Horeb United Reformed Church

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

As I wrote ln November we 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 what we do and what happens doesn't change BUT if this ‘update’ 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 is kept… … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running despite one being cancelled as a result of electrical problems.

The menu for our lunches has settled down to a level which 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 report that at the last two lunches all the dishes were returned empty – and there were no complaints so …

If any of you who attend (or might) have a particular flavour of soup which you think might go down well let me know - (no promises – I don’t cook but I will pass suggestions to those who do)

Community Activities at Christmas Horeb members were pleased to see the efforts by the Business Group to establish a Village Wide activity over Christmas. Horeb were particularly happy to be actively involved using both the Sanctuary and Paterson Hall to house part of it.

With a Horeb Elder, Mrs Michelle Morris now part of the Business Group I expect Horeb to become increasingly involved in Community activities in the future.

Christmas Eve - Carols at Horeb, Led by Rev Johnny O’Hanlon – Some 50 folk attended – Excellent

I can only hope that both these events are both bigger and better in terms of participants at Christmas 2024

So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ So to 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 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 136.

• 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 - 136

'Still missing'
The Village quiz. This remains near the top of my list, but, still suffering from the after effects of my recent Minor Stroke particularly the vision problems which make reading (and using a computer) a little difficult.
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

Link with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground- works

Having planted the new tubs we are awaiting their return and a possible expansion of their involvement.

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 I WILL do something about the Village Quiz and try to make the next update more interesting and less a rehash of what has gone before

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)