The Vine Thornton Methodist Church Magazine CLC BOOKSHOP 45 Abingdon Street Blackpool 01253 624160 Bibles books cards and gifts available here or order from your church bookstall Opening times Monday Saturday 9.30-5.00pm Are you a business Would you like to advertise in this space? then this space could be working for you If so please email [email protected] email [email protected] Thornton Methodist Church Victorian Arts and Crafts 8 Blackpool Old Road Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7DH FE Did you know we hire our hall for birthday parties? For all your Needlework and Craft supplies Knitting, crochet, patchwork, Cross stitch, etc APRIL/ MAY 2016 suggested donation 50p 1 Tel: Lesley 07927 912218 Tel: 01253 883685 Email: [email protected] www.stitchnknit.co.uk 2 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. . PLEASE HELP US TO GET TO KNOW YOU! Name…………………………………………………………. Telephone……………………………………………………. Address………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………... Please tick ………I am new to this church ………I would like someone to call ………I would like to receive this magazine regularly ……... I would like further info about………………………....... …………………………………………………………….. Please cut this out and hand and give to one of the Stewards or email your details to [email protected] 3 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 4 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. 5 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 6 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. 7 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 8 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. 9 10 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? 11 12 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 13 14 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. 15 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 16 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. 17 18 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. 19 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 20 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 21 22 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: 24 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. 25 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 29 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 ………………………………………. 32
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