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Hasland Methodist Church News
Summer Fun on Fridays
During the summer school holidays the church will be open on Friday afternoons from 2.30‐4.00pm. Families and young people are invited to come and join us for board games and craft activities. Children under 12 years will need to be accompanied.
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Harvest Festival
On 24th September we will be holding our annual Harvest Festival Service at 10.45am. Mr Eric Vaughan will be leading our worship. All are welcome to join us and we welcome any donations of tinned and dried goods which will be passed on the Chesterfield Foodbank.
Pet Service Rev Margaret gave a warm welcome to everyone at her third annual Pet Blessing Service held at the church. It was another success, all dogs were on their best behaviour & owners proudly gave a brief introduction to their pets and those who had sadly lost their favourite pets brought their happy memories to share with others.
Starting with a familiar song ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful, accompanied by our pianist John. One of the dogs, Max also started to sing, doggy fashion this escalated as all the dogs joined in, some barking others howling, forming a unique “canine choir”.
It was quite amazing to hear as it continued throughout the song, then as soon as John stopped playing, as if by magic all the dogs stopped!! the church fell silent plenty of smiles as owners praised their pets.
Margaret spoke on the love and care we should always show to our pets and animals, then continued round to each of the dogs attending giving each one a stroke and blessing. A final song for everyone including the Canine Choir.
Let’s see how many different pets, (cats, rabbits, tortoise, hamsters and many more) we can invite along next year 2024, to join together at the Community Pet Blessing Service.
A message from Reverend Margaret Mwailu
Rain "He draws up the drops of water, which distil as rain to the streams, the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on humankind". Job 36: 27‐28
As I write this, many are talking about the rain that is tumbling, pouring incessantly cross the UK. I wonder if it’s best to appreciate the rains, or grumble about it. Some may wonder is this going be the case for the rest of the summer; according to the folklore of St Swithin’s Day! St Swithin was a Bishop of Winchester who died in 862, he is commemorated on 15th July and it is said, if it rains on 15th July, it will continue to do so for forty days!! While the folklore may be compelling to some, it’s not entirely backed up by historical records. For example records show that on 15th July 1913, there was rainstorm for 15 hours, which was later followed by 30 days of sunshine. So, the weather on St Swithin’s Day is not a long‐term weather forecast.
Perhaps, instead of worrying about the weather for the remaining days of summer, we need to pause and reflect for a moment about the many ways we use water; drinking, in cooking food, coffee, tea, bathing, washing
Hasland Ladies Circle
The Ladies Circle recently enjoyed two trips out. A great time was had by all during a summer evening visit to Hunloke Community Garden ‐ a wonderful community garden open to all. The group also met for a tasty lunch at Chesterfield Gold Club. There was a fabulous view from the dining area and balcony, overlooking the golf course. It was a lovely day.
The Ladies Circle meet every second Wednesday at Hasland Methodist Church from 7.30pm‐10pm and often enjoy outings and meals. For more information contact Margie Hodkin on 01246 823795 or Brenda Brown on 01246 274309.
dishes, plus water in the radiators that keep us warm. The fun young children have splashing puddles, and the fun in the swimming pools in the summer months, the list goes on. Without water life would be non‐existent!
On the other hand, let’s pause and think of the areas of draught around the world. Such places long for, and wait for rain ‐ for their harvest depends on rain; wild and domestic animal die for lack of water, how they long to see green grass again. Also we cannot forget the destruction at times brought by rain; these two weather extremes, perhaps are caused by climate change – Nevertheless, when we think of how much water is needed, we are bound to be thankful and grateful for the rain. Let us be appreciative and not grumble about it. Let’s be thankful, and always remember those living through draught or floods – and continue to do more about climate change! As we feel the rain upon our faces, let’s accept it as God’s embrace, and thank him for the rain so precious and refreshing. Have a blessed and enjoyable remaining summer and welcome September ‐ the midpoint between the end of summer and the start of autumn ‐ a new season for a fresh start.
God
