Easter Weekend at St Christopher's
Good Friday (April 18th)
Service at St Christopher's (10am)
A Reflection on Good Friday will be led by Rev. Lynne Bowden at 10am in church. There will be children’s craft activities in the village hall. Both to be followed by hot cross buns!
Good Friday Walk (after the service)
Join us for a walk and a picnic after the morning service. Bring your own bite to eat and we'll enjoy it together in the beautiful Pott Shrigley countryside.
Curry at The Viceroy (5.30pm meet, 6pm eat)
Selection of curries, rice & naan bread at the Viceroy, 22 Ingersley Road, Bollington. Everyone welcome! Booking essential – limited places (first come, first served).
Prices: Adults £19.95, Children £12.95. Please contact Kath or Duncan Matheson (574983 or 07944 624832, email kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk) by Palm Sunday (April 13th).
Payment on booking please – cash only.
Easter Day (April 20th)
Come and help us celebrate the wonderful news of Jesus’s resurrection.
Holy Communion (8.30am)
Family Communion (10.45am) followed by an Easter Egg Hunt.
We enter March with our feet planted between the seasons. The cold blasts of winter can still be with us whilst we simultaneously watch the snowdrops and daffodils making their brave appearance. It always amazes me how such fragile looking flowers can withstand the wind, rain and (sometimes) snow that March has in store. They signal hope that the weather is turning, and everything is about to burst into life. We know in our heads that, during winter, much has been going on in the depths of the soil to prepare for the spectacle of spring, but when we see the bulbs sprouting then our hope turns to certainty that better weather is coming.
The spiritual life has much in common with spring. What we see on the surface is often the result of things that have been going on in secret. Jesus reminds us of that in our prayer life when He states in
Matthew 6:5-6:
‘And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’
Lent, which falls between March 5th and Easter, is a period of 40 days when we are encouraged to consider our secret prayer life. Jesus promises that attention given to our inner life will be rewarded. These rewards are often in the form of peace in the midst of difficult circumstances, new perspectives on old problems, or the ability to withstand things that could buffet us and knock us off our feet. Just like the snowdrops and daffodils, our secret prayer life acts as a bulb with roots that help sustain the most fragile looking flowers.
There are many ways we can focus on our prayer life. This year we are suggesting that we use of a set of resources provided by the Church of England called ‘Living Hope’, to help us to focus continued →
on our inner lives. It supplies 40 daily reflections, Bible readings and actions, for both adults and children. You can access this online here or order a booklet https:// www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/ what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-andeaster/living-hope-lent-reflections. If you need help with this please ask Rev Lynne Bowden or Caroline Booth.
Spring is also a time for taking stock and on March 23rd after our Sunday service we will be holding the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) where we can read reports about the exciting things that have been going over the last year. Please do come along if you can. It does not take very long but is an important date in the church calendar.
At the very end of March, on the day the clocks spring forward one hour, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day with an interactive All Age Worship service for the whole family, with treats for everyone. We will remember that God wants to show us His love for us as we read in Isaiah 66:13: ‘As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you’.
With love,
Lynn.
Looking ahead to Easter
On Good Friday morning (18th April) we will gather at 10.00am in church to remember and reflect on the day Jesus died for us and for all mankind.
Lynne Bowden
He said that the entire reason for His coming was to die for us. The word ‘for’ means ‘instead of.’ ‘He came to give His life as a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:45)
And why did He do this? He did it because He loves us and did not want us to have to pay the penalty for the things we have done wrong. On the cross He was effectively saying ‘I will take all those things on myself.’
He did it for you and for me.
It was out of love for us that he gave His life in our place to set us free from guilt and addiction to sin. To offer us freedom
so that we no longer fear death.
Together we will sing, listen, pray and reflect (sometimes with tactile prompts) on the events and effects of this momentous day and acknowledge our own part in them.
Do join us.
Lent 2025
Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is 4th March this year. Lent starts the day after, on Ash Wednesday and runs to Holy Saturday, the day after Good Friday.
The Church of England’s Lent theme for this year is ‘Living Hope’ and they have produced a daily devotional that you may like to use – please order from their website: https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/ features/living-hope
During Lent, there will be two Lent lunches in the church after the ‘Not Just Sunday’ services on Wednesdays 12th and 26th March at 12 noon - very simple - soup, bread and cheese.
Everyone Welcome!
Thoughts on being confirmed…
We are very blessed at St Christopher’s to have several young people in our midst. Some of them were confirmed by Bishop Sam recently. They have shared their thoughts on this important moment in their Christian lives:
Bella Wearden is almost 15 and when offered the opportunity to stand up and confirm what she believes before the church family at St Christopher’s, she realised that this was something she wanted to do. Coming from a strong Christian home with parents Richard and Melissa and younger brother Michael, she says that she has always been aware of God’s love for her. Her parents and the various church groups she has belonged to have nurtured her faith, and she is ready to state what she believes for herself. The family joined us in October this year, as Bella’s mother Melissa has been sent to us on placement for three years as she trains to be ordained as a priest. This was obviously a big change for the whole
family as they left their former church at Holy Trinity Hurdsfield in order to support Melissa. Bella’s step of being confirmed whilst also adapting to a new church family shows how willing she is to follow Christ. When I asked her how she felt about being confirmed she replied: ‘I am excited about what God has in store for me in my life.’ The song she chose for the confirmation service is Oh the goodness of God and it contains these words: ‘I love you Lord, Oh your mercy never fails me, all my days I’ve been held in your hands.’ What a testimony from someone about to embark on their adult journey of walking with Jesus!
Jamie Wainwright is 15 and one Sunday, when he came to church with his grandmother, he heard in the notices that preparation classes were to be held for those who wished to be confirmed. He says that he felt something in him say: ‘I want to do that. I want to make a statement to myself and to God that I believe in Him
and want to follow Him.’ Jamie is currently in his last few hectic months of school before starting at sixth form college in September but nevertheless has found time in his busy life to come weekly to the vicarage to chat through the basics of faith. It has been a real delight to hear his hopes that in following Christ he will be embarking on an adventure that could take him anywhere! We are delighted that he has had the courage to make this decision just as he starts out in his adult life.
Brandon Price is 11 and has been coming to St Christopher’s with his family for several years; he also attends Pott Shrigley Church School. Brandon says that his mother, school assemblies, and the vicars, David Swales and Lynn Caudwell, have all helped him to have faith in God. Although he is young, he has a real joy when it comes to worshipping God, and is often the first person to put his hand up in assemblies either to answer a question or to pray out loud. The song he chose to sing for this confirmation service is Bless the Lord oh my Soul and it has within it the
line: Sing like never before, Oh my soul’ and whenever he sings that line, he sings it with all his heart. It is wonderful that he can stand up in front of family and friends and at this young age say that he believes in God and wants to follow Christ.
Luke Bird is 11 years old and has also been coming to St Christoper’s with his family for several years. He is always ready to join in with our worship, either in praying or reading; he has also played his drums in worship. Luke says his family and the church family have had the biggest influence on him coming to this point in his faith journey. When asked what his favourite book of the Bible is, he immediately said: ‘Revelation’. When asked why, he said: ‘It’s because it tells us what will happen next!’ He has a retentive memory and can remember stories in the Bible and link them to his everyday life. His choice of song is: ‘Give me oil in my lamp’. What a wonderful request, to be given the resources of the Holy Spirit on the day you are confirmed.
When God came knocking
I have been attending St Christopher’s, Pott Shrigley, predominantly the 8.30am Sunday service, for nearly a year now, and I am getting baptised and confirmed on February 16th 2025 as an adult by the Bishop of Stockport.
Annie Smith
This is a new thing for me. I was not brought up attending church, apart from sometimes at Christmas when I was much younger, and I had no faith in my teens or twenties. Then around January 2024, I suddenly felt something change; it almost felt as if I was being spoken to by a force, or a voice, telling me that I should attend church, and that God was someone I needed in my life. It was just something that suddenly felt right to me. I wasn’t going through any hardships at the time, nor experienced any outside influence from anyone in my life, it was just something I simply knew I should pursue for myself.
This led me to attending St Christopher’s, along with my mum Jenny, and we have both become a part of the community. My life has changed for the better since I let God into it, and this is something that I’m sure will only continue to grow over time. When Rev. Lynn mentioned there was going to be an opportunity for a baptism and confirmation service, I knew this would be perfect timing for me.
The process of preparation has been very insightful; every Sunday after the service I have been meeting with Rev. Lynne Bowden and Anne Murphy, who have been guiding me through the material. We have covered topics such as creeds, the Holy
Spirit, Jesus’ life, what it means to be a Christian, Christian community, and more. The knowledge has been very helpful, but mainly it’s just nice to experience a sense of fellowship as I am still relatively new to the Church and don’t know many Christians in my daily life.
I’m excited for the service on the 16th: I know that physically I may not change, but taking this step forwards in faith is important to me, and I know that it will be a positive and affirming experience in my life. Also, if I ever feel that it’s strange to be baptised as an adult, I just remember that Jesus himself was in his 30s too. I am extremely glad He knocked on my door that day in 2024.
‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.’ Revelation 3:20 (NIV).
Service of Remembering
St Christopher’s held our annual Service of Remembering on Sunday 9th February 2025. Invitations to the service had been extended to all who wanted to remember someone they love who has died, whether the funeral took place in St Christopher’s church or elsewhere, recently or many years ago.
Anne Murphy
The well attended service was jointly led by Reverends Lynn Caudwell and Lynne Bowden. It had been organised by the pastoral care team at St Christopher’s as we are conscious that grief, and the process of adjusting to life without someone we love, can take a considerable time.
As part of the service, everyone attending was invited to write the name of those they were remembering on a card; all the cards were collected and placed in a basket. There was an opportunity for everyone to light a memory candle. These were placed in the chancel around mirrored tiles laid out in the shape of a cross, with the basket of names being put in the middle.
The service included a Bible reading, a reflection by Lynn Caudwell, hymns and prayers.
After the final blessing, everyone was invited to stay for a drink and delicious homemade biscuits. This gave people an opportunity to have some quiet time in church, to chat with family and friends and to speak and pray with someone from the pastoral care team.
Thanks to all the pastoral care team for their support for this special service and of those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
For further information about bereavement support please contact: pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Thank you to Anne Murphy, our licensed pastoral worker, and all the members of the pastoral care team here at St Christopher’s for your kindness, compassion and hard work throughout the year. * * *
A clergyman consulted his doctor about his wife’s snoring. “It has to STOP,” he insisted.
The doctor was intrigued: “Does it really bother you that much?”
“Well, it’s not just me,” confided the minister. “She is bothering the whole congregation.” * * *
Remembering Christine Elizabeth Arrowsmith
Liz, a much-loved member of the St Christopher’s Church family, died on 6th January 2025. I am very grateful to her family for allowing me to use Liz’s eulogy for the following tribute.
Christine Elizabeth Cooper was born on 21st January 1943 in Newcastle under Lyme, the youngest of four children; Timothy and Stephen were her older brothers, Gill her older sister. Liz enjoyed her education, particularly English, though didn’t always behave herself: when her class was sent to a careers exhibition, Liz sneaked out with a friend to go and watch Tommy Steele at the Hanley Theatre Royal!
After leaving school Liz did a pre-nursing course at Stoke College, then in 1961 moved on to Derby Royal Infirmary to train as a state registered nurse. She lived in the hospital nurses’ home and, as was customary for student nurses, often stayed
out past the 10pm curfew, climbing in through a small window to avoid a roasting from the home sister!
In 1962 Liz met Richard Kendall, a joiner/ carpenter who had fallen off his bike, broken his leg, and ended up on Liz’s ward. Richard invited Liz out; they enjoyed many dates at the Trocadero ballroom, where nurses got in for free, and married in 1964. They were still living near Derby when Timothy was born in 1965, but when Richard qualified as a teacher in 1966, they moved to Poynton. Richard taught woodwork, initially at Wilmslow Grammar School, then at Stockport College.
Liz was a sociable lady who made considerable effort to bring people together. After Andrew was born in 1967, Liz advertised in the local newspaper for other young wives to meet up. They enjoyed coffee gatherings in their homes and days out with their children; the friendships built then were to last a lifetime.
Richard and Liz on their wedding day
Liz got a job at Stepping Hill Hospital on the geriatrics ward. She regularly shared her stories from the night shift over tea; not all were very savoury!
Ruth was born in 1971, the family complete. As the children grew up holidays in the UK and Europe were enjoyed, initially in a tent, then a caravan. The family often travelled across France, stopping along the way before reaching Switzerland where Liz’s brother Stephen lived. Interlaken was a particularly favourite destination. Much cinefilm footage was taken, although no one ever saw the footage of Pembroke Castle as Liz had left the lens cap on! Like many nurses of her era, Liz was incredibly organised. As they set off on holiday, the car was packed full of tins of beans, mushy peas and pot noodles; they were even stored in the rear footwells so the children rested their feet on them.
The Kendall family transport was a customized Daihatsu Jeep with a Dixie Airhorn. Liz took great pleasure sounding it whenever she dropped the children off at school!
Tim and Andrew inherited their dad’s love of cycling. Liz spent many a weekend stood at the side of the road watching them race, often in wind and rain, but determined to support them.
In 1985 Liz went back to college to gain an O level in biology; this enabled her to begin district nursing, initially in Macclesfield, then in Poynton where she remained for 20 years.
As the children became independent, Liz and Richard enjoyed more far flung holidays, including to Russia. Reminiscent of their courting days, they attended ballroom dancing in Macclesfield. They took part in Towers Players pantomimes; for one production Liz played a belly dancer and Richard a giant.
Richard passed away suddenly in October 1990, an extremely sad time. However, in 1994 Liz’s friendship with John Arrowsmith, another joiner and cabinet maker, blossomed. They began to attend St Christopher’s Church together and married there in June 1997; Liz wore a beautiful
John and Liz on their wedding day
but large hat and John had some trouble getting under it to kiss his bride!
Liz and John were very active people; they skied, walked and back packed. They loved their garden, and had a productive vegetable and fruit patch.
Liz retired in 2005 but remained busy, volunteering in the gardens at Lyme Park, walking with the local U3A group and playing walking netball with a group she set up in Poynton. She and John loved to travel; they visited Tim in Japan and travelled to China, Hong Kong and Dubai among other places. Liz also, of course, loved spending time with, and was immensely proud of, her children Tim, Andrew and Ruth, grandchildren Christopher, Thomas, Nina, Elena & Callum and great grandchildren Alyssia, Joshua & Jasper.
Liz and John both had a living faith; they not only worshipped at St Christopher’s but contributed practically to the life of the church. John used his superb carpentry skills; Liz kept our altar linen pristine, made sure our candle, communion wine and wafer stocks were kept topped up and together they were sidesmen and organised the Christingle collection and made many Christingles too. Liz also
raised funds for the East Cheshire Hospice by organising an army of knitters to produce Easter chicks and bunnies to sell. Sadly, in 2023 John developed complications after surgery and remained severely ill and incapacitated. His illness must have been exhausting, both emotionally and physically, but Liz supported him tirelessly. John died in July 2023 - hugely sad for Liz, and for all those who knew him. Not long after John’s death, Liz received a life-limiting diagnosis herself, but thanks to her faith, determination and strength of character she continued to live life as fully and as without fuss as her health allowed. She carried on walking longer distances than many of us, joining the church family for as far as she could manage on our Good Friday Walk and then, typical of her selflessness, retreating quietly, not wishing to disrupt others as they walked. Liz still travelled, visiting Tim and his family in Japan and holidaying in Crete with Ruth and her family in relatively recent months. Liz with Andrew, Ruth & Tim (Liz's 3 children)
Liz was a gentle, self-effacing, diplomatic lady who used her mischievous sense of humour to great effect and who served her family, church and community quietly and lovingly. She was grateful for prayer as she knew her God, and that He had, and has, her in His hands.
May Liz rest in peace and rise in glory.
Walking consciously and more deeply with God each day
Many readers will know of the groups that meet to discuss Sharon Garlough Brown’s Sensible Shoes series of books; Sharon is both a pastor and a great storyteller. José, a group member who worships at St Gregory’s Bollington, wrote what follows after the group completed the second book: It’s not often that we are given the opportunity of talking with others about things that really matter to us. Safe, quiet places where we can speak frankly, listen carefully and learn alongside other empathetic people are hard to locate.
José Spinks
I find it really difficult to work out on my own what exactly it means to live a Christian life in a secular twenty-first century world. Translating into my everyday life what I understand my church teaches is not something I do confidently. Because my faith matters to me, discovering this opportunity to share explicitly about my faith has been a godsend. It cost nothing but my time and its rewards have been enormous.
The overarching plot is essentially about four disparate characters who, for a range of reasons and with varying degrees of enthusiasm, together embarked on a course of personal discovery. Although we follow the story together, chapter by chapter, this reading group is not a literary exercise, academic, or theoretical at all. Rev. Lynn, as group leader, helped us explore our reactions to each chapter. The characters, events and problems which unfolded as the story progressed are all too recognisable from our own everyday lives, therefore the book led us
inevitably to consider ourselves and our beliefs. Contributions to discussions were never obligatory; privacy and silence were respected, always. No one tried to ‘solve’ anyone else; simple sharing in trust and respect encouraged and comforted, even inspired. Discussions were honest, meaningful and always confidential. We said ‘God’ out loud.
Prayer together consolidated friendship and group solidarity. I’d leave meetings re-energised, sometimes moved and humbled. A mere reading group acted as the anchor of my spiritual week, to complement my churchgoing. It was like having a booster without the pain! The book additionally offers considerable
guidance, including concrete examples of ways to pray, much of which is based in Ignatian spirituality. In spite of my fears, I never felt coerced into a One True Way or tambourine waving. This is not unorthodox, contra-Church or wacky stuff, so fear not! For me, these Christian book groups have been a gift and a privilege; I’m plunging into the third book now, still practising walking with God without tripping quite so often.
Many of us attending the groups would echo José’s thoughts, and no doubt be able to add some of our own. Four book groups currently
meet at various times each week, with between seven and 11 people from several different churches attending; some attendees don’t attend church but enjoy being part of a group.
A fifth group starts in May 2025, again drawn from several local churches.
We’ve all experienced the shared support and wisdom of our reading groups and marvelled at the sincere friendships that emerged so very quickly.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Rev. Lynn Caudwell at vicar@ pottshrigleychurch.org.uk.
Counting our blessings – on the February prayer walk
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth your saving power among all nations. Psalm 67:1-2
Yvonne Foster
Sally and I took this prayer to heart at the start of February’s prayer walk. Remaining in church for a while we sought God’s blessing upon ourselves and the walk. We prayed for God’s face to shine on his church with blessings of faith hope and love. We gave thanks and praise for the faith of past generations and prayed for the church today, including those we knew who were unwell or in need.
Striding out along Shrigley Road we gave thanks as we passed the SOLD sign at the entrance to Pott Hall. We asked God to bless the new occupants as they make their preparations to move, and for the future, when they begin to settle into their new home and village life.
After climbing the stone steps towards Charles Head, and looking down on the
Vicarage, we stopped to pray for Rev Lynn and for Simon, and we gave thanks for our spiritual leaders, both past and present. We continued to climb and were soon rewarded by beautiful views.
Prayers were said as we walked along, for farmers and their farms and
livestock. We talked together about our concern for today’s youngsters and then prayed to God who has in every generation faithfully 'made his way known on earth’.
On completing the climb we could see, in the distance, many villages, towns and the city of Manchester. We imagined the inhabitants living there and remembered God’s love for each and every soul, all unseen by us but each one known and loved by God. We recalled God’s forgiveness for all our mistakes and folly, and his saving power offered to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his only Son. As we walked along we prayed for those working for the common good.
Dropping down onto Bakestonedale Road we soon arrived in The Old Brickworks, home to a thriving community of small businesses. We stopped to pray for them. Sally treated me to a coffee and cake at 'Kickback', the Brickworks popular pit stop for cyclist and other travellers. Josh amazed us with his artistic skills as he expertly created pictures on the top of our flat whites. We were pleased to meet
neighbours and church members there, and then feeling refreshed we set out on the final downhill leg.
Our circuit was completed as we entered Pott Shrigley School playground, where we asked God to bless the children, parents, Mrs Willis the headteacher, all other staff and governors. We prayed for all those involved in the running of the village hall, and remembered with thanks, the strong links which unite our church and school.
Thanks Sally for sharing the blessings of friendship, and the blessings of a good coffee and cake!
Your Vote Your Council
Highways
New/Updated/Completed
• Culvert under Shrigley Road outside Pott Hall – water flooding the road. Reported and pictures sent. Work on this has been scheduled.
• Blocked drain in the field that abuts Nab Cottage. Owners realise that drain under road is blocked. Clerk and owner have both reported it to Highways.
Pending
• Remedial resurfacing of Shrigley Road from Green Close to the aqueduct. 2014
• Collapsed wall Bakestonedale Road July 2022
• Project 1421 (PAHG list) Modifications to the ‘Chevron Bend’ 2017
• The broken fence at West Park Gate car park on list for repair. April 2023
• Improvements to bend at Brookbankimprovements to be included in the ‘Minor Improvement Scheme’.
• Enquiry 10073643 Culvert/wall on the west side of Shrigley Road. Nov 2024
• Rebuilding of wall at junction of Spuley Lane and Shrigley Road knocked down.
It was agreed that the dates when these issues were first raised should be added to the agenda to emphasise the problems with the Highways Dept. Action: The Clerk will write to Tim Roca MP to express the Council’s concerns regarding the deterioration of Bakestonedale Road since it was designated as the diversionary route following the closure of part of the B5704. She will also highlight the Council’s frustration over the prolonged delays in repairing the flood at Pott Hall and the damaged wall at the junction of Shrigley Road and Spuley Lane.
Lychgate
Extensive and onerous application form to seek a grant completed and sent by Clerk accompanied by a new set of specific photographs taken by Cllr. Wray. Clerk advised even if successful, the grant will only be 50% of the cost, minus VAT.
Mersey Forest Tree Planting Scheme
Wildlife Trust are planting trees in the field adjacent to the Village Green, have offered to meet and discuss the Council’s requirements for trees on village green. Cllr. Basford will meet to discuss. Cllr. Chong will then investigate ordering any trees from Mersey Forest.
Mersey Forest Flood Defences
Cllr. Hadfield attended the meeting on 11th December alongside representatives from Bollington TC. She reported that many of the ‘leaky dam’ defences are blocked and need constant maintenance not always possible for the landowners, although Colin Hammond is doing a great job keeping on top of the ones on his land. Additionally, landowners warned to watch out for a clause in the contract that holds the owner responsible for any property flooding that occurs after installation.
Luckily he spotted it and managed to have it removed. Overall, the installation has not been successful as they don’t seem to be wide enough to hold the water back.
Fly Tipping Posters
After a suggestion for fly tipping posters the Clerk displayed a selection of available poster types describing the materials and respective costs. Given there have been no further instances of fly tipping since the December incident and the Council’s reluctance to spoil the picturesque countryside with intrusive posters, it was decided to monitor the situation for three months before reaching a final decision.
Increase of Traffic Through Village
Council and Cllr. Saunders continue to request updated figures of traffic passing through village after opening of Poynton Relief Road. Councillors suspect that there has been a significant increase in traffic using Bakestondale Road. CEC are yet to respond to data requests.
Planning Applications
Pending
24/2084M 3A Moorside Cottage, Moorside Lane, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5RZ Two storey side extension to the existing dwelling. 24/3155M 1, Normans Hall Mews, SHRIGLEY ROAD, POTT SHRIGLEY, SK10 5SE
Proposed demolition of garage and the construction of a new garage with workshop and storage areas on the ground floor and a first-floor home office above.
Next meeting
The next Council Meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 3rd March 2025 in the village hall.
What have Class 3 been up to?
WW2 Evacuee Tatton Park visit
In Class 3, we have been learning all about the events of World War 2 in history. We have discovered when and why it started, why it became known as the first ‘Global Conflict’, how it affected Britain and finally how and when it finally came to an end.
As part of our learning, we became evacuees for a day and visited the farm in Tatton Park. We spent the day in the cottage on the farm where ‘Aunty Mary’ took us in and showed us what our lives were going to be like for the next few years. Aunty Mary was actually a real person, who did accept 5 child evacuees in WW2 at Tatton Park and some of these children came back to the park in 2020 to remember their experiences there and help design the workshop to show the children of today what life was like for them.
We had a brilliant time and it really brought all our learning to life.
What if Jesus came back in 10 years?
Right now, there are 5.5 billion people on earth who don’t know Jesus. If we truly believed He was coming and coming soon, what would we do to reach them? What would the global Church be willing to do? Could 2.5 billion Christians on earth be mobilized to share the Gospel?
These are the questions that Jennie Allen, a Christian author and speaker, asked herself one day in 2022… then she did something about it: Gather25 global prayer day. Christians from all over the world are invited to pray over a period of 25 hours, on 1st March 2025. There is a broadcast schedule, starting in North America, then Oceania, Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, Western Europe, finishing in South America. There will be two slots for the persecuted church, at 9am and 10pm GMT . St. Christopher’s will be open and live-streaming the event from 7pm – 10pm. Please come along and join in!
Coffee Break
Across
1 These letters come between Romans and Galatians (11)
9 ‘You will not — me to the grave’ (Psalm 16:10) (7)
10 King of Moab to whom the Israelites were subject for 18 years (Judges 3:14) (5)
11 Town possessing mineral spring (3)
13 Mede (anag.) (4)
16 High-fidelity (abbrev.) (4)
17 He succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah (1 Kings 14:31) (6)
18 A son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10) (4)
20 Controversial religious book of the 1970s, The — of God Incarnate (4)
21 ‘He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you — — and hear’ (Acts 2:33) (3,3)
all! Rather, we uphold the law’ (Romans 3:31) (7)
22 ‘You — me together in my mother’s womb’ (Psalm 139:13) (4)
23 Edit (anag.) (4)
25 ‘Who has believed our message and to whom has the — of the Lord been revealed?’ (Isaiah 53:1) (3)
28 Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:23) (5)
29 ‘When Mordecai learned of — that had been — , he tore his clothes’ (Esther 4:1) (3,4)
30 Sympathetic (Proverbs 11:16) (4-7)
Down
2 ‘That was why his parents said, “He is — —; ask him”’ (John 9:23) (2,3)
3 Integrated Services Digital Network (1,1,1,1) 4
4 ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his — of thousands’ (1 Samuel 18:7) (4)
5 Concept (John 8:14) (4)
6 ‘Do we, then, — the law by this faith? Not at
7 Industrious (2 Timothy 2:6) (11)
8 ‘I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be — in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you (Ephesians 1:18) (11)
12 ‘Out of the same mouth come — and cursing’ (James 3:10) (6)
14 This was how many of the Jewish leaders described Jesus (John 10:20) (3)
15 Vitality (Job 20:11) (6)
19 He urged David to kill Saul at Hakilah (1 Samuel 26:8) (7)
20 ‘So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul — with the church and taught great numbers of people’ (Acts 11:26) (3)
24 ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord — — ’ (Deuteronomy 6:4) (2,3)
25 Parched (Matthew 12:43) (4)
26 ‘In the image of God he created him; — and female he created them’ (Genesis 1:27) (4)
27 Disparagement (Psalm 15:3) (4)
20th Century Home Thoughts from Abroad
The process of clearing out a lot of ‘stuff’, necessitated by Audrey Meecham’s recent move from Pott Shrigley to Macclesfield, brought to light numerous boxes of letters, postcards and diaries, most of which are difficult to part with! They reveal a treasure trove of recent social history, and what follows is a part-transcript of the first letter she sent home to her parents in Manchester from her new life in Africa, though first, some background:
Keith Meecham travelled to his first appointment as a fisheries officer in Her Majesty’s Overseas Civil Service in December 1954 by mailboat, the MV Apapa of the Elder Dempster Lines, setting off from Liverpool and landing in Accra. He was feeling very lonely and rather regretful, having just that month met a girl in Manchester he thought he could love forever.
A long and somewhat one-sided correspondence of 16 months or so ensued (she being of a much more cautious, not to say timid, nature); this resulted in the pair becoming betrothed and, three months later, during Keith’s first home leave, married.
After a hurried honeymoon and a hectic three weeks’ packing, Keith and Audrey flew with BOAC via Rome, Tripoli and Kano, to Accra, capital city of the Gold Coast, now Ghana.
First impressions (from Audrey’s first letter to her Mum & Dad)
August 1956: No.2 Bungalow, Sogankope, Gold Coast, British West Africa.
The flight was lovely once we got above the clouds, until we were flying over the Sahara, where we ran into an electric storm. I had been dozing until the plane
seemed to drop with a thump, but it was ‘only’ an air pocket. After a very turbulent passage, most of the passengers (including me) were quite sick, but Keith didn’t feel bad until we landed.
Rome had been a glorious sight as we touched down for a fuel stop on a very warm evening; at Tripoli we drank Coca Cola in the open air at 10 o'clock at night, but at Kano, Northern Nigeria, I wasn’t feeling at all well and couldn’t eat or drink a thing! Before arriving at Accra in the morning, I had been advised to change into a cotton dress, but on landing I shivered and put my costume jacket back on. Apparently the Coast had been enjoying an unusually cool spell for weeks.
Frank, a young army doctor who had been looking after Keith’s dog (Shimmy) and Siamese cat (Shammy) and Peugeot 203, was at the airport to meet us, as well as Geoff, the Senior Fisheries Officer. We had lunch at a nice hotel in Accra, then set off in the afternoon for Takoradi, along the coast where Frank was stationed. (Takoradi was the main seaport at the time, until Tema harbour, near Accra, was developed in the 1960s. Takoradi had disappeared from the map by 1997.)
Elmina slave castle
We called on Bill & Elsa Bentley at Sekondi and were invited to stay for two nights – typical coaster hospitality (Keith had temporarily taken over Bill’s post as Master Boatbuilder when Bill was flown home with a gastric ulcer the year before). The second evening was Elsa’s birthday party at which we had a whale of a time and I met a few of their friends. One couple gave us a lovely cookery book – Good Housekeeping’s ‘Picture Cookery’. (Guest Ed: the recipe page was to feature one from this book, but sadly the book is nowhere to be found!)
We left on Tuesday for Accra, having collected the animals when we left Frank. (They have taken to me very well, much to my delight.) We dined that evening on “curry chop” cooked by Geoff who is a bachelor and concocts delicious recipes, but we stayed the night with Peter and Marion Cole, who had rung Elsa, saying they would like to see us. (Peter and Keith had shared a cabin on the mailboat; amazingly, friendship developed from the ordeal.)
Next morning, we went into town to do our shopping – lots and lots of tins! – then left for Sogankope, about 70 miles NE of Accra, on the other side of the Volta River, close to the border with TVT (Trans Volta Togoland). Arriving at Tefle ferry, we had a half hour wait to cross. On the other
side we were met by a boy on a bike who showed us the way to the Fisheries house –great fun riding along in front of a Peugeot!
Our predecessors leave here on 28th August, so we move into our first home exactly a month after our wedding. It has been dubbed “Honeymoon Cottage” by the Fisheries Department, as George & Margaret were also newlyweds when they moved in! I think we shall grow very fond of the place once I have got used to the little inconveniences caused by no electricity, so no hot water, etc., the mosquitoes (I have had 2 or 3 bites already) cockroaches, of which I have encountered three, and ants, which I believe are a nuisance where food is concerned.
You’d love the house – it’s so light and airy. It’s going to look lovely with the wedding presents and the things Keith has collected. The men have come in with the boat and will be landing the fish. Keith has got just four days to get the hang of the routine, there seems to be quite a lot to the job. (What an understatement! How varied the ‘job’ was became clear over the next 30+ years in six different countries!)
What a wonderful letter, so full of interesting details; thank you to Audrey and Sally for sharing this. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this correspondence! Ordinary, if interfering, editor!
St Christopher’s Pastoral Ministry
For pastoral support, a listening ear, a home visit, Holy Communion at home, prayer support or if you have a baptism enquiry
please contact the pastoral ministry care team via Anne Murphy. pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk telephone: 07891 953919
Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Day
On Saturday 17th May you are warmly invited to Lynne and Paul Bowden’s home for a day of prayer in preparation for Thy Kingdom Come. All are welcome, not least those who are newer to church.
Thy Kingdom Come is an annual season of prayer from Ascension Day to Pentecost (29th May to 8th June) for the world to pray to know God through Jesus – for His peace, love, grace and healing and especially to bring others, by praying particularly for five people we know, into the church family.
We will reflect upon what the Kingdom of God means, spend time in both individual and group prayer, explore different ways to pray and join in gentle worship and discussion. There is emphasis this year on The Lord’s Prayer and the afternoon will include Thy Kingdom Come’s outwardlooking focus.
The day will begin at 10.30am (arrival from 10am) and end around 4.30pm with a cream tea. Hopefully the weather will be good so that we can use both house and garden.
Bring a folding chair and a packed lunch; tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided throughout.
Please tell Lynne by the first May Bank Holiday (5th May) if you would like to come, or email her on a.curate@btinternet.com.
Details of how to reach Taxal will be provided nearer the time.
Do hope you will join us and share this special day.
Lynne and Paul Bowden
“Your magazine needs you.”
Please send your contributions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk no later than midnight on..... Thursday, 13th March www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Proof reader next month is Sally Winstanley
Being a Christian in Vietnam
Some of us have been to Vietnam and enjoyed the excellent hospitality on offer there; it’s all too easy to forget that Christians are at high risk of being persecuted there, Vietnam being forty fourth on the OpenDoors’ list of countries where Christians are most likely to be illtreated. One of our missionary partners, Johnny McClean, has to be particularly careful when teaching in Vietnam and, anecdotally, foreign Christian workers are at risk of being asked to leave the country. What does persecution look like in Vietnam?
Most people in Vietnam follow traditional ethnic-animist religions (74%), with Buddhism being the second most common belief system (15%). Those who become Christians from these backgrounds face the greatest persecution from their own communities, including being expelled or having their homes destroyed. Converts are also at increased risk of persecution by local authorities, as they are already suspicious of minority people groups such as the Hmong. Local authorities strongly discourage Christian meetings, evangelism or Bible teaching; church services may be disrupted and church leaders detained, threatened, fined and sometimes imprisoned, with orders
not to speak about Jesus anymore. Vahn, a church pastor, reports: ‘The villagers and the local authorities came and beat us... one of the officials tasered me. But because God loves me, then I will love others. I do not hate the ones who persecute me; I pray for them, and I love them so.’ Hmong Bible teachers also show bravery by travelling miles by motorbike into remote areas to train believers in secret Bible schools.
Are things improving?
Vietnam fell by nine places on this year's World Watch List compared to last year and government has sought to strengthen its diplomatic relations with the Vatican, with the first resident papal representative being appointed in December 2023. Possibly because of its French colonial history, the Roman Catholic churches have enjoyed more freedom than other denominations, but they are still monitored and suffer various forms of oppression; like all Vietnamese people, these Christians are still likely to be imprisoned if they speak out on political issues.
Unregistered churches in Vietnam have suffered increased oppression recently, raising concern that the government wants to control the church and is pushing for smaller churches to join continued →
recognised denominations that are more cooperative with the government. Also, churches and religious organisations are concerned about increased reporting and registration requirements, tighter control on foreign-linked activities, restrictions on religious gatherings, expanded government oversight on training and education, and the potential for broader surveillance.
How does OpenDoors help Vietnamese Christians?
OpenDoors works through local partners to strengthen persecuted believers in Vietnam by providing relief and practical aid, advocacy support, Christian resources, leadership and discipleship training, and socio-economic development projects.
How can we pray for Vietnam?
Please ask God to comfort Vietnamese Christians who are oppressed, abused and attacked because of their faith.
Pray for blessing on the work of OpenDoors partners as they help with Bible distribution, leadership training and more.
Pray that the believers who gather in unregistered churches will be able to follow Jesus without impediment.
Very many thanks to OpenDoors for the informative article from which the above piece is taken.
The Coffee Tavern
Missionary Matters
Some Facebook gleanings this month for news from Johnny and Ann McClean in Thailand. Ann has been helping with two writing projects: an article for the Evangelical Movement of Wales on thriving in mission long-term, and editing and proofreading the text of a comic version of Hudson Taylor’s story.
John Ryley
Hudson Taylor was a British missionary to China in the 19th century; he founded the China Inland Mission, now known as OMF, the organisation the McCleans now work with. Ann’s text will eventually be translated into Thai by Off-Peung Wichaphon, one of the McCleans’ student converts from when they worked in Chang Mai many years ago. A good number of these students from earlier ministry have turned up recently, now serving God in influential positions, which must be an encouragement to Johnny and Ann. Ling, the wife of Pastor Pramote from the New City Fellowship (NCF), has, with the help of some missionaries, restarted the weekly Joy Club in Mahathai; five new children came to Sunday School as a result of this outreach. Johnny has been to a fiveday Langham preaching leaders’ retreat in the Philippines. It brought together church and student leaders, people from different islands (the Philippines has 7,000) and speakers of different languages. They looked at creative ways of training people to preach and teach Old Testament Prophets, including an indepth look at Ezekiel 37:1-14, (the valley of dry bones), which Johnny preached on. Pray for a Filipino preaching movement coordinator to be raised up, for unity and encouragement and for participants to
have gone home inspired and equipped to spread Biblical preaching. You may remember A, S and their daughter, the McCleans’ Christian Afghan friends? They have, at last, received positive news from Australia: they had a medical in January, the final step before placement! They can expect a placement in Australia within three months if they passed the medical. Please pray that these final, long-awaited stages of their move to Australia go well.
In Malawi, Helen and Megume Fazakerley have been celebrating Helen’s 65th birthday in a variety of ways, but always involving cake!
The milestone birthday put Helen in reflective mood; on starting nursing at 18, retirement was set at 60; she feels like she’s now working overtime! She’s now nearly the same age as her mum was when she died, but her circumstances are
continued →
very different: 65 is no longer considered that old, especially as she’s not retired yet, and she has no grandchildren yet!
The fuel supply situation in Malawi has improved, so please thank God for answered prayer, and pray that the relatively good supply situation continues. Helen’s ladies’ Bible group are studying 'The Jesus Paul knew', looking at various passages where Paul describes Him. Helen has been busy preparing the guesthouse for a team from America, who are holding a conference there for nine days; please pray that what they shared will have a positive effect on their lives. Megume and Helen’s home group have completed a series of studies through Romans and are encouraged that more people have become regular participants. They pray that they will all become better at living their lives in Jesus' footsteps.
Megume has almost completed his study guide for Matthew. It's been a good learning opportunity for him to reflect on what Matthew wanted to communicate
about Jesus, and perhaps also what kind of a person Matthew might have been. Helen and Megume recently watched The Chosen, a TV series (available for free at: https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us or via their app). It's a combined and extended Gospel account of Jesus, and the Fazakerley’s found it authentic, with bold creativity to imagine how things might have been.
SIM Malawi is now in the process of looking for the next director. Please pray for God's guidance, particularly for those serving on the appointment committee.
From the Registers
Funerals
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of: 6th February Christine Elizabeth Arrowsmith 81 years 13th February Gordon White, 93 years
Baptism
We welcome into our church family: 16th February Annie May Smith Confirmation
We welcome into our church family: 16th February Annie May Smith
16th February Brandon Price
16th February Bella Wearden
16th February Luke Bird
16th February Jamie Wainwright
INTERIOR SERVICES
Full & part home renovations
Project management
Joinery
Plastering
Heating/plumbing & electrical
Kitchens & bathrooms
Painting & decorating
Wallpaper hanging
Venetian plastering
Tiling
Hand painted kitchens
EXCEPTIONAL FROM START TO FINISH
“Incredibly pleased with the renovation work by Spring Decorating. The work involved the replastering of several rooms, replacing internal doors, bannisters, spindles, radiators and then redecorating. All finished to a very high standard, which I am delighted with. The team was professional, efficient and friendly. I wouldn’t hesitate to have them back in the future.”
0161 439 9195
info@springdecorating.co.uk
www.springdecorating.co.uk 17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE
EXTERIOR SERVICES
Exterior painting & decorating
Rendering & K Rend
Joinery
uPVC window spraying
Scaffolding
PROMPT AND EFFICIENT
“We are delighted with the work by Spring Decorating. The response to our query was quick and a quote followed promptly. Work started a couple of weeks later on the outside of our house. The team always arrived exactly when they said they would and were totally reliable, pleasant and courteous. The work was thorough, with excellent preparation and looks very good. We will certainly use them again for more work.”
info@springdecorating.co.uk www.springdecorating.co.uk 17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE
Review verified by Which? Trusted Traders
Pott Shrigley
Village Hall Bar
2nd Friday of every month, 6.30 'til 10.00pm
14thMarch 11thApril
Recipe of the Month
Pan-fried steak with Mexican rice and beans
Slimming World have a new innovation, whereby you can order a recipe with all the ingredients measured out for two people – all you have to do is follow the instructions!
Sally Winstanley
Gareth and I tried this one recently, it was delicious!
Ingredients
140g Basmati rice
1 onion
1 pepper
1 unwaxed lime
1 chilli
2 garlic cloves
110g baby tomatoes
10g fresh coriander
4tsp cumin seeds
2 bavette steaks
4 spring onions
230g black beans
60g fat-free Greek yogurt
Method
Cook the rice according to pack instructions.
Meanwhile, peel & finely dice the onion, deseed the pepper and dice into roughly 1cm squares. Zest and juice the lime.
Finely dice the chilli (remove seeds for less heat) peel & crush the garlic; roughly chop the tomatoes and finely chop the coriander.
Spritz a large non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat. Fry three-quarters of the cumin seeds for about 1 minute.
Add the onion, pepper, chilli (to taste) &
garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, lime zest and half the coriander, then mix in the cooked rice.
On a separate board, trim any visible fat from the steaks, then lightly season with salt and black pepper.
Spritz another non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Cook the steaks for 3 – 4 minutes on each side for medium (5 – 6 minutes for well done). Leave to rest, then thinly slice against the grain.
Thinly slice the spring onions. Drain & rinse the beans.
Put the pan you cooked the steak in, over a medium-high heat. Fry the remaining cumin seeds for 1 minute then add the black beans and 100ml of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then roughly mash the beans.
Mix the yogurt with the lime juice and remaining coriander.
Serve the steak on top of the rice, with the black beans. Scatter over the chopped spring onions and drizzle on some yogurt mixture.
Services
2nd Mar.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡ 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
9th.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡** 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
16th.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All-Age Worship Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke TBC
23rd.
Nancy Goodrich Anne Murphy
Lynne Bowden
Lynne Bowden
Melissa Wearden
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship* 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9 Lynn Caudwell
30th.
Mothering Sunday
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All-Age Worship 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Lynn Caudwell Melissa Wearden
6th April
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡ Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Lynn Caudwell
• All services underlined in blue will be streamed live on our Facebook Page & YouTube channel
• A recording of each live-streamed service will be available from the services page of the church website: ‡ Junior Church * Youth Church (at 6pm) **Youth Church (at 10.45am)
Garton
Milson
POTT SHRIGLEY PTFA PRESENTS
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FRIDAY 28TH MARCH 2025
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Directory
Priest-in-charge: Rev. Lynn Caudwell vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Assistant Priest Rev. Lynne Bowden a.curate@btinternet.com
Readers: Dr John Ryley (Reader Emeritus), 2 Wych Lane, Adlington, SK10 4NB
Licensed Pastoral Worker Anne Murphy, 14 Silver Street, Bollington, SK10 5QL
Parish Assistant: Gillian Mosley, 129 St Austell Avenue, Macclesfield, SK10 3NY
Churchwardens: Andy Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP
andyphillips@totalise.co.uk
Jean Ferguson , 17, Poplar Grove, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5LS
jeanfergusonuk@msn.com
Verger: Situation Vacant
PCC Secretary: Rebecca Roth-Biester pccsecretary@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
PCC Treasurer: Peter Kennedy, kennedyp@tuckerssolicitors.com
Gift Aid & Planned Giving: Sally Winstanley, 3 Green Close Cottages, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SG
sjwinstanley.ps@gmail.com
Organists: Mary Currell, 61 Crossfield Road, Bollington, SK10 5EA
marycurrell61@btinternet.com David Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com
Phillips, as above
Annie Palace, anniepalace04@gmail.com
Electoral Roll officer Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA
kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk
Safeguarding officer: Kath Matheson, safeguarding@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Tower Captain: Duncan Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA
dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk
Pastoral Ministry: Anne Murphy, pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Children's Ministry Situation Vacant
Youth Ministry: Anne Murphy, annemurphy1214@gmail.com
Little Doves: Victoria Price
Parish Council Clerk: Joyce Burton, pottclerk@btinternet.com
Wedding Coordinator: Pam Cooke, weddings@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Head Teacher: Mrs Anne-Marie Willis , Pott Shrigley Church School, SK10 5RT
head@pottshrigley.cheshire.sch.uk
Website: Tess Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP info@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
PCC Members:
Duncan Matheson, Sally Winstanley, Peter Kennedy, Jean Ferguson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Ang Davies, Simon Caudwell Rebecca Roth-Biester, Sheila Garton, David Garton, David Gem, Annie Palace, Kath Matheson, Reg Ferguson, Anne Murphy. This directory was updated on 25th August 2024. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk