Sunday 1st May
10.30 am
Family Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley
Sunday 1st May
6.00 pm
Evening Worship led by Sid Hazlehurst
Thursday 5th May
7.30 pm
Elders Meeting
Sunday 8th May
10.30 am
Exchange Sunday Family worship led by Andy Guthrie from Bank Top
Sunday 8th May
6.00 pm
Sunday 15th May
10.30 am
Sunday 15th May
6.00 pm
Evening Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley
Sunday 22nd May
10.30 am
Family Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley
Sunday 22nd May
6.00 pm
Evening Worship led by Laura Davies
Sunday 29th May
10.30 am
Family Worship led by Dave Watson with a visit by Mandarin speaking students followed by Pot Luck lunch and walk
Sunday 29th May
6.00 pm
Evening Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley Junior Church Anniversary Family Worship
Evening Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley 1
Message from the manse Lent and Easter, Advent and Christmas can be such busy times of the Church year. We can be so busy running around trying to get things prepared that we forget to sit and reflect on the season that we are in. I recall hearing, for the first time, the saying “God designed us to be human beings not ‘humandoings’”, sometimes we can be so busy ‘doing’ that we forget about ‘being’. The story of Mary and Martha comes to mind when Jesus comes to visit them. Martha so busy doing that she forgets to sit and listen to Jesus. I am sure we have heard many a sermon that poses the question of whether we are a Mary or a Martha. It is not wrong to busy ourselves doing things to please Jesus and to extend the kingdom of God, but what we are challenged by in this reading is what is the more urgent. Jesus was happy with a sandwich if it meant having the sisters listening to him, he did not want the 5 course meal (or whatever sized meal Martha may have been preparing for him) and I think there is much to learn from the encounter of the two sisters with Jesus. But for now I want to encourage us to think about the time we spend with God, time that isn’t spent running around preparing for any one meeting or event. During Lent we had the opportunity to Journey with Jesus in the times when Church was opened for people to come for quiet reflection. But what about our everyday faith journey? What time do we spend with God in our daily and weekly lives? Do we follow daily Bible Study notes (such as Every 2
Day with Jesus or Our Daily Bread or some other such material)? Material published to help us to focus daily on The Bible: The Word of God. I want to encourage those that don’t do such study to try it. When we really get into the Word of God we will see things happen! We will see Christ working in our lives and in the lives of those around us. As the Holy Spirit works in our lives through the time we spend with Jesus.
Easter focuses our minds on the most important event in the Christian calendar that of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. That event that sealed our salvation, the salvation that can be received by those who confess Christ as Lord and Saviour; Let us walk together with Jesus both now and every day. Your Servant in Christ, Richard.
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News of the family Concerns continue to be expressed for Bob Gate who has been re-admitted to hospital. We pray for him and also for Pat and the wider family at this time. Patricia Lapworth has now moved to Fairfield Hospital and as I write is hoping to be back home during the next few days as she awaits treatment. Patricia, John, Martyn and Anne have been overwhelmed by the expressions of love and care which they have received during the past few weeks. We continue to pray for Jack Roberts, Audrey Morris and Tracey Scoresby. Doreen Watts has had a couple of falls recently, and Joan Holt has been in hospital for tests and is now back home. Alpha 2 had a successful “Away Day� at Norden URC on 2nd April, with lunch at Norden Chippy. Thanks to Richard who joined the course in the afternoon for worship and Communion. Alpha continues to run each Saturday morning, with a break on Easter Saturday. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for the course and to the wider church for financial support. Following on from Alpha 1, a new house group has been formed at the home of Addie and Barbara Redmond on Monday nights. Please see either of the Redmonds if you are interested in joining the group. The Wednesday night Bible study group at the home of Ray and Auriel Atkins, formed after the first Alpha course many years ago is still going strong and welcomes new members, whether or not you have taken an Alpha course. See Ray or Auriel for details. 4
Glenda and Walter want to say a very warm thank-you to all who called to see them on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary day and for all the cards and messages of congratulation. Together you helped to make it a truly happy and memorable event for us both.
Thank you for prayers said and support provided after my recent operation. I am on the mend and feel better than I had expected to. Linda Kerford
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The Choir Confesses Almighty and most merciful Choirmistress, We have erred and strayed from thy beat like lost sheep; We have followed too much the intonations and tempi of our own hearts, We have offended against thy dynamic markings; We have left unsung those notes which we ought to have sung, And we have sung those notes which we ought not to have sung; And there is no musicianship in us, But thou, O resplendent Choirmistress; Have mercy upon us, miserable singers, Spare thou them O mistress, which confess their flats; Restore thou them that are prominent, According to thy instructions, imparted to us at choir practice; And grant O most merciful Choirmistress, for the congregation’s sake, that we may hereafter make a goodly, rhythmic and satisfying sound, to the Glory of God’s name. Amen Contributed by Margaret Entwistle
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Ceilidh Caller Steven Gooding Saturday 7 May 7.30 - 11 pm
At Our Lady of Grace Hall Fairfax Road Prestwich M25 1AS Tickets £7 children £1 Including light supper from Addie & Barbara Redmond 7
BAMFORD CHAPEL LUNCHTIME CONERTS 2010 - 2011 Although attendances at our 28th series of lunchtime concerts were slightly down on the previous two years the usual high standard of music making in our six concerts was much appreciated and enjoyed by our enthusiastic audiences. After our first concert - an attractive programme of classical and 20th century songs given by contralto BRIDGET BUDGE with JONATHAN ELLIS at the piano - we were disappointed that JAGER BRASS cancelled their November visit with 24 hours notice. However, MIKE MANSHIP and his JAZZ TRIO stepped into the breach and gave us another exciting, foot-stomping performance of music from the 40s and 50s. Four young musicians from CHETHAMS charmed us in December with their talents on clarinet, bassoon, cello and trumpet. VIBRASAX returned in January and MARIA EGLINGTON, head of woodwind at Shrewsbury School, and MARK LANON, percussion tutor for the National Brass Band of Scotland, gave us a delightful recital of music for saxophone and marimba. The number of percussion instruments Mark had on display and in virtuoso use provided an amazing sight and sound! 8
In February, a longstanding supporter and performer at our concerts, RUSSELL LOMAS brought SUZANNE CLARE and her clarinet to give us a varied programme of solos. We quickly realised why her career as a soloist and in professional orchestras is taking off. Finally, we welcomed an unusual brass quartet, NORTHERN LIGHTS, from the RNCM, consisting of two baritones and two euphoniums, whose polished performances of a wide variety of repertoire had us all enthralled. Once again we are deeply indebted to the teams of ladies, led by Margaret and Auriel, who prepare and serve delicious lunches before our concerts. Soup, filled rolls and homemade fruit pie are a tasty preparation to the enjoyment of good music! The hard work of the catering teams also enabled Ray to donate £800 to the Chapel on Gift Day. Plans are already under way for next season’s concerts. We are looking forward to Walter inviting some outstanding young musicians to come and ‘strut their stuff’ on the second Tuesday from October to March. Programmes will be available in the summer so I hope all music-lovers will put October 11th in their diaries NOW! Mike Lucas
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LADIES FELLOWSHIP SUMMER EVENING OUTING at The Turnpike Inn, Rishworth Moor Thursday 9th June 2011 7 for 7.30pm ÂŁ18.00
Travel by Cars
Please sign up on the notice in the coffee area Money to Lesley Sutton by 19th May 2011 [AGM] Menu choices to be advised later THE TURNPIKE INN Between Windy Hill exit on M62 [Junction 22] and Ripponden. Can be accessed without travelling on the motorway; a lovely run if the evening is pleasant and not too far! You are always assured of a friendly smile the moment you walk into The Turnpike. Following an extensive refurbishment, the iconoclastic Turnpike is once again a fabulous, contemporary yet informal country pub restaurant with rooms. The extensive menu, always comprising fresh and locally sourced ingredients is designed to suit all tastes. Located at the foot of the Pennines, equidistant between Manchester and Leeds and just two minutes from the M62 it has already gained
an enviable reputation for high quality good value dining. 10
You are invited to our
Street Party In the Chapel grounds to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton
It will take place on Friday 29th April from 3pm to 6pm There will be face painting, crown making, egg and spoon races, pin the tail on the corgi and lots of other games. This will be followed by a tea of sandwiches, crisps, cakes and scones. All you have to do is sign up on the list in the coffee area and bring ÂŁ2 per person on the day. For more information speak to Julie Platt, Gillian James or Ruth Bradley
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CHURCH WEBSITE: There is work going on to design a Church website. If you (adults not children) do not want your picture on the website then please let Richard or Ian Sturrock know in writing so that any general pictures that go up can be scanned for people who are not wanting their pictures on the site. We are not talking about some gallery of individual people but photos showing what the church does. We are getting written permission from parents with regards pictures of their children going on the site – so that aspect is in hand. Many thanks Richard Bradley
Breakable There was a very gracious lady who was posting an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country... "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady. 12
HEYWOOD LOCAL COMMITTEE Invite you to a MAYTIME BUFFET LUNCH
at
Bamford Chapel United Reformed Church Norden Road, ROCHDALE on
Thursday 19th May 2011 Lunches served from 11.30am to 1.30pm Admission ÂŁ7.00 [pay on the door] Raffle
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Guide Dogs
Extract from a letter received by Ladies Fellowship from Lisa Knight, Regional Fundraising Manager Dear Friends Thank you for choosing Guide Dogs to benefit from your recent donation of £100 and your very kind words which I will pass on to Toni. It is only with the support of people like yourselves, that we can maintain our lifelong commitment to blind and partially sighted people. We rely purely on voluntary income to provide guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services which meet the needs of visually impaired people. This is why we are so grateful for your generosity. We hope this gives you an insight into how your essential support helps visually impaired people enjoy the freedom and independence that sighted people experience daily. Yours sincerely Lisa Knight NB Toni Forrest came along to the March meeting of the Ladies Fellowship, along with her guide dog, William, to talk about her experience of having a guide dog. £100 was raised on the night at a ‘bring and buy sale’ and was donated to Guide Dogs. 14
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED: 1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats. 2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair. 3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person. 4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato. 5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food. 6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair. 7) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. 8) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. 9) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap. GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED: 1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree. 2) Wrinkles don't hurt. 3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts. 4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. 5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside. 6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy. GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD 1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional. 2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there. 4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions. 6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. 7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. Shared with us by Joan Ashton 15
THE DREAM The Wales Synod met on 12 March at Hope Community Church, Newtown. I picked up this church leaflet…. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where people don’t just receive grace but practise it. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where those who come in feeling condemned get accepted; of a church where the fallen are restored; where the hurting are healed; and the lost saved. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the love of God in people’s hearts is so strong that gossip and backbiting are rejected; and people are talked up and not talked down, and where unity is more important than winning an argument. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where everyone counts; where everyone is appreciated; where everyone is valued; - not because of who they are down here, but because of who they are up there. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where people are welcomed regardless of what they have done; where prodigals are received with open arms, and not with religious judgementalism. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where Christ is loved, honoured and worshipped in spirit and in truth; where the only bystanders in times of worship are those who don’t yet know the Lord. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where community is not considered in rows of people, but selfless sacrifice, of laying down lives for each other. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the young can function in leadership and not just be nice for the elderly to look at, but where young people in early age sense a destiny, and become part of the church as much as anyone else. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the leaders serve with humility, and not because of ego, status or position. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where people who are single, divorced, or orphaned feel secure and as much a part of the family as anybody else. 16
WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the people come to the meetings not when it suits them, but when it suits Him. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the weight of the work does not rest in a few, but where everybody shares the load and plays their part in reaching the world. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where those who are called to go, go, and those who are called to stay, support them in their going. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where everybody considers the other better than themselves. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where everything is done with passion and excellence, and where lost souls are our top priority. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where women are allowed to reach their full potential in Christ, and not be held back simply because of their gender. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the Holy Spirit gets excited about being present, and is free to do whatever he wants to do. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where people come to Christ every week, and needs are met by the Risen Lord. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where every member gets excited with the thrill and the buzz of destiny, and gives 100% to the will of God while they still have breath in their body. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the Bible is preached and loved and obeyed, and where the sound of our Amens can no longer be constrained. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where the first priority of the people is not what they can get, but what they can give, and where love is not merely with words, but with deeds. WE HAVE A DREAM OF A CHURCH where even our enemies have to respect us and admire us. WE HAVE A DREAM OF BEING GOD’S KIND OF CHURCH … is that possible… it is possible… is it possible on this planet to have a church like that? ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! I guess that what really matters is not our comments on Hope Church’s dream – but what we dream for our church. Ivor Rees 17
A thought from Ruth Watson our minister in training Have you ever felt challenged by your faith? Have you ever left at the end of a service thinking – what was that all about? Have you ever stopped to really read the Bible then wondered what it was saying to you? Then welcome to my world!! Since becoming a student in September 2009 I have been faced with more questions than there are answers. What it has shown me is that I would have liked to have begun my exploration much sooner!! I never went to Bible study, simply because I had trained as a Local Preacher in the Methodist church at a young age, and thought everyone would want me to give the answers so I wouldn’t be able to ask any questions. I was put off study groups at University because I was made to feel stupid if I didn’t know something. How I regret not persevering!! Studying the Bible at college, learning more about my faith and others’ has raised lots of questions for me, certainly, but it has strengthened my faith and made me realise that no-one except for God has all the answers. Why am I telling you this? I want to encourage anyone with questions to not just accept whatever you are told from the pulpit, but to join a Bible study group, discussion group, or find someone you can trust to travel with you on your faith journey, so that 18
you can find out for yourself what it is all about.
Having faith in God is not a spectator sport, it is a personal relationship. I’m not suggesting we all go off to college to train as ministers (unless that is what you feel God is calling you to) but we can all learn more from each other to help us along our own journey. Don’t put it off and think, I’ll do it later, or I don’t know enough – do it now! I wish I had! Ruth Watson
When technology goes wrong The father of a family - who was a big-time techie - got his oldest daughter an iPhone for her birthday. He also got an iPad for his son. Later he bought an iPod for the youngest daughter. Then, when his wedding anniversary rolled around, he got his wife an iRon. That's when the fight began. 19
Church membership Ever wondered about becoming a church member? Perhaps you are a member of another church and would be interested in transferring your membership, or maybe you are interested in what lies behind the United Reformed Church, its faith basis and structure. If any of this sparks an interest in you please come along to a series of sessions I shall be leading on church membership, looking at the nature, faith and order of the United Reformed Church. There is no commitment to becoming a member at the end of the sessions! I will hold 4 meetings and we will look at the following:
A journey of faith and the bible
What is meant by “church” and how does the United Reformed church fit into this.
Discussion and decision.
What is worship and what does it mean to believe and belong
The first meeting will take place on Monday 16 May at 7.15 in the lounge and will last about one hour. Further meetings will take place on 23 May, 6 June and 13 June. If you have any questions please do ask, if you are interested just turn up! All are welcome. If you let me know you are coming it would be helpful as I can give you the first set of papers in advance of the first session. See you then! Joanne Shaw 20
Christians asked to donate £1 for every Bible they own It is not easy to read the Bible in parts of West Africa. Especially in a country like Burkina Faso, the world’s third poorest nation (according to the United Nations). Out of this West African nation’s staggering 66 languages, there are only seven different language translations of the New Testament. The rest have nothing. In a largely Muslim and animist nation, this has made spreading the gospel difficult. Now, as part of the 400th anniversary of the King James authorised version, Wycliffe Bible Translators and Bible Society are working together with local people to translate the Old Testament into the Bissa Lebir language and the New Testament into the neighbouring language, Bissa Barka. Both are spoken widely in rural Burkina Faso. This would ultimately bring the Bible to more than 580,000 people. Now is your chance to help - by giving £1 for every Bible you own. Just £30 will translate a short passage, such as the parable of the sower, while £70 will pay for an account of Jesus’ feeding of the
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5,000 and £200 will see the creation account of Genesis re-told. The project is being coordinated by Biblefresh, a year-long project that has brought together more than a hundred agencies to support churches in their effort to better understand scripture. For more details, visit: http://www.biblefresh.com/ resources/translation/donate.
From Bamford Chapel Magazine May 1986 (25 years ago!) INDUCTION SERVICE
I am sure that all of us who were able to be at the Induction Service of Revd Ivor Rees will agree that it was an excellent and memorable way to mark the beginning of this new chapter in the life of Bamford Chapel. Thanks for ensuring the success of the day are due to a lot of people: For providing lunch, Gill Galloway, Helen Baillie and Lesley Hynes, together with their waiters and waitresses from the Guides and Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades. For providing tea, Olive Brierley and Dorothy Hazlehurst and their many helpers. for preparing the premises, Rod and Carole Spencer, despite their long-standing prearranged wedding of their son on the same day. For collecting visitors from railway stations Bob Gate and Matt Wynne. For countless journeys to the printers in Oldham, Terry Brierley. Revd Ivor Rees continues to contribute to the life of Bamford Chapel, see his latest contribution on pages 16-17.
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People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the centre of attention. Tact: the ability to shut your mouth before someone else wants to. If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for? My inferiority complex is not as good as yours. I am in shape. Round is a shape. I’m not afraid of heights - afraid of widths. Indecision is the key to flexibility. Life’s evening will take its character from the day that has preceded it. Life is a journey that no one makes alone. The more people you touch along the way, the more meaningful and rewarding your time anon
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A member or a certain church, who had previously attended services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the minister decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The minister found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the minister’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited. The minister made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth on its own. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet fascination. As the lone ember’s flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the minister reached the door to leave, his host said, "Thanks you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.� 24
Letter received from John Smith, Trustee Sol Kids Mexico: I am writing to acknowledge receipt of the Bamford Chapel cheque for £5876 for Sol Kids Mexico Trust. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was on opening the envelope! I am so grateful to all at Bamford Chapel for the wonderful fundraising efforts over the last few months to raise such a fantastic amount of money for us. Please would you pass on my thanks on behalf of the Trustees of Sol Kids and of course on behalf of the children and families to everyone at your church. The money will make a significant impact on our work with disadvantaged children and families in Bella Vista, Mexico. Once again many thanks. John Smith Trustee Sol Kids Mexico Trust
Seize the day Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts.
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Signs and Promises (Mark 13:5-13, Rev 21:4,22:20) ‘The one who endures to the end will be saved.’ Earthquakes, explosions, Tsunamis and terror, Nation rising against nation, Dictators destroying their own, Floods, famine, Families in sewer-slums, Persecution, opposition, And the list goes on… Signs all around of a broken world, A warning world. Send your Spirit, Lord, Bring your healing, Your compassion, Bring your good news To those who must endure. Open eyes to see beyond disasters To the one who saves And will wipe away all tears. Come Lord Jesus.
By Daphne Kitching
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