Bamford Chapel www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
& January 2013
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 Dec
10.30 am 6.00 pm
Family Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley Evening Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley
Monday 3rd Dec
8.00 pm
Focus on Prayer, led by Joanne Ackroyd Theme: Advent
Thursday 6th Dec
7.30 pm
Elders meeting
Saturday 8th Dec
3pm until 6 pm
Sunday 9th Dec
10.30 am 6.00 pm
Tuesday 11th Dec
Sunday 16th Dec
12 Noon for 12.45 pm 10.30 am 6.00 pm
Saturday 22nd Dec
Sunday 23rd Dec
12 noon - 1 pm
Messy church (something for all ages) Family Worship led by David Watson Evening Worship led by Ken Greer Light lunches followed by concert given by students from Chethams School of Music Family Worship led by Andy Platt Evening Worship with Holy Communion led by Food for Thought CTiNWR Carol Singing at Cutgate Precinct - followed by refreshments at Cutgate Baptist Church
10.30 am
Nativity Service led by Food for Thought & Junior Church
4.00 pm
Family Tea - please sign up - followed by:
6.00 pm
Traditional Service of Carols and Readings Led by Revd Richard Bradley together with our choir
Monday 24th Dec
7.30 pm 11.30 pm
Monday 24th Dec
11.30 pm
Tuesday 25th Dec Christmas Day
10.00 am
Sunday 30th Dec
10.30 am
Family Party - Pot Luck Supper followed by: Midnight Communion Service led by Richard Bradley Christmas Day Celebration led by Richard Bradley (bring a present along) Family Worship led by Joan Warner
Please note there will be no evening service on Sunday 30th Dec
January 2013
\
Thursday 3rd Jan Sunday 6th Jan
7.30 pm 10.30 am
6.00 pm Tuesday 8th Jan
12 Noon for 12.45 pm
Tuesday 8th Jan
8.00 pm
Sunday 13th Jan
10.30 am 6.00 pm
Monday 14th Jan
7.30 pm
Elders meeting Family Worship with Ordination and Induction of New Eldership, followed by Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley Evening Worship led by Ken Greer Light lunches followed by concert given by Qian Wu (violin) & Russell Lomass (piano). All welcome Focus on Prayer Theme: Encountering Jesus Family Worship led by our Elders Evening Worship with Holy Communion led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley Churches Together in North West Rochdale Meeting at Bamford Chapel – Speaker from the Rochdale Foodbank 2
Sunday 20th Jan
10.30 am
Sunday 20th Jan
6.30 pm
Family Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service to be held at Cutgate Baptist Church
Please note there will be no evening service at Bamford Chapel on Sunday 20th Jan Sunday 27th Jan 10.30 am Family Worship led by Richard Bradley 6.00 pm Evening Worship led by David Watson Wednesday 30th Jan
1.30 pm
Mid week Communion Service
Please check the website at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk for any alterations as these dates went to press in Nov 2012. One parent’s recollection of watching her children in the Nativity! My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. My five -year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's "dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mamamama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur." The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Nativity play as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of "gold, common sense and fur." 3
Message from the manse “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) As I write this article I do so two days after I was invited to a year 6 class in Kath Day’s school. I was invited in to answer questions that the year 6 class had for me about my faith and how it impacts my life and how it impacts the lives of others. Kath was gracious and let me have a copy of the questions beforehand! All the questions were good ones; some more searching than others. One of the questions was: “Do you prefer the Old Testament or the New Testament?” That question has got me thinking since about Christmas and how in the Carol Service we will hear words from both the Old and New testaments about Jesus. It is amazing how many references there are to Jesus in the Old Testament. Some people think that the New Testament is somehow more important, more relevant to us as Christians. I don’t think we can divorce the one from the other. Both are vital to us and speak into our lives. To me it is verses like I quote above from Isaiah that have such amazing power. Did those who heard the words above really think they were speaking of Jesus the Son of God? I would suggest not. And yet those words would, in some way, have resonated with, and spoken to, the people of Israel. And yet through the lens of the New Testament they also speak of Jesus Christ. And that is one of the amazingly staggering things about the Bible – it was a book written hundreds and hundreds of years ago and yet it is as relevant today as it was when it was first penned. And Jesus is as relevant today as when he walked the earth. As we continue through the themed services for a year – I hope we will continue asking God to reveal His will for us as a Church and for 4
us as individuals. Christmas is a good time for us to ponder who Jesus is. Some of us may associate more with the Jesus in the manger, others perhaps the Jesus on the cross. Still others may associate more with the Jesus blessing the children, healing the sick rather than the Jesus who turned the tables over in the temple. But each is the same person. The same Jesus, the same Lord, the same Son of God. This Christmas I want us to think again about Jesus. You may think that is an odd thing to ask you to do – but so often we romanticise Jesus at Christmas. Jesus came to show us a better way. Jesus came to show us the only way to heaven. Jesus reaches out to us all from the cradle and from the cross. And as people came to see the Lord in the manger and brought gifts to Him – and as we receive gifts this Christmas, I hope we will remember the greatest gift ever given. I hope we will remember the Christ of the manger – but that we will not stop at the manger – but that we will journey on with Christ to see more of what He came to do; for He came to be the Saviour of the world. And as we also look forward to a New Year – we do so looking forward to new challenges and new opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I hope when I write an article for the December and January edition of the magazine next year that we will have moved forward as a Church and that we will have heard God’s voice in showing us what His vision is for Bamford Chapel as we journey on with Christ. I hope we all have a blessed and glorious Christmas knowing the presence of Christ as we celebrate His birth. God Bless Richard. 5
News of the family Concerns are expressed for Ray and Auriel Atkins, Alastair Linden and family, Fred and Margaret Riley, Joan Warner and her sister Sylvia Preston and Margaret Speak. We pray particularly for John Baillie, Joanna and family following Helen`s death. Also for the family of Rosa Cowden whose funeral was held at Bamford Chapel recently. Please pray also for Ruth Watson and her family as she prepares to “preach with a view” early in the New Year. Christmas is almost upon us. By the time you read this we will have held our Christmas Fair and the Toy Service and we will be into Advent. Our young people will be ready to come home from university or to break up from school for the holidays. We will be looking forward to the usual hectic round of events at Bamford chapel: the Ladies’ Fellowship Christmas meal, Messy Church, Food for Thought’s evening service, the Nativity Service, the Family Tea and Carol Service, Family Party and Midnight communion. In the midst of all the activities and busyness, let’s not forget to stop and give thanks for the real meaning of Christmas and to make sure that we leave room for Jesus at the centre of our celebrations.
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DOOR STEWARD [GREETER] “a person who waits on and is responsible for the comfort of parishioners” A gentle reminder to all door stewards to make sure there is someone stewarding your allotted door when you are unable to attend Chapel. If you have a problem, please ring me although to arrange a swap yourself is the best method. Also, please could you tidy the pews following worship, removing any service sheets or “rubbish” which may have been left. Remember, this is a very important part of evangelism. Your welcome can make such a difference especially to those who are coming to Bamford Chapel for the first time. Your part is one of many that the Lord may choose to use in helping people make another step of growth in their spiritual journey.
GOD BLESS,
LESLEY SUTTON The Rocking Song Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir; We will lend a coat of fur, We will rock you, rock you, rock you, We will rock you, rock you, rock you:
Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative. Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences. 7
HE’S BACK In March this year footballer Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton midfielder collapsed in front of 35,000 spectators and a television audience of millions during an FA cup tie at Tottenham Hotspur. Recently he kicked a football for only the second time since the cardiac arrest. It is the latest stage of a remarkable comeback. Seven months ago he was dead on the pitch. An agonising 78 minutes and 15 defibrillator shocks later, his heart finally began pumping again. On 16 April he was discharged from hospital and now, despite being told he will never play football again, he is in Kent preparing for a run-out with a local disabled and special needs team in order to support BBC Children in Need. He was told he should play no longer than ten minutes at a time. So when he comes off after more than half an hour breathless but smiling, everyone is nervous. But not Muamba. He now has an implant that could start his heart in case of an emergency. “I’ve been given a second opportunity in life,” says the 24 year old. “To have this second life is a chance to do things right, starting with helping these kids. Football has given me so many opportunities, so much in life, and I’ve discovered that a lot of kids love me for some reason! So this is a wonderful way to say thank you. Until I came round I had no idea how much of an impact my accident had had. It was overwhelming. The prayers coming from everyone, people we didn’t know, it all helped the family to cope with the situation. Prayer brought the family together.” He says his Christian faith helps him to deal with life after football. “I’m no different to any other guy, I love football. But my time came. There must be a reason why He kept me here. Otherwise I would have been gone. It’s a reason we’ll all know in the future.” 8
Born in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1988 Muamba came to England as a refugee when he was 11 years old. Despite not being able to speak English when he first arrived, he went on to earn ten GCSEs and three A-levels while also making his professional debut for Arsenal at just 17 years old. None of us knows what the Lord has in store. Often we are unaware of why something has happened to us. The Lord is working his purpose out. Muamba knew only too well what his future role in life was going to be. Not many of us gets a second chance. Perhaps each day should be our second chance, to put our lives in perspective and move forward as the Lord would wish. Christmas is a time to have a second chance. Use it wisely and remember the miracle of Fabrice Muamba. God Bless. LESLEY SUTTON
While Shepherds Watched While shepherds watched Their flocks by night All seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around The union of Shepherds has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts. Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around he / she must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory. 9
Letter received by Ian Sturrock following his 70th Birthday Party fundraiser in aid of Francis House Hospice On behalf of the children and families of Francis House Children’s Hospice thank you very much for raising a brilliant £813.49 at your birthday party. I hope you all had an enjoyable night and it’s one you will remember and of course you are proud of the amount that you helped to raise. The donation is a welcome addition to the funding needed for the day-to-day upkeep of Francis House. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about a new and exciting campaign we are embarking on here at Francis House called ‘the next piece in the jigsaw’. Due to medical advances many of the children that we care for are living much longer, many into their twenties. At Francis House we do not turn away those who need our services. To meet these increased needs; construction of a new building is taking place on site. The additional building will add a further 7 en-suite bedrooms and new facilities including a state of the art digital recording studio. The building works began early 2012 at a cost of £3.5 million. I do hope you will continue to support Francis House at this exciting time, and join us as we add the next piece to our jigsaw. Many thanks again. Lucy Heald Fundraisng Officer
www.francishouse.org.uk 10
A BIG, BIG THANK YOU To everyone who so generously supported the recent Coffee Day, which was held at Trinity Methodist Church in Heywood. (either on the day or by donations etc.,) This was held for the abandoned babies home in Belarus. Special thanks to Barbara Redmond whose meringues always sell out so quickly. The wonderful amount of £1,210 was raised. This will help to provide lots of the necessary items needed for the children. Thanking you for your continued support once again, this is very much appreciated. Love Carol Hartley. We Three Kings We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient’s name or perhaps give a gift voucher. We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves. It is essential that border control officers ensure that the three kings and the members of their party can all provide the necessary identity documentation before permitting them to cross frontiers. All requests for political asylum must be examined carefully before being refused. 11
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Service Themes for morning and evening servic “SEEKING GOD’S VISIO Date 2nd December 10.30am
Special Service? Communion
Preacher
Bib
Revd Richard Bradley
Luke 21:25
nd
Revd Richard Bradley
Jeremiah 33
th
David Watson
Luke 3:1-6
2 December 6pm 9 December 10.30am th
9 December 6pm
Ken Greer
Luke 1:68-7
th
Andy Platt
Isaiah 9:1-7
th
Food For Thought / JA
Not set pass
16 December 10.30am 16 December 6pm rd
Nativity - FFT
FFT & Jnr Church
Not set pass
rd
Carol Service
Choir
Not set pass
th
Midnight Com’ion
Revd Richard Bradley
Not set pass
th
Christmas Day
Revd Richard Bradley
No set pass
Joan Warner
No set pass
23 December 10.30am 23 December 6pm 24 December 11.30pm 25 December 10.30am? th
30 December 10.30am
Service Themes for morning and evening “SEEKING GOD’S VI Date th
6 January 10.30am
Special Service? Communion
Preacher
Bibl
Revd Richard Bradley
Luke 2:8-2
6 January 6pm
Mr Ken Greer
Luke 2:41
13th January 10.30am
The Elders
Luke 7:36
13 January 6pm
Revd Richard Bradley
Matthew 9
20th January 10.30am
Revd Richard Bradley
Luke 11:14
Revd Richard Bradley
Mark 8:27
Revd Richard Bradley
Luke 7:1-1
Mr David Watson
Mark 4:35
th
th
th
20 January 6pm
Communion
27th January 10.30am th
27 January 6pm
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ces – Bamford Chapel URC – December 2012 ON FOR THE CHURCH”
ble Reading
Heading
Monthly Theme
5-36
(Part of) Signs of the End of the Age
Preparing for Jesus
3:14-16
(Part of) Promise of restoration
Preparing for Jesus
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Preparing for Jesus
79 (or 67-80)
Zechariah’s Song
Preparing for Jesus
7
To us a Child is born
Preparing for Jesus
sage
Preparing for Jesus
sage
Preparing for Jesus
sage
Preparing for Jesus
sage
Preparing for Jesus
sage
The Arrival of Jesus
sage
Norden to join Bamford?
services – Bamford Chapel URC – January 2013 ISION FOR THE CHURCH”
e Reading
Heading
Monthly Theme
20
The Shepherds and the Angels
Encounters with Jesus
-50
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
Encounters with Jesus
-50
Jesus anointed by a Sinful Woman
Encounters with Jesus
9:18-26
Jairus’ Daughter
Encounters with Jesus
4-28
Jesus and Beelzebub (The Unbelievers)
Encounters with Jesus
7-30
Peter’s Confession of Christ
Encounters with Jesus
10
The Faith of the Centurion
Encounters with Jesus
5-41
Jesus calms the Storm
Encounters with Jesus
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Little Donkey Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows. You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.
The Health and Safety Guidance for the singing of Christmas songs were forwarded to the editor by Ian and Muriel Sturrock. They had received it from Ivor Rees. Many thanks to them all for sharing these ’words of wisdom’ with our readers. 16
A Date for Your Diary Naomi Zupfer, who worked with Auriel Atkins to arrange the visits by the Wartburg Wind Ensemble in 2010, has been in touch with Auriel once again. This time she has asked to bring the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir to Bamford Chapel as part of their 2013 tour of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The choir and their director, Dr James Nowack particularly wish to sing in church buildings, in order to emphasis the sacred nature of their repertoire. The choir will be arriving in Bamford on Friday evening 24 th May and the concert will be held in church on Saturday 25 th May. They will be travelling to Dublin the following day, so would need to leave us around 8am. We will need to provide accommodation for around sixty five members of the choir, over the two nights of their stay. As many people know, hosting our American visitors is a rewarding and happy experience. We have no further details of the visit as yet, but I am hoping that all who are able will give prayerful consideration to offering hospitality and a warm Bamford welcome to one or more member of the choir. Julie Platt and I will be asking for a more formal commitment nearer the time, but in the meantime feel free to see either one of us if you already feel able to offer a bed or two. For more details about the choir go to www.wlc.edu Thank you Angela smith 17
Bamford Chapel December Lunchtime concert Tuesday December 11th Lunch available at 12 noon Concert at 12.45 pm Entry charge for the concert is £3
Featuring Chethams School of Music This year our performers are from the Woodwind Department. The “Chet’s” concert never fails to please. 18
Bamford Chapel January Lunchtime concert Tuesday January 8th Lunch available at 12 noon Concert at 12.45 pm Entry charge for the concert is ÂŁ3
Featuring 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.
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Ladies Fellowship On Friday September 28th Bamford Ladies Fellowship held a fantastic Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Nurses and in just over 2 hours raised
ÂŁ616.90.
It was a
wonderful effort and thanks go to the Ladies Fellowship Committee and also some members. We had a raffle and a home made cake stall. Also a bring and buy stall. We had coffee and tea and Gloria Norbury made about 6 dozen scones which we all enjoyed very much. Our thanks to all who helped make the coffee morning such a success. Our October Ladies Fellowship evening was spent filling shoe boxes for Belarus. This year we did them for adults. About 60/70 boxes were filled and Carol Hartley was present to take them all off us ready for their journey to Belarus. We sincerely hope everyone who will receive a box will be pleased with the contents. Thanks to everyone who came to this meeting and filled the boxes. 20
Stir up Sunday Did you know:
that a Christmas pudding is traditionally made with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his Disciples a proper Christmas pudding is stirred East to West to honour the three wise men who visited the infant Jesus a recent survey showed that two-thirds of children had never stirred a traditional Christmas pudding – and made a wish!
There’s still time to make sure as many of the 13 ingredients as possible in this year’s puddings are Fairtrade – gorgeous ingredients with the sweet taste of justice! Traidcraft Traidcraft Traidcraft Traidcraft Traidcraft
Fairtrade Fairtrade Fairtrade Fairtrade Fairtrade
Raisins Sultanas Dates Walnuts Apricots
£2.75 £2.75 £3.30 £2.10 £2.80
You can also order Christmas Cake Christmas Pudding and Fairtrade Iced Fruit Cake
£13.85 £7.95 £3.95
Make your Christmas Tree more Meaningful Help parents and grandparents share the Christmas story with Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations. Five milk chocolate decorations, five stickers and a Christmas story booklet for £4.20 make this a wonderful family way to tell the Christmas story.
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Rochdale Food Bank The Rochdale Food Bank opened its doors on Monday 5th November having already collected over 5 tons of timed and dried food. In its first week it welcomed 38 clients and distributed 1/2 ton of food. The centre/warehouse is situated on The Butts in Rochdale town centre and is manned daily Monday to Friday, by willing volunteers. Thank you to all those at Bamford Chapel who are contributing food on a regular basis in the box provided. If anyone would like to donate ÂŁ1 per month to help cover other running costs - electricity, insurance etc, I would be happy to receive it. It would be ideal if we could give at least ÂŁ10 per month from our fellowship. Thanks for all your help Margaret Ogden (volunteer) Jingle Bells Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance. 22
An amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Company
Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Don’t miss your chance to see it! Performances are on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th February 2013 Tickets will be on sale on Sunday mornings following the service or ring John & Angela Hall on 01706 715193 £8 for adults, £6 for Concessions 23
Churches Together in North West Rochdale Following the AGM, which was held on 23rd October at Norden URC here are
some details
of Christmas
activities planned by your local churches. Firstly, the Christmas Cards will be ready to deliver in early December, so please look out for these and help to distribute them around the neighbourhood.
At the
meeting, it was suggested that we pray for each family as we put the card through their door.
Delivering the
cards is in itself an act of Evangelism, and you never know the effect it may have on the recipients.
And a
walk will help you to keep in good shape prior to the excesses of Christmas! Next, there will be a joint Carol Singing at Ashbourne House Nursing home on 11th December. Some of you may remember that our own choir went along last year, so we are hoping to extend this to all the local churches this year. I realise that there are other events on that day, but we have had to work around dates given us by Ashbourne House.
If you are free, just turn up at
24
Ashbourne House in time to begin singing at 2pm. Richard has agreed to lead the proceedings and the organist at Cutgate will play for us.
A small incentive;
last year Ashbourne House served mince pies and mulled wine to the singers and visitors. Lastly, may I encourage you to go along to Cutgate Precinct at noon on 22nd December where the annual Carol Singing will be taking place until 1pm. This too is followed by mince pies in Cutgate Baptist church. And finally, a date for your new diaries.
The next
meeting of CTNWR will be at Bamford Chapel on 14th January 2013, when Ian White, from the Rochdale Food Bank will be speaking to us. you are to all CTNWR meetings. Angela Smith
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Everyone is welcome, as
Skipping Church Father Norton woke up one Sunday morning to an exceptionally beautiful day so decided he just had to play golf. He told the associate pastor that he was feeling sick and persuaded him to say Mass for him that day. As soon as the associate pastor left the room Father Norton set off to a golf course 40 miles away. This way he knew he wouldn’t meet anyone he knew from his parish. Setting up on the first tee, he was alone. After all, it was Sunday morning and everyone else was in church. At the same time Saint Peter, looked down from heaven, leaned over to the Lord and exclaimed, “You’re not going to let him get away with this, are you?” The Lord sighed and said, “No, certainly not!” Just then Father Norton teed off and hit the ball straight down the fairway of the 420 yard first hole. The ball soared through the air, bounced and ran, then went straight down the hole. It was a magnificent 420 yard hole-in-one! Saint Peter was astonished. He looked at the Lord and asked, “Why did you let him do that?” The Lord smiled and replied, “Who’s he going to tell?” 26
Reminder You can keep up to date with everything happening at Bamford Chapel by logging on to the website at:
www.bamfordchapel.co.uk The November magazine was viewed online a total of 279 times at the time of going to press. We even have one reader in Spain (thanks Judith!) This is a great way to see the photographs in more detail . If you would like to view the magazine on line go to
www.issuu.com
and search for ’Bamford Chapel’
or use your qr code scanner and scan this code to view the magazine on your smart phone.
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BAMFORD CHAPEL MAGAZINE EDITORS:
Louise Aspinall 01706 719449 l.aspinall@yahoo.co.uk Martyn James 01706 868885 martyn-james1@sky.com
SECRETARY:
Joan Ashton 01706 360395 ray-joanashton@sky.com
NOTE: Louise, Martyn, Joan and all involved with producing the magazine would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Our thanks for all the contributions you make throughout the year. We look forward to many more contributions in 2013.
DATES FOR THE NEXT MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2013 Articles to be handed in by:
Sunday 13th January 2013
Magazine to be completed by:
Thursday 24th January 2013
Magazine distributed:
Sunday 27th January 2013 29
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: Minister : Email:
01706 369622
Rev Richard Bradley richardbradley@cantab.net
Church Secretary: Telephone: Email:
Ian Sturrock 01706 653109 i.sturrock@talktalk.net
Wedding Secretary: Telephone:
John Lapworth 01706 632460
Lettings Manager: Linda Kerford Telephone: 01706 624256 Email: l.kerford@btinternet.com
Times of Services: Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1st Sunday in month Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3rd Sunday in month 30