Horeb Untied Reformed Church

An update 2024.11

The continuing story of what goes on at Horeb Chapel, and how we have moved forward as things have continued to settle down in these increasingly challenging times. As I confessed in the last issue when I start putting this together my mind goes into 1950 mode and today I have been recalling as a 7 – 10 year-old living in Thomas Avenue and attending Horeb (although I’m not sure it was known by that name at that time) with my mum; singing a verse of ‘We Three Kings’ in a Carol Concert and being given half-a-crown by someone who was apparently impressed and going to First-Aid classes in a room which was where the Paterson Hall is now – learning how to deal with a fractured patella I remember – thankfully I have never been called upon to use this piece of knowledge.

So, no more talk of the good old days – and they were - just a very brief summary of what we do /are doing / planning - just to let folk know that we're still alive and kicking.

I am of course aware that not much changes when I write my piece every couple of months. My apologies, we are fewer now than back in the day but still trying to carry out our role as a Church and as an important part of life in the village.

Anyway, enough of my musings - here we go – What’s On!

Son of Food Co-op – Our Wednesday ‘Coffee Morning‘ This has now been going for over two years. If you have free time on a Wednesday – PLEASE JOIN US! As I have written repeatedly, 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.

… and if there is anything at all that warrants celebration… invariably we will arrange a Bacon Butty or two.

A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suit - we'll show you how the Lincat (Water Heater) works; where the tea/coffee/crockery is kept provide a bit of training … … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month from 12.30 – all are welcome.

One of the ladies attending the November lunch seemed to think following a conversation with other Tuesday Group members that those attending Tuesday Group needed permission to attend the Community Lunch, THIS IS NOT SO!

Community lunch start time was put back to 12.30 so that those attending Tuesday Group had time to get to Horeb to attend. We don’t understand exactly where this rumour originated.

The menu for our lunches continues to be one that the small team of folk from Horeb (Some of the Elders plus a few friends / family) can manage i.e. a bowl of soup (a choice from 2 or three) with a bread roll and butter followed by a pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink.

I’m still i.c. washing up and 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. BUT we’re not full – so if you’re free…

So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I must 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

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

If anyone reading this update would like to receive ‘What’s On at Horeb’ - mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com and I’ll willingly add you to my list.

Ongoing Maintenance

The Building - Stage 4 - Planned and ready to go if it would just stop raining for a while.

Repainting the Main Door delayed by the weather – but we have given up thoughts of doing this ourselves and are booking a tradesman – so it WILL be done soon.

The Horeb Web Site problem i.e. the website is no more – hopefully temporary. Danny, our neighbour spotted the problem and, as he knows what he is talking about unlike most of the Horeb Elders we have gratefully accepted his help and advice and are in the process of establishing a new simpler version which will contain a brief outline of what Horeb is about and how we can be contacted – we’re getting closer.

Other A week or so ago, one of our two boilers decided to die. This is the one that heats Paterson Hall and the kitchen and provides hot water to the kitchen and toilets. Obviously this needed to be replaced, as without it the community aspect of our work at Horeb would simply have to cease i.e. no Wednesday Coffee Mornings, no Community Lunches and no bookings by groups who need to use the Kitchen facilities or the loo – so £3,000 odd out of Horeb Funds.

The boiler was bought and is now fitted with little disruption to our programme although at times it did get cold. We had hoped to get some support/contribution toward the cost from the District Council – but apparently this is not within their ‘Rules’ – disappointing as its use is almost entirely by the Local Community … including Local Elections???

Horeb trying to be useful

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

This seems to have stalled somewhat – a shame, but we will still keep on trying to contact them in the hope that our relationship can be ‘re- kindled’. And, for many year now, we have supported Tŷ Golau – The Night Shelter for the homeless in Rhyl. Our members, when they do their weekly shopping purchase a few extra items, put them in a box in Horeb and they are delivered to Tŷ Golau every few weeks. The staff appreciate the gifts and the support and the fact that we appreciate their need – we just ‘do our bit’.

At Harvest (Oct. 6th), our members contributed items that Tŷ Golau could use rather than perhaps the more traditional Harvest fare. Not perhaps as picturesque but definitely more useful to those who provide the support for the folk who find themselves in need of Tŷ Golau.

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.

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 Christmas approaches and we all look forward to getting together and spending time with our families. If you or yours are travelling this year - take care.

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)