Saturday 10th May at 7.30pm
Nigel is the presenter of BBC’s Radio 2
“The Organist Entertains”
Playing a programme of popular music
Tickets £8 (available from Derek or pay on door)
HURST NOOK
FLOWERS
Eva Hague
Barbara Hobson
Carole and Roy Whitney
Glenis Outram
Marilyn Piper
Jean Linney Moffatt
MAY
Wedding Anniversary
Memories of Mum and Dad
Memories of Mum and Dad
Father’s Birthday
Wedding Anniversary
Memories of a Dear Husband
HURST NOOK FELLOWSHIP
The fellowship meeting will take place on Wednesday 7th May at 7.30pm. The speaker is Barbara H.
HURST NOOK COMMITTEE MEETING
This meeting will take place on Tuesday 13th May at 7.30pm.
CHRISTIAN AID LUNCH
This will take place after Worship on 18th May £4.00 a head. See Joyce for further details.
EASTER FAIR
Thankyou to everybody who helped and donated to this event, a grand total of £503 was raised. Well Done!
COMBINED ELECTION DAY AT HURST NOOK
22ND May 7.30pm – Good attendance please
HURST NOOK TOTS
Every Thursday 10am -11.30am during term time, £1.00 per family.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS FROM HURST NOOK To:
Marion T, Kathleen L, Brenda C and Georgie G.
YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR:
Flo J, Eva H, Mavis D, Rita K, Callum, Oliver and anyone who needs our special prayers at this time.
The Spring Flowers are out; it is lovely to see all things bright and beautiful.
SHALOM!
CHARLESTOWN
FLOWERS
Alan Woffenden
Glenys and Phillip
Ruth Colin Adam and All Jan’s Family
MAY
Loving Memories of Barbara a very Dear Wife, Mother and Grandmother
Loving Memories of Mum and Dad
Loving memories of Jan a Precious Friend, Sister, Mum, Daughter and Nana
COFFEE MORNING
On May 10th we will be holding a coffee morning from 11am – 1.00pm. All money collected will be given to Christian Aid. We are asking for donations of home bake. Please come along and support this event.
PICNIC IN THE PARK SUNDAY 8TH JUNE 2014
The elders of Charlestown invite the fellowship to come along to King George’s Pak after morning worship. Bring your deck chairs, picnic blanket and packed lunch to join in the event for a time of fellowship, fun and games.
LONDON MARATHON
Congratulations to Judith Wood who completed the marathon. In the last year Judith has trained hard in preparation. Sponsor money raised is to be split between Francis House and Reuben’s Retreat. If you have not sponsored Judith and would like to give a donation there is still time to do so. Well Done Judith.
CHARLESTOWN DAY OUT – LLANDUDNO
This will take place on Saturday May 31st. Places are still available. There is also the opportunity to have tea together at St. John’s (the church Carole Morelle attends) The cost will be approximately £15 depending on numbers. Please let Denise P know as soon as possible if you are interested.
WOMEN’S GUILD
The Guild will meet at 2.30pm on Thursday 22 May, when the speaker will be Gail Sheppard. All ladies are invited to come along and join us.
FAMILY NEWS
We think of all those known to us that need our prayers at this time particularly Keith C, Cyril R and Bett M. As we approach the Summer Term we think of our young friends near and far as they prepare for exams at school, college and university.
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