Sunday 3rd July
10.30 am
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
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
Sunday 31stJuly
10.30 am
Sunday 31st July
6.00 pm
Family Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley
Family Worship led by David Watson
Evening Worship led by Sid Hazlehurst Family Worship led by Margaret Ogden 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. 2
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 3
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. 4
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. 5
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 7
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 contactKatie Lowry BTCV07740 899539 or Kay Carrington RADPAC01706 621332 9
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 Friday 24th September 2011 10.00am – 12Noon Tickets £2.00 or pay on the door Contact 01706 638005 for more information Cake/Bring and Buy Stalls MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
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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 12
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 following 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: 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
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
5 (3rd July)
Romans 9-10
Genesis 16-19
Joshua 21-24
th
6 (10 July)
Romans 11-12
Genesis 20-23
Judges 1-6
7 (17th July)
Romans 13-14
Genesis 24-27
Judges 7-11
th
8 (24 July)
Romans 15-16
Genesis 28-31
Judges 12-16
9 (31st July)
1 Corinthians 1-2
Genesis 32-35
Judges 17-21
th
10 (7 August)
1 Corinthians 3-4
Genesis 36-39
Ruth (all)
11 (14th August)
1 Corinthians 5-6
Genesis 40-43
1 Samuel 1-5
12 (21 August)
1 Corinthians 7-8
Genesis 44-47
1 Samuel 6-10
13 (28th August)
1 Corinthians 9-10
Genesis 48-50
1 Samuel 11-15
14 (4 Sept’er)
1 Corinthians 11-12
Exodus 1-4
1 Samuel 16-20
15 (11th Sept’er)
1 Corinthians 13-14
Exodus 5-8
1 Samuel 21-25
16 (18 Sept’er)
1 Corinthians 15-16
Exodus 9-12
1 Samuel 26-31
17 (25th Sept’er)
2 Corinthians 1-3
Exodus 13-16
2 Samuel 1-4
Week
st
th
th
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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
Psalms
Poetry
Prophecy
Gospels
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Psalms 12-14
Job 9-10
Isaiah 23-28
Matthew 11-13
Psalms 15-17
Job 11-12
Isaiah 29-33
Matthew 14-16
Psalms 18-20
Job 13-14
Isaiah 34-39
Matthew 17-19
Psalms 21-23
Job 15-16
Isaiah 40-44
Matthew 20-22
Psalms 24-26
Job 17-18
Isaiah 45-50
Matthew 23-25
Psalms 27-29
Job 19-20
Isaiah 51-55
Matthew 26-28
Psalms 30-32
Job 21-22
Isaiah 56-61
Mark 1-2
Psalms 33-35
Job 23-24
Isaiah 62-66
Mark 3-4
Psalms 36-38
Job 25-26
Jeremiah 1-6
Mark 5-6
Psalms 39-41
Job 27-28
Jeremiah 7-11
Mark 7-8
Psalms 42-44
Job 29-30
Jeremiah 12-16
Mark 9-10
Psalms 45-47
Job 31-32
Jeremiah 17-21
Mark 11-12
Psalms 48-50
Job 33-34
Jeremiah 22-26
Mark 13-14
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Ladies’ Fellowship May 19th 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. 16
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 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!! We then enjoyed a lovely buffet supper together. Thank you for all contributions & help in the kitchen. God bless. Joan Warner
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Ladies Fellowship - June Outing 2011 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 18
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 party to promote Bamford Chapel and what we offer. 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 20
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. 22
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 23
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 24
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 26
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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." 28