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
Spring Clean Time? Are you a hoarder? The recent TV series on hoarders was an awesome insight into how some people struggle to throw anything away at all. Some people get very sentimental about clothes, books, papers, knickknacks and other belongings which they tie to different memories of their lives. One thing for sure – we can’t hang on to our things forever. We can’t take them with us when we die. Jesus said as much in the gospels. He urged people not to spend their valuable time on earth piling up lifeless things that they would one day lose. He urged them to invest their time and energy instead on building a relationship with God which would never die, and which would ensure them an eternal future. (Matthew 6:19,20) A life spent following Jesus is well worth everything. It may cost us everything we have – it does in many places in the world today. So – this Spring, have a good clean of your heart and let go of the useless things. See Jesus for the treasure he is, and hang on to him instead. He will never let you down.
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Thursday
7.30 pm
Elders Meeting
10.30 am
Family Worship with Holy Communion
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1 May Sunday th
4 May
Led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley
Gift Day -
6.00 pm
Organisations Monday
Led by Anne Fitton 8.00 pm
5th May Tuesday
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
7.30. pm
Churches Together in North West Rochdale at St Paul’s Church, Norden (Speaker: Joey Knock from Christian Aid) all welcome! *
10.30 am
Junior Church Anniversary
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6 May
Sunday 11th May
Evening Worship
Worship Led by our Young People 6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Revd Richard Bradley
Monday
8.00 pm
12th May
(Crèche Room) 10.30 am
Sunday 18th May
Focus on Prayer Group
Family Worship with Thanksgiving/Baptism Led by Revd Richard Bradley
6.00 pm
Evening Worship with Holy Communion Led by Revd Richard Bradley
Monday 19th May
8.00 pm
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
* Churches Together—See separate article on page 6 2
10.30 am
Family Worship
Sunday
Led by Andy Platt
25th May
NO Evening Worship
Monday
No Meeting
Focus on Prayer Group
10.30 am
Family Worship with Holy Communion
26th May
Sunday st
1 June
Led by Revd Richard Bradley 6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Joan Warner
Further details may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
Door Stewards As from Sunday 4th May there will no longer be a door steward on the middle door of Chapel. Those stewards who manned this door are now helping to steward the two other doors into Chapel. Please see me if ever this is a problem. Thank you— Lesley Sutton
Sunday Morning Transport to Chapel If you know of anyone who perhaps would appreciate a lift on Sunday morning, please have a word with me. I am conscious not everyone is aware that I organise this. Thank you— Lesley Sutton
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Message from the Manse….
This sign, as I am sure many of us know, is a “crossroads” sign. A sign that when we approach means we can go left, right, straight on (or of course back the way we have come!). I believe we were at a crossroads and at the Church Meeting in March we agreed the new vision groups (having agreed the new vision at a previous meeting). Five groups set up to look at 5 different areas of the church’s life. As a reminder they are: Evangelism, Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship and Ministry. Each group will look at what we do now and how that fits with the overall new vision of “Loving God, Serving Others, Building Community”. In addition these groups will look at new ideas and initiatives that again fit with the overall vision of the Church. As I said in my article last month I am excited about the future here at Bamford Chapel - the potential for growth spiritually and numerically. We also have the ongoing building problems especially the roof. We also need to think about, and more importantly pray for, our brothers and sisters at Norden URC who have building problems themselves. Building problems that could mean they have to come out of their building permanently. In many ways buildings are preoccupying some of my thoughts and most certainly my prayers at this time. However I keep getting what I believe is a nudge from God when I think, the Church is not the buildings, the church is the people. So whilst buildings are important and a resource through which the church can function we should not allow ourselves to be too 4
buildings focused and not enough focus being placed on what God wants of us. The work of the Kingdom will outlast Bamford Chapel and Norden URCs. And as I did last month I want to urge us all to pray. To pray for the vision and that we will implement everything God wants of us. And for the buildings that God’s will is done for our own building and that of our sister church in Norden. I want us also to think about how our buildings can best be used for the spiritual life of our church. As I write this article I do so following the visit of Michael Harvey today who led a workshop/seminar on “Unlocking the power of invitation” (advertised in the magazine last month). Michael spoke at the North Western Synod in March and I invited him here to expand on the theme of “invitation”. That is invitation to church. He was excellent and spoke with great passion and with great enthusiasm. God has really laid on his heart the issue of invitation and helping churches move through the “fear” barrier of having the confidence to invite someone to church. When there is change often it is accompanied by fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure etc. I think we need to be bold and have faith in the future that is in God’s hands. When I say “bold” I do not mean reckless, I simply mean we are being led by a God who knows our needs and the needs of our community. Therefore we should use all the resources (buildings, finance and people) we have in order that we can fulfill God’s purposes and desires for us as a church. I am excited, I hope you are too. Let us pray together for God’s will and desire to be done is us, His church. I hope we will continue straight on and follow where God is leading. God Bless — Richard 5
Churches Together
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th May at St Paul’s Church, Norden at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome at all of our meetings. Coffee is served on arrival and that is followed by a short business meeting when we discuss future events, ecumenical Christmas/Easter cards etc. After the business meeting we usually have a speaker. In the past we have enjoyed talks about the Food Bank, Street Pastors, The Petrus Community, the Church Army and Bacup Family Centre amongst others. In May our speaker will be Joey Knock from Christian Aid. I do hope that as many people as possible will attend, especially as May is the time when we do our annual Christian Aid collection in the area. Please put this meeting in your diaries and if you have any questions or problems with transport see either me or Richard. Angela Smith
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News of the family Concerns are expressed for Marjorie Farrington following Ken’s death, Don and Win Schofield, Joan Warner and her sister Sylvia, Lisa Linden, Joyce and Derek Yates, Joyce Cooper, Cameron Baines, Olive Brierley, Elizabeth and the family, Kath Telford, Sarah Ryan’s mum, Margaret Entwistle, Ray Atkins, Mildred Ingham, Diane Davis, Hilda Howard and Eric Lumb. Please pray also for Anne Newman and the family following Ian’s death and funeral; for the family of Vikki Williams, following her sudden and tragic death and for Hayley Merchant following her partner Martin’s death. Two members of our luncheon club also need our prayers; Joyce Cathcart has had a fall and Jim Taylor (Kath Day’s granddad) is not too well. Please remember all these people in your prayers, along with any others of whom you know or who I have omitted to mention.
Hunger in the UK Since Easter 2013, there have been half a million visits to food banks, and 5,500 visits to the hospital with malnutrition. 7
A Big Thank you We would like to say a big thank you to the people who have helped us and loved us through a very difficult time of ill health. Thank you to the Transport Team for giving up time running us up and down to hospital, thank you also for flowers and for prayers. Thank you to my elder, Gillian and to Finlay for all they have done for us throughout the past year. They have helped us in situations that have been extremely difficult. Everybody has been very kind. Thank you and Bless you.
Win and Don Schofield
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Christian Aid Week 11th-17th May This year’s Christian Aid Week focuses on the human cost of conflict. In some of the toughest places in the world, Christian Aid is helping people caught up in conflict to get the basics; medical care, water, food, shelter. It keeps people safe and helps heal the emotional scars, providing the expert support they need to deal with their traumatic experiences. When the fighting stops, they are still there helping the communities to walk the long road of recovery; from building homes where families can feel safe, to making sure people who’ve lost everything can earn a living again. Christian Aid demonstrates God’s love is infinitely greater than hatred or violence. We can help to give people across the world a life free of fear. To do this we need volunteers to help in the House to House collection. The more volunteers we have, the fewer homes each one needs to visit. Please will you help this year to spread the load. I am hoping that the people who volunteered last year will be willing to help again. If that is not the case, please would you let me know as soon as possible. Thank you
Margaret Ogden 9
Life (John 6:68) Life is not always fair, or kind. Life batters, People betray, let us down, Even those we trusted with our hearts and health. Landscapes change, Things we knew and understood Are tossed in the air To come down damaged and different. It all seems too hard, Too hard to bear. And it isn’t fair.
What then? Give up, turn back, Collapse and concentrate on the disintegration? Or with Peter, look up and say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” Life is not always fair, or kind. That’s why Jesus came. By Daphne Kitching
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Running for UNICEF: London Marathon 13th April 2014 Well I did it!! A wonderful sunny spring London morning with thousands upon thousands of happy people, both runners and spectators alike. It was a privilege to be part of this amazing event and to witness first hand so much joy, happiness and fun; people giving, sharing and empathising with each other. Many, many thanks to each and every one of you who has either pledged money, sponsored or simply wished me “good luck”. It really was one of those “lifetime moments”, to cherish and remember. If you are interested by the way, my time was 4hrs 36 mins 43 secs… about 45 minutes slower than Michael Owen!! Thanks again. Martyn James
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Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short enjoy it. 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 12
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?' 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive. 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need 42. The best is yet to come... 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 44. Yield. 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." Submitted by Joan Warner
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Bamford Chapel Lunchtime Concerts 2013 – 2014
As BBC3 and Classic FM compete for classical music listeners, our lunchtime concerts continue to provide a wide and attractive range of music and musicians on Tuesdays from October to March. Last season our audience, some of whom travel from a wide area around Bamford, enjoyed high quality performances, given mainly by young instrumentalists setting out on their professional careers in a highly competitive market. In October Russell Lomas, a regular visitor, accompanied Colin Blamey on his clarinet and gave us a rich and varied programme, although a disappointing audience of only 36 were present. Fortunately numbers doubled for the Rising Bridge Trio in November. Joanne Atherton (violin) brought two experienced colleagues (ex RLPO) on piano and cello and gave us two contrasting piano trios by Haydn and Shostakovich. In place of our usual visit by Chethams’ students, December brought us two from the RNCM – Nicole Linning on French Horn with Jemima Palfreyman, her gifted accompanist. The highlight of our musical year came in January with a return visit of the Chris Holmes Jazz Trio, who gave us another high-octane performance of some jazz classics, including music by Oscar 14
Peterson, Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel. The 100 strong audience showed their enthusiastic appreciation with their frequent applause of solo passages on piano, bass and drums. In February we were delightfully entertained by Juliet Montgomery (soprano) and Aidan Edwards (baritone) who sang ‘An Afternoon of Song’ – 20 solos and duets from Scarlatti to Weill via Schubert and Jerome Kern. We shall be hearing more of them as they continue their studies at the Scottish Conservatoire in September. The season concluded with a regular performer, Jonathan Ellis, showing us his skills as a solo pianist. The Chapel piano withstood the challenge of Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata and two romantic pieces by Liszt and Brahms very well! Again we are greatly indebted to Margaret and Pamela and their hard working teams of ladies for providing delicious pre-concert lunches – additional volunteers would be welcome. The profit from refreshments helps to pay our artistes and enables £750 to be given on Gift Day. In order to give Mums and Toddlers more breathing space (and tidying up time) the committee decided to start next season’s concerts 15 minutes later at 1pm – refreshments from 12 / 12.15. Reluctantly, it was also decided to raise the entrance charge to the concerts to £3.50 (after 4 years at £3) in order to pay our talented musicians a reasonable fee to cover their expenses. Next Season opens on October 14th with the mouth-watering prospect of the Mike Manship Jazz Trio. Hope to see a large audience there! Mike Lucas 15
Ladies’ Fellowship April Meeting 2014 In our April meeting the Ladies’ Singing Group MTM (More Than Melody) with their new conductor Jon Gibson and accompanist Elaine Marsden visited us. Their varied programme of music included songs from the shows, madrigals, British and German folksongs and two songs with music arranged by the conductor. There were 3 soloists including our own Pat Anderson. Alyson Brailsford delivered a Lancashire dialect poem on the perils of creating a top heavy Easter bonnet! In giving thanks Jennifer Lee said she had come along to be entertained and entertained she was. The next meeting is on 15th May (3rd Thursday in the month) and is our AGM. We don’t have a scheduled speaker, so if any members have an amusing party piece for the time between the short Business part and the Pot Luck Supper, please bring it along. On JUNE 12th we are travelling to the Red Hall on Walmersley Road for an evening meal. There is a signing list on the LF notice board. Menu choices and £24 are due at the AGM. All ladies are welcome – you don’t need to attend our monthly meetings. We’ll be happy for you to join on what we hope will be a sunny evening for both the weather and the fellowship. Joan Warner 16
Favourite Quotations Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow; The same everlasting Father who cares for you today Will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering Or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings. (St Francis de Sales) This is one of Winfred Schofield’s favourite quotations, which she has found to be a help and inspiration on so many occasions.
Worship Leaders’ Training The sessions are intended to inform, educate and entertain! Although aimed at our preaching team, all are welcome to attend; even if you are not interested in becoming a worship leader you may be curious about how it all works. Each session begins at 8pm and lasts no more than one hour; venue varies so if you would like to attend please contact either myself on 07702883067 or the session leader. Joanne Ackroyd Worship Leaders Training Sessions Date Leader Topic 18 June Andy Platt All Age Worship 3 September Joanne Ackroyd Bible 14 October Revd Richard Bradley Technology 17
When you plan your garden this Spring Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul. Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness. Plant four rows of lettuce: Lettuce be faithful Lettuce be kind Lettuce be happy Lettuce really love one another. No garden should be without turnips: Turnip for service when needed Turnip to help one another Turnip the music and dance. Water freely with patience and Cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden. Because you reap what you sow. To conclude our garden We must have thyme: Thyme for fun Thyme for rest Thyme for ourselves. 18
Strength in Weakness
There was a gardener who loved growing roses. One day, as he was inspecting his rose-trees, he noticed one rose was diseased and in need of care. The gardener carefully pruned the tree and added some fertiliser. Every day, the gardener looked at the rose-tree, checking to see how it was growing. He then decided to tie a stick to the weak stem. That night there was a terrible storm and the wind and the rain lashed at all the roses in the garden. In the morning, after the storm had passed, the gardener inspected his roses. Many were damaged. But the rose-tree which had been tied to the stick was unharmed. The weak rose-tree had survived. Somehow, this weak plant had found strength despite the bad weather. The gardener, knowing its weakness, had given this rose the care and support it needed. How many times do we find ourselves weak and in need of care, just like that rose? Our God is like that gardener who knows our weaknesses. He provides the strength we need in times of adversity. On our own we cannot survive on our own resources and must depend on God. He will support us in the storms of life. In our times of weakness, we can find a source of inner strength, only when we rely completely on God. He says: My grace is all you need, for my power is strongest when you are weak. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Lester Amann 19
Bread Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis!
Keep moving!
R e g u la r exercise can help slow the effects of a g e i n g . People over 50 who take r e g u l a r vigorous exercise have been found to enjoy a healthier life and suffer f e w e r disabilities than those who do no exercise regularly. So as Spring is w e l l underway, why not get out there and enjoy it! A brisk walk or jog will leave you feeling better.
Mistake A mistake is proof that someone was at least trying to accomplish something!
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Forthcoming Event / Date for your Diary
Friday 20th June 2014 at 7.30 pm Following a request from Saddleworth Male Voice Choir, the Church Meeting has agreed that the Chapel can host a concert to be given by the St Stythians Male Voice Choir, from Cornwall. The choir will be joined by their guest artist Shirley Harrison, who is well known to many people in this area.
Your support would be much appreciated.
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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 NEXT MAGAZINE
Articles to be handed in by:
Sunday 18th May
Magazine to be completed by:
Thursday 29th May
Magazine distributed:
Sunday 1st June 25
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