Bamford Chapel
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BAMFORD CHAPEL MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
Worship In our devotion we will come together to express our joy, love and thanks through worship. We shall share our praise and dedicate it to God. Ministry Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will show compassion and love by understanding, supporting and meeting the spiritual, the physical and the emotional needs of others. Evangelism We are called as Christians to share the good news; living as examples of Christ in our everyday lives we can spread the word and love of Jesus. Discipleship We as a church have a responsibility as Christians to encourage people to know God and to enable them to develop their relationship with Him through prayer, discussion, study and learning. Fellowship We welcome to our church family those who want to belong. We show our love for others by sharing acts of fellowship in God’s name. 2
As this magazine went to print in June, please be aware that details may be subject to change. Please check the website at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk for the most up to date information Thank You Wednesday
7.30 pm -
Christianity Explored Course Session 2 of 7
2 July
9.00 pm
(at the Crimble)
Thursday
7.30 pm
Elders’ Meeting
10.30 am
Family Worship with Holy Communion
nd
rd
3 July
Sunday th
6
July
Led by Revd Richard Bradley 6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Walter Brisk
Monday
8.00 pm
th
7 July Wednesday
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
7.30 pm -
Christianity Explored Course Session 3 of 7
9 July
9.00 pm
(at the Crimble)
Saturday
2.00 pm
Garden Party
10.30 am
Family Worship - Led by Revd Richard
th
th
12 July
Bradley (Michael Harvey is speaking about Sunday
Back to Church Sunday plans. Michael is an
th
13 July
excellent speaker. 6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Revd Richard Bradley 1
JULY continued…... Monday
8.00 pm
th
14 July Wednesday th
16 July
(Crèche Room) 7.30 pm -
Christianity Explored Course Session 4 of 7
9.00 pm
(at the Crimble)
10.30 am
Family Worship
Sunday th
20 July
Focus on Prayer Group
Led by Revd Richard Bradley 6.00 pm
Evening Worship with Holy Communion Led by Revd Richard Bradley
Monday
8.00 pm
st
21 July Wednesday rd
23 July
(Crèche Room) 1.15 pm –
Midweek Communion Service
1.45 pm
Led by Revd Richard Bradley
7.30 –
Christianity Explored Course Session 5 of 7
9.00 pm
(at the Crimble)
10.30 am
Family Worship
Sunday 27th July
Focus on Prayer Group
Led by Revd David Wiseman 6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Anne Fitton
Monday
8.00 pm
th
28 July Wednesday
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
7.30 –
Christianity Explored Course Session 6 of 7
30 July
9.00 pm
(at the Crimble)
Saturday
Time to be
Christianity Explored Day at Bamford Chapel
th
nd
2 August
confirmed 10.30 am
Sunday rd
3 August
Family Worship with Holy Communion Led by Ken Greer
6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Joanne Ackroyd 2
AUGUST continued….. Monday
8.00 pm
th
4 August
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
Wednesday
7.30 –
Christianity Explored Course Session 7 of 7
6th August
9.00 pm
(at the Crimble)
10.30 am
Family Worship
Sunday th
10 August
Led by Andy Platt 6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by David Watson
Monday
8.00 pm
th
11 August
(Crèche Room) 10.30 am
Sunday th
17 August
Focus on Prayer Group
Family Worship Led by Ken Greer
6.00 pm
Evening Worship with Holy Communion Led by Walter Brisk
Monday
8.00 pm
th
18 August
(Crèche Room) 10.30 am
Sunday th
24 August
Focus on Prayer Group
Family Worship Leader to be confirmed
NO EVENING SERVICE
Monday
8.00 pm
th
25 August
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
10.30 am Sunday
Family Worship Led by Walter Brisk
st
31 August
6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Joanne Ackroyd
Further details may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk 3
Message from the Manse 16
“ Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) As I sit in my study writing this article the sun is shining and the garden is growing. I cannot believe we are at the summer edition of the magazine again. Some of us will have been away, some of us will be planning on going away and some might even be away as I write. As I think about the summer break I think about holidays and rest. Some holidays are more restful than others! But as we take a break from the busyness of life I hope we don’t take a break from God. I hope, also, that we don’t take a break from prayer either. As I started writing this article today the words from 1 Thessalonians above came to mind. “Pray continually” Paul says. I think that is an important command for us as a church (especially) at this time. There is much we need to pray for: The continued outworking of God’s vision for Bamford Chapel. Which is, of course, an ongoing vision; not one with an end date. Pray for ongoing work on the grant application for the new roof on the church and Sunday school. Thankfully this has an end date! The pew removal suggestion. For greater flexibility of worship and uses of the building. The additional morning service suggestion. The faith for all who attend Christianity Explored will be strengthened and deepened. Our friends at Norden and their future and whether that is with us here at Bamford Chapel. And the list could go on. Prayer is vitally important – I hope we can all agree with that. Prayer that God’s will will be done is important because in all the things listed above it is vital that we allow God to speak to us about what God wants for His church here at Bamford Chapel. 4
I am excited by the ideas and proposals being put forward by the core groups – as I write each group (bar one) has met and had initial discussions. As I speak to people on a one to one there are many who are excited about the discussions being had at present. There are also those who are concerned about change and what it means for the church. We must keep returning to Paul’s words: “Pray continually”. As July and August approach, organisations take a break and leaders hopefully get a well-deserved rest. Let us also think about and pray for those who will have a long and perhaps quiet summer when they don’t see people as much because of holidays or groups closing down for a break. There may be some in our congregation who will fall into this category. There may be people where you live who fall into this category. Hold them in prayer and perhaps knock on their door and pay them a visit. I am always looking forward to the next few months and even though June is not yet over I am thinking ahead to the start again in September after the summer break. I feel the next few months are going to be busy for us as a church. Busy with both buildings related issues as well as more faith based issues. In all of these different situations my hope is that each of us will “pray continually” for each other and for God’s church here at Bamford Chapel. If you are going on holiday, have a great and safe time; if you have been away already then I hope you had a great and safe time. If you’re not planning, or aren’t able, to get away then I pray you will know the strength and peace of God as you remain in your homes. In all we do may we continue to pray for God’s blessing and guidance on our life together as a church. God Bless Your Servant in Christ, Richard
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News of the family Concerns are expressed for Olive Brierley, Elizabeth and the wider family, Diane Davis, Marjorie Farrington, Joan Warner and her sister Sylvia, Peggy Newton, Don and Win Schofield, Joyce and Derek Yates, Audrey Morris, Katie and Jenny Platt, and Joshua Gordon, who is recovering from foot surgery. Gillian Galloway has now got a date in August for her knee replacement operation. One of our Luncheon Club members, Joyce Cathcart, is now in Ashbourne House care home. Please remember her along with others in care homes, not forgetting Jack Roberts who is also at Ashbourne House. Please pray also for Kath Day and the family, following the death of her granddad, Jim Taylor, who was a valued member of our Luncheon Club. Please remember all these people in your prayers along with any others about whom there are concerns, but who I have omitted to mention. At this time of year we think especially of our young people; some have been doing exams; some have come to the end of one stage of their education and must make important decisions about what they will do next. Some are off on adventures during the summer. Please remember them all in your prayers. 6
To Anna James on her outstanding PGCE Result
To Anna James & Rebecca Baines who have both got jobs
To Lesley and Peter Sutton on the birth of their fourth grandchild. A daughter, Isobel Rose, for Kate and Ken. To Joshua Gordon on being appointed Head Boy at Hollingworth Academy To Rebecca Gooding on being appointed Deputy Head Girl at Hollingworth Academy And to any others I may have missed. Editor: Please remember to let me have your good news each month 7
A History of Bamford Chapel Many of you will have a copy of the History of Bamford Chapel which the Reverend David Wiseman wrote whilst he was minister at the chapel. This is now available on Bamford Chapel’s web page if you would like to read it online. A link to this can be found on the History page of the website. www.bamfordchapel.co.uk Also on this page there is a link to some of the records of births and deaths. The Register for Baptisms at Bamford Chapel 1802 - 1836. There are 367 Baptism recorded The Register for Burials at Bamford Chapel 1826 - 1836. There are 157 Burial recorded. At present there are no illustrations or photographs in the History. If you have an interesting picture of Bamford Chapel or its congregation from years gone by and would like to see it on the website please scan and email it to l.aspinall@yahoo.co.uk. Alternatively, Louise will be happy to scan it for you and return it safely.
Thank you
- Louise Aspinall
Don’t forget that the monthly magazine can also be read online.
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Rochdale Foodbank The Foodbank in Rochdale, as elsewhere, continues to be well used. There was a slight ‘dip’ in Client numbers during April but this proved to be just temporary. In May we responded to 335 request for emergency help. However, worryingly, donations of food have again failed to keep up with demand and we were forced to spend £1000 on essentials to maintain the service. We are really grateful for all the contributions made week by week by people at Bamford Chapel, both of food and of money. For those who prefer to donate money and are U.K. taxpayers, Foodbank is a registered Charity and thus able to benefit from Gift Aid to give a 20% boost and we are happy to supply the relevant forms on request. Also donations by standing order are a particular help in budgeting and again, forms are available on request. Once again Asda and Tesco are generously hosting instore collections for us so do look out for our volunteers in Tesco 4-6 July and if you choose to donate goods there it’s worth mentioning that the stores will each ‘top-up’ the value of the donation. Asda hosted a collection on 14 June. Thanks once again Margaret Ogden and Ann Newman (Thursday volunteers) 9
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JUNIOR CHURCH DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAY A great opportunity to get to know our young people better by leading or helping with a Junior Church lesson is available over the school Summer holidays. There is lots of help, advice and guidance available. A list is under the clock — please sign up for one or more sessions. For more information please speak to any of the Junior Church leaders or contact Louise Aspinall on 01706 719449 or Gillian James on 01706 868885 as soon as possible. Thank you 11
We are going to be running a Christianity Explored Course. The dates are Wednesdays: 25th June 2nd July 9th July 16th July 23rd July 30th July Saturday 2nd August (@ the Chapel) 6th August It is a similar course to Alpha but if you have done Alpha this does not stop you coming to this course. We will meet in The Crimble for the Wednesday evenings. 7.30pm—9pm. We have been given an area that can be enclosed. Please let Richard know if you would like to come (01706 369622) or sign
the sheet under the clock 12
Christianity Explored The Evangelism Core Group have met and discussed the topic of evangelism in relation to Bamford Chapel. It was agreed at our meeting that we would run Christianity Explored. Christianity Explored is a course similar to the Alpha Course. I ran it in one of my previous churches and it had a very positive impact on all who did it. If you are someone who has: * * * * *
Been in church for many years… Been in church a short period of time…. Questions or uncertainty about the Christian faith…. Done Alpha in the past but still have questions…. Done Alpha in the past and enjoyed small groups…
Then please add your name to the list under the clock in the coffee area. By the time you read this the course will have begun but do not let that stop you coming. Please see the flyer on the opposite page for more information. If you feel unable to join us on this course then you may consider doing the next Christianity Explored Course. You might prefer one that runs during the day. If so, I would like to hear from you, as that is a possibility. Thanks and God Bless Richard (on behalf of the Evangelism Core Group) 13
BAMFORD CHAPEL PROJECT 2014 I am writing on behalf of the Church in the World Committee to provide an update regarding the forthcoming Bamford Chapel Project. The Project proposal was approved recently by the Elders and subsequently at the May Church Meeting. This year we will be working in partnership with The Tanzania Development Trust, a UK based charity, to help furnish and kit out a safe house and training centre for young women in the Mara Region of Tanzania. Life is tough in the villages of the Kurya people of Tanzania’s Mara Region. It’s a forgotten area, which is intensely poor. Education standards are low, modern influences rare, so families maintain outdated damaging illegal tribal customs which often leads to the physical harm of girls resulting in far reaching and lifelong physical and psychological trauma. The Safe House will provide a secure environment for girls of all faiths and none to stay until their homes are safe for them to return to, or they are able to develop the skills to work and then move on to live independently. Full details of the project will be provided during the launch in September. However if anyone would like 14
more detailed information at this stage please contact any member of the Project Group (Barbara and Addie Redmond, Lyn Jefferies, Gillian James, Margaret Ogden). Dates for your diary: Sunday 21st September 2014: Morning Harvest Service with Project Launch during worship followed by a fundraising lunch. Jonathan Pace from the Tanzania Development Trust will be coming to support our launch. Sunday 12th October 2014 (evening): Julian and Ann Marcus of the Tanzania Development Trust along with Mama Rhobi Samwelly of the Anglican Diocese of Mara, billed as one of Africa’s most inspirational leaders will be coming to Bamford Chapel to talk about the work our project will be helping to fund. November 2014: the project group will be organising a Fundraising Meal with proceeds to the Project. Watch this space in the September magazine for more information, along with updates regarding Orphan Hope 2012, and Big Banana Appeal 2013. In the meantime look out for the notice in the coffee area to sign up for the Project Launch Lunch (that’s a mouthful)!! Carole Greaves - June 2014 15
Ladies’ Fellowship June Meeting 2014 On Thursday 12th June, some 26 ladies enjoyed an evening meal at the Red Hall Restaurant on Walmersley Road, Bury. The evening drive over the Owd Betts Road set the scene well. The staff were very accommodating and coped with last minute cancellations and menu choice changes without a murmur. Not only was the food good and the service excellent (apart from mint sauce & horseradish sauce arriving a little late) but the restaurant manager conducted a horticultural investigation for us. No one in our party could remember the name of the flower used in the table decoration. All was solved when the manager googled it on the restaurant computer and provided a printout.
Would you have known the name of this plant? See the name written upside down at the bottom of the page
The Garden Party is on Saturday 12th July & we would be very grateful for large cakes and home produce. ANTHURIUM 16
We invite any ladies to join us on our August 14 th day trip. We are visiting Saltaire & Harrogate with an early evening meal at Skipton Golf Club. See the Ladies Fellowship notice board for details and the signing-up list. Ladies Fellowship would also welcome more members, both to go on the trip and to join their monthly meetings. Please see the notice board or talk to one of the committee members if you are interested. To make you smile! God's Creation In the beginning, God created the earth and rested. Then God created Man and rested. Then God created Woman. Since then, neither God nor Man has rested.
SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE The September edition of the magazine will be produced by Louise Aspinall. All items should be emailed to l.aspinall@yahoo.co.uk by Sunday 17th August (for this one month only) 17
15th July St Swithun (or Swithin) - saint for a rainy day St Swithun is apparently the saint you can blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15 July, it will then rain for forty days after that. It all began when he was made Bishop of Winchester in 852 by King Ethelwulf of Wessex. It was an important posting: Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and during the 10 years Swithun was there, Wessex became the most important kingdom of England. During his life, instead of washing out people’s summer holidays, and damping down their spirits, Swithun seems to have done a lot of good. He was famous for his charitable gifts and for his energy in getting churches built. When he was dying in 862, he asked that he be buried in the cemetery of the Old Minster, just outside the west door. If he had been left there in peace, who knows how many rainy summers the English may have been spared over the last 1000 years. But, no, it was decided to move Swithun. By now, the 960s, Winchester had become the first monastic cathedral chapter in England, and the newly installed monks wanted Swithun in the cathedral with them. So finally, on 15 July 971, his bones were dug up and Swithun was translated into the cathedral. That same day many people claimed to have had miraculous cures. Certainly everyone got wet, for the heavens opened. The unusually heavy rain that day, and on the days following, was attributed to the power of St Swithun. Swithun was moved again in 1093, into the new Winchester cathedral. His shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the middle ages. The shrine was destroyed during the Reformation, and restored in 1962. There are 58 ancient dedications to Swithun in England. 18
Interested in joining a homegroup? He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (Thessalonians 5: 10-11) This week the Discipleship group met to discuss how we envisage the church family moving forward together in line with the new Church Vision. We all felt that homegroups have an important role to play in our personal journeys with God and are important for forging lasting friendships with other Christians. It is encouraging to have a core group of friends to laugh with, cry with, pray with or simply to have a brew with. If anyone would like to find out more about what a homegroup is or would like to explore the possibility of joining a homegroup then please don’t hesitate to ask one of us. We will also put up a list under the clock where you can express your interest. If there is a certain time or day that would be best for you to meet then please let us know. God bless, The Discipleship Core Group:Ray Atkins Jane Baines Richard Bradley Gillian Galloway Anna James Simon Wareing Margaret Watson
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Written by Rev. Susan Sarapuk for an article titled “Manse Window” in the magazine ‘The Peoples Friend’
Ancient and Modern Like a lot of churches, we’ve recently lost our full time organist, and now the vicar has to look around for someone to play the organ every Sunday. In the daughter church in the parish there hasn’t been an organist for a while; a sung service has gone to a said service with hymns, to a service without even any hymns. Singing is a vital part of our worship – it’s why many of the newer churches dedicate a lot of worship time to it. Occasionally I’ve attended a service at one of the big Pentecostal churches with a band out the front leading the worship. Although I’ve enjoyed it I’ve found myself frequently thinking of how sad it would be if we lost the great old hymns. They teach us a lot about doctrine. Something like Wesley’s “And Can It Be” thrills the soul as the words sink in and you realise they are true, not only as a statement of doctrine, but also in your own life. “My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth and followed thee.” The joy as those words register!“ “Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ, my own.” As I sing these words I find myself reflecting on the wonder that this is going to be true – and the grace and mercy of God that it can be true! I imagine being in God’s presence with Christian friends who have walked the road of faith with me for over 30 years. How we will look at each other in recognition and joy, and then gaze in awe upon God himself. 20
Granted, there are modern hymn writers who have the ability to incorporate doctrine into their lyrics. And you can get that sense from singing choruses, too, as they are meant to bring us into the presence of God. But let’s not lose the doctrine. Although I was sent to Sunday School as a child I didn’t regularly attend church on a Sunday, so when, as a student, I had a conversion experience, I had to learn a lot of hymns from scratch as well as studying the Bible. It would be sad to lose that rich tradition because we are losing organists and thus no longer sing in our services, or because new songs are dominating our worship. The other thing I’ve noticed is how the language of some hymns is being changed. I’ve written before of how “For All The Saints” has been sanitised, with the removal of all battle references even though the Bible clearly tells us we’re in a battle “not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers”. If we expunge those references from our hymnology then we lose a fundamental part of Christian doctrine. So my plea is to keep the old hymns alive. I’ve chosen my favourite for my funeral. Yes, there’s one modern one – “In Christ Alone”. But then I’ve gone for “Crown Him With Many Crowns”, “At The Name of Jesus” and “I Cannot Tell”, because as well as praising Jesus they are packed with doctrine which should make the singer think and respond. There is room for all sorts of worship in our churches and all sorts of different songs and hymns. Let’s make sure we don’t lose any along the way. Submitted by a Church Member Editor’s comment:- What are your favourite hymns? I’m still hopeful that you will send a favourite hymn, bible passage or quotation to share with others in the magazine! 21
FOR OUR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
St THOMAS Thomas was one of the 12 disciples and one thing we know about his family is he had a twin because he was called ‘Didymus’ which means a twin. Thomas was ready to die with Jesus (John 11:16) but it is as ‘Doubting Thomas’ that most people remember him. Thomas wasn’t afraid to ask the questions that the other disciples were thinking. Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when they first saw the risen Christ. He refused to believe that Jesus had returned from the dead ‘unless I see… and touch… I will not believe’, but when he saw and touched Jesus he exclaimed ‘My Lord and my God’. You can read this in St John’s Gospel, chapter 20. Without Thomas’ doubts perhaps we wouldn’t be as sure about our faith today. We need someone to ask the questions that we are too afraid to ask for fear of seeming silly or foolish. 22
T-TIME PUZZLE? All the answers to this Bible puzzle begin with the letter T – can you find them all? The first one is too easy. The disciple called Didymus. They own names after a Roman Emperor (John, chapter 6). Roman to whom Luke addressed his Gospel. Where St Paul was born (Acts, chapter 9). Paul’s companion on the journey to Jerusalem (Galatians, chapter 2). She came from Joppa and was also known as Dorcas (Acts, chapter 8). Deborah sat underneath one (Judges, chapter 4).
Are there any tiles that won’t stick on the wall? Reptiles. Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.
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BAMFORD CHAPEL MAGAZINE
EDITORS: Linda Peacock
01706 522593 lm.peacock@hotmail.co.uk
Martyn James
01706 868885 martyn-james1@sky.com
SECRETARY: Joan Ashton
01706 360395 ray-joanashton@sky.com
DATES FOR THE SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE
Articles to be handed in by:
Sunday 17th August
To l.aspinall@yahoo.co.uk (for this month only) Magazine to be completed by:
Thursday 28th August
Magazine distributed:
Sunday 31st August
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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 Telephone: 01706 369622 www.bamfordchapel.co.uk Minister : Email:
Rev Richard Bradley richardbradley@cantab.net
Church Secretary: Telephone: Email:
Ian Sturrock 01706 653109 i.sturrock@talktalk.net
Wedding Secretary: Telephone: Email:
John Lapworth 01706 632460 john@lapworth37.plus.com
Lettings Manager: Telephone: Email:
Linda Kerford 01706 624256 l.kerford@btinternet.com Times of Services:
Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1 st Sunday in month Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3 rd Sunday in month 26