Horeb

Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb An update

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved forward since things changed overnight with the arrival of COVID. I think moving forward into a 'new normal', is a more positive way of looking at things rather than the phrase we have been used to using i.e. back to ...

Much of this of course doesn't change BUT if this is needed if just to let folk know that at 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 - 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 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 are kept … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running although this month’s has unfortunately had to be cancelled or at least postponed as the boiler which services the Paterson Hall heating and the Kitchen hot water supply has ceased to do so. As the plumber who looks after plumbing issues at Horeb is on Holiday and not available. As it was felt that the diners would not relish doing so at low temperatures and that the cooking team would find life very difficult and possibly unsafe without hot water on tap our decision seemed unavoidable.

…and Soup Fest
An extra opportunity to lunch at Horeb happened on the day of the Soup Fest. This was a fund rising event to fill a gap left by the Horeb Autumn / Christmas Fair which with a shortage of able bodied / fit Elders we felt was beyond us this year. Judging by the noise of chatter and laughter, this was enjoyed by those who attended and appreciated a bowl of one of a choice of soup with a bread roll; and a cake and cuppa to finish – all for £3.50.
Fun, food – and a few £s towards Horeb Funds – lots of boxes ticked.

Dave Wilson's Flower Stall – has finally closed for his Winter break.
Yet another year when Dave has helped Horeb’s finances to be in rather better shape thana they would otherwise have been. We are if course extremely grateful – Well done Dave and thanks from Horeb.

New Horeb Elder - I suppose it was inevitable but with Michelle Morris being willing and more than able to take on the role of Horeb Treasurer, it would be only a matter of time before she was added to our Eldership. Michelle has tremendous energy and brings with her new ideas and a different way of looking at things – there is no doubt that she will be an asset to us at Horeb and that her influence will be felt throughout the village in the coming months.

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 a 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 119. 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.

… Colin’s thoughts are always worth reading and if, once you have tried this and need more – I have lots of back numbers.

Ongoing 'still missing'
The Village quiz. This remains near the top of my list, but, having been a little poorly recently and been left with vision problems which make reading (and using a computer) a little difficult; dealing with the consequences of the recent flooding, - it has of necessity been demoted to just below keeping my grass cut to a reasonable level.

Once again, my apologies - it will happen - not just yet.

Ongoing Building Maintenance
Stage 1 - Repairing and re-decorating the front Porch - Completed

Stage 2 - Minor damage to some interior walls and paintwork- Completed

Stage 3 - Final work on Interior walls and paintwork - starting soon

Horeb being useful
Recently the wooden tubs outside the front Porch finally fell to bits – perhaps aided by some dodgy parking but … Whilst thinking about what to do about this the Rev. Johnny O’Hanlon now based at Rivertown on Deeside who was attending our Elders Meeting as part of his ‘get to know you’ process suggested that we might broaden our thinking and use the tub replacement as an opportunity to do something with/for the local community.
So our new tubs (supplied by Horeb) were planted a week or two ago by a group of students from Pengwern College in Rhuddlan (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.

After many years working in this sector of education I know how useful our help will be so I hope that our relationship will continue and grow really make a difference to the youngsters lives.

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 Christmas and promising myself that I’ll do something about the Village Quiz and try to make the next update more interesting and less a re-hash of what has gone before.

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)