The Vine - Thornton Methodist Church

The Vine
Thornton Methodist
Church Magazine
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The Vine – April and May 2016
Welcome to this edition of The Vine.
During this edition Rev Paul Clemence will retire as vicar of St
John’s. Thornton Methodist Church thanks Paul for his work in
Thornton and wishes him a very happy retirement.
If you would like an article in the June/July edition of The Vine
the deadline is Friday 14th May. Please let Lesley have your
items, or you can send by email to the Church Office
[email protected] or they can be taken to the
church office, which is open on Fridays from 10.00 to 12 noon.
.

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Rev Stephen Dunn
60 Victoria Road East
Thornton Cleveleys
FY5 5HQ
01253 855917
07913 442627
[email protected]
Dear Friends
As I write there is a steady little stream of folks coming to
Church at all times of the day and night to be a part of the very
special Holy Week continuous prayer event. I loved the
Steward’s announcement
that ‘we are not trying to
break some Guinness
World Record but simply
seeking to embrace God’.
No matter how many
people come along, I
would always like to
welcome a few more!
From the short time that
I’ve spent in the prayer
space I can only describe
the experience as beautiful. My hope is that many more
people will come along and have a similar experience to my
own.
Last week I was away interviewing people who would like to
become Ministers in the Church so I haven’t been involved in
the preparations for the prayer event at all. I left it all in the
very capable hands of the Prayer Team, and they have
ministered wonderfully to us – thank you! I hope that each
member of the Prayer Team know just how valued they are
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and how they have ministered to us. They may not have been
through numerous Church interviews, but Jesus is using them
as His ministers. God longs to use everyone to do His work
and therefore become ministers in the Gospel. So, how is God
calling you? You have skills, hobbies, interests, so in which
ways is God calling you to use them?
As a Church we have the huge honour and responsibility of
discipling our children and young people, maybe you’d like to
join that team…Maybe you’re a behind the scenes person and
have skills and interests in property, finance or audio visual.
Perhaps God is calling you to train as a Worship Leader or
Preacher, or use your skills and join our musicians. I could
continue but I’m sure you get the point, everyone has
something to offer, and I’d be delighted to help you find your
niche, please do pray and then come can chat with me if you
haven’t found your place to serve just yet. After all the
Christian Gospel is about giving and forgiving, which is what
Jesus has done for us and what we must provide to others. If
you’re still not sure go and read 1 Corinthians 12; it’s a
celebration of all that you have to offer or Ephesians 4 which is
all about how we live and work together as God’s people.
There’s no mention of being a record breaker in either of these
passages, just an assurance of who we are in Jesus and then
a desire to work that out in the Christian community together –
beautifully messy stuff, welcome to TMC!
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of those
who have died recently, assuring them of our prayers. In
particular:
Please remember in your prayer the family and friends of
Ivan Hightly whose funeral took place at Carleton
Crematorium on 15th January. We particularly remember
Lynette, Dawn, Pam and family in our prayers
We pray for the family and friends of Victor Postill whose
funeral took place at Carleton Crematorium on 2nd
February, we particularly remember his wife Freda and
son Garry and daughter Christine and their families.
We pray for the family and friends of Joan Fishwick
whose funeral took place Carleton Crematorium on 10th
February, and particularly remember her daughter Diane,
grand-daughter Laurel and brother Brian.
We pray for the family and friends of Lorraine Hailstone,
a member of TMC, who funeral took place at TMC on 23rd
February. We particularly remember her son Carl and
sister Yvonne in our prayers.
Please remember in your prayers the family and friends
of Agnes Pawson whose funeral took place at Carleton
Crematorium on 29th February. We particularly remember
Eric and Lynne in our prayers
We pray for the family of Mollie Taylor whose funeral
took place at Carleton Crematorium on 8th March. We
remember Sheila and family in our prayers.
Yours in Christ’s service
Stephen
Congratulations to Jean
Metcalfe who will be 90 on
24th April.
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We pray for the family of Ethel Robinson whose funeral
took place at Carleton Crematorium on 11th March. We
particularly remember Charlie, Joyce and Sheila in our
prayers.
Blessed are those who die in the Lord;
for they rest from their labours
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Since the last magazine went to
print we have been blessed to
witness three christenings at
Thornton Methodist Church:
Charlotte Byrne was christened on
24th January and brought by her
parents Amy and John Byrne and
big brothers Jacob and Joseph
Lucus Shotton was christened on 7th February and brought by
his parents Donna and Stuart Shotton and big brothers Nathen
and Michael.
Leo Tanburello was christened on 7th February and brought
by his parents Alexa Taylor and Giovanni Tanburello
We will continue to support these parents as they seek to
nurture their children in the love of God.
PET CELEBRATION SERVICE
An animal & family-friendly service!
Come along, and why not bring your pet too!
Sunday 3rd April, 10.30am
God loves all
of His
creation.
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Sunday Worship
April and May Worship at TMC
At TMC it is part of our Vision that we cater for a variety of
worship preferences, which is why we hold two services on
Sunday mornings. Our 9.30 a.m. is traditional whilst our 11
a.m. service is contemporary. At 10.30 a.m. between services
we all meet together for coffee/tea and fellowship.
The new Encounter services meet on the first and third
Sundays at 7.00 p.m.
Sunday 3rd April
10.30 a.m. United Service – Pet Service – All Age Worship
Rev Stephen Dunn
7.00 p.m.
Encounter – Rev Stephen Dunn –
Holy Communion
Sunday 10th April
9.30 a.m.
Brian Robbins
Worship Leader – Eileen Harper
11.00 a.m. Brian Robbins
Sunday 17th April
9.30 a.m.
Rev Stephen Dunn – Holy Communion
11.00 a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn
7.00 p.m.
Encounter – Deacon Jo Critchley
Sunday 24th April
9.30 a.m.
Sylvia Clark
11.00 a.m. Rev Bill Davies – Holy Communion
Sunday 1st May
9.30 a.m.
John Simpson
11.00 a.m. Rebekah Spinks
7.00 p.m.
Encounter – Rev Stephen Dunn
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Sunday 8th May
9.30 a.m.
Greg Doughty
11.00 a.m. Greg Doughty
Sunday 15th May - Pentecost
9.30 a.m.
Rev Stephen Dunn
11.00 a.m. Rev Stephen Dunn – Holy Communion
3.00 p.m.
Churches Together in Thornton at TMC
7.00 p.m.
Encounter – Pam Roberts
Sunday 22
9.30 a.m.
nd
11.00 a.m.
“And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
May
Rev Stephen Dunn
Worship Leader – Eileen Harper
Rev Stephen Dunn – All Age Worship
th
Sunday 29 May
9.30 a.m.
Rev Michael Payne – Holy Communion
11.00 a.m. Rev Michael Payne
Micah 6:8
Those words of Micah sum important hallmarks of the Way of
Jesus: to live lives inspired by, and imbued with, God’s justice and
mercy, especially in terms of reaching out to those who are in any
STREETLIFE
A reminder there is a box in the foyer for items for Streetlife.
The following items are required.
sense lost, oppressed, overlooked or outcast.
 to be humbly obedient to the Father, rather than driven by
our own egos, self-interest or blinkered and limited views.
FOOD: Soup, Beans, Spaghetti, Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Biscuits,
Tin Puddings, Tin Custards, Tin Meat, Tin Fruit, Tin Vegetables.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ invitation to his first disciples was to “Come
TOILETRIES: Soap, Shampoo, Shower gel, Toothpaste,
and see”. ‘Come and see what the way of God, lived in its fullness,
Tooth brushes, Razors, Hairbrushes, Towels (new or very
good).
CLOTHING:
Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Pyjamas, Underwear.
looks like. Don’t just come along out of idle curiosity or to sight-see;
but come and see how it’s done, and then go, and to the best of
your ability, do the same.’
If you wish to make a cash donation, please give this to Bill
Casson.
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To walk humbly with our God every step of the way, and in all
well placed to offer his own forgiveness. But instead he placed his
aspects of our lives, is a very tall order. What exactly is it to “walk
desire into the loving mercy hands of his Father.
humbly”? There are many pages of many books on spirituality
devoted to telling us what humility is. But they won’t get us far
The third at the point of death: “My God, my God, why have you
unless, in practice, we do our utmost to live the reality of it by
forsaken me?” In the extremes of agony, Jesus stepped beyond his
following in the steps of our Master.
living experience, to cry out to the Father who, at that moment he
could no longer perceive or feel or comprehend, and held onto him
I was struck during Holy Week yet again by three prayers that Jesus
blindly in his own darkness.
prayed that embody humility as a living reality.
The first in Gethsemane: “Abba, Father! For you everything is
Those prayers of Jesus
possible. Take this cup away from me. But let it be as you, not I
were so direct and
would have it.”
honest. They hid nothing
When everything within Jesus - mind, body and spirit - was crying
of where he was, what
out to be saved from the horror he faced, he still went beyond all
he felt or thought or
that made him a man, to place himself into the hands of the Father.
desired. But in each one,
He was drawn again and again into that spiral of fear and desire to
whatever the
be spared the agony, but each time he returned humbly to his
consequences for himself, he handed himself over to his Father’s
Father’s will.
will. That is true, living humility.
The second from his cross, looking down at those who had crucified
How often when we prayer, do we truly and honestly turn ourselves
him: “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are
over so openly and honestly to the Father, whatever the
doing.” Jesus might well have felt that the Father’s justice rightfully
consequences.
demanded their punishment. Or as the “beloved son” that he was
How often do we in practice, live that kind of humility?
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LEPROSY MISSION
MONTHLY THURSDAY LUNCH
28th April at 12.30pm
26th May at 12.30 pm
Please sign the list in the porch or telephone
Helen Jones 886749 or
Rev Stephen Dunn 855917
We have been able to send a cheque for £210 to TLM from
Thornton Methodist Church.
This is partly from regular donations, collection boxes and our
World Leprosy Day collection.
Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support for this
charity.
Kay & Colin.
ACTION FOR CHILDREN
NEW KITCHEN
The church kitchen after an inspection by the Environmental
Health Officer has been awarded the highest Food Hygiene
Rating of 5.
To ensure we can maintain this high standard Elaine Buckley,
the Environmental Health Officer, is going to run a free
refresher course on Monday 23rd May at 7.45pm for about
one hour.
It would be appreciated that as many as possible who are
involved in catering in any capacity attend this course.
The main focus will always be to share the love of Jesus with
the community through the many social activities.
Helen Jones and Eileen Harper
CIRCUIT SERVICE
Sunday 24th April 3.30pm @ Trinity Fleetwood, Easter Offering
service
Thank you to all box holders for the total of £335.65 for 2015.
The AFC Sunday envelopes raised £131.50 and the amount
from Saturday coffee morning stall for AFC was £63, making a
total of £530 for 2015.
Thank you for all your support.
Shirley Eade
BIRTHDAY PLEDGE
This is a new idea for Church fund raising. Wouldn't it be lovely
to give a little as well as receive on your birthday? With this in
mind, if you would like to receive a birthday card from your
Church family, please complete a birthday pledge slip and
hand to a Church steward or myself. On your birthday you will
receive a card with an envelope inside. Simply put your
donation into the envelope and just pop it into the collection
bag along with your offering. A big thankyou to all those who
have already signed up and also to those who have already
made a donation. At this time we are heavily dependent on all
extra funds we can raise.
Julie
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Thank you God for Little Things…
Youth & Children’s Team Update
In this edition of The Vine, we are focusing on the youngest
children that the team works with. For those of you who don’t
already know, we have a team of dedicated and creative
volunteers who run a toddler group every Friday morning in termtime at the Church. Pre-school children and babies along with
their parents/carers come along each week to join in the fun.
There is lots on
offer at each
session; the
children have the
opportunity to
simply play
together as well as
taking part in craft
activities and
singing. It’s also a
great opportunity to have chat, make new friends and let
someone else make you a cuppa! So, do come along and invite your
friends, all are welcome…
As we approach the
summer holidays, a
number of our regulars
will be moving on to start
school. We’re sure they
will have a wonderful time
at school but we will miss
them and look forward to
hearing how they all get
on. Please pray for all of
those involved in YOYO, as
well as all the families who
come along to the group.
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Thank you God for little things
For blades of grass and butterfly wings
For bright red berries on the tree
And tiny flowers that we see
For little birds, a baby’s smile,
Things like this make life worthwhile.
Each detailed leaf so very small
Combine to make the tree so tall.
Each separate petal as it grows
Make up the beauty of the rose.
The grandeur of the mountain pass
Is tiny stones and sheep cropped grass.
The Church is made of all the people,
Every one an individual,
And every woman, child and man
Will help each other if they can.
Thank you God for big and small,
And that you are the Lord of all.
Irene Miller
Julie's Sunday shop
A big thank you to all those who support the shop.
Unfortunately I am unable to commit to running the shop
throughout the Summer. As this has been such a success it
would be a shame to have to shut the shop. I am hoping that
someone may be willing to take over for the time being. If you
think this is something you would like to take on, please have a
word so I can give you more information.
Julie Miller
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GO – EQUIPPING THE LOCAL CHURCH
FOR GROWTH
On Saturday 16th of April the Lancashire Methodist district,
Blackburn diocese & Northern Synod of the URC are running a
mission resources exhibition. There are over 30 exhibitors
booked in and, with 18 workshops & seminars throughout the
day, we are praying that this will be a significant event to
resource local churches for mission.
Throughout the day regional church
leaders will be interviewed on their
vision for growth in Lancashire.
Come along & listen to what
they’ve got to say!
10:30am Rev Paul Davis
(Chair of the Lancashire Methodist District)
11:30am Bishop Philip North
(Bishop of Burnley)
12:30pm Bishop Julian Henderson
(Bishop of Blackburn)
The event will be at Runshaw College in Leyland (PR25 3DQ)
and is free so bring as many people as you can! There will be
refreshments available but if you want to stay over lunchtime
you’ll need to bring your own food.
Many of the exhibitors will be selling some of their resources
and we have also arranged for Preston Christian book centre
to be at the event so you may need to bring money or a
cheque book.
SOCIAL TEAM
At our last meeting (Wednesday 27 January) we looked at the
few ideas from our suggestion box that had been left in the
foyer.
These were, A Quiz Night, Hot Pot Supper, Carleton
Community Choir, another suggestion for quiz and food night,
The Blackpool Male Voice Choir and a Kids Church sleepover
(think we will pass this one to the children’s team).
The David Windle ‘Valentine Prom’ was a lovely evening and
well supported. We have lots of other ideas for future events,
but we would love to have more people on the social team. We
keep praying for more people (men or women) to come to our
meetings, maybe this is something that could interest you?
Perhaps you have the gift of organising events or are willing to
help alongside others. Our next meeting is 27 th April, it would
be lovely to welcome more to the team.
On Saturday 30th April we have another film night – War Room
In May we have our Spring Fair, this will be on Saturday
7th.
In the summer on Saturday 25th June there will be a garden
party at Bill and Jean Casson’s – further details in the next
Vine and weekly notices nearer the time – but put this date in
your diary.
Thank you to all who help and support social events.
Leaflets available in the foyer giving further information.
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NIMBLE FINGERS
COMPASSION
Nimble Fingers continue to meet every Thursday at 11.00. We
mainly knit for charity e.g. Fish and Chip babies, these are
distributed through International Aid; one lady keeps Streetlife
suppled with knitted hats; another two ladies knit squares
which are sewn together to make blankets and are donated
also to Streetlife. We have one lady who comes to Nimble
Fingers and brings her own projects of craft work and these
she sells at our Fairs with proceeds going to our church funds.
After our visit to the Compassion project in Mumbai this
February we have become more aware that poverty is a very
complex problem. This Compassion project provided spiritual,
emotional, health and practical support, empowering men,
women and children in tailoring and computing skills. Staff
provide families with water filters so that they have safe
drinking water and repair buildings during monsoon
time.
In the last 20 years the
Dharavi slum has become
the largest slum in Asia, as
people leave rural India to
find work in the city. In
1978 the Evangelical
Lutheran church planted
the Mumbai project and it
became a mission field
from south India. In 1983 it
became a day care centre
with support from Germany. Under Compassion, since 2013 it
serves 198 children for the overall education of 3-22 year olds.
We have just started a new project of knitting 4 inch squares
which are needed by the Neo-natal unit in Liverpool hospital.
Our supply of wool keeps coming from various people. We are
grateful to all who donate or take part in the projects and on
behalf of Nimble Fingers A BIG THANK YOU.
Why not pop in some Thursday, have a chat and a cuppa and
maybe become involved. All welcome
BOARDMATES
The Boardmates group has reduced in number lately due to
illness, but we still continue to meet every Thursday 2 to 4pm.
We had our ‘Social’ meal in February and we enjoyed sharing
in delicious hot pot. We had the meal early in the afternoon to
enable those who wanted to play games to have plenty of time
after the meal. There were 26 of us sharing fellowship, fun and
food.
There is always plenty of room for more people to join us, so
why not come along, or, if you know someone who is alone
and would enjoy a couple of hours of laughter, invite them to
come too. All welcome.
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We spent time with staff and children and visited 3 homes in
the slum. They were a working community living closely
alongside people of different faiths. When David prayed with
the team the Hindus women outside stopped beating their
bells. The children and families were secure in their
relationship with Jesus and offered to pray for us.
Their infrastructures were clearly struggling to cope with such
huge numbers but Compassion was making a difference. They
encourage families to read their Bibles and worship Jesus and
it was an honour to meet with them. Please be encouraged
that your £25 a month is used effectively.
Anita Rangeley
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WORLD MISSION FUND EASTER OFFERING
HOMEGROUP GET-TOGETHER
The World Mission Fund supports God's mission in 65
Partner Churches outside Britain and Ireland. Every Easter, the
Methodist Church in Britain invites donations to the Fund
through Easter Offering envelopes. These will be available at
each service around Eastertime. Please give generously to
this vital work and continue to support it in prayer throughout
the year. There will be a dedication service for the gifts at
Trinity Church, Fleetwood, at 3.30pm on Sunday 24th April.
Lord of life, we thank you for the opportunity to support the
work of the World Church. We long for every woman, man and
child to have the chance to reach their full potential and realise
their true worth in your kingdom. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
This will be on Wednesday 13th April at 7.30 p.m. This is an
invitation for all people currently in a homegroup, Bible-Study
group etc and for those who are interested in being in a
homegroup and/or Bible Study group and would like to find out
more. Homegroups will then restart w/c 25 th April.
Gift Aid Donations 2015/16
Thank you to everyone who has been able to Gift Aid their
donations. As very few Annual Statements were taken last
year, as a cost saving measure I intend to only supply a
Statement if requested. Available after 6th April 2016. Please
do not hesitate to ask.
THE NEW TMC COOKBOOK
Please Share Your Favourite Recipe.
Julie Miller
Gift Aid Secretary
We are planning to put together a
cookbook to raise funds for TMC and
need your help!
The book will be a collection of the
favourite recipes of congregation members and will include
everything from starters and entrees to puddings and biscuits.
To make this a success we need as many people as possible
to contribute.
Please choose one of your favourite recipes and email it to
[email protected]. If you could include a photo of
the finished dish, that would be even better! Alternatively,
please hand your recipe to
Chris Albury at any 11am Sunday service - or take a photo of
the written recipe and text it to 07479 532801. Thank you!
The deadline for getting in your recipes is 30 th April.
Chris Albury
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NEWS FROM THE CIRCUIT
Staffing
Rev Alex Yesudas will join our Circuit in September 2016. Alex comes to
us from the Church of South India, but he is currently carrying out
research for his PhD through the Queens Foundation, Birmingham. He
will be recognised and regarded as being in full Connexion in the British
Methodist Church at The Conference 2016. Alex will be part of the team
ministry (with Paul & Jo Critchley, and Maureen Spinks) to four churches
– Springfield Greenlands, Pilling, Poulton and Knott End, and will have
pastoral charge of Springfield Greenlands and Pilling Churches. He will,
of course, contribute to preaching and other activities across the circuit.
The following summary shows the deployment of staff from September
2016:
Presbyters
Michael Payne
Stephen Dunn
Paul
Critchley
Team
Church
Cleveleys Park
Anchorsholme
Thornton
Trinity
Poulton
Knott End/Preesall
Bethel URC
Springfield Greenlands
Pilling
Alex
Yesudas
Deacon support
Jo Critchley
Superintendency of North Fylde Circuit
From 2016-17, and for the tenure of his appointment, the Rev Paul
Critchley will become Superintendent Minister. Paul served in the exGarstang circuit before becoming part of the North Fylde Circuit almost
five years ago. Although this will be Paul’s first superintendency, he has
the gifts and graces in substantial measure for the role and it is an ideal
opportunity for Paul to exercise and develop these within an established
and supportive staff team. Please pray for Paul as he takes on this new
role.
There will be a circuit welcome service at Pilling Methodist Church on
Sunday 4th September for Rev Alex Yesudas and to acknowledge Rev
Paul Critchley as Superintendent Minister.
CIRCUIT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Maureen Spinks
Maureen Spinks
Jo Critchley
Maureen Spinks
Jo Critchley
Alex, with his wife Helen and their sons Abi (18 yrs) and Aadit (11 yrs),
will live in the Pilling manse. They will have no furniture as they arrive.
Any help with promises of used but good quality furniture or other
household items to set up their home is likely to be appreciated,
although it is unlikely to be needed before June/July. If you can help
with furniture etc. please see one of the stewards.
We need to recognise the particular needs for pastoral care and support
for Alex and his family as they come into an unfamiliar situation. Please
pray for Alex and his family as they prepare to come to us.
Rev Michael Payne and Dc Maureen Spinks come into the reinvitation/stationing process this summer. Until after a preparation
meeting towards the end of May there should be no conversations with
23
them about their wishes or intentions. We ask your prayers for Michael
& Anita and Maureen & Ian and their family as they seek to discern
God’s will for them.
To be the living presence of Christ.
Together, we intend to do this as we make more followers of
Christ and deepen our discipleship through loving God and loving
all people.
To fulfil this, we will therefore endeavour to encourage these five
practices:
Radical Hospitality
Passionate worship
Intentional Faith Development
Risk taking Mission and service
 Extravagant Generosity




With this in mind our objectives for the connexional years 20162018 are as follows:
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Radical Hospitality

All churches to obtain the Child Friendly Church Award by 2018

All churches to become Dementia Friendly Churches by 2018

Establish & strengthen links with all the community groups using
our premises
Passionate Worship

The Circuit to adopt ‘Singing the Faith’ as its recommended
hymn book.

To strive for excellence in all worship

To review and encourage the use of Worship Leaders across the
Circuit
Intentional Faith Development

Supply a Circuit ‘Bible Reading Plan’ and encourage
engagement with it.

Seek to make 20 new members within the Circuit each year.
Risk Taking Mission and Service

To fulfil our commitment to employ a Church Based Missioner in
Fleetwood

To release people to serve the wider community according to
their gifts and callings.

To find a way to celebrate those who already active in this way.
Extravagant Generosity

Encourage all to move towards tithing as part of their giving.

Encourage the churches to increase their support of projects at
home and abroad.

Encourage the circuit to review the way in which it deploys its
resources.
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Are you sitting comfortably?
Are you comfortable and warm when you are sitting in
Church on Sundays or other occasions?
During the modernisation of the Chapel building in 2009 we
replaced the old uncomfortable pews with modern soft
chairs – compare this to many other Churches you may
visit! Unfortunately we were unable to update the heating
systems at the time although you may be aware that a new
boiler was installed in the Hall last November as part of the
kitchen upgrade.
One of our three boilers that supply the heating for the
Chapel is now not working and is beyond economical repair
so we are currently running with just two boilers at present.
We are told that these remaining boilers will probably need
replacement within the next year or so and could fail at any
moment, leaving us sitting in comfortable seats in a cold
building.
We will be replacing one boiler shortly but this, together
with the unknown cost of dealing with various water leaks
will leave our finances in a dangerously low situation. We
also need to build up funds for when the other boilers need
replacing in due course. Our annual Gift Day will be held in
the near future and I would ask everyone to give as much
as you can afford so that we can all remain sitting
comfortably for years to come. Alternatively just add
perhaps 50p per week or £2 per month to your Offerings.
Brian Watkins
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THORNTON
Pentecost – Sunday 15th May at
Thornton Methodist Church
26
TMC TREASURER
NEW BIBLE STUDY GROUP
We urgently need to appoint a new Treasurer as Ken Holden
will be standing down at the end of May or earlier due to health
problems.
A new Bible Study group has recently started on Wednesday
evenings at 7.30 studying Essential 100, a beautiful book, ideal
for beginners in Bible reading as well as the more
experienced. It provides a comprehensive overview of the
Bible including introductions for different sections, 100
readings with notes, and opportunities to pray and respond. It
encourages a holistic head and heart engagement with the
Bible alongside intimacy with God. Anyone wanting to
discover the 'big picture' of the Bible, its relevance to daily life,
and a relationship with God will find this book invaluable.
We are grateful to Ken for taking on this vital role two years
ago and hope that someone will come forward soon to enable
training to be given. The role has been simplified in recent
years and it is not necessary for Ken’s replacement to have
experience in finance as the production of
accounts/budgets/reports is no longer part of the task.
The largest part of the post is now confined to entering the
weekly income from Offerings/Events/Room Hire on a
summary sheet and banking the money. The Stewards count
and record Offerings and this is checked by Ken and banked
with all other income. A weekly summary of income and
payments is then completed for audit and other purposes. This
generally takes around 2-3 hours at the most.
Much of our income comes directly to our bank account via
standing orders and many payments are made electronically
which means that most of the other duties can be carried out at
home using Internet Banking.
If you feel you could take on this important role please see Ken
or myself for further information but please give this some
serious consideration as we cannot function without a
Treasurer.
Brian Watkins
Finance Team Leader
Anyone is welcome to join this challenge – it is not too late to
start this study. At the moment it is meeting weekly.
@TMCfriends
Thornton Methodist Church
DATA BASE AND WEEKLY NOTICES
If you have an email address and do not receive the weekly
notices by email, but would like to, simply email
[email protected] and they will be sent to you.
They can also be viewed online at our website
www.thorntonmethodists.org.uk
LADIES FELLOWSHIP
AGM – Tuesday 12th April at 2.00pm
27
28
Meeting Together: People to Contact
DATES
FOR
YOUR
DIARY
SUNDAY
Young Church
Youth@TMC
MONDAY
Quiet time of Prayer
Bible Study
Mini-stars
Friday 1 April
Sunday 3 April
Tuesday 12 April
Wed 13 April
Thursday 14 April
Sat 16 April
Tues 19 April
Wed 20 April
Wed 27 April
Thurs 28 April
Saturday 30 April
Saturday 7 May
Tuesday 10 May
Monday 16 May
Saturday 21 May
Monday 23 May
Thurs 26 May
10.00 am
10.30 am
2.00 pm
7.30 pm
7.30 pm
9.30 am
Holiday Club
Pet Celebration Service
Ladies Fellowship - AGM
Homegroup Get-Together
Steward’s Team meeting
Equipping the local church for
Growth – Runshaw College
Monthly Coffee Morning
Trinity Hospice – Afternoon
Tea
Church Council
Social Team meeting
Monthly lunch
Film Night – War Room
Spring Fair
Finance Team Meeting
Leadership Team
Monthly Coffee morning
Food Hygiene Course
Monthly lunch
10.00 am
2.00 pm
7.30 pm
7.00 p.m.
12.30 pm
7.00 pm
10.00 am
7.00 pm
7.30 pm
10.00 am
7.45 pm
12.30 pm
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Allstars
Allstars plus+
TUESDAY
Prayer Meeting
Ladies Fellowship
WEDNESDAY
Outrageous Women's
Group
Bible Study (E100)
THURSDAY
11.00
19.00
13.3015.30
14.00
17.15
18.15
18.15
10.0010.30
14.00
Sarah Dunn
Rebekah Spinks
Brian Robbins
855917
07506 945400
873625
Brian Robbins
Sarah-Jayne Burwell
873625
07940 219095
Rachel Kearton
Rebekah Spinks
07763 065997
07506 945400
Brian Robbins
873625
Sylvia Clark
857754
19.30
Jenny Whiteside
07525 346922
19.30
David Rangeley
836410
Café
Nimble Fingers
09.00
11.00
Pat Gregory
Pat Gregory
823814
823814
Choir Practice
Monthly Lunch
11.00
12.30
Sylvia Clark
Helen Jones
857754
886749
Board Mates
FRIDAY
YOYO Parent &
Toddler
Friday Nights
SATURDAY
14.00
Pat Gregory
823814
09.45
Alison Stevenson
826931
19.00
Alan Whiteside
Men’s Breakfast
08.00
Doug Harper
30
07538 700234
825871
CHURCH OFFICE
07967 497617
(Open Fridays 10 am - 12 noon) [email protected]
ALPHA COURSE
Eileen Harper
07979 648348
CHILDREN’S TEAM LEADER Sarah Dunn
855917
CLEANING
Doug Harper
825871
FINANCE TEAM LEADER
Brian Watkins
851301
MEMORIAL BOOK
Margaret Daniel
826183
John Byrne Dip. F.D.
Angela Byrne
NOTICES/COMMUNICATIONS Lesley Butterworth
821957
(by 5pm Thursday)
07759498938
[email protected]
NURTURE
Eileen Harper
07979 648348
PARENTING COURSES
Wendy Reeds
594335
PASTORAL
Sylvia Clark
857754
PRAYER
Brian Robbins
873625
PRAYER CHAIN
Janet Bramhall
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Brian Watkins
ROOM BOOKINGS
07905 842114
851301
Lesley Butterworth 07927 912218
room bookings phone
[email protected]
SENIOR STEWARD
Sheena Hendrie
868635
SOCIAL TEAM
Pat Gregory
823814
TREASURER
Vacant
WORSHIP
Rev Stephen Dunn
YOUTH TEAM LEADER
c/o Rev S Dunn
31
855917
Pastoral Visitor’s name …………………………………………
855917
My telephone number is ……………………………………….
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