(The United Benefice of Horwich & Rivington) Team Newsletter · 2020-06-19 · caretaker will put...
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Holy Trinity, St Catherine’s and St. Elizabeth’s Churches, Horwich, and Rivington Parish Church (The United Benefice of Horwich & Rivington) Team Newsletter 21 st June 2020 A Message from Gill The last time Churches were open was three months ago for private prayer. While we have all missed worshipping together in congregations, there have been many opportunities to experience ‘church’ in our own homes via the internet, a new kind of church which is reaching more people than we saw in our team churches on a Sunday. We are hoping our team churches will be opening for private prayer soon with sanitizing stations at the door and seating arranged to observe social distancing rules. As lockdown is easing, with shops now open, it will be a difficult time for many people. Decisions now must be made; do I attend church or go shopping, or do I stay at home in my little bubble? Many will be afraid of going out after isolating for over three months. The longer people stay at home, afraid of what is happening outside the harder it gets to actually go out. There is always a risk in going out, even without COVID, but we have been told for many months now we need to be afraid, be very afraid of this monster in our midst, COVID19. What is the command that Jesus used most often in the Gospels? You might expect it to be something like; pray lots, behave yourself, or go to church. But no, the command that Jesus uses often is ‘do not be afraid’. In the reading for this Sunday, Matthew 10:24-39 Jesus uses it in verses 26, 28 and 31. Jesus doesn’t mean ‘its OK for the disciples to do anything they like and God will keep them safe’ but it is OK to stick at something you are called to do with dogged determination. We must not let our fear of doing something stop us from doing it. It may be risky but if we weigh up all the risks and take precautions and the necessary safeguards then we have done all we can to remain safe. If we fear going out again then fear breads fear and we will do nothing. Imagine no COVID as it was this time last year. Would we have sat inside worrying and not going out? No but let’s think about what could have gone wrong in the ‘normal times’ of a year ago. We could have tripped over the kerb, fallen down some steps, had an accident in the car etc. etc. but most of us don’t think about the risks when we go out, we just go. Bad things will happen to us, all of us, but we will be given the strength and determination to get through the hard times. As Christians we know that God is with us all through the bad times, even though at times we feel very far from God. God does tell us to fear the dark forces that breed on our fear; the little voice inside us that keeps making our fear worse. We have to stamp on that little voice and do it anyway. God will give us the strength to do whatever we have to. Please don’t be afraid to go out; take the necessary precautions. Wear your face covering, carry your hand sanitizer with you and observe the social distancing measures. There is still a risk, but life is a risk and we really can’t avoid every single risk. When we are finally allowed to hold church services, maybe it’s the time to think about what services we offer, who can deliver them, how we deliver them and when we deliver them. It’s a really good time to review everything we do and to make decisions about what we keep, what we change, what we drop and what new thing can we start. Don’t start feeling the fear about change. Let us just face the challenge with an open mind. As I was writing this the news came through of the death at 103 of Vera Lynn. So, to quote one of her most popular wartime songs which brought families together over the radio ‘We’ll meet again’. Whether it’s in our homes, church, in the pub, the café or the shops we will meet again and hopefully soon.
Transcript of (The United Benefice of Horwich & Rivington) Team Newsletter · 2020-06-19 · caretaker will put...
Holy Trinity, St Catherine’s and
St. Elizabeth’s Churches, Horwich,
and Rivington Parish Church (The United Benefice of Horwich & Rivington)
Team Newsletter 21st June 2020
A Message from Gill The last time Churches were open was three months ago for private prayer. While we have all missed worshipping together in congregations, there have been many opportunities to experience ‘church’ in our own homes via the internet, a new kind of church which is reaching more people than we saw in our team churches on a Sunday. We are hoping our team churches will be opening for private prayer soon with sanitizing stations at the door and seating arranged to observe social distancing rules.
As lockdown is easing, with shops now open, it will be a difficult time for many people. Decisions now must be made; do I attend church or go shopping, or do I stay at home in my little bubble? Many will be afraid of going out after isolating for over three months. The longer people stay at home, afraid of what
is happening outside the harder it gets to actually go out. There is always a risk in going out, even without COVID, but we have been told for many months now we need to be afraid, be very afraid of this monster in our midst, COVID19.
What is the command that Jesus used most often in the Gospels? You might expect it to be something like; pray lots, behave yourself, or go to church. But no, the command that Jesus uses often is ‘do not be afraid’. In the reading for this Sunday, Matthew 10:24-39 Jesus uses it in verses 26, 28 and 31. Jesus doesn’t mean ‘its OK for the disciples to do anything they like and God will keep them safe’ but it is OK to stick at something you are called to do with dogged determination.
We must not let our fear of doing something stop us from doing it. It may be risky but if we weigh up all the risks and take precautions and the necessary safeguards then we have done all we can to remain safe. If we fear going out again then fear breads fear and we will do nothing. Imagine no COVID as it was this time last year. Would we have sat inside worrying and not going out? No but let’s think about what could have gone wrong in the ‘normal times’ of a year ago. We could have tripped over the kerb, fallen down some steps, had an accident in the car etc. etc. but most of us don’t think about the risks when we go out, we just go. Bad things will happen to us, all of us, but we will be given the strength and determination to get through the hard times. As Christians we know that God is with us all through the bad times, even though at times we feel very far from God.
God does tell us to fear the dark forces that breed on our fear; the little voice inside us that keeps making our fear worse. We have to stamp on that little voice and do it anyway. God will give us the strength to do whatever we have to. Please don’t be afraid to go out; take the necessary precautions. Wear your face covering, carry your hand sanitizer with you and observe the social distancing measures. There is still a risk, but life is a risk and we really can’t avoid every single risk.
When we are finally allowed to hold church services, maybe it’s the time to think about what services we offer, who can deliver them, how we deliver them and when we deliver them. It’s a really good time to review everything we do and to make decisions about what we keep, what we change, what we drop and what new thing can we start. Don’t start feeling the fear about change. Let us just face the challenge with an open mind.
As I was writing this the news came through of the death at 103 of Vera Lynn. So, to quote one of her most popular wartime songs which brought families together over the radio ‘We’ll meet again’. Whether it’s in our homes, church, in the pub, the café or the shops we will meet again and hopefully soon.
Daily video reflections from our team clergy
are available on our Facebook pages and also on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/channel/UCsZdGhjVJVE3PPjBmxbaGAw
Each Sunday we are posting a short
online Team Service
Coffee and Chat Sunday 11am Catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Join members of your church for a Zoom chat (bring your own coffee).
If you are on one of our church email lists, you should receive the Zoom link by email. (If not, for
Holy Trinity email Gemma Garcete, St.Catherine’s email Michael Behrend, for St.Elizabeths’ email Gill Smart, and for Rivington email Nicola Butterworth.) Zoom is very easy to learn. All you need is a smart-phone, tablet, or laptop (also works on a PC with camera and speakers).
Opening Churches for Private Prayer We are hoping to open our four churches for private prayer on Sunday 28th June subject to completion of risk assessments and approval by PCCs. More details will be posted on Facebook on next week’s newsletter.
Store House Food Bank Project Next donation day Monday 22nd June 10am – 2pm at Holy Trinity, St Elizabeth’s
and St Catherine's
Goods for Urban Outreach may also be left
outside the garage door of 36 Lower Hill Drive,
Heath Charnock - or in the box by the front door
Horwich Community Centre is also a drop off
point on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 - 1.00pm
and Saturdays 9.30 – 12.30.Please leave
donations in the entrance lobby and the
caretaker will put in the grub tub.
Current priority items are tins of meat, curry, vegetables, chopped tomatoes, fruit.
Also cordial, long life milk, custard powder, large food bags, nappies (especially size 5
and larger), wipes, incontinence pads and male toiletries.
Or donate money online on their website: www.urbanoutreach.co.uk/donate.
Many things have stopped during the ‘lockdown’ but one thing that has continued is the Rivington and Blackrod High School virtual choir. Here they are with a special performance from students (past and present) and staff with ‘Don’t stop Believing.’ https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=sa07zuerc5o…
Matins Join us on Zoom for Matins – A traditional service of Morning Prayer
Saturday 27th June 11am. If you haven’t received the Zoom link by email, you can email David Hawkins ([email protected]) for the Zoom link to join the service.
Today’s Collect & Readings A Collect (Prayer for the Day) & Lectionary Readings from The New International Version (NIV)
A Collect for the Second Sunday after Trinity
Faithful Creator, whose mercy never fails: deepen our faithfulness to you and to your living Word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Genesis 21:8-21 ‘God heard the boy crying’
(Hagar and her son Ishmael are sent away)
8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a
great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abraham, ‘Get rid of that slave woman and
her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.’
11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, ‘Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to
whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your
offspring.’
14 Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on
her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and sat down about a bow-shot away, for she thought, ‘I
cannot watch the boy die.’ And as she sat there, she began to sob.
17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as
he lies there. 18 Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a
great nation.’ 19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the
skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an
archer. 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from
Egypt.
Psalm 86: 1-10,16-17 ‘abounding in love to all who call to you’
(A prayer of David)
Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God.
16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. 17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Romans 6:1b-11 ‘count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God’
(If forgiveness is a free gift, does it matter how we live? Yes!)
Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who
have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? 4 We were therefore buried
with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the
dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him
so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be
slaves to sin – 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that
since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to
God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 10:24-39 ‘don’t be afraid’
(Jesus prepares his disciples for some tough times, but reassures them of God’s care)
24 ‘The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the
house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 ‘So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the
daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can
destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of
your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many
sparrows.
32 ‘Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in
heaven.
34 ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring
peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
‘“a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – 36
a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
37 ‘Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not
take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose
it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
O t h e r R e s o u r c e s
This week’s BBC ‘Sunday Worship’ is at 11.45am on BBC1 & afterwards on iPlayer A service for Father’s Day from Holy Trinity Platt Church
in Manchester led by the Rector, Rev Dr Paul Mathole, filmed before the closure of all church buildings was announced. With songs and hymns recorded by Songs of Praise in 2017. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000kbrv
Radio 4 Sunday Worship
This Sunday at 8.10am and afterwards on BBC sounds
A service exploring fatherhood and God as Father, with Ben Lindsay, Guvna B and Lord Hastings on Father's Day
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000k93y
All Souls, Langham Place is streaming their inspiring Sunday &
midweek services, available live or to watch later at www.allsouls.org/Groups/337797/Watch/Watch.aspx.
Worship Online with Holy Trinity, Brompton
(the home of The Alpha Course) You can join in HTB Sunday Services at www.htb.org/athome
Watch the Church of England’s National virtual service this Sunday www.facebook.com/thechurchofengland/
BBC Radio 4 Longwave Daily Service at
9:45am for 15 minutes. On some DAB radios it is not easy to find. (Radio4LW is available but only when its variations are actually broadcast and only then
can it be searched for and made a preset). You can also get recent recordings & also listen to it
‘live’ or later through this webpage: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_fourlw.
The 96.5 Bolton FM ‘Prayers for Bolton’ Show: Ian Smart and Sue Snowden present this inspirational programme each Sunday at 11am, which includes an act of worship for those currently unable to attend church worship. It is also available online for a few days afterwards. The guest preacher this week will be Rev David Brae, Associate Minister at St Peter’s C of E, Halliwell and Young Adults Pioneer in Bolton Town Centre. Bolton FM is available on 96.5FM and
online at www.boltonfm.com– it is also available on your smartspeaker and digitally via TuneIn.
Bolton's ‘Bridge Church’ have a live-streaming Sunday service at
9:30-11am - check on their website: www.bridgebolton.com.
Our Archbishops’ Twitter Feeds: Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (https://twitter.com/JustinWelby),
Archbishop of York, John Sentamu (https://twitter.com/JohnSentamu), Archbishop of York (Elect), Stephen Cottrell (https://twitter.com/CottrellStephen) -
(https://ntwrightonline.org is a website offering theological courses based on the books of the former Bishop of Durham, Tom Wright. Watch this
YouTube clip where Tom explains why our faith is such Good News for the world today: And see his radio interview about the
Christian view of the current pandemic:
The Bible in One Year Why not download the free ‘Bible in One Year’ App to your smartphone or
tablet? You can read or listen to the bible passages and a short commentary on them by Nicky Gumble. If you don’t have a smartphone or
tablet you can sign up to receive daily emails, www.bibleinoneyear.org/
The You Version Bible App offer a starter daily Bible reading
aid: ‘First Steps With Jesus’ at www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/13502
Rooted! Bible Society Study Aids Grow your faith and understanding of the Bible’s message! www.biblesociety.org.uk/get-involved/rooted/
Let your friends and family who are not online know about this: Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line. The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.
The Marriage Course is now available online Join whenever and wherever you are. https://themarriagecourse.org/
‘Believe in Bolton’ is still available to watch. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yEv4C1Bl30 (the main programme starts after an 11 minute introduction which you can skip). It includes a couple
some really encouraging talks by bishop Jill Duff and Warren Furman (AKA Gladiator Ace).
The ‘Isaiah 53’ Christian Bookshop Great news! The Isaiah 53 Christian Bookshop (formerly CLC) is now
located in Unit 1, 2-5 Crown Street, in Bolton Town Centre, BL1 2RU
– opposite the side entrance of the Elephant and Castle Pub). There
will be great offers on books, Bibles, DVDs, and music. Also: mail
order, local deliveries. Contact David Thurairatnam on: Tel: 532384 | [email protected]
| www.isaiah53christianbookshop.org
Useful Information Worship: While churches are closed, our Ministry Team are helping people worship
in their homes & providing resources on their church websites (A Church Near You) & on our Facebook pages. See addresses for these below.
Pastoral: The Ministry Team have developed a plan for the pastoral & practical
support of those who are vulnerable or housebound in team churches. For those who
need to self-isolate, we offer telephone support by voluntary helpers to assess needs.
Urgent Deliveries: Mrs Gemma Garcete (details below) is assisting the pastoral
teams at our team churches in co-ordinating appropriate practical support (shopping,
deliveries, etc.) in line with Diocesan Safeguarding guidelines & the Government’s current
isolation & general hygiene advice. We will try to identify anyone who is fearful or needful to offer prayer & other appropriate support, as required, or to refer them on to
other appropriate and authorised agencies.
Bolton Council have set up a COVID 19 community response line offering vital help to people who need food or essential items – Telephone 01204 337221
Prayers: Our team churches want to keep our prayer lists up to date & available
during this time of crisis, so please send prayer requests (having checked that those being
prayed for are happy to have their names on these lists online, please!) to: Holy Trinity: Mike Foster ([email protected]) & Susan Kerr ([email protected]).
St. Catherine’s: Michael Behrend ([email protected])& Ian Winnard ([email protected]).
St. Elizabeth’s: Gill Smart ([email protected]) & Jill Harley ([email protected]).
Rivington: Eunice Hawkins ([email protected])& Vicky Holden ([email protected])
Deanery Contacts: Area Dean: Revd Vincent Whitworth, 01204 658921, [email protected].
Westhoughton Team: www.youtube.com/channel/UCDx266HLh9ShYeBJnON8ODg
Deane & Lostock: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnMlpNspW-2F-iibeQNKp4Q/videos
St. Andrew’s & St. Bede’s: www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMxgACZ4uXxWyHNodqiVbQ
Team Church Website, Facebook & Social Media Channels: Holy Trinity, Horwich: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16052/
St. Catherine’s, Horwich: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16054/ St. Elizabeth’s, Horwich: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16053/
Rivington Parish Church: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16056/
Holy Trinity: www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityParishChurchHorwich
St. Catherine’s: www.facebook.com/stcatherineschurchhorwich
St. Elizabeth’s: www.facebook.com/StLizziesCofE
Rivington: www.facebook.com/rivingtonparishchurch
St. Elizabeth’s Instagram & Twitter Channels: www.instagram.com/stlizziescofe/ &
https://twitter.com/StLizziesCofE
Useful Church Contact Details:
The Team Office will not be staffed during the Coronavirus emergency, but
voicemail messages (01204 692252) and emails ([email protected]) will
be checked remotely by our voluntary Team Administrator, Mrs Susan Preston 01204 693722, [email protected]).
Team Ministers Revd Michael Behrend (Acting Team Rector), 01204 697162, [email protected]
Revd Nicola Butterworth (Team Curate), 07706 979393, [email protected]
Gemma Garcete (Team Youth Minister), 07450 714711, [email protected]
Revd Peter Harley (Associate Minister – recovering after surgery), 01204 694611, [email protected]
Revd Gill Smart (Associate Minister), 07967 585670, [email protected] Revd Caroline Tracey (Associate Minister), 01204 692303, [email protected]
Revd Glenda Bush (Honorary Minister) 01204 691539 Revd Brenda Craston (Honorary Minister) 01204 699972 [email protected]
Revd David Griffiths (Honorary Minister) 01204 469621 [email protected] Revd Tony Woodward (Honorary Minister) 07827 917209 [email protected]
Team Churchwardens Chris Knowles (Holy Trinity), 07833 290498, [email protected]
Grenville Hartley (Holy Trinity), 01204 279365, [email protected] Margaret Broadfoot (Holy Trinity Deputy, but currently in self-isolation due to health issues),
01204 690283, [email protected] Ian Winnard (St. Catherine’s), 01204 694005, [email protected] Kath Jackson (St. Catherine’s), 01204 770598, [email protected]
Graham Smith (St. Elizabeth’s), 01204 699875, [email protected] Peter Holden (Rivington), 01257 482451, [email protected]
Dawn Cunningham (Rivington), 07733 104560, [email protected]
Sandra Leatherbarrow (Rivington Deputy), 01204 843631, [email protected]
Other Team Pastoral / ALM Contacts: Jenny Dagnall (Holy Trinity), 01204 468683, [email protected] Jill Harley (St. Elizabeth’s), 01204 694611, [email protected]
Eunice Hawkins (Rivington), 01257 481706, [email protected] Vicky Holden, (Rivington), 01257 482451, [email protected]
Wendy Holland (St. Elizabeth’s, but currently in self-isolation caring for elderly father), 01204 696755, [email protected] Susan Kerr (Holy Trinity), 01204 692760, [email protected]
Ron Knott (Holy Trinity), 07719 274700, [email protected] Gloria Long (Holy Trinity), 01204 692035, [email protected]
Jacquie Madeley (Holy Trinity), 01942 589163, [email protected] Susan Rayner, (Holy Trinity), 01204 468422, [email protected]
Graham Smith (St. Elizabeth’s - 01204 699875, [email protected]
Pam Smith (St. Catherine’s) 01204 699875, [email protected] Jane Thompson (St. Elizabeth’s), 07772 163361, [email protected]
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