“We girls painted animals, trees and rivers onto Bright’s concrete walls, and Bright was delighted.”

From p2: The Valley of 1000 Hills

2

‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing,’ wrote Paul. But how

can we resist when the media o� ers us so much juicy grumble-fodder?

We moan about the government, edu-cation, immigration, or recently, having to boil or buy water. On p6, Margaret Sutton remembers life without indoor running water or electricity. Her life has not been without tragedy, yet her attitude has always been, not grumbling, but thankful and quietly prayerful.

Don’t Worry‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.’ It’s that guy Paul talk-ing again! But what if we’re in huge debt or about to lose our home? There are no easy answers, but worry won’t help. Read p4, about people who are thankful for the new Preston North CAP Debt Centre. This initiative is dramatically changing the lives of local people struggling with debt.

Leaving home comfortsThe world is not TV - you can’t simply sit on your sofa with a remote control to change the scenes you hate. You might consider emulating two of our younger church members, who left their home comforts to make a diff erence: Jeni Sutton on p2 spent her summer in South Africa supporting children suff ering poverty and injustice. And Dan Feeny on p10, decided to highlight the problem of human traffi cking by living in a cage for a week.

Living in peaceUltimately, it is not what we do, but who we are that makes the real diff erence. My aim is to be less ‘grumbly’ and more thankful, to worry less and pray more, to be less critical of others and, as far as it depends on me, to live in peace with everyone.

PS: Our Sunday morning service no longer starts at 10am. So that we have space for everyone, two identical services happen, starting at 9.15am and at 11am. See the back cover for details. And it goes without saying; whoever you are you are welcome to join with us.

Enjoy Heart 2015!

Katharine

Being Thankful THE VALLEY OF 1000 HILLS

We hear about people living in abject poverty, su� ering from HIV and AIDS, but meeting

those people and sharing life with them taught me not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, because by stepping out into the unknown we can impact people in amazing ways. I spent 10 weeks in ‘The Valley of 1000 Hills’ in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, working with children a� ected by disease, poverty and injustice.

After training in Durban, I was sent to Embo Valley where I joined the project ‘Focus on iThemba’ a charity which aims to restore hope to children, some of whom are orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS. I stayed in a house hosted by two lovely Gogos (grandmas), with seven others including two girls from my team. Homes in affl uent zones need guards for protection but in our deprived area, there was no need for armed security. We did hear gun shots at night and I learnt that it was common for domestic incidents to escalate into extreme violence such as stabbings.

i� emba means ‘hope’ in ZuluiThemba own a large site, which includes a sponsored primary school and a secondary academy. Also there are three children’s homes in which married couples care for up to seven children including their own. iThemba works with four privately owned crèches located in the valleys which provide day-care for children aged 6 months to 5 years, while their parents work, or look for work or just sit around! The crèches charge 150 rand per month (about £8) which

includes two meals a day, starting with breakfast at 8am. Those who can’t aff ord to pay are sometimes allowed to do work such as gardening for the crèche owners.

We girls helped to feed the children. We also played with them. They speak Zulu, but we taught them basic English - around 50% of Zulus speak

English fl uently. The staff were eager to learn from us, especially fi rst aid and nutrition. I was shocked because they had absolutely no idea about healthy eating: it was a revelation to them that fruit contained vitamins. We explained general hygiene after we saw them mop up the children’s accidents in the bathroom then use the same dirty water to mop the kitchen fl oor.

Big companies sometimes sponsor a crèche in return for signifi cant tax breaks so our four crèches were all very diff erent depending on who fi nanced them. One had been purpose-built by a wealthy sponsor; in this the children sat on a carpet for their lessons. In another they sat on a concrete base. Yet another was scruff y, covered in bits and running with ants. It was a battered, wooden hut which fl ooded when it rained, ruining the children’s work. The walls of the hut were held together with thick plastic laundry bags nailed over the huge cracks and holes.

‘I nearly cried’A lovely lady named ‘Bright’ owns a dilapidated two room crèche, one built out of crumbling concrete, the other room a falling down wooden hut, built in her parents’ garden. The story goes that a sponsor had built a beautiful crèche on community land with the blessing of the community, for Bright’s children. Recently, a so-called ‘chief of the community’ railed

against this building, saying the land could not be used for a crèche but for the community. The community was in uproar, marching and signing petitions to keep it open, because the crèches are multi-functional, doubling as halls or churches. All the same, the chief knocked it down and there was nothing anyone could do. I nearly cried when Bright told me this story. I couldn’t understand the meanness of the community chief, but Bright said, ‘God is

on my side. I will never stop fi ghting for my crèche until the day I die.’ So we girls painted animals, trees and rivers onto Bright’s concrete walls, then painted shapes and fruits to aid learning. And Bright was delighted.

A vital part of our work was to write reports on each of the crèches. Crèches that meet government criteria can be registered to receive fi nancial assistance. Our reports were done so the charity could inform their next team of volunteers, who could in turn help the crèches to target their weak areas, with the aim of satisfying the government. The government goals are not achievable because some crèche owners are so poor they can’t aff ord to upgrade their premises to meet the demands of the government, and so elderly that they can’t fi ll the online forms in without computer skills.

I’m grateful to my parents for their support. I know they felt very distant when I suff ered 10 days of dysentery (for which I got excellent treatment), and when I got a spider bite on my foot that itched and swelled up like a golf ball - this healed with antihistamines. My family has attended Fulwood Free Methodist Church since I was a child, so I was supported by the church ‘family’ as I went to South Africa, and also now, during my fi rst year at university.

During my gap year I learnt so much about myself. I can be shy, but I gained confi dence through meeting new peo-ple, and making new friends. I learnt budgeting, (I worked on the deli in Booths, to fund my trip, and to save for uni). I learnt to cook, and to get things done. I learnt how to make the most out diffi cult situations without moaning. In this country, even in the tough times, we have so, so much!

© D

iriye Am

ey / Shutterstock.com

Jeni Sutton (20) grew up in Preston and is now at She� eld Hallam University studying nutrition and public health. For ten weeks she volunteered through the International Citizen Service (ICS), to work with the South African charity ‘Zoe-Life’ which is partnered with a UK Christian relief and development agency called ‘Tearfund’*.*Tearfund is a UK Christian relief and development agency, founded by George Ho� man. The agency is a founding member of the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Cover Photo by GEOFF WILLIAMShttps://www.facebook.com/geoff .williams.100/photos_albumsOther supporting images © Shutterstock.com

3

From the moment CAP got involved, everything changed. We were given a budget, which meant I could suddenly do all the things that a parent is meant to do for their child.

Sarah, Bracknell

I had six jobs, but all I was doing was paying off the interest on my debts. When I called CAP, the burden just lifted – I knew I was going to get the support I needed. Maxine, Birmingham

Debt caused our relationship to break down. CAP was like a

ray of light, and life has gone from strength to strength since we contacted them.

Steve & Tessa, York

Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW e info@capuk.org. t 01274 760720. Registered Charity No: 1097217. Charity Registered in Scotland No: SC038776. Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No: 4655175. CAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 413528.

capdebthelp.org

Lifting people out of debt and poverty

facebook.com/CAPuk @CAPuk

debt help

debt help

CALL FREE ONCALL FREE ON 0800 328 00060800 328 0006Calls from mobiles may be cheaper on 01274 760839Calls from mobiles may be cheaper on 01274 760839

Weighed down by

debt?Weighed down by

debt?Free debt counselling in your area from an award winning charity

capdebthelp.org

WINNER

Whatever the situation you are facing, there is hope. As a charity, we offer a completely free service to help you lift the burden of debt. So give us a call today and start your journey towards debt freedom.

CAP are unsurpassed when it comes to the debt help they give people across the country. Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert

From the moment CAP got involved, everything changed. We were given a budget, which meant I could suddenly do all the things that a parent is meant to do for their child.

Sarah, Bracknell

I had six jobs, but all I was doing was paying off the interest on my debts. When I called CAP, the burden just lifted – I knew I was going to get the support I needed. Maxine, Birmingham

Debt caused our relationship to break down. CAP was like a

ray of light, and life has gone from strength to strength since we contacted them.

Steve & Tessa, York

Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW e info@capuk.org. t 01274 760720. Registered Charity No: 1097217. Charity Registered in Scotland No: SC038776. Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales No: 4655175. CAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No. 413528.

capdebthelp.org

Lifting people out of debt and poverty

facebook.com/CAPuk @CAPuk

debt help

debt help

CALL FREE ONCALL FREE ON 0800 328 00060800 328 0006Calls from mobiles may be cheaper on 01274 760839Calls from mobiles may be cheaper on 01274 760839

Weighed down by

debt?Weighed down by

debt?Free debt counselling in your area from an award winning charity

capdebthelp.org

WINNER

Whatever the situation you are facing, there is hope. As a charity, we offer a completely free service to help you lift the burden of debt. So give us a call today and start your journey towards debt freedom.

CAP are unsurpassed when it comes to the debt help they give people across the country. Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert

4 5

Fulwood Free Methodist

Church (FFMC) have launched the Preston North Debt Centre in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP). The centre is managed by church member Lisa Bell, while other members are trained to provide support for clients. Lisa explains why she decided to get involved: Previously I followed a career which was very much around serving and helping people and providing excellent customer service. As a mum of two children I’d been looking for an exciting challenge, so when I decided to work with CAP, everything just seemed to slot into place! I followed fi ve days of intense training at CAP HQ in Bradford. Ongoing support and continual assessments will help me stay on track with the task.

Christians Against Poverty has

320 debt centres across the UK. Each centre is a partnership between CAP and the local church which enables help to be free to everyone who needs it. The Preston North Debt Centre provides help for people in the PR2 area, as well as covering Garstang and Longridge. We off er CAP’s award-winning debt counselling programme, as well as the CAP Money Course, a three-week course which looks at money-management and how to save and budget successfully.

FFMC is a community hub with so many exciting things going on and I love being a part of the people here. My heart is that people who are not used to ‘church’ won’t be afraid to contact us if they are in need, and the public will grow in confi dence to recommend our work to friends and family.

There are people nearby who are going without food, some are depressed, and some feel excluded from society because they are under the crippling grip of debt. Who knows what the future holds? I am led by my faith and my love for the people of the community.

DEALING WITH DEBT

Christians Against Poverty is a national debt counselling charity working through a network of centres based in local churches. CAP off ers hope and a solution to anyone in debt through its unique, in-depth Debt Help service. CAP off ers debt counselling, advice and practical help. People are empowered to help themselves out of poverty, to be free from the fear, oppression and worry caused by huge debt. CAP teaches clients vital budgeting skills that will last a lifetime. The charity operates through a growing network of UK debt centres,

all opened in partnership with a local church. CAP began in 1996 when John Kirkby, armed with a £10 donation, started to help people in his local community who were trapped in debt.

The charity is a fast-paced, growing organisation whose vision is to answer the national problem of debt in the UK by having at least one CAP Debt Centre operating in every major town and city to enable anyone to access its life-changing service.

The CAP Money Course The CAP Money Course is a free course to help people manage their money better and learn to budget, save and spend well. This course features DVD presentations. CAP trains volunteers from local churches to be CAP Money Coaches who will coach you to work on your own personal budget.

CAP DEBT HELP

CAP also operates in Australia, New Zealand and most recent-ly Canada, and is leading the way in helping people from all walks of life through the Release (from addictions) courses and Job Clubs.

If you are struggling with debt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A recent survey showed 40% of our clients had either tried, or seriously contemplated ending it all. We’re here to help.

A Preston CAP client told us:

SurViviNg tEeNs – a Skills For Life courseWednesdays 6th January 2016 to 10th February 2016

Time: 7.30 - 9.15pm. No cost.

Val Higginbotham is very experienced at running successful parenting courses for anyone who needs support, ideas and encouragement. Surviving Teens covers topics such as self-esteem, negotiation and communication (or not!). An excellent DVD reminds the group of the physical, emotional and mental changes that occur during the teenage years.

Don’t do it alone!Parents of primary-aged children take note! – Contact the church (details on back cover) to register interest in Val’s

spring-time course, so you can be notifi ed of the dates nearer the time.

Lisa Bell

We bathed in a big tin bath in front of the � re

Throughout summer 2015, the people of Preston were a� ected by the discovery of a parasite in

the water system. Many were upset, even furious, about having to boil or buy water, but when I was a child all our water was pumped by hand from a spring beneath the ground beside our farmhouse, Swillbrook Grange in Crown Lane. I vividly remember that pump!

We bathed in a big tin bath in front of the fi re, fi lled with water that had been heated on the range in the living room, and with little or no privacy. Before electricity our home was lit by paraffi n lamps. Coal fi res heated most rooms, but a bedroom fi re was only lit if someone was ill. Obviously there were no radiators, no TVs or comput-ers and no telephone. In 1932 our home got electricity and water! Immediately, Dad made a ‘hovers’ – a sort of square wooden aff air that hovered over an electric light, to keep little chicks warm beneath it.

A Very Solid FoundationIn 1914, Jim Parkinson (my dad), began dairy and poultry farming at Swillbrook Grange. My mum Isabella had moved from Sedbergh to work on a local farm. My parents had met each other at Woodplumpton Methodist Church. Back then, families were fewer, but mostly larger than today. People worked hard, socialised and did church together. We cared very much for one another, forming close, lifelong bonds. Three families in particular, the Etheringtons, the Suttons and the Parkinsons, all from Woodplumpton parish, have remained very close through the years, along with other young people from smaller families who were bonded with us too. Life back then had a very solid foundation.

I was born in 1929, the fourth of seven children. Dad bought a Morris car because he couldn’t fi t all four of us into the sidecar of his motorbike! When I was three, my sister Maud, who had always been frail, died aged 9 from a leaking heart valve. My brother John was born on the

day of her funeral. Then, when I was only 7 years old, my dad died suddenly of congestion of the lung. I remember the last meal I had with him, in a little café in Orchard

Street, before a friend took me by bus to visit my Grandma in Sedbergh.

In 1957 I married Eddie Brewer. Six

years later we moved to Broughton. Tragically, Eddie died in a car accident in 1966.

Eddie had founded a corn mill where we mixed animal feed and sold it to farms. After Eddie died I worked at the corn mill, doing fi nances. Then when the mill closed I worked for an egg-packing company in Broughton village, as a clerk doing calculations. Our extended family went through some tough times when my sister-in-law, one of my brothers and myself all lost our spouses in quick suc-

cession, but being part of such a caring group of Christian people meant we were always loved and supported.

Eddie had rightly insisted I learn to drive and at the third attempt, aged 31, I fi nally passed my test. My second husband, Ted, was a driving instructor who needed help with his expanding business, so I started to work with him as an instructor in my

own right. Many of my clients were women, who I enjoyed teaching with understanding and patience. Mind you, one time I did have to apply my brakes sharply, when one of the learners almost landed the car in a hedge!

Some Things are ConstantIn 1975, Silverhill Farm in Fulwood was purchased by mem-bers of the Garstang Methodist circuit who had recently left to form the Free Methodist Movement (See info on opposite page). Their ongoing commitment to fellowship and fi nance enabled Fulwood Free Methodist Church to be built on this site and the new church opened in 1978 with 42 people from Crown Lane Church, including myself.

Since 1978, this church has only had 4 lead pastors, Barrie Walton, Ken Leech, Alan Ellershaw and, since 1995, Andrew Gardner. This has meant much stability within a fast-changing world. Fulwood Free Methodist Church is not the countryside church of my younger days, but a growing

congregation in an ever-expanding city. I was here when we ‘planted’ Penwortham Free Methodist Church in 1987. I have been part of two major building projects, and witnessed new ideas fl ourishing, such as The Wednesday Lunchtime Fellowship which I love, Cedar House Counselling Centre and most recently, Christians Against Poverty. Hymns used to be sung to a piano or organ; today we sing the most enduring ‘old’ hymns, but also modern songs led by excellent musicians on every type of

instrument. At heart, I’m a people

person. I love to visit and encourage the older generation, some battling with health issues or confusion. I enjoy caring for those who are lonely

or losing their sight, unable to read. I am blessed with a thankful, outgoing nature that has seen me through so much.

Recently my second husband Ted died. We had married back in 1973, bringing Ted’s four children and my son Edmund together. Now, the children are adults with their own families, but they continue to care for me. I live alone, yet never alone. I spend hours quietly meditating on the Bible, and praying for others. Change is inevitable, but some things are constant: the love of my family and friends, my love of Fulwood Free Methodist Church, and my constant faith and trust in God.

... all lost our spouses in quick succession

I enjoy caring for those who are lonely or losing their sight, unable to read

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND TO THE NAME ‘FREE METHODIST’?

During the 18th century, Church of England ministers John and Charles Wesley and their friends formed a club at Oxford

University. � is group was very committed to caring for the sick and poor and visiting people in prison. � ey worked so methodically that they gained the nickname the ‘Methodists.’ After John’s death, the movement became the Methodist Church. In the mid-19th century, an American Methodist minister called B.T. Roberts determined that seats in church should be ‘free’ for all people, at a time when the wealthy paid to sit in the best pews. Roberts’ churches were also committed to freedom from slavery in an era when slavery was a huge issue. � is led to them being known as Free Methodist Churches.

Change IS INEVITABLE

John Wesley

Wednesday LunchFellowship

WednesdayLunch Break

1 2 . 3 0 – 2 p m1 w e e k o u t o f 4

S u g g e s t e d d o n a t i o n o f £ 3 . 5 0

1 2 . 0 0 – 1 . 3 0 p m3 w e e k s o u t o f 4

o n l y £ 2 . 5 0

Join us for a two course meal followed by a cuppa and a short service where we sing a couple of hymns, hear a

short Bible message and pray.

is group is aimed at those who are retired although all are welcome.

While Lunch Fellowship is usually the 3rd Wednesday in the month this is not always the case so if you want to come, please contact Vicky at the church o� ce. She

will send you a free programme in the post.

Join us for homemade soup, a fresh warm roll and a glass of juice followed by a homemade cake and a cup of freshly

brewed co ee or a cup of tea – the choice is yours.

We welcome young mums with babes in arms, business folk on their lunch break, the retired, and students on study days.

Please come in. You will be made welcome.

AB

7

O P

NM

By Margaret Sutton

6 7

CAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGECAGE98

BUMP & BABYToddlers

Tuesdays 10 - 11.30am(term-time only)

Time for a cuppa and chat while your little ones play. The over-3s

go into a separate space for a story-time. Singing together to end

the morning.

Cost: £1.50 for 1 adult with up to 3 children.

Includes refreshments.

Tuesdays 10.00 – 11.30am(most weeks)

For expectant or new mums, a quiet (ish!) place to relax in our café area, make friends, share.

No cost. Donations welcome.

BEYOND THE

Dan Feeny spent one week in a cage to highlight the problem of human tra� cking. Two months on, Dan refl ects on some of the outcomes.

This might sound like the start of a game-show, but here goes! I’m Dan,

I’m 20, I’m at Lancaster Uni studying Psychology and I like people! Maybe it’s how I’ve been brought up, but I have developed a strong empathy for others around the world, especially those less fortunate than myself.

This year I decided to put this feeling of empathy into some sort of action, so during Lent * my friend Nate and myself decided to challenge ourselves to raise awareness of some of the diffi culties people face.

Each week we ‘dropped’ some-thing diff erent, seven things in total - so one week we wore no shoes, one week we didn’t sleep in a bed but on the fl oor, and one week we fasted from all technology, which was tough but liberating as it is so easy to get sucked into technology usage. We were in Copenhagen when we did a week without showering which result-ed in us washing in the hostel sink! The ‘denial’ was a brilliant experience

that got me thinking about how I could raise awareness for other issues.

Then I decided to spend a week in a tent within a cage to raise aware-ness for Human Traffi cking. I’d been talking to my friend Andy about how Christians can get involved in the fi ght against traffi cking and we considered how to highlight the issue just for people at our church. Andy came up with the idea of living in a cage for two weeks, and while I didn’t think

I’d cope with two, I could probably manage one! Many people at Fulwood Free Methodist Church supported me by helping me to refi ne the plan, and it was suggested I should go beyond the local church by contacting news agencies. Also, I thought it’d be cool to post video diaries on Facebook.

I was absolutely blown away by the response I received. My fi rst Facebook video gained 2000 views. I was given articles in the LEP and on BlogPreston and was interviewed by Radio Lancashire and the Bee

Radio. Tearfund also featured me on their twitter account and the story will feature in the January edition of their magazine Teartimes. I hadn’t expected any of this and was so grateful for it. When I was in the cage, many people dropped by to chat so I was able to hand out info on a few relevant char-ities. Some people decided to start to support these charities. The visitor numbers were amazing, helping time to pass more easily than I’d expected. However, it was a challenge to be confi ned to one patch of grass and towards the end of the week I was getting more than a little restless! The main thing I learnt through the week was that, whilst I’m defi nitely an extrovert, I treasured the time I spent by myself, with time to simply relax, to read and to refl ect.

I would welcome the opportunity to do something else like this in the future. Right now I’m hoping to start an abolition group to help think up ideas for future events. This is a group supported by the Christian charity ‘Hope for Justice’, that aims to raise awareness and money for the fi ght against traffi cking. If you’d be interest-ed in joining this, contact me using the details on the back of Heart magazine.

Group18-30s

“one week we fasted from all technology, which was tough but liberating”

Music graduate, Anna Kember, explains what being a part of Fulwood Free Methodist Church 18-30s group means, and how you can join and share in

the friendship, care and support.

The saying ‘friends are the family

you choose’ perfectly sums up our group. Good families

encourage and understand each other, are honest and respect each other, celebrate together and unite in the face of di� culty, and this group of 18 - 30s is like a family to me!

Being 18 - 30 brings all kinds of challenges. Maybe it’s a new job and career choices that change your whole future. Or sometimes its university and graduation, moving out of your parents’ house, getting a mortgage and handling the ever-decreasing bank balance that was small to begin with. Or perhaps you’re preparing for marriage and children;

or feeling a deep loneliness because you’re not in this

position. All of this

alongside the constant pressure from

the media to fi t in and to be someone that society dictates that you should be – a high fl yer who is well-dressed, likes a certain type of music, parties at the weekend, and goes on an annual holiday to Ibiza.

Every day we have a choice; either to conform to the patterns of the world or to be radical and reject who society says you should be and instead embrace who you could be. We meet every week to encourage one another by praying about things that matter, learning together and often ending up in fi ts of laughter. We are a support network, a study group and, most importantly, really great friends.

One fi nal lie that society tells us is that 18-30s are the ‘missing genera-tion’ – those who don’t engage and don’t care. This group contains some of the funniest, most intelligent and most caring people that I have ever met and we would love you to join us. We understand how scary it can be to try out any new group, but we are not closed, and promise to help you feel relaxed because YOU are welcome.

Grouproup18-30sroup18-30sroupToddlers

The 18-30s group is free. We meet most Mondays at 7.30pm in various places, usually somewhere in the Fulwood area. For more information or to fi nd out how to join, contact Anna through the general contact details at the back of this magazine.

* What is ‘Lent?’ It is roughly 4 weeks leading up to Easter when some people choose to forgo some meals over 40 days to refl ect on the 40 days Jesus fasted from all food in the desert, after his baptism. Fasting releases time to pray. Also, money that would otherwise be spent on food can be given to charity.

InspirationsThose that sew together know each other. Welcome to Dot’s wonderful

afternoons of creativity.

THURSDAYS 12 – 2.45PM FREE

Join our happy group of adults, children and a couple of dogs

for a monthly walk in the country. Gather in the Fulwood Free Methodist church car park on Lightfoot Lane, to share lifts. For details of times/dates phone or email the church offi ce.

INDEPENDENT LARGE RETAIL STORE OF THE YEAR 2015

Who has worked a 60 - 80 hour week for the last 5 years and loves what

he does? Answer: Nigel Cope, who runs two Christian Resource Centres (CRC) in Preston and Lancaster, with his wife Kath, and fi ve enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable sta� .

This year, 35 shops throughout the country were nominated for the honour of being Independent Large Retail Store of the Year 2015. The award went to Nigel and his team. It is an industry award that is not handed out lightly.

Nigel explains, ‘We met the criteria because of the wide range of products we sell, a good display, good shop layout and signage. The assessors were impressed with the quantity and range of books, cards, CDs and gifts.’

The shop may be a business but it is one that puts people fi rst. The staff were recognised for their passion in serving and caring for many people in churches, schools and other communities across both cities. Nigel says, ‘Some people come in carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, others feel excluded from society and have even been asked to leave other shops, but we make time to listen, to help them feel safe and accepted. People come looking for books or cards to help with bereavement,

or as gifts for others who are struggling and we help them make those sometimes diffi cult choices.

Beyond the four walls of the resource centre, the staff run many bookstalls, supporting events locally and further afi eld. The assessors liked our training programme for staff , especially for the young folk who work for us, as we aim to equip each one for a future in the workplace. We were

acknowledged for the respect that suppliers give us, as we build good relationships with

them, always maintaining a professional attitude to business.’

The award supports future trading with suppliers, giving the business more credence. It tells the customers that they are not ‘just another shop’ but are reliable and here to stay! Since the award, Nigel has been approached to stand on an industry committee that meets in London. He is still considering this one!

Steve Briars, one of the assessors said, ‘It’s not surprising the shop has been nominated for the award. It has a lovely blend of professionalism, laughter and a passion to serve the communities of Preston, Lancaster and beyond through Christian literature and resources.’

Come and browse the shop, located on Fox Street, Preston Town Centre.

Web: www.prestonchristianresourcecentre.co.uk email: cbcpreston@aol.com / Tel: 01772 259279

The Venue began on 23rd April 2015. It’s a friendly, relaxed place where anyone can ask questions about the Christian faith.

Sessions kick off either with a BIG question to discuss, or a short DVD on a particular subject. There is time to chat about the subject, and time for questions that lead to lively, interesting discussions - questions such as ‘What is Faith?’, ‘Who is God?’, ‘What is God like?’ and ‘Is it possible to know God personally?’

The meetings are fl exible, and the leaders respond to whatever people want to explore. Most weeks about a dozen people attend. Sometimes the Alpha-talk DVDs are shown to help clarify a point. Recent feedback from people who’ve attended the Venue:

‘I feel safe to ask anything.’

‘It is informal and friendly.’

‘Very welcoming.’

‘It doesn’t matter if you miss a week.’ If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian or want to learn more about the Christian faith please come along. Or maybe you have friends or family who ask you questions – you could suggest trying out The Venue where they’re free to ask and explore any question big or small, or just relax and listen to others. Everyone can come as little or as often as they choose.

The Venue is fortnightly, 7.30 - 9.30pm on Thursdays. See Fulwood Free Methodist Church website or phone the church offi ce 01772 861597 for info.

INCLUDES FREE TEA, COFFEE AND CAKE

Jfor a monthly walk in the country.Gather in the Fulwood Free Methodist church car park on Lightfoot Lane, to share lifts. For details of times/dates

come looking for books or cards to help with bereavement, email: cbcpreston@aol.com

LightfootR A M B L E R SR S

10 11

FREE

Steve Allen heads up this gang of men who bring their young children or grandchildren to chill out together! £2 per family includes bacon butties,

tea, coff ee and biscuits. Come into Fulwood Free Methodist Church at 10 -11.30am on the following

Saturdays throughout 2016:

January 9th, March 12th, May 14th, July 2nd, Sept 10th, Nov 26th

WHo DadS ouT?

Letthe

THE VENUE

Find out more about the Christian faith

We’re Open from 7.30 – 9.30 pm

every other week on a Thursday

share lifts. For details of times/dates phone or email the church offi ce.share lifts. For details of times/dates phone or email the church offi ce.

FREE VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIRWEDNESDAYS 7.30 - 9.00PM

Stewart and Lisa Bell (Choir co-ordinators)

This new choir is open to everyone regardless of age, race, religion or experience – especially men! For

information contact co-ordinators Stewart and Lisa Bell using the contact details on

the back of Heart magazine.

ADDRESSFulwood FMCLightfoot LaneFulwoodPrestonPR2 3LT

TELEPHONE01772 861597

FIN

D U

S

V ISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.fulwoodfmc.net• for info on our church• for podcsasts – listen to our Sunday messages online• for blogs – thoughts and ideas

for you to read

EMAILgeneral@fulwoodfmc.net

C O N T A C T ISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.fulwoodfmc.net

SPACESPACESPACE

For years 7-8

FRIDAY (term time only)

6.30 – 8.00pm

SPACEChill out together on a

Friday evening.

Games, activities such as craft or

baking. Lots of fun with

good leaders.

Registered Charity No. 514359S t a f f a t F u l w o o d F r e e M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h a r e :

P a s t o r A n d r e w G a r d n e r • P a s t o r I a n C l a r k s o n • P a s t o r a l C h u r c h W o r k e r – S u e C h a s t n e y • G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y – V i c k y J o h n s

WHAT’S ONSUNDAYS

M O R N I N G S E R V I C E

Choose from two identical morning services:9.15am – 10.15am or 11am – 12 NOON

Services include modern worship, led by singers and musicians on a variety of instruments and words from the Bible that inspire us.

A F T E R N O O N S E R V I C E3.00 – 3.45PM

Usually 1st Sunday each month (not January and August)

E V E N I N G S E R V I C E 6.30 – 8.00PM

Free refreshments follow all services

Sunday 9.15 or 11am

IGNITE

An informal church

for young people

aged 11 - 16.

Bring your friends

and fi nd out what

we get up to.

Everyone is very

welcome!

IGNITE‘Energize’ (Junior Church)

for 4 – 11 yr olds, bothmorning services

FREE!iMPACT is more than just a youth club - games,

activities, food, sports, electronic games,

worship and a short message each week. Make

friends and relax together.

F o r y e a r s 9 a n d o v e r

(ages 13 – 18)

FRIDAY 8.00 – 10.00pm

VISIT OUR WEBSITEC O N T A C T ISIT OUR WEBSITE

Come to Kick Start!

WEDNESDAY 6-7pm in term-timeSubs 50p – First week freeCalling all junior school boys and girls, years 3 – 6.Fun, games, crafts, games and activities and Bible stories.

Services include modern worship, led by singers and musicians on a variety of instruments and words from the Bible that inspire us.

SPARKS

Both morning services include:

Crèche for adults with babies and

‘Sparks’ fun for 2 – 3 yr olds

Both services are signed in BSL and SSE by members of the congregation. A hearing loop is available for the hard of hearing.

Anyone is welcome!

For years 7-8