Horeb United Reformed Church

Horeb United Reformed ChurchEglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb

An update

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved forward since things changed overnight with the arrival of COVID.

Yes, there is a ‘new normal’ and we like to think that we are embracing it rather than simply harking back at ‘the good old days’ which when you think about them were probably not all that good anyway.

Clearly, much of what we do and what happens doesn't change BUT if this ‘update’ is needed just to let folk know that we're still alive and kicking - then so be it - and it applies to all of you out there not just to Horeb members.

Son of Food Co-op - Absolutely no change – the usual suspects turn up regularly and enjoy a couple of hours of ‘catching up’ and ‘putting the world to rights’ whilst enjoying a cup of tea / coffee and a biscuit or two. It seems we must be doing something right.

BUT - as I have written repeatedly, a reminder to all readers; this is not in any way a 'closed shop' - it is open to all on Wednesdays (10.00 to 12.00). Tea / coffee / biscuits / cakes (occasionally) are provided; the cost being covered whatever you feel like putting in the pot.

A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'll show you how the Lincat works and where the tea/coffee/crockery is kept provide a bit of INSET … … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month.The menu for our lunches continues to be one that the small team of folk from Horeb (plus some friends) can manage i.e. a bowl of soup (a choice from 2 or three) with bread roll and butter followed by a pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink.

In my role as i.c. washing up I can truthfully report that at every lunch thus far, all the dishes have been returned empty – and there have been no complaints either about the quantity of food or the choice of soups / puddings so again we must be doing something right.

Current - Activities at LentOver the past few years Horeb has taken part in a number of Lenten activities. Firstly at Lent we have taken part along with other Churches in the Area in enjoying a frugal lunch (Soup, bread rolls, cheese and tea/coffee). Although the Churches are now only two - Horeb and St. Bridget’s - four lunches were held this year - two hosted by members of each Church in St. Bridget’s schoolroom. At a price of £3.50 a fair amount of money was raised which was contributed to Christian Aid.

In addition at Horeb - harking back when Lent seemed to mean giving something up (usually chocolate ???) we have encouraged members instead, to take on a positive challenge. Several of these involve walking / exercising with penalties for failure to achieve and generous expressions of relief if successful. Either way, it has focussed minds on things which we should do as well as raising some cash for Horeb Funds.

Other members have been knitting ’Easter Chicks’ for North Wales Super Kids as part of their fundraising at this time of year.

So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I’ll repeat -

• Morning Worship: [Sundays (10.30 - 11.30) and a social time with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

• The service is available 'live' to all on Zoom on a Sunday morning and from Sunday afternoon on Facebook

DETAILS Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)

Facebook (Horeb United Reformed Church Zoom Services, Dyserth) at any time

• We are continuing, for our members who are still unable to attend for Sunday Worship or manage Zoom, to send CONTACT by e-mail. Issued every week, this is a brief Service in print produced by Rev. Colin Richards whose 'thoughts' are well worth a read. Colin, despite his deteriorating eyesight has just sent his latest contribution to me for forwarding to the CONTACT group and it's worth recording that this is Number 146. In addition to CONTACT; recipients are kept up to date by a copy of the notices which are later talked through and handed out at the start of the Service on Sunday Morning. If anyone reading this update would like to receive CONTACT and the Notices (including any of the back numbers) e-mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com. and I will add you to my list.

… If, once you have tried this and need more – I have lots of back numbers.

'Still missing' – BUT – not for long

The Village quiz. A date has been fixed APRIL 25th starting at 7.30 at Horeb

• A general knowledge quiz in Rounds – with a choice of when to use a joker for 2X score. Questions might suit those of a ‘certain age’• Table rounds which will require a little thought – not just recall.• Teams of up to 6 - entry fee £1.00 per person

Ongoing Building Maintenance

Stage 1 - Repairing and re-decorating the front Porch - Completed

Stage 2 - Repair of minor damage to some interior walls and paintwork - Completed

Stage 3 - Final work on Interior walls and paintwork - will begin soon

Stage 4 - Planned - Repainting the Main Door and replacing the existing temporary Noticeboard with a ‘proper’ one.

Horeb being usefulLink with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground-works’

Having planted the new tubs (which still look good after the winter) we are awaiting their return and a possible expansion of their involvement. Contact will be made this coming month.

Reminder - The students are a mixed group – late teens / early 20s with learning difficulties who supervised by staff from the College are using this opportunity as work experience and an opportunity to gain confidence in the hope that it will help them make the move into the world of work.

Finances - (always on the back of our minds)

The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb

This is a major source of income which, although there has been an upsurge in recent weeks, has still to return to a pre-Covid level – and with the increase in fuel costs it is increasingly difficult to balance what hirers can afford to pay and what we need to charge to cover our costs - let alone gain some 'income'.

BUT - if anyone needs to hire some space for a club or event The Paterson Hall is still available for Hiring for several hours during the week.

Indeed, if anyone reading has a need or knows anyone who wishes to Hire a space, they should contact Barbara Tebbutt on 01745 570793 or me on 01745 570364.

Aware that we, in many ways, are battling for the survival of Horeb, the Elders and Members, remain determined to continue to work hard and to do our best to keep Horeb Chapel alive and well.

Finally, as usual, you know where we are, you know we will be open for worship at 10.30 a.m. every Sunday, and if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, you will be very welcome.

So, I'll sign off wishing all the best as we move toward the Spring and hopefully warmer, drier, less windy weather; and promising myself that now I have done something about the Village Quiz I really will try to make the next update more interesting and less a re-hash of what has gone before

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)