HotPott November 2023

£1 November 2023

Pott Shrigley’s Church & Parish Magazine

Pott Shrigley Church school PTA

CHRISTMAS FAIR Join us for festive fun - games, stalls, food, drinks, and carols!

12 TIL 2PM

SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2023 Children’s Elf shop santa’s grotto POTTPTA@VIRGINMEDIA.COM

CHARITY NUMBER: 1178758

Do Not Worry

Lynn's letter

‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

This Edition

In the passage quoted above, Jesus points out the futility of worry and offers to help us win the battle over our anxiety.

Firstly, worry won’t change anything, it just adds unnecessary stress to our day. Jesus used a simple example to show that worrying is futile: ‘Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?’ (v.27) He also said in Luke 12:26: ‘Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’

Lynn Caudwell

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’

(Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34) So, what are we worrying about today? Are we continually scanning the news to find out how things are developing in Ukraine or in Israel? Or are our worries more basic? Can I do my job well with so many demands upon my time? Will the children be ok? Will my health or the health of my loved ones hold out? Do we have enough food to feed the family?

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As worrying will not change anything, it follows that we need to ask God to change our thinking and to replace our worry with faith. He is right beside us, ready to relieve us of worry if we let Him. One simple prayer exercise I find helpful is to breathe in deeply saying: ‘I can’t’… then breathe out saying: ‘You can’ and hold out my hands… I do this anytime, anywhere, and find it remarkably powerful.

Secondly, we need to learn to live one day at a time.

Jesus mentions that each day has enough trouble for us to

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Pg

Content

3

Lynn's letter

5

Christmas Wreaths

6

PCC Ponderings

7

Christingle…

Light of the World

8

Cover story: Thanks and a challenge...

10

Pott Shrigley School goes even greener…

12

Praying for Peace, Dealing with Enemies

14

Your vote, Your council

16

From the Registers

18

Mouse Makes

19

Coffee Break

21

Suffering Church

27

Missionary Matters

31

Flix in the Stix

31

Carol Singing

33

Chocolate & Pecan Bread and Butter Pudding

34

Services

November 2023 Page 3

contend with, and we should not spend it worrying about tomorrow. This does not mean that we shouldn’t plan, but it does mean that we shouldn’t worry over the future. It is often said: ‘Planning for tomorrow is time well spent. Worrying about tomorrow is time wasted.’ Sadly, we often either live with regret over the past or worry about the future. We need to practice living rather more in the present, letting our prayer life keep us calm and not setting our sights too far in the future but learning to lean on God one day at a time.

that life is more than food and clothes… faith in God takes our eyes off ourselves and our own needs and frees us to be generous, even when hungry ourselves.

In conclusion, because worry won’t change anything, let us ask God to help us to live one day at a time, trusting that He will supply all our real needs, thus allowing us to focus our energy on serving Him. With love from Lynn.

Thirdly, we can believe that God will take care of our needs. When Jesus talks about food, drink and clothing He is using them as symbols for all our needs. Jesus said: ‘…your heavenly Father knows that you need them.’ (Matthew 6:32) He also used a simple but powerful illustration to show the Father’s caring heart: ‘Look at the birds… they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.’ (v.26) God not only knows our needs, but He is also more than able to take care of them! We are much more valuable to Him than birds or flowers!

Lastly, seek God first. Jesus encourages us to: ‘Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,’ (v.33) with the assurance that when we do so, all that we need will be given to us. This attitude helps us place our hearts on loving God more than having our material desires met. It also assures us that all the things we worry about will be taken care of by Him. I know these simple maxims do not give us detailed answers to the problems of those who really don’t have enough, who are living in the midst of war and famine, or who have had everything taken from them.

But even there, it is often the poorest of the poor who will be the first to give you their last meal...This shows us without a doubt Page 4

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Includes mulled wine or orange juice, cheese and biscuits, & festive cupcake!

£20 per person Please bring secateurs if you have them

Pott Shrigley PTA

Christmas Wreath Workshop

6:30pm, Friday 1st December 2023 Pott Shrigley School Hall Tickets from PTA - book early to avoid disappointment!

Charity number: 1178758 HotPott - November 2023

pottpta@virginmedia.com Page 5

PCC Ponderings When I was growing up, the letters PCC, used together, were loaded with trepidation. My father is a retired vicar and on the evening of the PCC (parochial church council) meeting, he would shut himself in his study and my siblings and I were strictly forbidden from disturbing him!

I'm very pleased to report the Pott Shrigley PCC is absolutely not an intimidating affair.

On the contrary, the meetings (usually held in the village hall) are good humoured and respectful.

We cover a huge range of issues, from the mundane (plaster repairs and redecoration around the sidespersons' pew) to the international (inviting our overseas

missionaries to speak to us during their next UK trips).

The last meeting took place in September.

The highlights of Rev. Lynn's report included the continued (and very encouraging) growth of Church in the Pub. So many people from four of the local churches now attend the monthly meetings in The Cotton Tree that capacity is starting to become an issue. Lynn's other external commitments include attending Pott Shrigley Church School (with her husband Simon) twice a week to lead assembly and hymn practice.

She has also met with Steve Oliver, the new Hope Coordinator in Macclesfield.

As many of you will know, Hope is a charity which was established in 2009, bringing together around 40 churches of many denominations in Macclesfield, Bollington and the surrounding villages.

It encourages volunteers to come together to respond to their calling and share their passions to make things happen for the benefit of the community. Do speak to Rev. Lynn or Sally Wintour for details on how you can get involved.

Rebecca Roth-Biester

As ever, the wide-ranging discussions covered finances, health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and general issues around the church building and church yard.

Particular highlights and points of note are: • Following her licencing as a pastoral worker in early October, Anne Murphy will continue to lead the pastoral team, and Page 6

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will also be involved in leading services and preaching occasionally.

• Rev. Lynn is considering hosting an evening with her husband Simon where they will talk about their time working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Ethiopia.

• Bike locks are to be purchased for use with the new locking eyes for bicycles outside church.

• A smart meter has been installed on the church electricity supply and the gas meter will be changed shortly.

2024. Further details to follow.

• Next year's Rose Queen fete will take place on June 15th 2024.

• The new pre-school group Little Doves, led by Victoria Price with assistance from Angie Stewart, is now meeting in church every Wednesday during term time.

The next PCC meeting will take place in the village hall in November.

• There are plans to hold a possible fundraising concert in church in spring

Christingle… looking forward to the Light of the World How lovely it will be to start our seasonal services with Christingle on Sunday, 10th December at 10.45! The sight of candles lighting up the darkness is such a powerful symbol of Jesus coming to bring His everlasting light to a world which so needs His guidance and hope.

As usual, we will be collecting for The Children’s Society, a Christian charity that does such amazing work with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the UK. Unfortunately, the need for The Children’s Society’s work has increased exponentially over the last few years, but their income has not – so please give generously.

So – please pick up a Christingle candle collecting box from the back of church (available from mid-November) and fill it with whatever cash you can. The boxes will be collected at the Christingle service, or if you can’t come to that (though we hope you can join us then!), they could be left at other services too. Donations can also be made online.. details will be posted on the SPICE WhatsApp group in a week or two.

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Cover story: Thanks and a challenge or two…

Thank you to everyone who came to the lay licensing service at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 7th October, or watched it online. It was a very special day for me as I was licensed as a pastoral worker for St Christopher’s, Pott Shrigley. Thanks too for your cards, gifts and kind words, and for all the support I’ve received over the last few years as I’ve gone through my training with the University of Chester and Chester Diocese.

Anne Murphy It was a real privilege to be asked by Rev. Lynn to do a brief Q&A session at both our Sunday services on 8th October to share with our church family a bit about my journey to being licensed, and to talk about pastoral worker ministry.

One of Lynn’s questions was: ‘How can we best support you?’

I think the best support any of us can have is through prayer. I feel that I am very much part of a team – here at St Christopher’s as well as with a network of pastoral workers, and prayer support plays a huge part in that.

Pott Shrigley has a prayer group who meet on a Tuesday evening in church.

Concurrently, some of us share a time of prayer using the SPICE WhatsApp group.

If you haven’t previously joined either of these - why not give one or other a try?

In addition, I would encourage you all to connect with our pastoral care team at St Christopher’s (pastoralteam@ pottshrigleychurch.org.uk or mobile: 07891 953919).

Lynn also asked if I would recommend Page 8

Foundations for Ministry in cake!

others to explore some form of ministry training. YES! We are reminded in the Bible that God has plans for all of us. Jeremiah 29:11 says: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”’

I must admit that in my experience God’s plans for me are sometimes at odds with my own. However, I have discovered that God’s plans do work out to be much better than my own! (Can’t think why!!) Even if, initially, it may have felt that I’m moving out of my comfort zone, I know that God, and others around me, are there to help and support. I would strongly encourage everyone to explore further what plans God has for you – perhaps looking at attending a Foundations for Ministry course, or going to a quiet day, or on a retreat. Please feel free to speak to Lynn or me for further information.

As a final thought, I'll share again the daily prayer from Lectio 365, as I find it really

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helps set me up for the day ahead: ‘Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to You, in every way.

Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.

Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.

Amen.’

It was a privilege and a joy to join the licensing service for pastoral workers and lay readers held in Chester Cathedral; it is also a privilege and a joy to have Anne as our licensed pastoral worker at St Christopher’s.

We are grateful to her and to the rest of our dedicated pastoral team volunteers, who provide such valuable spiritual, emotional and practical support to our church family and others. 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. email: pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk telephone: 07891 953919

Pott Shrigley School goes even greener…

A mix of children from classes 2 and 3 have worked together over the past week to look at our environmental impact and what we can all do to help our precious planet.

from the Eco-Team Led by Mrs Novacki, our newly formed eco-team had a truly varied week, from discussion-based lessons, art, persuasive and creative writing, a litter pick and finally a visit to Rootstock – the new refill shop in Bollington.

The staff there were simply fabulous with the children, explaining how much plastic waste can be saved by buying everyday Page 10

foods and household goods in refillable containers. The eco-team also undertook a litter pick and did other practical tasks to act as constant reminders to children and staff alike: all the bins in school are now labelled to ensure everyone knows which HotPott - November 2023

are for waste and which for recycling, and all light switches have Please Switch Off signs installed next to them.

The children have thoroughly enjoyed setting themselves up as an eco-team and we look forward to them continuing their work over the rest of the academic

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year. A wonderful, natural result has been the increase of thoughtful content in the prayers the children share before they eat lunch each day – we’ve had requests to consider food waste, protecting the oceans and wildlife and putting a stop to singleuse plastic.

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Praying for Peace, and Dealing with Enemies The world, now as much as ever, is in huge need of prayers for peace. In November we will wear our poppies and come together around local war memorials to commemorate the end of World War One, the so-called war to end all wars, and wonder why, in 2023, there is still war raging in mainland Europe, in several areas of the Middle East, including Israel/ Palestine and Yemen, across the African continent, especially Ethiopia and Libya, and in the Americas, thinking of Haiti.

In early October people from Adlington, Bollington and Pott Shrigley gathered in St Gregory’s for an ecumenical service of Taizé music, prayer and reflection; the atmosphere was one of fervent prayer in the quietness, of strength in the community coming together to pray, and of thankfulness for peace, wherever it exists in this troubled world.

Kath Matheson Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have in seeking to bring peace to far-off wars, but it should be used for conflicts closer to home too; it’s only when we are ready to pray for someone whom we find difficult that God can soften our attitude towards them. Like us, they need God’s forgiveness and grace. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor executed by the Nazis in April 1945, wrote: ‘This is the supreme demand. Through the medium of prayer, we go to our enemy, stand by his side, and plead for him to God. For if we pray for them, we are taking their distress and poverty, their guilt and perdition upon ourselves and pleading to God for them.’ An extreme example of persecution perhaps, but the principal of praying for those who are making our lives Page 12

difficult remains true.

We can take additional actions too. Our ‘enemies’ are rarely life-threatening, they can simply be impatient, judgmental, self–righteous or just plain disagreeable!

Whether conflict is with a family or church member, work colleague or neighbour, our attitude toward them should be one of love. The Bible has much to say on the matter: ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.’ (Matt 5:43-45). Although we will naturally want to retaliate, by not doing so we don’t take the law into our own hands, and we may be able to defuse the situation.

Jesus commands us to love and the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to do so.

Out of the many references to peace in the Bible, one in particular always makes me smile: ‘If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ (Proverbs 25:21-22) – heaping coals on someone’s head doesn’t seem to exemplify the Christian call to forgive! As usual, it helps to put it into a New Testament context: ‘Bless those who persecute you; bless and HotPott - November 2023

do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Romans 12:14-21) These verses exemplify Christian living: if we love someone the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive; if we have experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it on to others. And remember, grace is undeserved favour: by doing an ‘enemy’ a favour, we are not excusing his behaviour, we’re recognising him (or her), forgiving and loving him in spite of his actions – just as Christ does for us, for all of us sometimes behave in ways that hurt others, so we too need forgiveness.

Without the Holy Spirit’s help, it’s almost impossible to resist wanting to ‘pay back’ someone who has hurt us deeply. But forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation – during my career I met many young men from Afghanistan whose families were locked in an endless cycle of revenge: for the sake of the family honour, all perceived wrongs had to be repaid, leading to death,

serious injury and forced migration. So sad to witness. Forgiveness may also lead the ‘enemy’ to feel ashamed, to change their attitudes – and the reference to burning coals may be related to this. A tradition in Egypt involved carrying a pan of burning charcoal on your head as a public act of repentance. By mentioning this, Saint Paul may have been saying that we should treat our enemies with kindness so that they will become ashamed and turn from their sins. The best way to deal with enemies is to make them into friends. That’s so hard though, and it’s important to remember that: ‘as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’ – some will resist our attempts to turn them into friends… and it’s then that we are left with the everpowerful prayer.

And when peace in our own lives seems far away, remember Jesus’ words: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) and: ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart, I have overcome the world.

(John 16:33) Thank you to Parish Pump, and in particular Canon Paul Hardingham for the idea for this article.

*** During the minister’s prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews.

Tommy’s mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, “Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?”

Tommy answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!” *** HotPott - November 2023

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Your Vote Your Council Highways

Pott Shrigley website

Pending

A new village website is currently being built. Cllr Lancaster will continue to liaise with the company building it.

• Repair/replace culvert under Shrigley Road outside Pott Hall.

• Remedial resurfacing of Shrigley Road from Green Close to the aqueduct.

• Modifications to the chevron bend by Shrigley Hall.

• Repair of collapsed wall Bakestonedale Road.

• Repair of damaged fencing at back of layby near West Park Gate.

• Short extension to kerb by village hall: it was agreed that the ward councillors should focus their efforts on expediting the completion of this work to prevent further damage to the building by HGVs. David Garton, chairman of the village hall management committee, has again emailed Matt Rodway from Cheshire East Council (CEC) Highways about this but has not received a reply.

Lych gate David Garton and Cllr Wray are completing the documentation required by the diocese to seek the archdeacon’s permission to start work on repairing the lych gate.

Green waste subscription scheme Garden waste collections in Cheshire East will become a subscription service from January 24 at a cost of £56 per annum.

Residents can subscribe to this service by visiting cheshireeast.gov.uk/gardenbin or, if unable to sign up online, residents can contact the council on 0300 123 5011.

Jo Hadfield Traffic monitoring on Bakestonedale Road The traffic officer at CEC has been sent a second request to place traffic monitoring strips on Bakestonedale Road to record the volume of traffic through the village now the Poynton bypass is open.

Defibrillator/phone box Gareth Winstanley has arranged two training sessions in the use of the defibrillator. I understand both these sessions will have taken place before this edition of HotPott is published. Editor.

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Residents not wishing to join the scheme do not need to contact the council and should keep their garden bin at their property.

Fibre Broadband Councillors are looking into the sporadic local provision of super/ultrafast fullfibre broadband. CEC have a contract with Airband, who provide broadband coverage in rural areas, but Pott Shrigley is not part of their current contract.

The government’s current large-scale procurement scheme, Project Gigabit, is currently looking for a broadband provider to deliver full-fibre broadband to those areas (mainly rural communities) that are not otherwise included in broadband suppliers’ plans to access gigabit-capable broadband (See www.gov.uk/guidance/ project-gigabit-uk-programme). Cheshire has been allocated more than £40 million under this scheme, but the huge scale of the nationwide Project Gigabit means that the contracts for carrying out this work won’t be awarded until early 2024.

Areas not included in this procurement will subsequently be eligible for another subsidy in the form of vouchers. Under the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme communities will be able to amalgamate their vouchers to subsidise the cost of installation – for example, 10 properties could pool their vouchers to generate a budget of approximately £40,000. CEC would then work with the community to engage a supplier who can deliver a solution within the available budget. Unfortunately, this scheme is currently paused until the national procurement is rolled out early next year.

There will be other subsidies available: the local group, Connecting Cheshire, will be piloting an Alt-Tech scheme, which will provide a subsidy and a solution to the properties who most need connectivity, often by not using a standard mobile or HotPott - November 2023

fibre service. It will take every premise case by case and investigate the best possible solution readily available, for example satellite, microwave, point-topoint, 3G, 4G, 5G to name a few.

Daffodils The council have bought a bag of approximately 375-400 mixed-variety daffodil bulbs. Residents who would like to plant any in the verges outside their homes can request bulbs by emailing their name and address to pottclerk@btinternet.com.

Consultations Car park charging CEC is seeking views on proposed changes to the borough’s parking arrangements.

Affected car parks can be viewed here: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/car-parks-andparking/reviews_and_consultations/ proposals-for-council-car-parks.aspx The changes relevant to Bollington and Poynton are the proposals to charge for parking in Pool Bank car park in Bollington and to remove 150 spaces from Poynton Civic Hall car park. Concerns include the impact on local businesses and the lack of on-street parking, and the fact that half the Poynton Civic continued → Page 15

Hall car park belongs to Waitrose, so some spaces are free for Waitrose shoppers whilst others on the same car park would need to be paid for, which could lead to much confusion! The lack of public transport locally makes these spaces invaluable for residents visiting Poynton library and the medical centre. Residents wanting to make their views known can do so by emailing: carparksreview2023@ cheshireeast.gov.uk or by writing to: Parking Services Manager, Parking Services Department, c/o Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2LL. Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC, or the tip!) closure consultation This will open early in 2024, with CEC seeking residents’ views on three options: 1. Retain service as is, with maintenance investment across all seven sites needed; 2. Reduce to six core existing sites, closing Poynton or Bollington, with investment to modernise where required.

Introduce extended mobile HWRC provision as mitigation; 3. Reduce to four core existing sites at Crewe, Macclesfield, Alsager and Knutsford with investment to modernise and extend where required. Introduce extended mobile HWRC provision.

With the introduction of CEC’s Green Bin

Charge in January, the closure of HWRCs will greatly impact local residents who choose not to sign up to the new scheme.

Furthermore, it will increase the already high incidence of fly tipping across the CEC area.

Planning There are no new planning matters to report. Still pending are: NP/CEC/0723/0800 Dingle Side, Shrigley Road, Pott Shrigley Demolition of existing dwelling, construction of a replacement dwelling, detached garage and alterations to the existing access and associated works.

23/1419M Nab Works, Long Lane, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield (MRI Polytech) Retrospective application for a storage building & additional car parking, plus associated engineering works, with a proposed comprehensive landscaping scheme and biodiversity enhancements.

NP/CEC/0323/0337 Lyme Park relocation of car park, restoration of swine ground, visitor access improvements and new hall and garden entrance.

Next meeting The next council meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 6th November 2023 in the village hall.

From the Registers Forthcoming wedding

We wish them joy in their preparations: 29th December Steven Lunt & Jenni Booth

Funerals

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of: 10th October Brian Ward Taylor, aged 87 years

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“Your magazine needs you.” n’t Do rget fo

Please send your contributions to

magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk no later than midnight on.....

Thursday, 9th Nov www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk Proof reader next month is Mary Currell

Congratulations to…

Kathryn, Toby and Tom, all of whom have been working hard for their GCSEs (or in Toby’s case, A levels) over the past few years, and all of whom acquitted themselves admirably.

Toby achieved his ambition to study geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, and has, we hear, settled in and is enjoying himself. We wish them all well, and God’s blessings as they move forward to their further studies.

To give financially in support of St Christopher's Pott Shrigley Scan the barcode below

*** The student was writing to the head of the mission in England who had founded his local school in the African bush.

He wanted to end with a blessing, ‘May heaven preserve you.’

Not being quite confident of his English, he looked up the word ‘preserve’.

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When the letter reached the head of the mission, it ended with the words: ‘And may Heaven pickle you.’ *** Page 17

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Coffee Break Across 1 ‘The Lord Jesus... took bread, and when he had given — , he broke it’ (1 Corinthians 11:24) (6) 4 ‘He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his — over me is love’ (Song of Songs 2:4) (6) 8 Surrey town that hosts the National Christian Resources Exhibition (5) 9 Also known as Abednego (Daniel 1:7) (7) 10 Liken (Isaiah 40:18) (7) 11 A son of Etam, descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:3) (5) 12 A part of the temple where the blood of a young bull was to be smeared (Ezekiel 45:19) (9) 17 ‘They make many promises, take false — and make agreements’ (Hosea 10:4) (5) 19 Roman province to which Paul returned after evangelizing it on his first missionary journey (Acts 16:6) (7) 21 Material used to make baby Moses’ basket (Exodus 2:3) (7) 22 ‘And feeble as — , in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail’ (5) 23 ‘The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep — to his voice’ (John10:3) (6) 24 Stalk carrying the sponge of wine vinegar given to Christ on the cross (John 19:29) (6)

Down 1 Elijah dug one round the altar he built on Mount Carmel and filled it with water (1 Kings 18:32) (6) 2 ‘I am not — of the gospel, because it is the HotPott - November 2023

power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes’ (Romans 1:16) (7) 3 Buddhist term relating to belief in reincarnation (5) 5 Damascus disciple who, at God’s command, restored the sight of the blinded Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:12) (7) 6 and 16 Horses: their sound (Jeremiah 50:11) (5) and their gait (Joel 2:4) (6) 7 A three (anag.) (6) 9 Athenian council addressed memorably by Paul (Acts 17:22) (9) 13 Abide by (Galatians 3:5) (7) 14 Persian princes (Daniel 3:2) (7) 15 Force (Galatians 6:12) (6) 16 See 6 Down (6) 18 Paste (anag.) (5) 20 How the cedars of Lebanon are described (Isaiah 2:13) (5) Page 19

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The Suffering Church

Myanmar family in a jungle camp after escaping the Tatmadaw; Barnabas Na'aman Danlami, burned to death in Nigeria; The Pillar

Trevor Green spoke at one of our recent services about the ministry of Open Doors. The figures are startling: 360 million Christians live in countries where Christians are persecuted, one in seven Christian believers globally are suffering persecution, 2,110 churches were burned down last year, and in Nigeria, a country of roughly equal numbers of Christians and Muslims, around 15 Christians are killed for their faith by radical Muslims each week. Currently, Christians in Kaduna State are mourning the loss of a church minister, Na’aman Danlami, who was burned to death following a failed abduction attempt in early September.

Three other men escaped from the Fulani militants – the military forces based half a mile away gave no help even though the attack lasted over an hour. In the same state, Pastor Jeremiah Mayau was killed by gunmen on 23rd August whilst working on his farm. ‘It very painful that gunmen move freely in broad daylight to execute their evil act and get away with it,’ said Reverend Hayab, chair of the Kaduna branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria. In an emergency meeting with pastors across Kaduna and HotPott - November 2023

the State Commissioner of Police on 12th September, Reverend Hayab disclosed the extent of the violence towards Christians in Kaduna: in the past four years 23 pastors had been killed and more than 200 churches forced to close. He called for security forces to act to protect vulnerable communities.

In Myanmar, attacks on civilians in Christian areas by the Buddhist extremist Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) and damage to churches and Christian homes continue. On 30th August, in Christianmajority Kachin State two civilians were killed by soldiers; subsequently around 100 local people have been displaced, some taking shelter in a church. Similarly, in Kayah State, which has a large Christian population, three men were killed in aerial attacks on villages and camps for internally displaced people and a church was hit in an airstrike. In Christianmajority Chin State seven people were injured when a church and a pastor’s home were hit on 12th August, a church and three other buildings were destroyed in shelling on 14th August, and on the same day a pastor’s home was damaged in a missile strike.

Please redouble your prayers for Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh, (aka continued → Page 21

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Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh; UNHCR

Baroness Caroline Cox; Barnabas

the self-declared Republic of Arstakh) a mountainous region internationally recognised to be part of Azerbaijan, but with 120,000 inhabitants who are predominantly ethnic Armenians, and Christian. The republic’s government is close to Armenia but not officially recognised by Armenia or any other country. Armenians have lived in NagornoKarabakh for more than 2,500 years but the mostly Turkic Muslims who live in Azerbaijan also claim deep historical ties to the region, which over the centuries has come under the sway of Persians, Turks and Russians. Bloody conflict between the two peoples goes back more than a century but more recently, in the late 1980s/early 1990s, a war killed about 30,000 people and displaced more than a million, most of whom were Azeris evicted when the Armenian side took control of NagornoKarabakh and its surrounding districts.

In 2020, after decades of intermittent skirmishes, the Azerbaijan military reversed the balance of power, leaving at least 6,500 dead; a subsequent deal included Russian peacekeepers guarding the Lachin Corridor, the territory's lifeline to Armenia. However, no final settlement was reached and in December 2022 Azerbaijani civilians began blocking the Lachin Corridor, and in April 2023

Azerbaijan set up an official checkpoint, in theory to prevent smuggling of weapons. These actions cut off supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh and by August 2023 the United Nations had already declared a humanitarian emergency. Baroness Caroline Cox, an independent member of the UK House of Lords, visited the blockaded entrance to the Lachin Corridor in mid-September. In a letter published in The Guardian on 18th September, she warned that 'grave suffering’ was being inflicted on the civilians of Karabakh because of the 'brutal blockade’ by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is now in complete control of Nagorno-Karabakh and the self-declared republic will cease to exist on January 1st 2024. Although the Azeri government has guaranteed the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians, there is deep mistrust and fears of a new Armenian Genocide; by September 28th 65,000 of them had left for Armenia. Cry out to the Lord for protection for our brothers and sisters in Nagorno-Karabakh, and those many thousands who have fled to Armenia. Pray for a lasting peace to the conflict, and for Christians to be able to worship the Lord in freedom, wherever they live.

HotPott - November 2023

Thanks to Reuters, House of Commons library, & Barnabas for the information in this article.

Page 23

BARROWS TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS

Est since 1890

1 Henshall Road, Bollington.

Tel: 01625 572110

Hand Painted Pet Portraits

As a professional designer, I have enjoyed visualising my designs throughout my career but have in recent years rekindled my love of painting landscapes, and in particular pet portraits, through the medium of watercolour.

As an animal lover, it is of great satisfaction to capture the true character of a beloved pet.

From my home in Cheshire allow me to bring your pets to life in a vibrant, illustrative image - the perfect gift

Just send me a good photo and I will do the rest!

Geoff Kay artist HotPott - November 2023

M:07740966170 Geoffkay1959@gmail.com @geoffkayart Page 25

Missionary Matters A very important part of Johnny McClean’s ministry in Thailand is, through the Langham organisation, encouraging and giving training to pastors who are already running churches. Recently he and his wife Ann were blessed to host a meal for the Langham Thailand facilitators who run online monthly preaching clubs in the Bangkok area, the first time they’ve met together in person since 2020.

Subsequently they held the first Langham preaching session for Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, where the attendees considered the New Testament and what they had learnt about preaching from it; they have now started to learn about preaching Christ from the Old Testament, a vital topic. Pray the participants will understand, and that this understanding will impact their teaching and preaching.

John Ryley The pastoral work at New City Fellowship Church, which Johnny and Ann attend, can be very demanding. Please pray specifically for Mr P’Cornay, an older church member who lives alone and has significant long-term health issues.

Lek, another church member and the McCleans’ household help, found Mr P’Cornay was unresponsive when she went to collect him for church a while ago; his blood sugar was dangerously low and he appeared shocked. He was taken to hospital; Lek stayed with him as he has no family nearby, though after discharge he was able to stay with his two Buddhist sisters in Rayong, about an hour’s journey from Bangkok, to recuperate. Meanwhile, a team from church spent ages clearing and cleaning Mr P’Cornay’s flat, which was a major undertaking! They love Mr HotPott - November 2023

Hosting a meal for Langham Thailand facilitators

P’Courney dearly and want his home to be clean, tidy and comfortable for him to stay in; he is now back there, but struggling. When Pastor Pramote and Johnny took him lunch recently, he was already exhausted, so he just lay quietly while Pastor Pramote read the Bible to him and Johnny hosed down the filthy door mosquito screen. The next day he developed a stomach upset. Please pray for wisdom as church members try to help this man with all his health struggles and pray too that he might grow in faith.

The McCleans’ son Joshua is enjoying his new school (ICS) where the curriculum includes pupils completing a project to help a local community. Joshua wants to build three concrete paths over a swamp in a slum community, making it safe for people to go in and out of their homes and, to make this a reality, he has raised £750 through sponsorship. In addition to providing a safe path for children and the elderly to walk at night, this project is proving a blessing in many other ways: Josh is engaging with believers continued → Page 27

Pott Shrigley Village Hall Bar 2nd Friday of every month, 6.30 'til 10.00pm

Page 28

10t h 8th Novem Dec em ber ber

HotPott - November 2023

Building a concrete path in a slum, Joshua McClean

from church and working to help the Mahathai community … and enjoying it; Johnny and Pramote are developing new relationships with men in the community as they sweat and chat together; a sense of partnership rather than foreigners coming in and ‘fixing a problem’ has persuaded many men from the community to work on the path too. Ruth Centre (another mission group) provided expertise and Lek (who lives in Mahathai) organised lunch.

A particularly exciting prospect is New City Fellowship partnering more widely with ICS to provide service opportunities for more students in the community.

Pray that this very practical project would bear Gospel fruit in the lives of all those involved.

was led by Megumi giving the talk, Trevor's mum, Nora, reading the scripture, and Helen praying. It was a lovely family affair.

A busy time for Mary – she started a new job as an occupational therapist in October too. Please pray for her, and pray too for Helen’s father, John, who is extremely elderly and has recently become much frailer. Pray for the family as they discuss John’s future care, especially for him to recognise his greater needs.

Megumi and Helen Fazakerley made it to the UK from Malawi despite Megume’s illness; since arriving they have had a very special time with their three children and their partners – getting everyone together is a rare occurrence these days.

The reason, of course, was daughter Mary getting married to Trevor, and what a wonderful, happy occasion it was. After the civil ceremony, a blessing ceremony HotPott - November 2023

Megumi & Mary Page 29

Page 30

HotPott - November 2023

2023

F LIX I N THE STIX

Pott Shrigley Community Cinema

At Pott Shrigley Village Hall

We show recent screen releases On the first Wednesday of each month:

SK10 5RT

DOORS OPEN 6.30 pm FILM STARTS 7.30 pm

1st Nov - A Man Called Otto 6th Dec - Empire of Light

Ticket agents: - Anthea Wilkinson (01625 573538) (and St Oswald’s church, Bollington)

- Peter M Boulton (01625 876646) E-mail pottflix@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/pottflix/

Suggested donation: in advance £4 : on the door £5

Christmas is getting closer... ... don’t miss the opportunity to sing carols!

It’s not too late to join the singing group for the Carols by Candlelight services at 4pm and 6.30pm on Sunday 17th December, at 6.30pm on Thursday 21st December and at 10.45am on Christmas Eve. If you enjoy singing, come along – no previous experience needed.

Thursday 2nd November Tuesday 7th November Thursday 16th November Tuesday 21st November Thursday 30th November Tuesday 5th December Thursday 14th December.

The rehearsals will be in church at 8pm on the following Tuesdays and Thursdays:

Come and join us to have some fun!

HotPott - November 2023

Page 31

- Interior Refurbishment Specialists - Plastering & Joinery - Interior & Exterior Decorating - Wallpaper Hanging - Experienced Craftsmen - Professional & Reliable Service - Insured & Accredited

“Alex and his team decorated a large area of hall, stairs and landing. They were thorough, professional and I’m delighted with the result. I would highly recommend.”

M: 07874 188 050 • T: 0161 439 9195 A: 17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE E: info@springdecorating.co.uk W: www.springdecorating.co.uk Spring Decorating Limited, registered in England and Wales No. 11658913

Page 32

HotPott - November 2023

Recipe of the Month

Chocolate & Pecan Bread and Butter Pudding This recipe is one of a tranche kindly given

by Jean for HotPott use – the addition of pecan nuts to any dessert is always welcome…

Jean Bennett Ingredients: 50g (2oz) butter 6 slices of bread 75g (3oz) raisins 50g (2oz) pecan nuts 50g (2oz) luxury plain cooking chocolate, broken into smallish pieces 3 medium-sized eggs 150ml (1/4 pint) chocolate milk 350g (12oz) demerara sugar 30ml (2 tablespoons) brandy Method: Butter the bread, then cut into triangles.

Mix the raisins, chocolate and pecans, then sprinkle half the mixture into the bottom of an ovenproof dish.

golden brown and slightly risen. (There should be a little liquid remaining in the centre of the pudding that will be absorbed as the pudding stands.)

Serve with custard, cream or ice cream and enjoy!

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Arrange the bread triangles on top, making sure the triangles overlap.

Sprinkle all the remaining nut, raisin and chocolate mixture over the bread triangles.

Whisk the eggs into the chocolate milk, then stir in the brandy and 25g (1oz) of the demerara sugar. Pour slowly into the dish, making sure all the bread is soaked.

Allow to stand for 20 minutes.

Sprinkle in the remaining sugar and bake in the centre of the oven at 180/350/gas Mark 4 for 20 – 30 minutes or until deep

Thinking about advertising in this magazine?

For commercial or private advertising, please contact us for free advice and very reasonable rates: magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk HotPott - November 2023

Page 33

Services

5th Nov. 8.30am 10.45am

Holy Communion Holy Communion‡

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 Matthew 23: 1-12

Lynn Caudwell

Holy Communion Morning Worship‡*

Micah 4: 1-5 and 6: 6-8 Matthew 25: 1-13

Lynn Caudwell

Holy Communion All Age Worship

1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11 Matthew 25: 14-30

Holy Communion Morning Worship**

Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25: 31-46

Lynn Caudwell

Holy Communion Morning Worship

Isaiah 64 v 1-9 Mark 13 v 24-37

Lynn Caudwell

12th 8.30am 10.45am 19th.

8.30am 10.45am

Lynn Caudwell Lynn, Anne & Youth Church

26th.

8.30am 10.45am 3rd Dec. 8.30am 10.45am •

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) Readers

Prayers

Sidesmen at 8.30

Sidesmen at 10.45

Coffee

5th Nov

Reg & Jean Ferguson

Sally Winstanley

Mathesons

Simon & Lydia Potts

Malyans

12th

Mike Akerman & John Ryley

Sheila Garton

Clare Chasty

Mike & Sue Akerman

Frances & Meg

19th

Youth Church

Sandy Milsom

Gill Mosley

Youth Church

David & Joy

26th

John Ryley & Audrey Meecham

Audrey Bomford Clare Chasty

Jon Weston

Lydia & Simon

3rd Dec

Anne & Tom Murphy

Pam Cooke

Anne Murphy

Gill & Victoria

Liz Arrowsmith & Nigel Heathcote

Church Cleaning Rota 3rd Nov

Sally & Yvonne

24th

Mike & Sue

10th

Caroline & Jean

1st Dec

Ivan and Mary

17th

Reg & Jean

Page 34

HotPott - November 2023

CHRISTMAS 2023 @ POTT SHRIGLEY Join us for our seasonal services

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER

Christingle 10.45am

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER

Carols by Candlelight 4pm & 6.30pm

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER

Carols by Candlelight 6.30pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Carols by Candlelight 10.45am Holy Communion 11.15pm

CHRISTMAS DAY

Family Communion 10am

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Family Communion 10am Service of Reflection 9pm

No 10.45am service

No 8.30am service on Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Sunday services 8.30am and 10.45am unless stated otherwise

Or join us online:

pottshrigleychurch.org.uk or

Pott Shrigley Church

St Christopher’s Church Shrigley Road Pott Shrigley SK10 5RT

Directory Priest-in-charge:

Rev. Lynn Caudwell vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Readers:

574660

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

829595 07891 953919 829819 07881 358976

andyphillips@totalise.co.uk David Gem, 4 Normans Hall Mews, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield, SK10 5SE davidgem@gmail.com Verger:

Situation Vacant

PCC Secretary:

Rebecca Roth-Biester

PCC Treasurer:

Peter Kennedy, kennedyp@tuckerssolicitors.com

476398 07766 880318

pccsecretary@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Gift Aid & Planned Giving: Organists:

07850 740335

Sally Winstanley, 3 Green Close Cottages, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SG

574545

sjwinstanley.ps@gmail.com Mary Currell, 61 Crossfield Road, Bollington, SK10 5EA

573735

marycurrell61@btinternet.com David Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com

573492

Andy Phillips, as above

07881 358976

Weekly Bulletin:

David Gem, as above

Electoral Roll officer

Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA

574983

kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk Safeguarding officer:

Kath Matheson, safeguarding@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Tower Captain:

Duncan Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA

Pastoral Ministry:

Anne Murphy, pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Children's Ministry

Situation Vacant

Youth Ministry:

Anne Murphy, as above, annemurphy1214@gmail.com

07891 953919

Little Doves:

Victoria Price

07961 004755

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

574983

dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk 07891 953919

573260

head@pottshrigley.cheshire.sch.uk Website:

Tess Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP info@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

PCC Members:

(please prefix numbers with 01625)

Duncan Matheson, Sally Winstanley, Peter Kennedy, Jean Ferguson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Ian Clarke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Rebecca Roth-Biester, Sheila Garton, David Garton, David Gem, Annie Palace, Kath Matheson, Chris Day, Reg Ferguson.

This directory was updated on 19th October 2023.Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk