Horeb United Reformed Church

An update 2025.01

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. Well, the snow’s gone – such that it was – but as I do when writing this back in the day …

Around 1950, I’m 8/9 we have had snow and a I know (from grandfather’s Children’s Encyclopaedia) snow is much deeper the higher up you are so … I wrapped up and went up the mountain - can’t remember how I got up there but I did and ended up at the far end overlooking Voel Farm. Yes, the snow was deep moving around was – well interesting until I broke through the layer of snow and fell into a sort of crevasse – not too deep but deeper than I was tall.

I was on my own (STUPID!); parents didn’t know where I was (STUPID!) but … Well I did get out – learned a lot about mountains and weather got very cold and wet and had some explaining (carefully modified to protect the stupid) to do when I got home.

So, enough about the good old days – and they were – this as usual will be just a very brief summary of what we do /are doing / planning - just to let folk know that we're still alive and kicking. Before I start on the more mundane stuff …

A very sad Event

As we are an aging congregation it is to be expected that we will lose members from time to time.

Such was the case recently when Liz Pritchard died.

Liz had not attended Horeb regularly for some time, managing her wheelchair was physically difficult for those willing to help especially when ‘back problems’ became an issue but when she did make it we always saw Liz with a smile on her face clearly pleased ‘to be back’.

Liz was cremated at St. Asaph and afterwards a Service in Celebration of her life was held at Horeb.

The Service was led by Rev Paul Robinson (The United Church in Rhyl) and was a splendid occasion.

Horeb was full as folks who had known and Liz for many years gathered to say their farewells; and, as refreshments were served afterwards in the Paterson Hall, there was a great deal of laughter as folk recalled time spent with their friend who was much loved and will be missed by all.

So now back to normal - What’s Going 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 suitwe'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 just as you like it.

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

Note Community lunch start time was put back to 12.30 so that those attending Tuesday Group at the Community Hall have time to get to Horeb for lunch – and if you are a little late – you will still be fed.

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 (usually 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 or 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 will 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)

Weekly, a summary of ‘What’s on at Horeb’ is circulated online to keep folk in touch with hard copies available at the Sunday morning Service.

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.

The Horeb Web Site problem i.e. the website is no more – hopefully just like Arnie – we’ll be back - soon.

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.

Horeb trying to be useful

1. 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’.

2. Tŷ Golau For many year now, we have supported ‘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 are grateful for the gifts and the support and the fact that we appreciate what the staff do for folk who are simply less fortunate than we – we just ‘do our bit’.

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, The Henry Gordon Room and the Sanctuary itself are 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 a continuing fulfilling, peaceful and healthy New Year – and a little decent weather wouldn’t harm.

Allan Morgan (A Horeb Elder)