Horeb United Reformed Church

An update from Allan Morgan

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved 'back towards its 'new normal'.

Yes, I know that much of this doesn't change BUT if this is needed to let it be known that we're still alive and kicking - then so be it - and it applies to all of you out there no just to Horeb members.

Son of Food Co-op - Well, as I have reported since the very start of this venture, the 'Usual Suspects' continue to turn up - so we must be doing something right. BUT - as I wrote earlier as 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 by donation. A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'll show you where the Lincat and kettle are.

Community Lunches - still up and running and the cooker is behaving well (again our thanks to the Community Council. for their help and patience. Please remember this is a Community Event - all are welcome; and offers of help or any suggestions of changes particularly if they lead to improvements will be very gratefully received.

A Celebration

Back in 1986, Horeb had a problem. One of the Church Officers had decided to call kit a day and so the Church was without a treasurer. As there was no one actually champing at the bit to take the job on, Mrs Barbara Jones was persuaded to take the post temporarily. I suppose that at some stage she must have realised that 'temporary' was stretching a little but ...

... on Sunday June 25th Barbara finally retired from the role of Horeb Treasurer after some 37 years.

Her service was recognised at the Horeb A.G.M. on the 25th and as a token of our appreciation an 'afternoon tea' was held in the Paterson Hall after the meeting.

Barbara is shown above and some of her friends can be seen on the next page, having just about finished their tea.

Glanrafon 'Open Garden'

David and Pauline Wilson 'opened' their garden to visitors on July 4th and although the weather wasn't brilliant it did at least remain dry. The 36 Horeb members / friends / and some just plain curious who attended were not disappointed. The garden was a joy to behold - plenty of spots where you could simply sit and enjoy (and possibly eat your picnic if you were so prepared) and of course visit -

Dave Wilson's Flower Stall - He's back, and as usual it's well worth a visit.

Dave's Flower Stall, which he runs at this time of year, is open for business againProceeds to Horeb Church funds. So, unless you are willing to miss out, find your way to Glanrafon down Pandy Lane and take a look; many of Dave's plants are not at all 'ordinary' so bring take plenty of cash / a cheque book and be prepared to be carrying more than you came with on the way home.

So what is back to Normal Thankfully, life at Horeb is returning to near normal so to repeat -

• Services every week [Sundays (10.30 to 11.30)] and enjoy social time with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

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

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 109. In addition to CONTACT; recipients are kept up to date by a copy of the notices which are later read 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.

Ongoing 'still missing'

The Village quiz - is still at the top of my list of things to get on with. Unfortunately, dealing with this has been complicated by the illness of a close family member and all this has all become embroiled in my daughters' led plans for a family holiday to celebrate several major birthdays and anniversaries which have happened or will happen in what remains of 2023. BUT my apologies - it will happen - not just yet.

Ongoing issues

Building Maintenance Refurbishing the porch

Interior Paintwork Needs some work and is being planned

Finances - (always on the back of our minds) The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb is a major source of income which 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.

So, I'll sign off wishing all the best as we enjoy the oncoming Bank Holidays and, if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, you will be very welcome.

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)