IN TOUCH
Quilt Design
Made
by the
Youngsters
of the
Church
EMMANUEL METHODIST UNITED
REFORMED CHURCH,
ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE, L39 2DE
Message from our Minister
Dear Friends,
I can hardly believe that it is May already. As the saying goes,
time flies when you’re having fun, and Mark and I are taking
such pleasure from being part of the worshipping community at
Emmanuel!
May is an interesting month! According to the web, May is
apparently, somewhere in the world, the national month in
which people celebrate their pets. It is also healthy vision
month to remind everyone to get their eyes checked regularly
and motorcycle safety month. May also marks the end of
Spring. And don’t forget ‘Star Wars’ – May the fourth (force) be
with you!
But of course May is a very special month for two other
reasons. Firstly it was on Wednesday, May 24, 1738, that John
Wesley experienced assurance of his salvation. Wesley wrote
in his journal that at about 8:45 p.m. "while he was describing
the change which God works in the heart through faith in
Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in
Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given
me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me
from the law of sin and death."
Then on Thursday,
May 25th, we will
celebrate Ascension
Day. Ascension Day
is the 40th day of
Easter, occurring 39
days after Easter
Sunday and
commemorates
Jesus’ ascension into
heaven.
1
What is the link between these? Well, when John Wesley edited
the Book of Common Prayer for use by Methodists, he deleted
nearly all of the Anglicans’ Holy Days that weren’t Sundays, except
Good Friday, Christmas Day and Ascension Day. Wesley believed
that God has personally reconciled the believer to himself through
the atoning life and death of Christ. It is through faith that we
receive Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King. As we celebrate the
ascension of Christ we acknowledge the reality of the fullness of
Christ's reign now and in eternity.
And so, following our Easter celebrations we continue to journey in
faith with Christ, our Saviour. May we continue to have fun finding
continuing renewed ways of sharing our faith, of being Christ’s
disciples and moving forward as the people God wants us to be.
May God continue to bless us all,
Sue
The Cross
With Flowers
Outside
Emmanuel Church
To
Mark Easter
2
Ormskirk Methodist United Reformed Church exists to
promote the worship of Almighty God, to spread the
gospel of Jesus Christ and, in the power of the Spirit, to
serve neighbours in Christ at home and abroad. It seeks
to play a part in transforming the unjust structures of
society and promoting strong communities based on
Christian values. As part of the World Church, it will
strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain the
life on earth.
‘O God, make the door of this house wide enough to
receive all those who need human love and heavenly
Father’s care, and narrow enough to shut out all envy,
pride and hatred. Make its threshold smooth enough to
be no stumbling block to children or straying feet, but
rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power. Make it
the gateway to Thy Eternal Kingdom, through Jesus
If you would like to receive a taped copy of the
Sunday morning service, then please contact
Ynyr Jones on 423474.
3
Services for May 2017
Sunday, 7th May
10.30 a.m.
The Revd Sue Guénault
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Barbara Banton
Sunday, 14th May
10.30 a.m.
The Revd Michael Tindsley - Holy Communion
4.00 p.m.
Informal tea service led by Malcolm Roxburgh
Sunday, 21st May
10.30 a.m.
The Revd Sue Guénault - Parade Service
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Sue Guénault - Prayer and Praise
Sunday, 28th May
10.30 a.m.
The Revd Geoffrey Farthing
6.30 p.m.
Easter Offering Service at Holmes
4
IGNITE DATES
21st May: Ready, Steady, Cook. 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. at Emmanuel
23rd June: Ruff Wood Games (manhunt) at Ruff Wood, Ormskirk,
7.30 - 9.00 p..m.
16th July : Barbecue, music/party - 7.30- to 9.30 at Emmanuel
17th September:
Film Night 7.30 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel
15th October:
Bowling - time and place to be advised
19th November:
Quiz 7.30 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel
10th December:
Christmas Party 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. at Emmanuel
Stall at Christmas Party to be announced.
5
13th
6
SUPPORTING CHARITIES THROUGH RECYCLING
STAMPS - for Methodist Homes. This is an ongoing collection. Stamps should
be trimmed 1/4 inch (not from the postcards) and can be given to Elizabeth at any
time.
Thank you
WOMEN’S EVENING GROUP – Summer Outing to Llandudno
on Wednesday, 5th July 2017 (Cost: £25.00 – including lunch)
(1) Would all WEG Members/Friends who are going on the above outing,
please ensure that all monies/menus are passed to Sharon (Tel: 422481)
not later than Tuesday, 16th May (our AGM). Thank you.
(2) A few seats are still available on the coach. If you would be interested
in joining us, please contact Sharon on the above tel. no. You would be
most welcome.
(3) Coach will leave Ormskirk Bus Station at 9.00am returning approx.,
5.30pm.
7
I think God is a Quilter
I think God is a quilter who, with needle and thread, pieces our world
from nothingness and gives it form instead.
I think we see God’s perfect stitches, textured everywhere:
in velvet moss, and grainy sand, in silky strands of hair.
I think God cuts the pattern
from stuff we’d throw away,
and shows us how to use each scrap in God’s own redeeming way.
I think quilts paint the lessons God uses just to teach
that our pieces and our remnants have kaleidoscopic reach.
So, in the life we’re living,
odd pieces everywhere,
let’s give them to the Quilter to work into a masterpiece
with extra-loving care.
(By Anon)
Revd. Sue has been moved to present the above poem which relates so
well to the picture on the front cover of this In Touch.
Many thanks
To everyone who knitted Easter chickens, sold chickens or bought
chickens in aid of our Church Refurbishment. The sum raised up to date
is £164.00. with a small amount of money still to come in.
Barbara.
8
Boys Brigade recycling
Used printer cartridges and old mobile phones.
Original manufactured cartridges only but not copies
or remanufactured.
Please pass your cartridges/phones to Ian Price or place
them in the church porch recycle box.
For the weekly notices
Please e-mail me your notices at home, by 9 p.m. Wednesday
evening to [email protected]
so that I can print on
Thursdays. I am
usually at home on
Wednesday evenings
(580270) if you
would like to phone
9
Great Afternoon on Easter Saturday
Passers by were entertained with music, magic acts and
free chocolate.
Ormskirk and District Churches Together In Ormskirk Town
10
EXTRA PAGES A,B,C,D - Page 11 follows
Mission and Outreach Forum.
Following the success of our prayer open forums, from
which we are working on new prayer initiatives for our
church community, we are holding two open forums to
discuss potential mission and outreach opportunities,
including the possible launch of ‘Messy Church’ in
September. The meetings will take place on Monday
15th May at 3.15pm and 8.15pm.
We hope that everyone will be encouraged to attend as
we continue to explore how we move forward as a
Church family.
Thank you, Sue
Church Meetings
Church Annual General Meeting, Sunday 7th May,
12.00pm followed by a Faith Lunch
Emmanuel Guild Annual General Meeting, Monday
15th May, 2.00pm
Pastoral Visitors Meeting - Thursday 18th May,
7.30pm
A
B
Ign!te is a newly-formed group for
18-30 year olds, based at
Emmanuel Church.
All are welcome.
Please find us on Facebook or at
www.emmanuelormskirk.org.uk
Activity to enjoy
Please see Page 5
C
Run by Mark and Alison Taylor:teams of eight or come along and
join others and make up a team
then. Numbers are limited, so
please book early to avoid
disappointment. The cost is £7
and the contact numbers are:
01695 722854 or 07932 406696, or
e-mail:[email protected]
D
i
11
TOP RATING FOR LUNCH CLUB 2017 - AGAIN!
The Lunch Club has once again been awarded the top 5-star
rating for food hygiene following an inspection by West Lancs
Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department. It is
becoming a pleasing habit and long may it continue.
Our grateful thanks go to:
Pam Ruscoe, Miriam Edge and Joyce Burrows who plan, prepare
and cook all the meals.
Cynthia, who keeps the kitchen spic and span.
All the servers and washers-up: Bev W., Gill B., Geraldine M.,
Jean W., Joyce D., Kath C., Elizabeth C, Sylvia T. and Barbaras
R. & S.
Church members who use the kitchen at other times and help
to maintain standards.
Roy C., Malcolm A. and Bob E. Who also do a bit in quiet,
efficient, unobtrusive ways so typical of men.
If you believe this last comment you’ll believe anything.
Secretary, Bob Edge
12
Jean
Ensor
Our friend Jean was born on 31st October, 1916 in Bury St. Edmunds
into a staunch Methodist family and with her father away serving in the
First World War. As the war ended, and the family re-united, they moved
several times in the South of England as Jean was growing up. It was
there that Jean met her husband Leonard. Soon, the world was at war
again and they were married only hours before Leonard was called up.
Jean’s war service was with the Red Cross where she learned the first aid
and nursing skills she was to pass on to others later in her life. With the
war ended and Leonard returned safely, they moved North to live in St.
Helen’s where Leonard set up his optician’s practice and where they
joined the local Methodist church. There they met the family of the
10-year-old Sylvia Jacquest who became a lifelong friend. There, too,
their children David and Jennifer were born. Later they moved to
Burscough, where their home in Junction Lane was also Leonard’s
surgery. As her family grew up, Jean again began working for the Red
Cross and was invited to become Commandant. She was instrumental
in finding them larger places and arranging the purchase of the Red Cross
house on the corner of Stanley Street and Derby Street. There she taught
first-aid skills to young recruits and trainers, and co-ordinated much
fund-raising over a number of years. Jean also served as a magistrate on
the Ormskirk bench for seventeen years, as well as finding time for
membership of several other organisations: Townswomen’s Guild and
Soroptimists among them.
As her children grew up and married - David to Susan and Jennifer to
Neil - she was blessed with the arrival of five grandchildren: Christopher
and Jonathan, Adam, Melissa and Tara and later with five greatgrandchildren.
Jean celebrated her 100th birthday with a lovely family party and then,
on the day itself, 31st October 2016, surrounded by cards and flowers,
she received her special card from the Queen. Soon after her birthday she
moved to a care home in York to be looked after and to be nearer to her
grandchildren. It was there, with Melissa and Tara at her bedside, she
slipped away very peacefully on 9th March.
13
Michael and Sylvia led a beautiful service of thanksgiving and
remembrance on 30th March, as Jean’s many friends gathered to support
her family in celebrating the life of a much-loved and very special lady.
We hold David and Jennifer and their families in our thoughts and prayers
at this time of parting.
Denise Moorcroft
Fusion is an Ecumenical Youth Group organised by the Churches
Together in Ormskirk. Here is the programme. For more information
please see Cheryl or Sue.
Aims –
1. To bring together teenagers (11-18 years old) from all churches in
Ormskirk & surrounding areas for encouragement, fun & friendship
2. To give opportunities for young people to invite friends to join in
3. To encourage and give opportunities for Youth Leaders whose numbers
are small.
4. To periodically introduce meaningful Christian input
Calendar 2017:
Sat May 13th – Manley Mere (Andrew Lea/OCF)
Sat Jun 10th – Car Rally/Treasure Hunt with families (Sarah)
Sun Jul 16th – CURIOUS @ CLM
Sun Aug 20th – Ainsdale Beach with families
Fri Sept 8th – Film Night @ Christ Church
Fri Oct 13th – Laser Quest (Sarah)
Sun Nov 19th – CURIOUS @ CLM
Fri Dec 8th- Christmas Party Event
Other considerations:
· CURIOUS is on every month on the 3rd Sunday @ CLM for teenagers+
· 6th formers ‘prepare for Uni support event’ in summer in conjunction
with Fusion UK
14
TEA SERVICE
4.00 P.M. 14 MAY
WITH
MALCOLM
ROXBURGH
LUNCH CLUB
Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month
12.45 p.m.
A home-cooked lunch - 2 courses plus drinks
Additional drivers and helpers also needed
A recent delicious meal was: Steak and kidney pie
with carrots and green beans followed by Rhubarb and
custard
Please contact Bob (576703)
or Roy (573372)
15
Ju
pl
al
Colour me in
AND FILL IN THE MISSING LETTERS
Jesus is
our
SA_I__R
Line Drawing
Could you do a pen or pencil drawing to show anything that Jesus
did - such as a miracle, Jesus with his disciples or anything written
about him in Bible?
If you can do a drawing it might be used on the Colour me in page
of a future copy of the In Touch.
16
Prayer Chain
We have set up an email prayer chain. All are welcome to join. The idea is
to circulate prayer requests rapidly. Any email sent to the prayer chain is
automatically sent to all members. Any member of the prayer chain can
send an email to the chain. If you would like to join the prayer chain just
send an email to [email protected]. Please
say within the email who you are if it isn’t obvious from your email
address. If you encounter any problems or questions please see Peter
Harrison.
The prayer chain has a website which you can find at
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/emmanuelprayers/info. If you join
the group and set up a Yahoo ID associated with your email address you
will be able to see the message archive showing messages that have
previously been sent to the group. Note that it is not necessary to set up a
Yahoo ID to join the group – you can still send and receive messages
without one.
Prayer Initiatives
Prayers of Intercession
In addition to our worship leaders, we would like to invite people to share
in the leading of our Prayers of Intercession during worship. If you would
like to explore serving our Church community in this way, please speak
to Sue. Thank you.
Prayer Themes
From April we are inviting everyone to focus on a particular prayer
theme each month, in our addition to our weekly prayer requests. Details
will be published in our weekly notices.
17
Saturday Coffee Shop
10.30 to noon
Volunteers wanted for a Few Saturdays per
year - Please contact Pat Loch
AT EMMANUEL CHURCH
Items for the June 2017 edition
to arrive by
5p.m. 17th. May please - to
Nigel Cann 24 Dyers Lane,
Ormskirk L39 4RW
Tel: 01695 580270
Email – [email protected]
Closing date for material with photographs (jpg format) one day earlier.
18
YOUR ADVERT COULD
BE IN OUR 10 MONTHLY
EMMANUEL METHODIST
CHURCH
DERBY STREET
4 cm
COVERING 12 MONTHS
We circulate 400 copies of each
edition of the publication and
many of the editions are passed
around the reader’s family.
APPROXIMATELY
6 X 4 CM B/W - @
£45.00 PER 1 YEAR OF
10 ISSUES.
It could be assumed that we have
a readership in excess of 1000.
Must be time to
See you
here soon
advertise via the
PLEASE EMAIL TO
[email protected]
19
GHL
ENTERTAINMENT
YOUR DESIGN
Karaoke Disco
Parties,Weddings,
Functions
Ian
CAN BE COPIED
Tel 07510 346 831
Email :-
FROM PDF FILES
[email protected]
Apr 2017
The above is the first advertisement we have been
pleased to accept and we invite you to place your
advertising in the In Touch More details are within this
publication.
Please email [email protected]
for any more detail you may require.
20
HALL / ROOM HIRE
AT
EMMANUEL
Langham Hall
Is multipurpose and available for hire plus has tables and chairs which
can comfortably accommodate approximately 95 people or the tables
and chairs can be packed away at one end of the hall giving a large
clear area for other activities. In addition we have a wall projector
screen ready for your talks and such like in the hall. There is also a
kitchen which can be used by arrangement, next to the hall, that is well
equipped and for many years has received the 5 star award for hygiene.
Lecture room
Has seats for some 40 people, is set up with a wall projector
screen and is carpeted.
Lounge
24 seats are kept in the carpeted lounge which is ideal for a
small meeting.
Enquiries to:-
Lyn Jenkins
01695 422573
Or
Bill Jones
01695 574268