Bamford Chapel and
Norden URC
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BAMFORD CHAPEL & NORDEN URC MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
Worship In our devotion we will come together to express our joy, love and thanks through worship. We shall share our praise and dedicate it to God. Ministry Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will show compassion and love by understanding, supporting and meeting the spiritual, the physical and the emotional needs of others. Evangelism We are called as Christians to share the good news; living as examples of Christ in our everyday lives we can spread the word and love of Jesus. Discipleship We as a church have a responsibility as Christians to encourage people to know God and to enable them to develop their relationship with Him through prayer, discussion, study and learning. Fellowship We welcome to our church family those who want to belong. We show our love for others by sharing acts of fellowship in God’s name. 2
New Beginnings As you can see from the front cover, this magazine now has a new title, following the merger of Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Churches. May I take this opportunity to welcome our Norden members and friends and look forward to all that we will share in the future of our new pastorate. The monthly magazine is an opportunity to provide information of events and activities and share family news, as well as topical articles. However, the magazine needs YOUR input to make it interesting to other readers. It would be good to have contributions from our children and young people too. If you have any comments, new ideas, interesting articles or just a “pause for thought” please let me know at lm.peacock@hotmail.co.uk or place your article in the folder under the notice board in the pool table area. Thank you. Linda Peacock The seasons are changing, Christmas is approaching fast and as usual we are as busy a church as ever. In your preparations for the Christmas season please keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas. Look out for all the activities and events at Bamford (on the notice boards, in the weekly notice sheets and in the magazine) and join in where you are able. Invite your friends and neighbours to come along too. This year’s Food for Thought production is on Sunday 14th December; more details in next month’s magazine. The next magazine will be a combined issue for December & January and will be prepared in November. Please be aware that articles for events taking place in December & January will need to be submitted for the magazine by 16th November. Thank you. 1
10.30 am Sunday 2nd November
Monday 3rd November
6.00 pm
8.00 pm 8.00 pm
Tuesday 4th November Thursday 6th November
8.00 pm 7.30 pm 10.30 am
Sunday 9th November Monday 10th November Tuesday 11th November Wednesday 12th November
6.00 pm 8.00 pm 12.15 1.00 pm 8.00 pm 7.30 pm 10.30 am
Sunday 16th November
12 noon 6.00 pm
Family Worship with Holy Communion Led by Ken Greer Evening Worship Led by Andy Platt Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room) Fellowship Core Group Meeting Preachers’ Meeting on Prayer led by Joan Warner (open to all) Elders’ Meeting Remembrance Parade Service Led by Revd Richard Bradley Evening Worship Led by Revd Richard Bradley Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room) Lunch followed by Music at Lunchtime Tuesday Night Home Group (venue to be confirmed in notice sheet) Worship Core Group Meeting (venue: the Manse) Family Worship Led by Revd Richard Bradley Church Meeting Evening Communion Service Led by Revd Richard Bradley 2
Monday 17th November
8.00 pm
Thursday 20th November Saturday 22nd November
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room) Meal at Bury College to raise funds for the Tanzania Project
10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Christmas Fair – Bring your friends Refreshments available
10.30 am
Family Worship Led by the Monday Home Group
6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by David Watson
Monday 24th November
8.00 pm
Focus on Prayer Group (Crèche Room)
Tuesday 25th November
8.00 pm
Tuesday Night Home Group (venue to be confirmed in notice sheet)
10.30 am
Family Worship and Toy Service Led by Walter Brisk
6.00 pm
Evening Worship Led by Anne Fitton
Sunday 23rd November
Sunday 30th November
You are welcome to join any of the following Exploring Groups Further details of all Services and Groups may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk Monday Prayer Group: Thursday Community Coffee Morning: 8pm in the crèche from 10.00 am Monday Home Group: 8 pm at the home of Addie & Barbara Redmond Tuesday Stillness and Sharing: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 2.15pm in the Lounge
Thursday Afternoon Home Group: 2 pm at the home of Gillian and Finlay Galloway (2nd & 4th Thursday of month) Joy Group: Meets monthly 6.30 pm at the Dolce Vita, 7.30 pm at 17 Bamford Mews
Tuesday Home Group Discipleship Explored: 8 pm - 11th/25th November, 9th December Wednesday Exploring the Bible: 7.30 pm at the home of Ray Atkins, 8 Greenwich Close
New Meditation Group: 7.30 pm last Thursday evening in the month at 17 Bamford Mews Sunday Evening Youth Groups: Koinonia 6.30—7.30 pm Hay Hodos 7.30—8.30 pm 3
MESSAGE FROM THE MANSE “Where there is no vision the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18a) Whilst this verse was written thousands of years ago it still holds truth today. Without a vision, without a direction we just flounder and ultimately it leads to failure. If I am going to go on a two week holiday that will take me to the north of Scotland into a small village in the countryside I would not want to set off without checking that I have fuel in my car, perhaps check my tyre pressures. I would need to take clothes, money, a map or sat nav, my mobile phone, the charger for my phone etc. etc. Planning a trip like that and having a structure is vital. It is not dissimilar to the vision for a church. If we had no vision or purpose then we would simply flounder and stall. Some months ago we began a journey on seeking what God’s vision is for Bamford Chapel. I think we have come so far down the road that I think it would be useful to briefly summarise where we are up to. Originally the idea for the vision that we have came from the “Purpose Driven Church” written by an American Pastor called Rick Warren. He does not give a blueprint with a step by step list of what will make a successful church (whatever “successful” means). He comes from a Biblical approach to seeking a vision. To cut a long story short a small group was set up to explore some of the points made by Rick Warren in his book. In his book Rick Warren highlights five areas: Worship, Evangelism, Ministry, Fellowship and Discipleship. After much studying he felt that these were the 5 areas that were common in the early church in the Bible. The Elders and Church Meeting agreed the new vision and vision structure (i.e. the 5 small groups to be set up). Those groups were selected from people who indicated an interest in these 5 areas highlighted by Rick Warren. The original vision group assigned the different people to the groups. These people were selected on various criteria including trying to get a mix of ages, male/female, those who were perhaps known in the church and those who perhaps weren’t as well known. Again the Elders approved these groups. We felt that 6 members of the core group was sufficient and that more than that could make the groups too large. Due to the fact that there were more than 6 people showing an interest in some groups we then added a list of “helpers”. The idea was/is that the core group would tease ideas out of the questionnaires (that were available to all church members) and work on some of those ideas. The helpers can be called on to help plan/set up any of the ideas that are being discussed. 4
With any new structure there are always teething problems and areas where there may need to be some attention given. Please be patient as we work through any of these issues. If you have concerns, comments, constructive criticism or questions please speak to an Elder, a representative of the core group(s) or myself as the minister. I am more than happy to spend time with people to discuss any aspect of the vision. I believe strongly that the vision came at the right time and I believe it was a God-given vision. I felt led to Rick Warren’s book and feel God has spoken through it. Some concern has been expressed among some members that feedback is not being given to them. I have recently asked that where possible core groups feed back to the wider church through the church magazine. Where appropriate we may also have presentations in church. I also hope for monthly updates at Elders’ meetings too. I remind everyone that notes of all the meetings are available in files in the coffee area in church (if they run out please let me know and I will print more copies). Can I also stress again the importance of attending church meetings which are also another way in which information can be passed on and decisions, when needed to be, are made. It is an exciting time when we might try new and different things as we test what God is saying to us. It is vital that individually and corporately we pray for God’s continued vision and will to be made known to us. Friends, we are in an exciting time as a church. Where we hear stories of church decline we have to be people ready to listen to what God wants and when He wants it. Life changes quite often. When we began this journey I am not sure we knew about needing a new roof. We certainly didn’t know that our friends from Norden URC would be joining us. Let us hold together, connected by the Holy Spirit and led and guided by God into the future He wants for His Church. We, together, are God’s servants. Let us be obedient to what He is saying and move forward, supporting each other on this new journey. God Bless, your servant in Christ Richard 5
News from the soon-to-be former Church Secretary of Norden URC It’s all been rather hectic and very changeful for us. My final service on 7th September was based on the reading from Matthew 18 v. 20 "where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them ". Oh the irony. The church meeting afterwards voted unanimously to close our building and commence worship at Bamford Chapel. On Sunday 14th September we were welcomed with open arms at Bamford Chapel. On 21st September at 4pm we held our closing service which was very pleasant and led by our minister Rev Richard Bradley with the sermon from our Moderator Rev Richard Church. The church was full with old friends, members, family, friends from the Norden churches, Bamford Chapel friends and former Junior Church pupils. It was just fantastic to see so many people with smiles and sympathy. Richard wisely chose people who could hold it together to provide their memories of our church. Beryl Thomas and Nicki Houghton did a sterling job, bringing back long forgotten memories of events and activities over the years. I was allowed to write the prayers of intercession, but just couldn’t resist giving an ad-hoc introduction to explain why I was praying for the likes of Ron Dunn, our former secretary, and Frank Brown a former active member. This did make me blub just a bit, not helped by seeing my husband Allister on the front row with red eyes and blowing his nose. It was his 55th birthday and 6
he had already stated forlornly: “I’m nearer to 60 than 50 now.” Perhaps that was causing his discomfort. I finally fell apart when Carol Hartley presented flowers to Dot, Beryl and myself for our hard work and a specially printed "Thank you Linda" card filled with messages and drawings. Oh dear, that was just so beautiful. Thank you Carol. We had tea and cakes afterwards and the ladies from Bamford Chapel very kindly assisted. We also enjoyed the Union Service on 5th October at Bamford Chapel with bring and share lunch afterwards. It gave us a chance to have a longer "mingle" and we always love a good buffet. I am still getting to grips with all the activities at Bamford Chapel. You could literally fill your diary every day. Any age, any interest, any time. Prayer groups, Youth groups, midday concerts, coffee mornings, craft groups, etc. So far I have had three meetings this week; so much for that “quiet life” I was seeking as a “back bencher”. I was also helping the Joy Group in leading the 6pm service. I have spent many happy years from age 5 in our Norden church and look forward to many happy years worshipping at Bamford Chapel. Our members and friends have already been made very welcome. We thank all the members and friends of Bamford Chapel for your warm embrace. It has helped to make it a very gentle transition. We now look forward to sharing our talents and experience with you. God Bless - Linda Lees 7
News of the Family Concerns are expressed for those in our congregation who are sick, housebound, going through difficult times or those we don’t know about who face life alone. We pray particularly for Lesley Ashworth and all her family folowing the death of her father; also for Gareth & Michelle Unsworth, Eddie Midgeley, Freda Lowes, Hilda Hirst, Olive Brierley, Joyce & Derek Yates, Win Schofield, John Hall and John Fitton. Please remember all these friends in your prayers and any other people you know about but have not been mentioned here. If you have concerns or good news to share in the magazine, please let me know at lm.peacock@hotmail.co.uk
Bamford Chapel Project 2014: Supporting the work of the Tanzania Development Trust On Sunday 12th October we had the pleasure of welcoming Mama Rhobi Samwelly to Bamford Chapel along with Julian and Ann Marcus of the Tanzania Development Trust. Rhobi spoke during the evening service which was attended by around 40 people and spent time following the service talking to the congregation about her work in Tanzania. Refreshments were served along with delicious biscuits made by Koinonia. I am sure that her personal story of FGM (female genital mutilation) and her subsequent campaign to stop FGM will stay with everyone who attended. She described how she has taken a team of actors, singers, and dancers into the villages to put on performances and role plays which entertain but also give a clear message of the harm FGM does. They have had a lot of success and begun to 8
change attitudes. Rhobi oozed warmth and love throughout the evening and it was easy to see how she could influence people to change. We have received an email from Julian and he has praised the warm welcome received at Bamford Chapel. He said “It was so good to see that your youngsters had made a model of the Safe House- we have not seen that anywhere else. They also make a biscuit to die for…. Not good for a paunchy chap like me”. Rhobi has almost completed her tour of the UK and has talked at venues such as Westminster County Hall, Worcester University, Halifax Cathedral; Bamford Chapel has been one of the highlights for Rhobi, Julian and Ann. The monies we raise at Bamford Chapel will be to purchase beds and hopefully other furnishings and equipment for the Safe House being built at present. Rhobi has stated that even if the house is not completely finished, it will be opened in December so that the first girls can be accommodated during the cutting season. She has recently announced that the grand and formal opening ceremony of the Safe House and Vocational Training Centre will take place on 27 February 2015. Ann and Julian Marcus will be visiting Tanzania for the Ceremony and to see other Development Trust projects; they have asked that if anyone from Bamford Chapel is interested in going they will be welcome. (Own costs have to be paid). Please see brief message from Rhobi indicating how appreciative she is of the support to her campaign and a newspaper article written after she spoke at Westminster Hall. Personal giving continues until Christmas Day 2014, please place money in one of the envelopes on the pews named “Bamford Chapel Project”; brown envelopes for non-tax payers and white envelopes for tax payers; please remember to complete your name and address on the white envelopes so that Gift Aid can be claimed. 9
And finally a reminder:
Thursday 20th November 2014: Fundraising Meal at the 3Czons Restaurant, Bury College, all are warmly invited to an evening of food, fun and fellowship. Cost per head for a three course meal followed by coffee and includes wine or a soft drink: ÂŁ15. Please sign up on the notice under the clock in the coffee area. Numbers required by Sunday 9th November. Carole Greaves (on behalf of the Church in the World Group) October 2014
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EVANGELISM CORE GROUP Stemming from our last meeting we had asked each of the core groups to think about and come up with ideas for how to attract young families. Much of the meeting was spent discussing ideas and how we might welcome young families into church. Stemming from that discussion was a desire to also think of ideas to attract people in the 18+ age bracket. This is to attract new people of this age but also attract back those who have perhaps left for whatever reason. Ideas for attracting young families were: family fun days (using the grounds we are blessed with); build on the success of messy church and holding more frequent messy church services and (at Christmas obviously) running a Christingle service. The latter we plan to do this Christmas. Ideas for the 18+ age group: was to build a Facebook page which allows communication at great distance and discussion can happen via Facebook too. Michael Baines had offered to use his music mixing talents in having an evening where he mixes music both secular and Christian. Perhaps having times when that age group can meet together. Perhaps using the church buildings (film nights etc.) We are NOT as a group ignoring other age groups. It might be that our focus in 2015 could be ideas for targeting the 65+ age group or any other age group. The meeting felt that the church (everyone) needs to be open to new ideas. Sometimes this means we have to try new things, to attract people of a certain age. Sometimes this also means that we as a church have to be accepting of other people and their gifts and abilities.
If you have any ideas or questions about what the core group is doing please approach one of the group’s members: Addie Redmond, Louise Aspinall, Joanne Ackroyd, David Watson, Cameron Baines, Andy Platt and Richard Bradley. Notes of our meeting are also available in the file in the coffee area in Church. God Bless, Richard (on behalf of the Evangelism Core group) 11
DISCIPLESHIP CORE GROUP The main work of the core group has been to look at setting up some homegroups. Stemming from the original questionnaires and the responses of the wider congregation it was felt that this should be an area that the core group focus on for the time being. This also dovetails with the work of the evangelism core group. Richard suggested, at an early meeting of the core group, that there were three important areas when it came to homegroups: fellowship, the study of God’s word and prayer. These are, as we heard in a service on 5 th October, the same priorities of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 – there the early believers met together and devoted themselves to: “The apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The discussions within the discipleship core group have meant that two new homegroups have begun. One on a Tuesday evening which meets fortnightly at 8pm. The venue can change from week to week so please keep an eye on the notice sheet for updates – anyone is welcome. The other new homegroup began on Thursday 9th October at the home of Gillian and Finley Galloway. It starts at 2pm and will meet twice a month. This gives people who prefer a daytime homegroup one to attend. We sincerely hope that more home groups will be needed and that more can be started. If there are any questions about the work of the discipleship core group please speak to any of its members: Margaret Watson, Jane Baines, Anna James, Simon Wareing, Gillian Galloway, Raymond Atkins and Richard Bradley. The notes of this core group, and indeed all core groups, are in files in the coffee area in Church which are available to the whole church. God Bless, Richard (On behalf of the Discipleship Core Group)
World War One soldier saved by Bible The Bible Society relates how, in 1917, two bullets destined for Private Bush’s chest were stopped by a Bible he kept in his breast pocket. He was knocked off his feet and into a shell hole at Ypres, Belgium, and although he was injured, he survived and lived to the ripe old age of 76. 12
WORSHIP CORE GROUP This Group has met three times since May. One of the meetings was open to our preaching team and indeed anyone else who chose to attend. Two members of the congregation did in fact come along. I have been invited to put together an informal summary of what we have shared so far. Records of our discussions have been made available in the coffee lounge, but perhaps some notes like this in the Chapel magazine may gain a wider circulation. From the outset, we were clear of some important principles: firstly, we were a discussion group seeking ways forward for a church that was facing declining numbers, and we were to examine our worship patterns to see if they could be changed in ways that might attract newcomers, without at the same time unduly upsetting present worshippers. Secondly, though Richard had initiated our discussions, any proposals we might put forward for consideration would be the responsibility of the group, not the Minister! Over our three meetings and the six months of discussion, we developed and modified our initial thoughts considerably. We would have been surprised if that had not happened. The concept of two Sunday morning services, so as to provide different worship experiences, seemed very appealing, though we realised it would bring considerable problems. Some of us visited a church in Bury to see how they handled exactly the situation we were suggesting. It was a good and enriching experience. Though the early service was recognisably like ours in many ways, there were no young people present and one would have to describe the congregation as middle-aged and older. There was a very small choir and the organ was used. There was a break for coffee, when all mingled happily, before the second service. Here there were young people, families but also a number of older folk who clearly enjoyed a rather different form of worship. The music was led by a group of 4 singers, keyboard, guitar and drums. The hymns were modern but the whole congregation (except for one or two of us!) obviously knew them and sang with gusto! However, a serious issue for us, as our meetings went on, was our numbers. Apart from every other consideration, we simply have not enough people at this time to 13
amount to two adequate congregations. We were also aware of other concerns among you all, and so we have put aside the idea of two services. Instead, together with our lay worship leaders, we have agreed that by one means or another we need to develop changing patterns in our morning services. More than one family has said to us that, whilst their children are happy enough coming to church whilst very young, it is increasingly difficult to persuade them to stay with us once they are in their teens. That, and the question of how to win new members or exmembers into wanting to come to worship, is why we believe we cannot just go on doing the same things we have done for years! Ideas we have considered include involving our young people much more in worship. They may not only bring in the bread and the wine for communion: they could serve the bread alongside elders, who would serve the wine because the trays of glasses are not easy to handle. Maybe young people could take turns at door stewardship, greeting us as we come to church. We could encourage small groups of singers to take turns at leading worship; we should look for more opportunities to have drama and dance as part of our worship. Our worship leaders, together of course with our Minister, might sometimes plan services together, so that more than one of us would be involved in one service. These are just a few of the ideas that we have bounced around among ourselves. We would claim, I think, that our guiding principle has been to explore and research ways in which we might develop a vision of how worship might evolve in the coming months. We have decided that the use of the words “traditional” and “contemporary” is not helpful. Above all, it is our hope that, as folk talk about these issues in all our meeting-places and conversations, all of us will want to look forward and not backward, so that our worship should be meaningful to those who might possibly join us if we did not seem sometimes to cling too tightly to the past! Leaving things exactly as they have been for many years is, we believe, simply not an option. Do please talk with any of us at any time about the issues mentioned above, or any other aspects of our Sunday services that you want to raise. Worship Group members are Clair Gooding, Julie Platt, Andy Dunn, Ken Greer, Ruth Bradley, Richard Bradley, Walter Brisk. Walter Brisk (on behalf of the Worship Group)
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Thursday Afternoon Home Group The first meeting of the Thursday Afternoon Home Group was held on the 9th October 2014. This is a new venture to which you are all invited.
We began by looking through a selection of possible afternoon interests and a decision was made to look at The Ten Commandments using The Life Builder Bible Study books from the Scripture Union. The booklet says “God has given us boundaries but God’s rules do more than restrict; they give freedom.” Each of the studies in the book looks at one of God's Commandments that will help us better understand how to apply God’s law. An open invitation is extended to everybody to join us. Should you require Transport please contact Finlay or Gillian on 642226 The Group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday afternoons of the month from 2pm till 4pm, at the home of Finlay and Gillian Galloway. We look forward to meeting you, God Bless. Belarus Abandoned Babies Home I would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the recent coffee morning at Trinity Methodist, Heywood. It was a great success and raised the magnificent sum of £956. Thanks again for your ongoing support of these vulnerable children. Love Carol Hartley
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Bamford Chapel & Norden URC presents
MUSIC AT lUNCHTIME Tuesday 11th November 1.00 pm — 2.00 pm Lunch items priced individually are available from 12.15 pm
Concert Admission £3.50
Anna Rosa (Flute) Rebecca Mills (harp)
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FELLOWSHIP CORE GROUP Bamford Chapel has a well-earned reputation for being a sociable environment with strong and well-established links to our surrounding community. There are many people who come through our doors on a weekly basis, but not necessarily to worship, and it would be lovely to engage them in that integral part of our life here at chapel. The responses to the questionnaires have been invaluable for 2 reasons: in providing suggestions for new activities to embark on; and in serving as a reminder of fellowship opportunities that we used to provide but no longer do so. The remit of the Fellowship Core Group, broadly, is to review all activities, but we chose to start with looking at some suggested new initiatives. We can already look to the success of the community coffee mornings on Thursdays (nothing to do with the Fellowship group!) as inspiration for trying out new ideas. Our first two meetings have resulted in quite a large “to do� list. Firstly, we are hoping to involve the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides groups in a form of worship to take place on a Tuesday night towards Christmas. The logic of asking parents of the children in our uniformed organisations to attend at church on a night when they would already be doing so is no doubt clear. A Christingle service is looking to be the likely favourite but this is in the very early stages. Something else to look forward to is a mid-Spring (2015) family games and activities afternoon including refreshments and culminating in a form of worship. The Fellowship Group felt that agreeing on a theme helps to focus the activities. Some structure would be applied to inviting those who are not regular worshippers or who are at the moment only on the periphery of our church life. The above 2 items clearly cater for the youth of our church and those with young families but we do not however want to neglect those at the other end of the age spectrum, the elderly members of our congregation. It is likely that we will look at the way that coffee after each service works, and whether it 17
could be improved, particularly for our elderly attendees. Additionally, parade services and specifically the spacing of these throughout the year is ripe for review. The members of the Fellowship core group (Ian Hampson, Elizabeth Greer, Angela Smith, Elizabeth Hazlehurst, Finlay Galloway and Sarah Finnigan) would be delighted to hear any new ideas. Sarah Finnigan (on behalf of the Fellowship Group)
MINISTRY CORE GROUP The ministry core group have been working on making links with people and groups outside of the church. One document that has been designed and produced and indeed used is a “welcome to your new home� card. This not only welcomes new people into the community of Bamford and Norden and shows the service times, but also gives some important contact details for local amenities: shops, doctors etc. The cards are available at the moment from any member of the core group (names at the end of the article). Another piece of work that has been done is trying to make a link with Half Acre House Care Home. Sid Hazlehurst has had a meeting with the manager there who is very keen for people to go and visit the people who live there. They are happy if anyone wants to do a talk there to go in and give one. The management are also happy for services to be conducted there too. Nothing has been done yet with regards to services. If anyone is interested in helping out with any of these areas of the ministry core group please speak to one of the members of the group, they are: Barbara Redmond, Carole Greaves, Sid Hazlehurst, Angela Smith, Margaret Ogden, Linda Kerford and when he can attend Richard Bradley. The notes of this core group, and indeed all core groups, are in files in the coffee area in Church which are available to the whole church. Your Servant in Christ, Richard (On behalf of the Ministry Core Group)
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HEYWOOD LOCAL COMMITTEE are holding a
COFFEE MORNING
(in conjunction with Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church) Mince Pies Bottle Tombola Raffle
Thursday 13th November 2014 10 am until 12 noon Bamford Chapel, Norden Road, Rochdale OL11 5PQ
No admission charge, donations gratefully accepted There could be live music too!! 19
Ladies’ Fellowship October Meeting 2014 Christmas Boxes for Belarus Twenty-seven ladies (plus 2 "absentees ") turned up to fill boxes for this annual event. Shoe boxes are covered with Christmas paper, filled with various personal items and sent to elderly men and women (Dadushkas and Babushkas) in Belarus. They are all in need of care so are delighted to receive such items as soap, face cloth, toothpaste, bed socks etc. Carol Hartley arranges the collection and transporting of the boxes every year. Last year Ladies Fellowship filled 60 boxes, but we filled a record 74 this year. With difficulties at the Belarus border at the moment it is hoped the boxes can still be transported this year (fingers crossed). After a frantic scramble to finish the boxes we were in need of coffee and listened to Carol's stories about people to whom she had previously given boxes. We were also treated to a glimpse of her "O.B.E." medal, given to her by the Queen in recognition of her charity work. Congratulations Carol and thanks to everyone who contributed to the collection of items and the filling of the boxes. Our next meeting is on Thursday 13th November, when we will have a “Getting to know you” evening, having fun sharing in board games and chat. Our December meeting is a Christmas Meal at the Peacock Room on Thursday 11th December. Please sign up on the list in the coffee area, collect your menu from Linda Kerford and return it before 13th November Joyce Cooper (Chairman)
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ONIONS I really dislike raw onions. Cooked onions, fried onions and battered onion rings are fine, but the taste of raw onions, which seems to linger for several days if I inadvertently eat them, is very unpleasant for me. However, when I go to a restaurant I usually remember to say “no raw onions” when ordering a dish which is likely to contain some, for example a salad. I am quite happy for my dining companions to eat raw onions, and would not leave a restaurant because certain of their dishes contain them. Likewise, people with whom I may want to share a meal may dislike items which I really enjoy, but we do not let that spoil the fellowship of the meal, or indeed our friendship. As with most things in life we have to accept that not everyone shares the same tastes and preferences. This brings me to Sunday worship at Bamford Chapel. We are very blessed to have several people who are willing to lead worship, play music, perform dramas, sing and operate the computer- the list goes on.... Everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to the type of worship they enjoy and which they find meaningful. It would be surprising if everyone in a congregation of our size only liked one style of preaching, one kind of music etc. But as with everything else in life, sometimes compromise is necessary and we have to accept that on occasions there may be aspects of the service which we do not like or agree with. And we also have to understand that perhaps the person who we are sitting next to is really enjoying and benefitting from what is happening in the service. We have to move forward if we are to continue the thread of worship at Bamford Chapel which has been unbroken for over two hundred years. It is down to us, as a Christian fellowship to be able to share in worship, which may be new, which may not be entirely to our taste, but to do so in a spirit of understanding and of open minded compromise. Who knows, the taste of something new may not be quite as unpalatable as you thought it would be, unless it’s raw onions of course!! Angela Smith 21
FOODBANK Thanks to all those who regularly contribute to the Foodbank in the box at the front of church. Some people kindly give donations of money instead. This enables us to help towards paying the rent for the premises and also buying items that we occasionally run short of. If this idea suits you better or if you would like to set up a monthly standing order direct to the bank, I could arrange to get the necessary papers for you. Also Gift Aiding any contributions is a possibility at no extra cost to yourself. Thanks one again. Margaret and Anne Below is the monthly email sent from the Foodbank to all the Churches involved. During September we managed to keep pace with demand for our help and our supplies have been greatly boosted by daily donations of bread from Greggs and periodic deliveries of cereals from Kelloggs. We also have more than adequate reserve stocks of baked beans. For October we are really counting on a repeat of the great support we had last year from the Harvest Festivals celebrated by you, our supporter Churches and Schools throughout the Town. Already during the last few days of September and the first few of October we have received over 1000kgs of donated food and if this can be maintained for the rest of the month we shall have valuable reserve against the inevitable fluctuations in supply and demand in the winter months. Our grateful thanks to you for your support both in the past and in the future. 22
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Who's the Audience? Each day I read "Our Daily Bread" which is a daily bible reading booklet with comments about the suggested passage. This week I was looking for comments in an old edition from 2010-2011 on a passage I was reading while preparing an address, and I opened the booklet at Feb 20th which that year was a Sunday. In view of the many comments made after the so called contemporary style service in October I thought it was worth sharing what it said. It was entitled "Who's the Audience?" Philip Yancey wrote.... “I used to view the worship service in church as a time of entertainment. Speaking of folks like me, Soren Kierkegaard said that we tend to think of a church as a kind of theatre. We sit in the audience and watch the actors on stage. If sufficiently entertained we show our gratitude with applause. Church, though, should be the opposite of the theatre. God is the audience for our worship. What matters most takes place within the hearts of the congregation, not on stage. We should leave a worship service asking not "What did I get out of it?" but rather "Was God pleased with what happened?"
By focussing on the externals of worship, we miss the point. The Lord is interested in the sacrifice of the heart, an internal attitude of submission and thanksgiving. The goal of worship is nothing less than to meet and please our God.� Submitted by Margaret Ogden
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BROWNIE COFFEE EVENING TANZANIA SAFE HOUSE APPEAL TUESDAY 18th NOVEMBER 6pm – 7.30pm Each year the brownies arrange and organise a coffee evening at Bamford Chapel to raise money for the church project THE EVENING WILL INCLUDE:BRING & BUY RAFFLE QUIZZES GAMES The brownies work hard organizing games, making posters etc. PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT OUR BROWNIE COFFEE EVENING EVERYONE WELCOME
ADMISSION £1.00 WHICH INCLUDES TEA/COFFEE AND CAKE 25
SPOT THE BANNER Many years ago, when Junior Church started sponsoring children through The Bible Lands Society by collecting pennies in Smartie Tubes, a group of young people in either Hay Hodos or Koinonia made a banner. (If you remember making this banner please let me know). It shows an excellent map of the United Kingdom with pennies travelling to Beirut where Nisrene and Sarkis lived. These were the first children we sponsored. This system no longer exists so sponsorship through the Bible Lands Society ceased last year.
When I found this banner in my loft {!} I took it to Chapel where it is now on display as a reminder of past missionary work with which our young people were once involved. Thank you to Ian Sturrock for taking the time to put this special memento on display. Please take a look. Lesley Sutton
ADVENT PRAYER Generous, loving Father, Thank you for sending your son Jesus, not only to show us the way, but to be the way back to you. As we prepare to celebrate again that first arrival in the stable in Bethlehem, all those years ago, help us through the busyness, joys and difficulties of life to keep our eyes on Jesus. Help us to be alert and ready for his second, glorious, majestic arrival, which will come – on time- just as you have planned. May we be steadfast and expectant, In the name of Jesus, Amen.
By Daphne Kitching
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FOR OUR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
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BAMFORD CHAPEL & NORDEN URC MAGAZINE
EDITORS: Linda Peacock
01706 522593
lm.peacock@hotmail.co.uk Martyn James
01706 868885 martyn-james1@sky.com
SECRETARY:
Joan Ashton
01706 360395 ray-joanashton@sky.com
DATES FOR THE DECEMBER/JANUARY MAGAZINE
Articles to be handed in by:
Sunday 16th November
Magazine to be completed by:
Thursday 27th November
Magazine distributed:
Sunday 30th November 29
BAMFORD CHAPEL & NORDEN United Reformed Church Charity - Reg’d No 1128387 (FAIRTRADE CHURCH) Norden Road, ROCHDALE, Lancs. OL11 5PQ
The Manse, Norden Road, ROCHDALE, Lancs OL11 5PQ Telephone: 01706 369622 www.bamfordchapel.co.uk Minister : Email:
Rev Richard Bradley richardbradley@cantab.net
Church Secretary: Telephone: Email:
Ian Sturrock 01706 653109 i.sturrock@talktalk.net
Wedding Secretary: Telephone: Email:
John Lapworth 01706 632460 john@lapworth37.plus.com
Lettings Manager: Telephone: Email:
Linda Kerford 01706 624256 l.kerford@btinternet.com Times of Services:
Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1st Sunday in month Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3rd Sunday in month 30