Sunday 2nd Oct
10.30 am
Family Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley followed by our CHURCH MEETING
Sunday 2
nd
Oct
Thurs 6th Oct Sat 8
th
Oct
6.00 pm 7.30 pm
Evening Worship led by Joanne Shaw Elders Meeting
10.00 am for 10.30
We welcome leaders and delegates to the Synod of the North West Province
Sunday 9th Oct
10.30 am
Family Worship led by Walter Brisk
Sunday 9th Oct
6.00 pm
Tues 11th Oct
12 noon for 12.45
Evening Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley The first of this Season’s Lunch Time Concerts
Sunday 16th Oct
10.30 am
Church Anniversary led by Revd Richard Bradley
Sunday 16th Oct
6.00 pm
Evening Worship with Holy Communion led by Revd Richard Bradley
10.30 am
Family Worship led by Revd Richard Bradley
Sunday 23rd Oct Sunday 23rd Oct
6.00 pm
Sunday 30th Oct
10.30 am
Family Worship led by Joanne Shaw
Sunday 30th Oct
6.00 pm
Evening Worship led by Laura Davies
Evening Worship led by Andy Platt
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Message from the manse As I write this article summer seems like ages ago if only because the rain is coming down heavily. For those who have been away over the summer holidays I hope you had a good time. For those yet to go, I hope you have a good time. I don’t want to panic people but there are, according to an online calculator, 108 shopping days until Christmas. However that is to the day when I write this article by the time you read it there will be less than 100! You may be wondering why on earth I am talking about Christmas in September. In the life of ministers we often think about upcoming seasons long before they occur. I am beginning to think about Advent and Christmas as I think about, and pray about, services and themes etc. I speak to some ministers who have served for many years and they say, “What on earth can we say that hasn’t already been said?” And that is often the cry of clergy as they ponder familiar readings to glean some truth that perhaps hasn’t been picked up on before. However, I think the re-telling of the narrative is so important; whether that is Christmas or Easter. The Christmas narrative is a fundamental part of our faith journey.
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Some Christian speakers think we should live in the joy of Christmas and the horror of Easter each day as we live our Christian lives. To some extent I agree with them. As we go about our daily business and we seek the Lord in Bible reading and prayer, we are, to some degree, pondering the truths of our faith. And we should give thanks to God for the greatest gift ever given – Jesus Christ; the one who came in the stable and died on the cross. And whether we’re in Lent or Easter; Advent or Christmas we should remember the gift we have all been given and give thanks daily for all that God has done for us, is doing for us and will do for us, through our faith in Jesus Christ. So whether we groan in anticipation of another busy run up to Christmas or whether we look forward with excitement, let us never forget that we have the gift of Christ with us daily through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Your Servant in Christ, Richard
Jane Baines would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported her when she took part in the Great North Swim. With your help she managed to raise £530 for Cancer Research UK. 3
News of the family We give thanks for the life of Betsy Gwilliam whose funeral was held here in August. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son David and with the wider family. We also think of Jennifer Lee and pray for her following the death of her mother. We pray also for the couples who have been married at Bamford Chapel during the summer, and for the babies who have been baptised. Concerns continue to be expressed for Ray and Auriel Atkins, Helen Baillie, Sid Hazelhurst, Patricia and John Lapworth, Jean and Eric Lumb, Michelle McLaughlin, Beryl Monk and Cyril and Doreen Watts. The summer holidays are over and some of our young people will have already left home to begin a new phase of their lives at university or college. We think of them and wish them well and also remember their parents, who may be missing them and worrying about them. Here at Bamford Chapel, things are returning to normal. Luncheon Club started again at the beginning of September, along with Hay Hodos and Koinonia. Ladies Fellowship has held the first meeting of the new year and the house groups are back in action. There have also been some new events; our first Heritage Open Weekend has been held and the new Alpha course has been launched at a party in Queens` Park cafe. Our Third World Project in Zambia was introduced at the Harvest Festival and lunch, and we have held a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning. What a lot of events in a short time and at the same time all the regular weekly things continue as well; worship on Sunday, Monday gang, pastoral group, prayer group, bridge club, badminton... the list goes on. Please remember all these things in your prayers, and give thanks that we have such a busy and loving church community at Bamford Chapel. 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.
The Cow and the Bible A religious farmer lost his Bible out in the field. A few days later he went to answer a noise at his door. Standing there was a cow, with his Bible in its mouth. The farmer raised his eyes to heaven and thanked the Lord for this miracle. "Not really," said the cow. "Your name was written inside."
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Children and Communion
At the last two Worship and Discipleship Meetings the topic of children and communion was raised. I said I would write something for the magazine to clarify what is the current practice of Bamford Chapel. For the senior group they are given the option to come back in to church to receive communion. Sometimes all the seniors come in but only some take the bread and the wine and the others are there in church to see what happens. For the younger children then it is up to parents to decide whether they allow their child(ren) to take the bread and the wine. The Elders will in due course be discussing the possibility of offering a blessing to children, who aren’t taking communion, as they are serve the congregation. If you have any views or opinions on this topic please feed them to the Elders through Ian Sturrock or myself. Many thanks 6
Ladies Fellowship Table Top Sale
Saturday 1st October 9 am – 11.30 am (Doors open for sellers at 7.30am)
Sellers £12 per table Buyers £1 entry Refreshments available (Bacon and sausage butties, toast etc) Please come and support our fundraising event
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BAMFORD CHAPEL TRAIDCRAFT
Traidcraft sources its products from community based businesses in the developing world, paying fair prices to the producers and distributing the products in the UK. The goods are sold via a network of more than 6,000 Fair Traders, as well as in supermarkets, independent retailers, online and via mail order. Established in 1979, Traidcraft fights poverty through trade, helping people in developing countries to transform their lives. They run development programmes in some of the poorest countries in the world and campaign in the UK and internationally to bring about trade justice. TRAIDCRAFT LAUNCHES FAIR COLLECTION FOR AUTUMN 2011
TRADE
Traidcraft’s new Autumn 2011 catalogue is packed with unique fair trade products for all the family which make a real difference to the lives of the people who make them in developing countries. The new catalogue features more than 450 fair trade products including handmade Christmas decorations, stylish accessories for men and women, children’s toys, homeware and food.
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Buying fair trade products from Traidcraft means you’re helping a range of producers in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Take the beautiful hand embroidered Tree of Life cushion covers [£30] which provide work for many women at St Mary’s, India [page 66]. The cloth, threads and mirror pieces must be prepared for the women to take to their homes. Once the embroidery work is done, they return the pieces to St Mary’s where the cloth is washed, ironed and stitched by a team of tailors, before being checked and packed. Highlights for Autumn include lacquered flower platter {£20] and lacquered flower vase {£24] – both on page 62 which are made in Vietnam for Craft Link. The flower motif is hand painted and each layer of lacquer is painstakingly applied over a four week period making this a truly artisan product. Catalogues are available from the Traidcraft stall after Sunday morning worship or contact Barbara Redmond. THE TRAIDCRAFT TEAM
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Ladies Fellowship Outing to Southport A full coach of ladies left Bamford Chapel on Thursday, August 11th heading for Southport. Our first stop on our journey brought us to Homestead Farm Shop where we all enjoyed a warm buttered scone and a cup of tea or coffee. The scone was delicious. We left the farm and arrived in Southport about 12 noon. Free time then until we all met up at the Ramada Plaza at 1.30 pm for a nice lunch.
Leslie Sutton enjoying her free time in Southport!
Our next stop should have been the Botanic Gardens but the wet weather put paid to that. So 10
we proceeded to our last stop which was Dunscar Gardens Cafe for a drink and look round the shop. Angela Smith gave us lots of interesting info during our journey and Joan Warner had set a short quiz for us. On our way home we were given 10 dingbats which the majority of us solved. Despite the weather being against us we enjoyed good company and friendship. Our sincere thanks go to Angela, Joan and Leslie Sutton for a very well organised trip. Our driver Steph got us safely there and back. Well done everyone. Margaret Entwistle
BELARUS UPDATE. On my recent visit to Belarus, I visited Linenski Social Services, regarding the new kitchen. They were most impressed (The Local Government) with the work Tonyian had done, that they have now found her larger premises. and she and her staff have dismantled the kitchen which you kindly paid for, and re-installed it in the larger premises. This will enable her to help more people on a daily basis. I also visited Molodechno - School for the deaf. and their kitchen is in full swing. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for you continued support at my Coffee Mornings, and a special thank you to Barbara Redmond for the lovely meringues. Carol Hartley. 11
Prayer “I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and lifted up.” Lord, can it be that you are interested in my little life? In the minor achievements In the limited aspirations In the mundane failures In the quiet deceptions In the moments of love In elation In depression Can it be? Lord, can it be that you are interested in our church? In our jumble sale In our new elders In our leaking roof In the closure or our youth club In our 100th Church Meeting In growth In conflict Can it be? Lord, can it be that you are interested in the United Reformed Church? In our ecumenical dreams In our declining numbers In our identity crisis In the gap between ‘them’ and ‘us’ In our Basis and Structures In our 25th anniversary celebrations In our fear for the future Can it be? The Lord replies I love you I died for you and rose for you I am with you always You are my people Everything you are and do is my concern Let me be your concern In all things At all times Lord Jesus Christ. We follow you. 12
Chapel Opens for English Heritage Open Days On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September 2011 Bamford Chapel took part in English Heritage Open Days scheme. The Chapel was opened for the public to take a look around from 1pm till 3 pm on both afternoons. Chapel members enthusiastically joined in, searching through archives, preparing materials, and providing a warm welcome to our guests. Some 30 visitors came to see what we have to offer. Some were simply passing by and spotted the balloons and posters others found out about us by searching the Internet. Comments in our visitors book included: Lovely Chapel - lovely welcome. Exceptional people and Chapel. Warm and welcoming. Well kept and loved. Beautiful building and friendly people. Very interesting indeed!!! Well kept and loved. Beautifully maintained. Well planned. Lots of interest to see and to read. Our thanks go to all who helped this event happen and to all who attended. Not bad for a first attempt! (One visitor was even persuaded to enrol on our next Alpha course!)
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Bible Reading Plan: 31st July – 30th October 2011
As we continue with the journey of reading through the Bible in a year please find below the readings for the period of 2nd October up to the 27th November. I have continued with the same pattern as the before by also giving the month ahead of the edition of the magazine. Epistles
The Law
History
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
18 (2 October)
2 Corinthians 4-5
Exodus 17-20
2 Samuel 5-9
19 (9th October)
Week nd
2 Corinthians 6-8
Exodus 21-24
2 Samuel 10-14
th
2 Corinthians 9-10
Exodus 25-28
2 Samuel 15-19
rd
2 Corinthians 11-13
Exodus 29-32
2 Samuel 20-24
th
Galatians 1-3
Exodus 33-36
1 Kings 1-4
23 (6 Nov’er)
Galatians 4-6
Exodus 37-40
1 Kings 5-9
th
Ephesians 1-3
Leviticus 1-3
1 Kings 10-13
th
Ephesians 4-6
Leviticus 4-6
1 Kings 14-18
th
Philippians 1-2
Leviticus 7-9
1 kings 19-22
20 (16 Oct’er) 21 (23 Oct’er) 22 (30 Oct’er) th
24 (13 Nov’er) 25 (20 Nov’er) 26 (27 Nov’er)
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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. 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 51-53
Job 35-36
Jeremiah 27-31
Mark 15-16
Psalms 54-56
Job 37-38
Jeremiah 32-36
Luke 1-2
Psalms 57-59
Job 39-40
Jeremiah 37-41
Luke 3-4
Psalms 60-62
Job 41-42
Jeremiah 42-46
Luke 5-6
Psalms 63-65
Proverbs 1
Jeremiah 47-52
Luke 7-8
Psalms 66-68
Proverbs 2-3
Lamentations
Luke 9-10
Psalms 69-71
Proverbs 4
Ezekiel 1-6
Luke 11-12
Psalms 72-74
Proverbs 5-6
Ezekiel 7-12
Luke 13-14
Psalms 75-77
Proverbs 7
Ezekiel 13-18
Luke 15-16
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ALPHA LAUNCH PARTY SEPT 11 Around 30 of us enjoyed the first ever Bamford Chapel Alpha launch party, on Monday 12th September, in the delightfully transformed, cosy night time ambience of Queens park cafĂŠ! Guests were treated to a true foretaste of what Alpha is, namely Good Food, Fellowship and Fun! Even including a sneak preview of Nicky Gumbell himself (He is the Anglican vicar from London who presents the DVD teaching part of the course-and is, well, memorable!) While enjoying our potato pie supper (with chips and peas no less) followed by homemade desserts, Barbara and Addie entertained us with a suitably challenging and humorous sketch, after which Sarah, fresh from Alpha training, explained how Alpha works and what guests can expect from the course. After questions, several people who have already attended Alpha at Bamford shared their experiences with us. These experiences were as varied as are the people, which is the point about Alpha! It is not a course designed to teach people a set of boring rules or doctrines. Rather it is a tool to allow people to explore and develop their own faith and relationship with God-and that is never boring! There are still places available on the next course which starts on Monday 26th September - to enrol, see Joan Warner, or Richard . 17
AN INTERVIEW WITH GOD Author Unknown Come in," God said to me, "So, you would like to interview Me?" "If you have the time," I said. He smiled through His beard and said: "My time is called Eternity and is enough to do everything. What questions do you have in mind to ask me?" "None that are new to you. What's the one thing that surprises you most about mankind?" He answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..." His hands took mine and we were silent. After a long period, I said, "May I ask you another question?" He replied with a smile. "As a Father, what would you ask your children to do for the new year?" "To learn they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved. To learn that it takes years to build trust, and a few seconds to destroy it. To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. There will be others better or worse than they are. To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least. 18
To learn that they should control their attitudes, otherwise their attitudes will control them. To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them. To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness. To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to show their feelings. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that while at times they may be entitled to be upset, that does not give them the right to upset those around them. To learn that great dreams do not require great wings, but a landing gear to achieve. To learn that true friends are scarce, he/she who has found one has found a true treasure. To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they forgive themselves. To learn that they are masters of what they keep to themselves and slaves of what they say. To learn that they shall reap what they plant; if they plant gossip they will harvest intrigues, if they plant love they will harvest happiness. To learn that true happiness is not to achieve their goals but to learn to be satisfied with what they already achieved. To learn that happiness is a decision. They decide to be happy with what they are and have, or die from envy and jealousy of what they lack. To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different. To learn that those who are honest with themselves without considering the consequences go far in life. To learn that even though they may think they have nothing to give, when a friend cries with them, they find the strength to appease the pain. To learn that by trying to hold on to love ones, they very quickly push them away; and by letting go of those they love, they will be side by side forever. To learn that even though the word "love" has many different meanings, it loses value when it is overstated. To learn that they can never do something extraordinary for Me to love them; I simply do. To learn that the shortest distance they could be from Me is the distance of a prayer." God bless. AMEN
Thanks to Ian Sturrock for sharing this with us. He received it by email from Ivor Rees 19
Bamford Chapel: Midday concerts, 2011-12 October 11
Angela Rowley (soprano), accompanied by James Pelham (pianoforte) It is some years since Angela came to us. She was always much enjoyed by our audiences, and she should prove a delightful opener to our season
November 8
Jonathan Ellis (pianoforte) Jonathan has visited us as leader of a small chamber group, as accompanist to some fine singers and as soloist. Audiences have taken very warmly to him, and we are pleased to welcome him back
December 13 Chetham’s School of Music pay us their annual visit January 10
Stephanie Tepper (flute), accompanied by Russell Lomas Russell has been a most helpful friend to us at Bamford. Formerly Head of Accompaniment at Chetham’s, he has introduced us to many promising young musicians starting out on professional careers. Stephanie comes to us in 2012 for the first time
February 14
Dan Whieldon (piano) and Gavin Barras (bass) These two are a jazz duo, visiting us for the first time. Our audiences seem to have appreciated our previous jazz guests, and we hope this pair will enjoy their concert with us
March 15
Artistes from the Royal Northern College of Music. Abigail Collins, in charge of concert arrangements, will discuss with us early in the College year which students might be appropriate for this particular concert
Those of us who organise the concerts very much hope for the regular support of our audiences. Of course, we pay our artistes as generously as we can afford, but it is the size of the audience that is very much part of their reward for coming to us. Please do your best to make our concerts widely known and join us whenever you can! 20
Bamford Chapel October Lunchtime concert
Tuesday October 11th 12 noon for 12.45 pm Featuring Angela Rowley (soprano) and James Pelham (pianoforte) 21
Bamford Chapel Project 2011:
The Church in the World Committee would like to keep you informed of this year’s church project which is Eden Farm Children’s Village in Zambia. 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. 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 adhoc 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 22
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. Carole Greaves By the time you read this fund raising will have begun with our Harvest Lunch on Sunday 18th Sept.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD. Operation Christmas Child is the largest children's Christmas project in the world, run by the Christian charity Samaritan's Purse. Gift-filled shoeboxes have been sent to disadvantaged children around the world since 1990, bringing joy into the lives of over 80 million children. Could I once again ask for your support of this children's charity? Many of you will already be familiar with it. For those who are not, the aim is to fill a shoe box with various items such as, soap and flannel, toothpaste, brush, comb, pens and pencils and notebooks. We also try to include hat and gloves and a small toy. We also need shoe boxes. We need gifts for both boys and girls in the age groups, 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14. I will be happy to receive any items also boxes Joan Ashton, on behalf of Carol Hartley. tel 01706 360395. (I can collect.) 23
Midday concerts 2011 – 12 Once more it is time to tell you about the season’s concerts, presented as before on the second Tuesday of each month from October to March. As usual, I have tried to bring to Bamford a wide variety of serious music. The programme is printed elsewhere in this magazine. Here are a few observations about our guests. Angela Rowley has not been to us for several years now, simply because we wanted to introduce other singers to our audiences. We felt it was time to invite her back, accompanied by a pianist she has been working with for some years, though new to us. Jonathan Ellis has been to us several times – as accompanist; as leader of a string trio; and as a soloist. His engaging manner with audiences has made him a popular visitor, and his programme this season will include a special tribute to Liszt, whose 200th birthday anniversary is celebrated this year.. Chetham’s never fail to introduce to us a delightful mix of very talented young musicians, and we trust this year will be no exception. Russell Lomas has been a regular guest because, as well as being a superb accompanist, he has the knack of finding young instrumentalists setting out on careers as professional performers, and we look forward to meeting Stephanie Tepper in January. For the past two or three seasons, we have included jazz in our programme. This, as most of you will know, is a widely appreciated genre of music and our audiences have responded well to our guests. Gavin Barras has played here before as part of a trio, but in February he will join Dan Whieldon, new to us but well known in the north-west. Finally, our friends at RNCM have recommended our March guests. They are in fact brothers, and the pianist also plays the trombone – not however at the same time! Again, these will be new faces to us here, and come highly commended. All we need now is audiences – for all our concerts, please! It is not simply that we need admission money to pay our artistes properly, though that is important. The artistes themselves are greatly encouraged when confronted by substantial numbers of listeners. Do come yourself 24
if you can, and make the concerts widely known to anyone who might be interested. Some come just for the concert, and that is fine: others clearly enjoy the lunch and the company from 12 noon. I hope we will see all our friends from previous seasons, and maybe some coming to us for the first time. Walter Brisk
“STILLNESS & SHARING” A new afternoon faith group This group has now met 4 times on a Tuesday afternoon in the lounge. We only meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in the month, because the idea is we develop techniques, which we can then use in our own ‘quiet times’ at home The ‘stillness’ involves exercises in Christian meditation and a special way of reading bible passages. The ‘sharing’ is of our faith journey experiences and of our concerns for others. We are due to meet on the following dates between October and Christmas: 4th and 20th October / 1st and 15th November / 6th and 20th December. We arrive from 2.15pm for a 2.30 start and we aim to end by 3.30pm If you’d like to give it a try, you can try out a single session to see if it helps you; you can come to each session or come once a month; you can pop in any time you’re available. The key word is flexibility. You would be welcome at any session. If you’d like more information, please speak to Lesley Ashworth or Joan Warner. Thank you – Joan Warner 25
TO: God.com DearLord, Every single evening As I'm lying here in bed, This tiny little Prayer Keeps running through my head: God bless all my family Wherever they may be, Keep them warm And safe from harm For they're so close to me. And God, there is one more thing I wish that you could do; Hope you don't mind me asking; please bless my computer too. Now I know that it's unusual To Bless a motherboard, But listen just a second While I explain it to you, Lord. You see that little metal box Holds more than odds and ends; Inside those small compartments Rest so many of my friends. I know so much about them By the kindness that they give,
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And this little scrap of metal Takes me in to where they live. By faith is how I know them Much the same as you. We share in what life brings us And from that our friendships grew. Please take an extra minute From your duties up above, To bless those in my address book That's filled with so much love. Wherever else this prayer may reach To each and every friend, Bless each e-mail inbox And each person who hits 'send'. When you update your Heavenly list On your own Great CDROM, Bless everyone who says this prayer. Sent up to GOD.com
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