Dyserth Times Issue 126 - Jun-Jul 2023

Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb

An update from Allan Morgan

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved 'back towards its 'new normal'.

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 - a reminder for 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 by donation.

A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'll show you where the Lincat is.

Community Lunches - Six months in (I think I miscalculated in March) - we're still up and running although the cooker problems did make things a little difficult. However, that's all behind us - our thanks to the help and patience of the Community Council. Please remember this is a Community Event.

Offers of help or any suggestions of changes particularly if they lead to improvements will be very gratefully received.

Horeb went to the Egg Races. (For the first time?)

Horeb has been on the High Street in Upper Dyserth for many years but when we took the Church Sign down recently for refurbishment questions were asked by those passing by 'Are you closing down?' - and when we replied with a 'Certainly not!' - they were clearly surprised.

Our member, Mrs. Michelle Morris decided to do something about this and she targeted the May Day Duck Races as somewhere it would be good for Horeb to be seen. So, she braved the journey to the badlands of Lower Dyserth and ran a stall at the May Day Egg races. Her aim was to let folk know what we do i.e. to promote Horeb but primarily I suppose show those she met that there is still life at Horeb Chapel. It was a terrific success, a constant stream of folk at the stall throughout; lots of entries to the tombola with gifts for everyone and a lot of interest. Job well done - thank you Michelle

Dave Wilson's Flower Stall - He's back, and as usual it's well worth a visit Dave's Flower Stall, which he runs at this time of year is ready and open for business again. All proceeds go towards Horeb Church funds. So, find your way to Glanrafon down Pandy Lane and take a look; many of Dave's plants are not at all 'ordinary' so bring take plenty of cash / a cheque book and be prepared to be carrying more than you came with on the way home.

So what is back to Normal Thankfully, life at Horeb is returning to near normal:-

• We hold Services every week [Sundays (10.30 to 11.30)] and enjoy social time with 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 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, 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 100.

• 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. If anyone reading this update wishes to receive CONTACT and the Notices (including any of the back numbers) e-mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com.

Ongoing 'still missing'

The Village quiz - is still at the top of my list of things to get on with. Unfortunately, dealing with this has been complicated by the illness of a close family member and all this has all become embroiled in my daughters' led plans for a family holiday to celebrate several major birthdays and anniversaries which have happened or will happen in what remains of 2023. BUT my apologies - it will happen - not just yet.

Ongoing issues

Building Maintenance Refurbishing the porch

This has been completed; it is now watertight, damp free and the final coat of paint is due to be added this week.

Finances Sadly this is always on the back of our minds. The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb is a major source of income which 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 costslet 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.

So, I'll sign off wishing all the best as we enjoy the oncoming Bank Holidays and, if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday,

You will be very welcome.

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)