Dear Friends,

I would like to begin this newsletter by saying a big thank you for the cards, phone calls and prayers received following my recent hospital visit. They have been much appreciated, and I am pleased to say that I am now well and truly on the mend.

Those of you who have had a stay in hospital will know that it is an ‘interesting’ experience! On this latest visit I had to go to the x-ray department for a follow-up chest x-ray.  Now, whilst I was certain that I could have walked to the department, the nurses insisted that I should be taken in a wheelchair by one of the porters. For me, this was a very strange experience to say the least. Me being ‘pushed’ (when in my previous occupation I had often been the one doing the pushing) well it didn’t feel right! And as I was reflecting on this experience my thoughts turned to the words of that popular hymn:

Brother, sister let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace
to let you be my servant too.

Some time ago when I trained in counselling, I feel certain that from a psychological point of view my reluctance to be ‘pushed’ could be attributed to a sense of losing control. That sense of relying on somebody else can make you feel vulnerable. Maybe so, however it seems to me that it is also about ‘humility’- it’s about being prepared to let others be there for us in our times of weakness.

In his teachings, Jesus encourages us all to be ‘Christ-like’ in our dealings with others. In order to follow Christ’s example we have to show humility; both as ‘givers’ and as ‘receivers’. On the night of his arrest, Jesus teaches us exactly what it meant to be ‘Christ-like.’ In a simple act of stooping down to wash his disciple’s feet (a task traditionally undertaken by a lowly servant) Jesus demonstrated his vulnerability but also the generosity of his love.

One of my favourite heroes of the faith is Brother Lawrence, who I am sure I have mentioned in the past. Lawrence was a 17th century monk and mystic, who worked in the kitchen at the monastery. He found great joy in lovingly serving others through the preparing of meals, and also in cleaning the pots and pans. In his menial work he found a sense of overwhelming delight. In a very real sense he felt that, as he served others, he was serving God.

At different times in our lives we are called to be both ‘givers’ and ‘receivers’. This is what being part of a Christian community is all about: sharing each other’s joys and sorrows; being there for one another and thus building up the body of Christ. As that aforementioned hymn reminds us:

We are pilgrims on a journey,
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.

May that be true for all of us.

Your friend and Minister,

Alan

GENERAL NOTICES

MISSION STATEMENT

“By God’s help, the Church will seek to proclaim the inclusive Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and action within the life of the Church and reaching out into the life of the world. It will be prepared to respond to the ever new challenges the Gospel presents.”

ALBION FELLOWSHIP ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

For up to date information and reminders of events which you can share with friends and family, why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  David H can help you with the details if needed.

ELDERS

The next Elders Meeting will be held at Charlestown on Thursday 3rd September at 7.30pm.

ALBION FELLOWSHIP FORUM

The Next meeting will be held on Monday 14th September, 7.30 pm at Charlestown. Our speaker is Jean G “My Story, My Way”  There are  many people away, so any of you who have thought about coming, now’s your chance. This is a combined effort for all the church to enjoy.

MIDWEEK SERVICE AT ALBION

The next mid-week Communion Service is on Wednesday 16th September at 11am in the Choir Vestry. (Please note it is the 3rd Wednesday this month)

BIBLE STUDY

The Bible study sessions will resume at the Manse at 7.45pm on Tuesday 15th September. All welcome – newcomers especially – to share a time of informal reflection and fellowship.

THANKS

Joyce M and family would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers, donations and expressions of sympathy following their sad loss. A special thanks to Rev Alan Wickens, Derek S and those who worked so hard on the day of the funeral, it was very much appreciated.

Addresses:

Albion URC, Stamford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne
Charlestown URC, Alexandra Rd., Ashton-under-Lyne
Hurst Nook URC, Nook Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne
Albion Website:    www.albionurc.org.uk

ALBION

FLOWERS

Colin B
Martin, Valerie, Claire & Karen
Irene M
Brian P
Barbara D
Olive W

SEPTEMBER

Birthday memories of a very dear Father
Birthday memories of a very dear Father and Granddad
Birthday memories of Harry
Wedding Anniversary
In loving memory of a dear Father, Albert Nokes
Harry and Olive’s Wedding Anniversary

Thanks to all who contribute so generously.

SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER IS HERITAGE DAY 11AM-3PM (Help/ Volunteers needed)

When Albion Church is open on Heritage day, 12th September, we will have the usual items to be seen by the public.  This year we are inviting members of all three churches to take part as guides to the interesting things in Albion Church.  The information is ready to be given to anyone interested in taking part.  For example there is a guide on ‘The windows’, The columns and angel hammer beams, The carved ends to the pews etc.   Thank you

ALBION PASTORAL MEETING

Will take place on Thursday 1st October at 7.30PM

MESSY CHURCH AND HARVEST SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER

Albion invite the young people and their families to join us for our second “Messy Church “at 10.30am . The 4th October is also Harvest: gifts of non-perishable foods received will be donated to support the work at The Carpenter’s Arms

COMMUNION – SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER

Please note this is a change of date for communion

AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR 11AM TO 3PM

The craft fair will take place on Saturday 17th October. There will be lots of high quality crafts on sale – a new date with new stalls added for 2015. This is in lieu of the craft fair at Christmas, so come along and buy early for Christmas. Lunches and refreshments will be on sale. Interested in having a table? Contact Pat Jones

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL – 200 CHRISTMASES 11TH TO 13TH DECEMBER 2015

The Christmas Tree Celebration starts Albion Fellowship’s  200th Anniversary Celebrations. If you are able to decorate a tree or know of new groups in the community please contact Gillian  as soon as possible. Gillian hopes to hold mini meetings during heritage day to finalise plans for this year’s tree festival.

FAMILY NEWS

Congratulations to Debbie and Paul  on the safe arrival of Lavinia Hope born 3rd June 2015 – weight 8lb 12oz. Congratulations also to Lavinia’s grandparents Judy and Phil S plus her brother Brad. J

Lyndsey & Richard G and family are proud to announce the safe arrival of Klara-Mae Elspeth  born Friday 14th August at 21:47-weight 7lb 12oz. Klara’s baptism is at Charlestown on Sunday 4th October and any fellowship friends who cannot make it to the service are invited to pop down to Charlestown to join the family for a brew and a cuddle after the service. J

Announcement of Death from the family of Eileen: On Saturday 15 August 2015, Eileen Laura Gregson, dearest wife of the late Harry.  Much loved Mum of Glynn, Clive, Janet, Judith and Janine and Mum-in-Law to Peter and Missy.  Loving Grandma to Victoria, James, Christopher, Michelle, Andrew, Katie, Jaclyn and Rebekah and Grandma-in-Law to Colin, Kelly, Eddie and Laura.  Great Grandma (“Little Grandma”) to Connor, Harriet, Jaimie, Freya, Kaycee, Riley, Thomas, Sophia, Lily and Erin. Eileen’s funeral is Thursday 27 August 10.45am at Albion Church, 11.45am at Hurst Cemetery and afterwards refreshments and remembrance at Barton Villa, Dukinfield Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Albion Church and Cancer Research UK

YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR

Our young people as they start the new academic year in a new class, school, college or university.

Mary B, Hilda F, Val and Martin B, Alan C, Jean K, Olive B, Irene M, Margaret and Ron T, Joyce M, Alan W, the family of Eileen G and anyone who needs our prayers at this time.

HURST NOOK

FLOWERS

Roy and Carole W
Brenda and Vinney C

SEPTEMBER         

Wedding Anniversary and Mum’s Birthday
Wedding Anniversary

HURST NOOK FELLOWSHIP

This will take place on Wednesday 27th September at 7. 30PM. We will enjoy an evening of crafts with Jean  All are welcome.

COMMITTEE MEETING  

This will take place on Tuesday 8th September at 7 30PM.  

Good attendance pleas

HARVEST COFFEE MORNING

There will be a Harvest Coffee Morning  at Hurst Nook on Saturday 26th  September from 11am to 1pm. Tickets are available from Joyce, admission is 50p

GIFT DAY

Our Annual Gift Day raised £1817.50. Well done everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM HURST NOOK TO:

Sadie Samways, Barbara Cope, John Haynes, Coby Wood and Pam Davenhall.

FAMILY CONCERNS

We were sorry to hear of the death of Eva Hague. She was a long standing member of Hurst Nook and will be missed by everyone. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Ernie and family at this sad time.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR:

Oliver, Barbara Hobson, Jeff , Lisa a niece of Barbara who is very ill. David Atherton suffering with eye trouble, Doris and Janet W, Alan Wickens, Martin B and anyone who needs our thoughts and prayers at this time.  

Thanks to Marilyn for organising the improvements to our small church we appreciate it. And to everyone for your never ending help. What would we do without you?!

Please bring tinned food for the harvest which will be donated to The Carpenter’s Arms. Thank you.  

Shalom! 

CHARLESTOWN

FLOWERS

Glenys and Philip
Larraine and Family
Christine and Tom
Helen Mellor

SEPTEMBER

Loving Memories of Philip’s Dad
Loving Memories of a wonderful Mum and Grandma
Gillian and Carole’s Birthday Love Mum and Dad
In Loving Memory of a very dear friend Betty Cotterall

FAMILY CONCERNS

We think of all those children and young people moving on into a new year group, class, college or university and wish you all every success in all you that you do. We also hold in our thoughts and prayers Tom Wilkinson, Alan Wickens, Sam Hilton, Keith Culpan and all those who need our prayers at this time.

GIFT WEEKEND

Thanks to all for a wonderful celebration of Charlestown’s Anniversary/Gift Weekend. A total of £2012.50 was raised.

WOMEN’S GUILD

There will be no meeting during September.

Amongst the small change collected by Guild members, we recently discovered a small bronze coin, dated 1930 and showing a picture of Robert Raikes on one side and worded on the reverse ‘150th Anniversary of Robert Raikes, founder of Sunday Schools, 1780 – 1930’.  Although of little monetary value, the coin was very interesting and was taken to Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre where it was left as a gift to add to their collection. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all our young people who have recently received examination results and are now moving on to pastures new. We wish George S every success as he begins his course at Edge Hill and also to Keesha who begins her studies at York University. Congratulations to Thomas and David on their graduations from Edge Hill and Nottingham. We wish them every success in the future as they return to university for a further course of study.