Horeb United Reformed Church

The continuing story of what goes on at Horeb, and how Horeb has moved forward as things have continued to settle down in ‘Post Covid’ times.

So, no talk of the good old days

As I have reported in almost every D.T since I started doing this, much of what we do and what happens changes very little BUT if this ‘update’ is needed just to let folk know that 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 – Our Wednesday Coffee MorningAbsolutely no change – the usual suspects turn up regularly and enjoy a couple of hours of ‘catching up’ and ‘putting the world to rights’ whilst enjoying a cup of tea / coffee and a biscuit or two.

It seems we must be doing something right.

BUT – 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.

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 provide a bit of INSET … … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month

The menu for our lunches continues to be one which that 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 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.

Current – Activities.

As a U.R.C. we support Christian Aid and this happens at various fundraising opportunities throughout the year.

This year Christian Aid Week is May 14th to the 20th, and as we have learned that our friends respond well to being fed we are once again holding ‘A Big Brekkie’ – We hope you will join / joined us on the Saturday (May 18th) 10.30 to 12.30

On the menu - Bacon Rolls (including a veggie version), with Tea and or Coffee

Admission is FREE as usual, but we of course hope for generous donations to our cause – Christian Aid.

There will be again, as usual, a number of stalls – cakes, bottles, books and a tombola.

If you missed this – put a reminder in your calendar for early May next year to check for next year’s event which will surely return.

Village Quiz

This took place on Thursday May 25th. Horeb was pretty full – some 40 – 50 quizzers obviously enjoying and tackling the challenges set with varying degrees of success.

There were lots of positive comments from those taking part and suggestions made that perhaps a quiz could be held in the Village rather more frequently than annually as at present. Worth considering?? – see below. Charging only £1.00 per person – raised £47. For Horeb Funds

Winners – Llanasa WI +1 (98); Scrambled Eggheads (93); Universally Challenged (52.5)

So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I’ll 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 from Sunday afternoon on FacebookDETAILS Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9) Facebook (Horeb United Reformed Church Zoom Services, Dyserth) at any time

Finally we have had to stop providing, CONTACT for our members and friends who are unable to attend for Sunday Worship or manage Zoom. Colin, with his failing vision is simply now unable to provide a weekly service or contribute with his ‘thoughts’ Needless to say, this It has been missed by those who have read his words every week and it is amazing to realize that he did this for just under 3 years – thankyou Colin.

What has continued is the Weekly ‘What’s On at Horeb’ which is circulated every Saturday evening to keep those folk who will not hear the Notices on a Sunday in touch with Horeb life.

If anyone reading this update would like to receive the Notices e-mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com and I will add you to my list.

More about the Village quiz. As I wrote earlier – this went well – clearly enjoyed by all

• Would it be appreciated if we organised a quiz along the same lines at other times during the year – not for the Village Trophy but perhaps for a small Prize?

• If you think so and you would like to enter a team please contact me with for each team …• Organisation /group + Contact name and position / e-mail address

Ongoing Building Maintenance

Stage 4 - Planned Repainting the Main Door and replacing the existing temporary Noticeboard with a ‘proper’ one.

Horeb being useful

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

The tubs which were planted by the Pengwern Students towards the end of last year still look good (having survived the Winter) and we are waiting a visit to involve them in more planting and help with the appearance of the Horeb surroundings. Our ‘partnership’, a perhaps overworked word these days, has certainly been beneficial to both Pengwern and Horeb thus far.

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 Summer and hopefully warmer, drier, less windy weather; and promising myself that I really will try to make the next update more interesting and less a re-hash of what has gone before – maybe a few jokes?

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)