28th July 2024, 10.45am
Lynn's letter
As I write this letter Wimbledon has just started, which for me signals the beginning of the summer season. Soon the schools will close for the holidays and some of our routines will change because many people go away; in church, as we look ahead to a pattern of comings and goings, we are planning to have a few unusual services to reflect this change of rhythm.
The first special service will be one celebrating St Christopher on July 21st, which is the Sunday closest to St Christopher’s Day. We will learn about the unique gifts and ministry of St Christopher, and anyone interested in hearing more about him, his relevance to us today and the history of our church would be very welcome. There will be some extra refreshments, befitting a birthday party, after the service.
where anyone who has a pet can bring them along and celebrate the special relationship we can have with God’s creatures. God cares about all His creation and in Psalm 104 we hear of some of the ways He cares for animals:
‘He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He makes grass grow for the cattle..
The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the junipers.
The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the hyrax..
How many are your works, LORD!
In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
July 28th, we are planning to hold a Pet Service
There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small.’
Please do come along if you can and make this service special as we give thanks to God for the companionship of His creatures. I know of at least one lamb, several dogs and some poultry that are already looking forward to it! Horses and donkeys (and everyone else!) would be very welcome.
This change of rhythm continues into August. On August 11th we will hold a Prayer Sunday when we will pray about contemporary issues and any other matter that concerns us. There are so many things to pray about, so why not come along and join in as we cry out to God on behalf of the world. Lynne Bowden explains more about this on page 9.
Singing lifts people’s spirits and, as a bonus, is good for our physical and mental health. Do come along to the St Christopher’s Songs of Praise Sunday on August 18th; no BBC cameras or microphones will be there to put you off, just everyone singing hymns that have touched our hearts. We would be delighted to welcome lots of people to join in with this Big Sing, so please contact me (details on the back cover) with your
hymn requests and we will fit in as many favourite hymns as we can. If the weather is good, we will hold this outside, giving passers-by the benefit of us all singing our hearts out! And if you know of someone who would enjoy this, or any other of our services, bring them along and if special seating or parking is required, just let us know beforehand so we can make any necessary arrangements.
The following Sunday, August 25th, before the schools go back, we will hold one more outdoor service, weather permitting.
We hope and pray that these special summer services will be a blessing not just to those who regularly come to church, but for those who don’t usually come to church, whatever the reason for this is. My prayer is that with the long summer days and the change of routines we can all try something new and be reminded of God’s goodness to us all.
May you have a blessed and restorative summer.
With love from Lynn
Pet service 2021
A gentle reminder…
Reg and Jean would like to remind everyone that they are now emptying the Silklife Food Bank box regularly again. The box is at the back of church near the font. Please leave your donations there and they will make sure that Silklife can use them to help the many struggling families in the area.
Thank you to Jean and Reg for doing this for us. And it’s good to see Reg back with us again, looking well and fully recovered!
We’ve got stained glass windows in our house. Stupid pigeons.
Remembering Beryl Lillian Heathcote…
The lovely Beryl was a faithful member of the St Christopher’s Church family, in her later years attending the 8.30am communion service with her son Nigel. A Bollingtonian by birth and well-known as the matriarch of the J J J Heathcote Butchers’ family, she will be much missed.
Beryl was born at home in Bollington to Phyllis and Wilfred Jackson on November 22nd 1932 though when she was 10 the family made the big move from Bollington to Kerridge. Beryl attended Bollington Cross School with her siblings Geoffrey and Carol, but left school at 14 (as was common in those days) and went to work at Leodians on Mill Lane, Macclesfield, as a dressmaker, transferring to Mrs Ray on Mill Street after Leodians closed. Beryl became a very good seamstress, a gift she used throughout her life; she made most of Edwina’s childhood dresses. Beryl loved the trip she took with Jonathan and Kay to see the late Queen and Princess Diana’s dresses (including that wedding dress!) at Buckingham Palace. She explained to Kay all the detail and fabrics used by the designers and her eyes sparkled as they walked around.
At the age of 17 Beryl met Edward Heathcote at a dance in the Buxton Palace Hotel. They married at St Christopher’s two years later and started out married life at Princess Drive, Bollington, moving a few years later to Wellington Road where they lived for most of their lives. They were blessed with five children – Nigel, Jonathan, Christopher, Edwina and Jeremy – and were married for an amazing 60 years. Edward was so excited, after three boys, that when Nurse Barlow (famed in Bollington) announced: ‘It’s a girl,’ he knocked on every door around the Waggon & Horses shouting: ‘We've got a little girl!’
When the family were young Beryl helped Edward in the family business, but in 1978 she took over the grocery shop next door to Edward’s butchers’ shop on Wellington Road. Life must have been extremely busy: up early for the bread delivery, long hours in the shop and still getting good meals on the table for everyone. Both Edward and Beryl worked hard to make ends meet but the children never went short of anything and were always put first. They were expected to help out, with all of them going to the shop after school to help their dad to scrub down and wash the trays ready for the next day. Nigel also had a milk round to do before school and remembers that on the morning Jeremy was born Nurse Barlow gave him a quiet (!) bundle to nurse before he was allowed breakfast or to go out on the milk round. He made it to school but at dinner time rushed home to see the new baby ‘…and
Beryl Heathcote
there was mum, making a crust for the hot pot for dinner.’ The strong Heathcote work ethic!
Beryl was a good cook: there were always home-baked goodies at home. She never used a recipe in her life – so it was no good asking her for a recipe for a cake or scones or pastry as she just guessed the quantities! Then there were the famous bacon butties, which she made for everyone when going on holidays or trips away, and the full English breakfasts she made for the family until the last year of her life. Jeremy recalls: ‘I didn’t dare miss mum’s breakfast as she would be calling asking where I was and if I happened to miss a Sunday - Nigel wouldn’t let mine go to waste!’
But there was the occasional time off too. Jonathan recalls happy holidays at Devon Towers, Bournemouth: ‘…walking down the zigzags to the beach. Mum trying to catch the sun when it came out … then back up the zigzags for lunch then back down the zigzags onto the beach, then back up the zigzags for evening meal.’
Edwina remembers there weren’t many holidays or days out but those they did have were very memorable. In the early 1970s Beryl and Edward saved up and took the family to Majorca, and later they both went to the Canadian Rockies, Australia and Tasmania.
Beryl was interested in sport, never missed watching Wimbledon and enjoyed playing table tennis. She supported Manchester United to the end and often played football with her grandson Teddy, who would put her in goal and tell her: ‘You are a good goalie and footballer nanny Beryl.’ She was 91 on her last appearance in goal.
Beryl lived life to the full. There were sad times of course, particularly the loss of Edward, whom she missed so very much, in 2015, and the early death of her sister Carol at the age of 52. Through thick and
thin Beryl served her family with joy right up until the end, remaining interested in everything they were doing. She was also still the matriarch – woe betide the children if the flowers on Edward’s headstone weren’t in good condition!
Beryl’s last few months were not easy for her or the family, but she will be remembered as a loving, wise and understanding mum and grandma who was always there when her family needed her.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Zigzag path, Bournemouth
And all the adults did lots of talking… the June prayer
On this prayer walk we started at The Coffee Tavern, when we got there Rev. Lynn, Simon, Yvonne, Pam, Sally and Ruby were already there praying.
Clark Price
We started our walk, and we came up on the first field which had really long grass and all the kids were hiding from the adults, it was really funny. Luke was making grass angels, and I was bobbing my head up slightly to see if they could find me.
We carried on and Sally & Ruby went back because Ruby got tired. We had to walk down a narrow path which was overgrown. I had to put my arms way high to stop from getting scratched. We went through a dark hooded forest and there was a dog barking loudly.
Angie was collecting flowers to make something at home. We got to the canal, and we were looking at the boats for sale, we all wanted mummy and daddy to buy one, but mummy said ‘no’, but she did promise me a day trip on one of the boats in the summer holidays.
We saw some Canada geese and mallard ducks on the canal, next time I'm going to take some bread to feed them. We stopped for lots of prayers on the way and all the adults did lots of talking.
We eventually came back to the first field so we could play in the long grass again. Mummy's watch says we did 7,698 steps
P. S. Angie was collecting elderflower to make cordial and sticky weed which you drink for cleansing……..YUK.
walk.
Praying together (on a Sunday)
Prayers in the 10. 45 service on Sunday 11th August will be formed in a different way.
Lynne Bowden
On this morning we will ALL take part and contribute to the intercessions – when we pray for those people, causes and concerns closest to our heart at that moment.
In the sermon slot we will share picture prompts to help us prepare contemporary prayers to be shared afterwards with the congregation.
Our groups will incorporate ideas sourced from the recent Five Marks of Mission talks: proclaiming the Good News, teaching new believers, responding to human need with compassion, transforming unjust structures of society and treasuring creation.
In appropriate ways we will combine these insights with familiar topics for prayer –
the Church, the world, the community, those unwell and the bereaved.
We will end by giving thanks for all God’s blessings to us.
Do come and join in this special prayer activity.
Who knows – perhaps afterwards you may feel inspired to join the faithful ministry of those who lead our intercessory prayer week by week!
Cover story: Will it rain? The 2024 Rose Queen and Shrigley Stag Race
Will we, won’t we… be able to hold Pott Shrigley Rose Queen 2024 on the village green this year was the question in the minds of the RQ organisers as the great day approached. The forecast wasn’t good, so after some dithering (in the cold, not in the mind) an executive decision was taken to hold the crowning ceremony in church and the fete at the village hall. In the preceding few days, five wonderful raffle hampers were prepared, cakes were baked, burgers ordered, dresses distributed, the lorry delivering the fell run toilets was towed off the field and so many more essentials completed.
The rain held off sufficiently for the regal procession, led by Andy Phillips plus banner, to walk from school to the west door of St Christopher’s, where they entered a church full of supporters. Rev. Lynn Caudwell opened proceedings with prayer. The retiring Rose Queen, Sienna, gave a short speech before crowning our beautiful new queen, Bonnie. Lara was duly crowned as our lovely Rose Bud before we all made our way back to the village hall for more fun and frolics. And cake.
Meanwhile those most hardy of creatures, the fell runners, had set off round the hilly 10K course. Judging by the state of most of them it was a trifle muddy. But it didn’t seem to put them off their beer. Or tea. Or cake. Or burgers. And we were very pleased and grateful that they supported us. The churchyard hosted the dog show. All seemed to have fun, with well-deserved rosettes being won.
The Rose Queen Service was the final event of the weekend. Interactive readings, worship songs with actions, testimony
Rose Queen procession
from one of our young people and a talk reminding us all that our best lives are lived as children of a loving God, who lives in all who accept Him humbly as their Saviour.
It was a lovely weekend, so thanks to all who helped in any way to bring it about and to all those who came along to enjoy themselves. As a bonus, Pott Shrigley School, St Christopher’s Church and the village hall all benefitted financially from the event (£545.62 each, boosted by a donation from the fell run – thank you) but the best bit was coming together as a community and having a great time!
St. Christophers, Pott Shrigley Outdoor service Weather permitting! 10.45 am 25th August 2024
Tell your friends and neighbours A chance to come together in the
A South London clergyman who was appointed to another living received a letter from a firm of furniture removers. It assured him: “Dear Sir, we would like to remove you. In the last year we have removed 40 South London clergymen, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.”
Your Vote Your Council
Highways
Pending
• 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. Cllr Boulton continues to press for this longstanding issue to be actioned.
• Repair of collapsed wall on Bakestonedale Road still awaited.
Pott Shrigley website
Jo Hadfield
The parish council continues to populate the new website, which can be found at www.pottshrigley-pc.gov.uk. The council would welcome feedback on suggestions to improve the new website but so far none have been received.
Lychgate
The archdeacon has approved the repairs. The clerk will liaise with the contractor to arrange the necessary works to avoid the wedding season if possible.
Mersey Forest Tree Planting Scheme
• Damage to the signpost by the church wall still awaits repair.
• Broken fence at West Park Gate car park is now on the list for repair.
• Modifications to pavement outside the school will start in the school holidays.
• Awaiting redesign of the work required on the kerb by the village hall.
• The hole in the wall caused by an accident at the chevron bend: claim with the driver’s insurance company.
• Bend at Brookhouse: Cllr Lancaster has worked with highways to action improvements to the bend designed to reduce the risk of future accidents. Further discussions are ongoing to extend the 30mph speed limit zone to include the bend, but the following has been agreed:
◊ Two new bend warning signs with ‘slow’ marking.
◊ Edge of carriageway markings to be painted.
◊ New chevron signs with a luminous backing board.
◊ New Pott Shrigley gateway sign.
◊ Car park signs for the Coppice Car Park
Cllr Chong will continue to investigate the availability of grants for individual trees for the village green.
Parish council chairman
Cllr Basford agreed to remain in the role for the next six months when Cllr Wray will take over for the remainder of the year.
Trough
The clerk has replanted the trough near the school with begonias.
Trough near school
Planning
Applications pending:
NP/CEC/0324/0285 Keepers Cottage, SK10 5RZ
Proposal: Replacement dwelling.
24/1173M Lyme View, SK12 1TF
Proposal: Two storey rear infill extension and internal remodel, including a new front porch and an additional canopy roof structure to the rear. The existing front bay window is to be modified and the external building fabric is to be upgraded and insulated for improved thermal and weather performance.
23/1419M Nab Works, (MRI Polytech) SK10 5SD
Application (retrospective) for a storage building and an additional area of car parking, including associated engineering works, with a proposed comprehensive
landscaping scheme and biodiversity enhancements.
24/1251M (Sent to Bollington Town Council) Nab Quarry, Unit 1, Long Lane, SK10 5SD Lawful development certificate for proposed use of a light Industrial building as a small workshop or storage unit.
Decision
24/0982M Blakehey House, SK10 5SE
Proposed extension on the north gable to replace an existing extension on the south gable which is to be demolished. Approved with conditions.
Next meeting
The next council meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 1st July 2024 in the village hall.
Ringing for D Day…
Bellringers all over the UK were pleased to be asked to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day on 6th June, and the St Christopher’s team was no exception. We rang some well-struck call changes to remember all those who sacrificed their lives or their health on the beaches of Normandy all those years ago. Lest we forget.
Anna, Kath, Caroline, Duncan, Sally, Mandy, Yvonne after ringing for D day
My father had a medical condition that meant regular visits to hospital. The local funeral director was a good family friend, and had been very helpful giving dad lifts to and from the hospital.
On one occasion, a few hours before he was due to come home, the ward sister approached my father with a grin. “Your wife is on the phone,” she said. “She wants to know what time you would like the undertaker to collect you?”
Who is this St Christopher?
Pott Shrigley Church has an unusual dedication: there are only seven Anglican churches solely dedicated to St Christopher in the UK, plus the chapel at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children.
Kath Matheson
Two other churches existed previously: St Christopher le Stocks in Threadneedle Street, City of London, was of medieval origin, rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666 but demolished in 1781 to make way for an extension to the neighbouring Bank of England. St Christopher’s, Norwich, was mentioned in Domesday but destroyed by fire in the 13th century and never replaced. But who is this St Christopher?
Christopher, also known as Christophorus, is venerated as a martyr and patron saint of travellers, bachelors, storms, epilepsy, gardeners and toothache, and revered in the Roman Catholic tradition as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, but he is not mentioned in the Bible and some doubt he existed. A stone found in the ruins of a church in the ancient town of Chalcedon in Asia Minor has an inscription which gives the dates when its foundation stone was laid and bears witness to the construction and of the consecration of a church named Saint Christopher's Martyrdom. The inscription reads: ‘With God was laid the cornerstone of the martyrdom of Saint Christopher in the third indiction in the month of May under the Consulate of the illustrious Protogenes and Asturius under the Emperor Theodosius II and Bishop Eulalios of Chalcedon. But it was built by the venerable chamberlain Euphemidus, and the consecration took place at the end of the fifth indiction in
St Christopher, Titian
Plaque of St Christopher's, Norwich
the month of September, on the 22nd, under the consulate of the illustrious Sporacius and Herculanus.’ The mention of the consuls dates the building of the church from May 450AD to 452AD, which coincides with the Council of Chalcedon, which was convened in 451 and defined the human and divine natures of Jesus, which provoked the schism with the churches composing Oriental Orthodoxy. Emperor Theodosius II died two months after construction began. It seems, therefore, that Christopher was venerated in Chalcedon in the 5th century. In 553 a Bishop of Arkadiopolis in Lydia was sworn in and he took the name Christophorus and around 600AD a nunnery in Galatia was consecrated to Saint Christopher. These findings indicate that Christopher was venerated as a martyr in the 5th and 6th centuries.
The legends surrounding Christopher are numerous. Some say he was a 7.5 feet tall Canaanite with a fearsome face and originally called Reprobus, meaning reprobate or scoundrel. Reprobus wished to serve the greatest king in the world, and thought he’d found him, but one day he saw his master cross himself when the devil was mentioned. Reprobus interpreted this as meaning the devil was
the most powerful being there was, so when he came across some bandits, the leader of whom declared himself to be the devil, Christopher decided to serve him. But he was to be disappointed again: his new master avoided a wayside cross, indicating the devil feared Christ. So, Reprobus went in search of Christ (he must have been really confused by now!) and encountered a hermit, who spoke to him about the Gospel, which Reprobus believed, and he asked the hermit how best to serve Christ. The suggestion made – fasting and prayer – didn’t suit Reprobus as his size meant he got awfully hungry. Also, Christians were humble and did not seek earthly power, which was difficult for Reprobus to understand. The hermit then suggested that as Reprobus was tall and strong, he could serve Christ by assisting people to cross a nearby river, as many with less strength had died in the attempt. The hermit promised that this service would be pleasing to Christ.
Reprobus took many people safely across the river, and one day a child approached him and asked to be helped across. Reprobus put the child on his shoulder but midstream, the river rose and the child became extremely heavy; Reprobus felt he was carrying the whole world on his shoulders. It took a huge effort to deliver the child safely to the other side, and Reprobus asked the child
Fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon; Vasily Surikov
Reprobus, with the head of a dog
why it had been so difficult. He replied: ‘You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but Him who made it. I am Christ your King, whom you are serving by this work.’ The child then vanished and Reprobus became known as Christophorus, which is Greek for Christ bearer or, in English, Christopher.
After Christopher encountered Christ, he reportedly travelled widely and evangelised thousands of people. Arriving in Lycia in Asia Minor, and witnessing to Christians who were being martyred there, he refused to worship the Roman emperor, variously thought to be Decius (201 – 251) or Maximinus Daia (270 – 313). When he refused, officials attempted to persuade him with money and women. Two women were sent to seduce him, but he converted them to Christianity. This, allegedly, sealed his fate: he was arrested and beheaded. There is also speculation that Christopher could have also been confused with Menas, an Egyptian saint: both are referred to as Christ bearers and are patrons of
travellers.
As St Christopher is thought to offer protection to travellers, his image was often placed opposite the entrance to churches, so that anyone passing could open the door, see it, and say a prayer to him. He is usually depicted as a giant, with a child on his shoulder and a staff in one hand, though in some places he is depicted with a dog’s head in line with the cultural beliefs in Africa west and south of Alexandrian Egypt in Roman times. In England, there are more wall paintings of St Christopher than of any other saint; in 1904, Mrs. Collier, writing for the British Archaeological Association reported 183 paintings, statues, and other representations of the saint, outnumbering all others except for the Virgin Mary. Inevitably, there are places which claim to hold the relics of St Christopher. One of these is Rab, Croatia, where the 9th May 1075 is celebrated as Dies Victoraie, the day of victory. On that day St Christopher is reputed to have saved the town by directing the invading Normans’ arrows away from the city walls and back towards the Normans themselves. St Christopher’s skull is said to be in a gold-plated reliquary in Rab Cathedral. Also in the Middle Ages, pilgrims visited Vercelli, Italy, to view a large tooth said to belong to St Christopher – until the 18th century when a naturalist
Reliquary containing St Christopher's skull, Rab, Croatia
Emperor Decius
proved it was a hippopotamus tooth! Numerous places are named for the saint, including at least two Saint Christopher Islands – one in the Caribbean (St Kitts) and the other in Antarctica. And he is patron saint of many towns from Tivin in Goa to Vilnius in Lithuania, from Havana in Cuba to Paete in the Philippines. He’s our patron saint too, though it’s not entirely clear when Pott Shrigley Church
was dedicated to St Christopher. One of our bells bears the inscription: ‘Sancte Χtophore Ora Pro Nobis’ (Pray for us, St Christopher); this bell was cast circa 1439, which indicates the church may have been dedicated to St Christopher at that time, but it is not conclusive proof.
It may be that this bell was cast elsewhere, for another church dedicated to St. Christopher, and was brought to Pott at a later date, a practice not uncommon in those days. What is clear is that, in 1472, the chapel of ease at Pott was known as Our Lady of Downes Chapel and was dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, rather than to St Christopher.
Just one more mystery surrounding St Christopher. He is celebrated on July 25th. Do come along to hear how Christopher, saint and martyr, is relevant to our Christian faith today on 21st July.
(See page 3.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Christopher https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_ id=36
https://www.rab-visit.com/other/did-you-know/thelegend-of-st-christopher/3125 1492: ‘… all things that I will have done in a Chapple of my foundation called Downes Chapple in Pott Shrigley...’ Paul Bowden HotPott February 2022.
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
Icon of Martyr Christopher of Lycia
Across
1 and 3. Two of the disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28) (4,3,5)
3. See 1 Across
8. ‘Let us draw — to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith’ (Hebrews 10:22) (4)
9. O Simon is (anag.) (8)
11. Form of government under the direct rule of God or his agents (10)
14. How Jesus found his disciples when he returned to them after praying in Gethsemane (Luke 22:45) (6)
15. In The Pilgrim’s Progress, the name of the meadow into which Christian strayed, which led to Doubting Castle (2-4)
17. Glad sin rat (anag.) (10)
Coffee Break
6. Female servant (Isaiah 24:2) (4)
20. Spinal column (Leviticus 3:9) (8)
21. Valley of the Balsam Tree with a reputation of being a waterless place (Psalm 84:6) (4)
22. ‘The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one — — sees clearly’ (Numbers 24:3) (5,3)
23. Adam and Eve’s third son (Genesis 4:25) (4)
Down
1. David’s great friend (1 Samuel 20:17) (8)
2. ‘The Lord... will bring me safely to his — kingdom’ (2 Timothy 4:18) (8)
4. ‘I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; — — or wine touched my lips’ (Daniel 10:3) (2,4)
5. Seeking to vindicate (Job 32:2) (10)
7. ‘For Christ died for — once for all’ (1 Peter 3:18) (4)
10. ‘Offering spiritual sacrifices — to God through Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 2:5) (10)
12. Jesus said that some people had renounced this ‘because of the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 19:12) (8)
13. One of the three men thrown into the furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image (Daniel 3:20) (8)
16. ‘You have — of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry’ (Luke 12:19) (6)
18. ‘There before me was a white horse! Its rider held — — , and he was given a crown’ (Revelation 6:2) (1,3)
19. Equipment to Charity Hospitals Overseas (1,1,1,1)
How to win friends through living the Gospel
Sri Lanka falls just outside the top 50 of the OpenDoors World Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith, but although Christians don’t experience the levels of persecution seen in some other places, many believers in Sri Lanka do encounter hostility.
Kath Matheson
Sister Muthu*, who leads Christian activities in her Buddhist-majority village, has experienced this firsthand: over the years, locals have sometimes gathered to stone her, and the police have interrupted prayer meetings and worship services. Her niece, Mihiri*, has been affected too as she was bullied at school for her faith and left with an injured leg after being beaten. However, Sister Muthu has been able to reveal the love of God very powerfully by responding to the persecutors by not only forgiving them, but also by reaching out to them in love.
Last year, helped by local partners, Sister Muhtu conducted a Children’s Day programme for villagers, which included giving books to the more than 75 children who attended. ‘The programme became a blessing to many villagers,’ says Sister Muthu. It also gave her niece an idea: she initiated a prayer group with the children who attended the Children’s Day programme, all of whom are from a Buddhist background. The prayer group continues to meet weekly.
At Christmas, Sister Muthu put on another event, and to her surprise many villagers attended. Sister Muthu shared the gospel and children from the prayer group sang carols. ‘It is great to see the children’s progress in just a few months,’ said Sister
Muthu. It is very encouraging that two of the families have since started to attend church.
OpenDoors local partners in the region have been inspired by Sister Muthu and Mihiri’s forgiveness and perseverance, and the way they are courageously living out the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:43-45: ‘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. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’ Easy to read these verses, far harder to live them out.
Sister Muthu is extremely grateful for the materials she has received from local partners, supported by OpenDoors, as it has helped to bring about the wonderful fruit she is now seeing. Please praise God for Sister Muthu’s and Mihiri’s courageous faith, and please pray that the outreach will continue to be fruitful in the village, leading more people to Jesus. Pray too that the two families who have recently started to attend church will grow in faith.
*Names changed for security reasons. With thanks to OpenDoors for the material used in the above piece.
Children praying in Sri Lanka; OpenDoors
Missionary Matters
Johnny and Ann McClean’s son Josh has graduated from the International Community School (ICS) in Bangkok, a place where he received much love and care and was able to have gospel conversations.
John Ryley
End of term celebrations included being applauded by the school community, a last senior chapel and finally, a graduation ceremony. Please pray for the family as they await the outcome of Josh’s application for a scholarship to Liverpool Hope University to study music.
In early August Ann and other teachers at ICS are leading 50 students in a discipleship camp. Please pray for gospel conversations and helpful Bible studies to happen there, so that staff and students alike will learn more about what it means to live for Jesus in a fallen world. Johnny and Ann were recently in Malaysia as speakers for Singapore Gateway Church’s weekend away. Johnny did a series of studies from Habakkuk while Ann taught the children about our awesome God.
On their way home they caught up with friends, Peung and Off, in Singapore. The partnership between the McClean’s church, New City Fellowship, and Grace Community Church continues to flourish. Worship, lunch and Bible studies at 1pm have proved popular, some believers have returned to regular worship, new people are joining and there is a renewed sense of fellowship. The next step is to relaunch a weekly evening Bible study and fellowship group; post-Covid home groups have been slow to reestablish, so pray that the Lord would stir people’s hearts to join this group and for a deepening of love for the Lord and for one another as they share together. Johnny’s work with the Langham Partnership is bearing fruit: he had an encouraging week with 30 Thai pastors and preachers and was heartened to see new facilitators taking an active role in leading sessions. A workshop for new trainers was held recently in North Thailand, particularly urgent work as Ying and Golf, key leaders in the region, are moving to be pastors in the USA. Please continue to pray for Johnny in his new role as associate regional coordinator in the Asian Preaching Movement; he met some of his
continued →
Josh McClean's last senior chapel
Josh McClean graduating, with Johnny & Ann
colleagues in Chiang Mai recently. There is no news about how Afghan refugee K is faring in his new life in Australia, but more than six years after their arrival in Bangkok, refugees A, S and their daughter M are still waiting to be relocated, which is frustrating. Please pray for their mental and spiritual health as they pray and wait; pray too for the Lord to open the door for them to be settled in a new home soon. Meanwhile M is making great progress in school. Thanks to all who give to enable M to attend school.
When the current prayer letter from Megume and Helen Fazakerley arrived, I thought they had become first-time expectant grandparents! But no – for the seventh time since starting service in Malawi, their mission, SIM, want them to move house. As this is probably their last stint in Malawi before retirement, they are disposing of unnecessary items, including a pram, high chair and toys, presumably dating back to when their three were small.
Helen’s cost-of-living survey demonstrated that inflation rose by 27% in the local currency but dropped by 25% in USD, indicating the severity of the recent devaluation in the Malawi Kwacha, with a further devaluation possible soon. A rumoured fuel shortage thankfully did not happen, but other goods, e.g. white sugar, are unavailable locally as they are exported to earn foreign currency. Malawi is having
a difficult time, so please pray. Helen is taking over the ministry role for managing the SIM guesthouse. Practical help is given by a lady who lives on site, but Helen is responsible for receiving bookings for the accommodation and conference room and for handling the keys and financial matters; these tasks will become easier once they have moved next door. Helen continues to update all SIM missionary members' emergency files (e.g. for medical evacuation). The International Ladies’ Bible Study Group have finished studying 2 Timothy. Although it was hard work to prepare for, Helen enjoyed it and felt she received from others in the group just as much as she gave to them.
As Megumi continues to write his study guide on Matthew he has become increasingly aware of how well this gospel is written. For example, in Chapter 18 Jesus answered two questions from his disciples, and Megumi found those two questions aptly captured the theme of the section being concluded at that point. Although people enthusiastically received Jesus' proclamation of God's Kingdom, while they used the same words, they apparently did not have the same things in mind as Jesus, not even the disciples who walked with Him. ‘Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ ‘How many times should we forgive?’ Were these really the questions they wanted to ask at that point on their journey? Or are they just what we want to ask ourselves?
Unwanted pram & high chair
Those in Blantyre meet together to pray fortnightly
Helen and Megumi’s Japanese friend, Yuki, is leaving Malawi. They are so pleased she has become established in her faith and grown as a new believer over the last year. Please pray with them as they help her to prepare to continue her journey as Jesus' disciple in Japan, where her Christian identity will not be recognised or encouraged. Please pray about the
relationship Helen and Megumi have tried to develop with Yuki’s small Japanese friendship circle in Malawi. Currently there is one other girl in the same group, and she does not seem keen to spend time with them. Do pray for Megumi and Helen, who have served faithfully in Malawi for so many years, as they look to and plan for their future.
From the Registers
Service of dedication
We welcome into our church family: 23rd June Rosalie Cora French Burial of Ashes
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of:
22nd May Carole Taylor 29th May Peter de Bourcier. 7th July Keith Meecham Funeral
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of: 25th June Beryl Lillian Heathcote 91 years. 2nd July Grace Rene Margaret Maitland 88 years.
A very long train with two engines was making its way across America.
While crossing the Western mountains, one of the engines broke down. Slowly, the train chugged on. Farther along, the other engine broke down, and the train shuddered to a halt in the middle of nowhere. Not to be discouraged, the train driver announced:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for a couple of days until the additional engines arrive.
The good news is that we are not making this announcement this on a plane.” * * *
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9th12thJuly
August
Recipe of the Month
Citrus Circle with Strawberries
This is a recipe that came, many years ago, from a magazine – probably Woman’s Weekly or Family Circle. Fresh tasting, the contrast of the citrus sponge with the strawberries is delicious, though other fruits, like raspberries, are also good. It’s easiest to make the sponge and citrus syrup 24 hours in advance to allow for cooling, but best to prepare and add the fruit on the day. It’s one of Kath and Alex’s favourite puddings for summer.
Kath Matheson
tablespoons of warm water.
Serves 6.
Ingredients:
For the sponge:
Plain flour for dusting
4 eggs, separated
175g (6oz) sifted icing sugar
Finely grated rind of one orange and one lemon
75g (3oz) ground almonds
25g (1oz) ground rice or fine semolina
½ teaspoon salt
1 – 1½ strawberries, hulled and halved lengthways if desired
Caster sugar for sprinkling
For the citrus syrup:
125g (6oz) demerara sugar
150ml (¼ pint) fresh orange juice
Juice of two lemons
Method:
Preheat oven to 180oC/Gas mark 4. Grease a 9-inch ring mould tin and dust with flour. Place the egg yolks in a bowl and sift the icing sugar onto the yolks, then whisk together until light and fluffy. Whisk in the orange and lemon rind, ground almonds, ground rice/semolina and three
Whisk the egg whites and salt together until soft peaks form. Using a metal spoon gradually fold in the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites, then pour into the prepared mould. Place in the centre of the oven then bake for 30 to 40 minutes until springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin.
When cool, gently ease the inside and outside of the ring with a palette knife or plastic spatula and invert the sponge on to a plate – give the tin a few taps to loosen the sponge if necessary. Also, it makes life easier if the plate has a lip to prevent the citrus syrup escaping!
Make the citrus syrup by placing the demerara sugar in a pan and if you want a clear syrup, strain the orange and lemon juice through a sieve. I often just use the juice with the pulp still in. Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil and boil rapidly without stirring for 2 minutes. Spoon the hot syrup slowly over the sponge until it has all been absorbed then leave until cold.
Fill the centre with strawberries and, if desired, sprinkle with caster sugar. Can be served with cream or crème fraiche.
Services
7th July.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡
14th.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡*
21st.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All Age Worship
28th. Pet Service
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship
4th August.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion
11th. Prayer Stations
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship
18th. Songs of Praise
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship
25th. Outdoor service
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship
1st Sept.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Romans 12:1-12
John 13:3-15
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Lynn Caudwell
Lynn Caudwell
Lynn Caudwell
Lynn Caudwell
Lynn Caudwell
Lynne Bowden
Lynn Caudwell
Anne Murphy
Lynn Caudwell
• All services underlined in blue will be streamed live on our Facebook Page & YouTube channel. During the summer from 28th July until 1st September inclusive the streaming team will be taking a break so no services will be available online.
• A recording of each live-streamed service will be available from the services page of the church website: ‡ Junior Church * Youth Church (at 7.45pm on 18th July)
Rotas
The Coffee Tavern
Directory
Priest-in-charge: Rev. Lynn Caudwell vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
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
Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com
Phillips, as above
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
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 21st April 2024.Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk