Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb

An update from Allan Morgan

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved 'back to normal' - albeit a 'New Normal' and slightly different.

Son of Food Co-op - had a 'Christmas Break' but met again on the first Wednesday in January and most of the 'Usual Suspects' returned and the conversation flowed/ resumed.

I must remind readers that 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. Currently we are investigating the possibility of gaining funding as 'a warm space' and maybe expanding if we can encourage some of those who attend to take on a role as openers / organisers.

Community Lunch - Two months in - we're up and running - despite problems with the cooker which is still in the process of being resolved, and the response from those attending has been very positive. The only issue seems to be the change of day and its clash with the Tuesday Morning group who meet at the Community Centre. I'm sure this is not insurmountable.

In the hope that folk will be prepared to make the trek up from Cwm Road to Horeb on a Tuesday we are changing the published time of the Community Lunch to 12.30 as from this coming week. This will be publicised on the Dyserth Times Facebook page, but if anyone arrives early having missed this information it shouldn't be a problem as we will be ready to start serving on the first week at 12.00 - just in case.

Community Christmas Craft Event - sponsored by the Dyserth Times - which hopefully will not be a 'one-off'

Thanks to Katie and Paul who provided much of the material used, the expertise and most of the ideas and energy - this was a real success. In the middle of a horrible spell of very cold and wet weather we entertained (at no cost), 20+ youngsters and members of their families with various hands-on Christmas themed craft activities. Apart from providing the venue/heating etc Horeb were i/c refreshments and provided a space where parents could escape and have a cuppa along with a cake or three. There is no doubt that this was enjoyed by the youngsters and we were very pleased to play our part in helping it all happen.

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

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

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

DETAILS Join us - live on zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)

- on 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 by e-mail, CONTACT. Issued every week (currently No 82), this is a brief Service in print produced by Rev. Colin Richards whose 'thoughts' are well worth a read. 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.

Ongoing 'still missing'

The Village quiz - is now on my list of things to get on with. Details will be published on the Dyserth Times Facebook page within a few weeks.

Ongoing difficulties

Building Maintenance There are still things to do but plans are afoot - so hopefully

Planned:

Re-pointing the porch - We are hoping that plans for this will be agreed within a few days.

Tidying up the Peace Garden The changes have made the job of keeping it tidy much easier; all we need now is some sensible weather. Wet and warm is not a good combination i.e. the grass grows but is usually too wet to cut.

Finances

These are I'm afraid always going to be a problem. The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb is a major source of income which has still to return to a preCovid level.

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 the U.R.C. in Dyserth 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 a happy New Year and, if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, You will be very welcome.

Allan Morgan