Christ Church, Longridge

Next Sunday (June 28th)
10.45am: Morning Service led by Mrs Zoe Ainsworth
  6.30pm: Circuit Service at Lea Methodist Church
                    (No Service at Christ Church)

• Monday 29th June
  7.30pm: Bible Study at 61 Chaigley Road.
• Tuesday 14th July
  7.30pm: Christ Church Council Meeting. All welcome to attend.
  Also: Ladies Guild trip to Pendle Outlet Centre and Oswaldtwistle Mill, leaving the Townley Arms at 10am, returning 5.30pm. Cost £8.50. Ask your friends to join us – we need more names.
• MHA exists to improve the quality of life for older people inspired by Christian concern. Please consider supporting this work by your prayers and giving a donation using the envelopes provided on the chairs. Thank You.

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Dear Friends,

“What can I write for my pastoral letter”, I asked my husband and daughter the other evening. “How about ‘Keeping your faith in the political and economical climate’”, came back the reply! (Serves me right for asking!)

I was about to dismiss it, when I thought actually this is something which is affecting us all at the moment, in one way or another. Our newspapers are full of the ‘Ministerial Expenses’ revelations; European Elections and the threat of the BNP loom on the horizon; and the credit crunch has ramifications in all walks of life.

I suppose, firstly, we are reminded that no-one is infallible. Political party representatives who claim that they have just been following (and perhaps bending) the rules, have now been ‘found out’ – and hopefully whatever sort of system emerges from all the mayhem will prevent this sort of thing happening again.

Of course there have now been calls for the general voting public not to ‘punish’ those standing for the main political parties in the European Parliament by not bothering to vote at all, because of what has happened in recent weeks. We all have a duty of care in the way we use our vote, but not using it may mean that the racist and questionable views of those running for the BNP come out on top by default.

The ‘credit crunch’, the recession, whatever we call the financial climate at the moment, has had far reaching consequences for people all over the world and may take us years to recover from, and it’s hard not to be affected by news of those who have lost money, homes or businesses.

So do we as Christians feel we have an advantage when it comes to getting through difficult times in our lives? How do we keep our faith strong and positive, when all around us may be losing theirs?

Someone once said, ‘Faith is not faith until it’s all you’re holding on to’ – so I suppose when all we have is faith in the God who said ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have…. I will never leave you or forsake you’ – we will truly be able to
reply with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. is quoted as saying, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” – so although we may not see the bigger picture, or be able to prevent all the evil which invades our world, putting our faith and trust in God, who loves us
unconditionally, will enable us to ride the storms of life.

I leave you with this last thought from D Elton Trueblood (American Quaker author and theologian), who said,

“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”

Yours in Christ, Helen <><

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The organization called Tuesday at Two began at Longridge Methodist Church about 25 years ago. At the time, it was felt that there was a need for a day time fellowship meeting, as most church activities took place in the evening. It was open to anyone at home during the day and to begin with attracted both men and women, retired people and young mums. The fortnightly meetings have continued ever since but are now mainly attended by women although men would always be welcome. There have been a wide variety of interesting speakers and trips out over the years and for the last twenty years the team of Mary Hughes, Margaret Mohyla and Sheila Freeman has kept things running smoothly. Not surprisingly they are looking to hand over the task of finding speakers, organizing trips and making sure that all the practicalities of running the meetings are taken care of.

On behalf of everyone at Christ Church and especially those who have attended the meetings over the years, we want to say a really big THANK YOU. If any one would like to help run Tuesday at Two in the future, please see Helen Higgin-Botham, Carol Spencer or Margaret Mohyla.

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Since Christ Church was formed, we have had two fonts – one from each of the joining churches. These were both rather small and both had damage to them but served the purpose. However, they were not very visible and for some time there had been discussions about the possibility of a new font specially for our joint church which is now 20 years old!! Earlier this year, we received an incentive to move more quickly when the mirror in the vestry fell on to one of the fonts and smashed it into tiny pieces. We are grateful to the Ladies Guild who provided most of the money to purchase a brand new font in wood to match the rest of the church. A special word of thanks goes to Janet Sommerville, who researched designs and found the supplier and to all who made a financial contribution. If you have not been in church recently, do come and look at this beautiful new addition.

We have also recently purchased a new book trolley so the hymn books are no longer under the chairs and have to be collected as you come in and returned to the foyer at the end of the service. Bibles are available under the end chairs of each row.

The library has been discontinued but the library cupboard is now being used to store fair trade products which can still be purchased from Carol Rose. The bookstall is available on a seasonal basis which means there are new books to be looked at the significant periods of the church’s year.

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If a Prestonian had undertaken just one hike in their lifetime, it would probably be to Nicky Nook, such is the popularity of this fell. Not only is the walk popular, but it is also exceptionally scenic. Not even the carving of the M6 through the middle of it has diminished its attraction.

Starting from the car park in Garstang, six of us, two Spaniels plus three walkers from the Bolton section set off in pleasant conditions along the riverside path, over the Wyre footbridge onto a short stretch of quiet lanes then across fields, the motorway, railway and on to another lane. Shortly, we joined the beautiful track through Grizedale, climbing steadily up to the reservoir. From here, we took the steep ascent up to the summit of Nicky Nook and were met by a ferocious westerly gale that nearly had us off our feet. Here we found a convenient big hollow that provided a suitable, sheltered lunch stop.

On our way again, we first grabbed a passing lone hiker to take photographs and then started the steep decent down the fell. Then it was down Snowhill Lane towards Scorton, but instead of entering the village we took a path to the left that took us into a very pretty narrow steep sided valley with a brook at the bottom. Then it was back to familiar territory through fields and dense woodland, stopping to take photos of the group amidst a carpet of bluebells. From here, we recrossed the M6 and returned to Garstang just as the heavens opened.

Many thanks to Jim & Janet for a splendid local walk and for providing some new variations on an original theme.

Linda & Eddie Grange

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This month’s walk, led by John Dixon, was, as usual, one of his Yorkshire adventures, but this time a little closer to home.

Starting from the Plough Hotel at Wigglesworth. (The Plough IS Wigglesworth, the place is so small), our party of five plus two from the Bolton section started walking up-hill past the hotel along a short stretch of road before we entered the fields. The layout of this walk consisted of a steady climb up a south facing slope followed by a decent further to the west. Consequently, we were able to take advantage of the pleasant sunshine that lasted throughout the walk.

Climbing steadily, crossing field after field, we were able to admire the excellent views opening up ahead, including Whernside in the distance and noting that the Ribble Way passed closely to the east of us. Naturally, we crossed many stiles of every variety and it was sad to note that some of these had been obscured by thoughtless farmers placing barbed wire across them. Arriving at the top of the hill, we stopped for lunch, having discarded much of our winter clothing on the way up as it was now tee shirt weather.

The second part of the walk was now downhill, with views to the south. We started walking along a farm track leading down to Tod Holes Lane where we came across a vintage farmer driving an equally vintage tractor with considerable verve. Obviously, he was very proud of the old girl.

The final part of the walk was along lanes and tracks leading back to the Ribble Valley road and down to Wigglesworth.

Many thanks to John for organizing a very pleasant walk before leaving us to take up his other life of cricket for the summer.

Eddie Grange

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Next Sunday (April 5th)
10.45am: Morning Service led by Rev Richard Church
                    (North West URC Moderator)
  6.30pm: Evening Service led by Rev Enid Balson

• I would like to say a big thank you to the members of congregation who have so generously contributed to the Baptismal Font Fund. Guild members are also holding a Coffee Morning (two course hot lunch - £3.50) on Thursday April 2nd at the Civic Hall to add to this fund. Any help would be welcome - specially from guild members who have not contributed previously. Please look at the list in the foyer or see Pam or Olive at the end of the service – Olive.

Circuit News….

• Circuit Prayer time at Ingol is on April 4th at 9am.
• Circuit Quiet Day at the Rufford Centre is on 1st May from 10am-4pm.

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Next Sunday (March 29th)
10.45am: Morning Service led by Mr Anthony Strong
  6.30pm: Evening Service led by Mrs Jennifer Liddell

• Readers In Worship Would vestry stewards please note that the list of readers on the noticeboard has been updated and copies for reference are available on the table. If anyone is interested in being a reader in worship, please add your name and contact details on the list or see me. Thank you - Henry.
• “Allo, Allo - ADA Calling” On Saturday 28th March at 7.30pm in Knowle Green Village Hall. Adult Disability Arts present a nostalgic ramble through the crazy world of Rene Artoir during the 2nd world war; starring Pauline Hall as Mimi the waitress. Tickets £3.50 from Hazel Scott or at the door.
• Lenten Lunch Any help would be welcome for the coming Friday’s Lent Lunch at Christ Church. Please see Pam Cliff if you are able to help.

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Next Sunday (March 22nd)
10.45am: Morning Family Service - Mothering Sunday
  6.30pm: Evening Service & Holy Communion led by Rev Helen Higgin-Botham

• The Ladies Guild is donating a Baptismal Font to church. Delivery has been promised for early April. A photograph of the Font is on the notice board in the foyer. The congregation is invited to make donations toward the cost. These may be put in an envelope marked “Baptismal Font” and placed in the collection plate, or may be given to Mrs Betty Warren.
• Lent Lunch: Thank you to all who helped with the Lent Lunch at Christ Church. A sum of £272.50 was raised for CAFOD and Christian aid.

Circuit News….

• Circuit Meeting at Lea is on March 17th at 7.30pm.
• Fulwood Methodist Film Club “Leap of faith” is on March 19th at 7.30pm.
• Make Space for remembering mum: a special service at Central Methodist Church, King Street Great Harwood, Friday 20th March at 7.30pm.
• Circuit Quiet Day at the Rufford Centre is on 1st May from 10am-4pm.

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This walk started at Wheelton (with 8 people and 2 ‘four footed’ friends) from the car park at the Dressers Arms. This establishment has been around a lot longer than any of the participants – in fact it was “The Inn on Friars Brow” in Oliver Cromwell’s time and commemorates Cromwell’s persecution of the Roman Catholics in the area and in particular the Brothers of a Friary that stood on top of the hill. Until its expansion in the late 1950s, it was the smallest pub in Lancashire.

Leaving the car park we crossed the main road and soon took a path that led us across a very muddy field and then down through a copse of Chestnut trees to a lane with a view point which overlooks the canal to the Lancashire Plain and a view of the large gasometer at Southport. A short way along the lane we turned down a track and joined the tow-path of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This was started in 1773 and completed with the final link in 1817. A distance of 127 miles.

This led us to the hamlet of Withnell Fold which lays claim to fame by being the home of a paper mill built by the Parkes Family in 1843 which in its latter years produced bank-note paper. It closed about 1970 and in recent years new housing has been added to the old core of the village. Our route now followed the cobbled road up to the main Chorley – Blackburn road and then across to Oakmere Avenue. This led to Snape’s Heights Farm and from where it was possible to see across Preston but it was not clear enough to pick out Blackpool Tower nor Heysham Power Station. From here we followed a track to Pike Low Farm and eventually entered a fairly new estate in Brinscall. A tarmac footpath cutting down between two estates led us down to the old part of Brinscall. At the bottom of the hill we came to the old mill lodge which has become a village pond with a wide selection of bird life. Here there were three conveniently seating benches sited and this was our lunch stop. There was a fairly strong wind blowing and as the writer got up to pack his rucksack, his seating mat took off. Fortunately the wind was blowing from the pond and Eddy valiantly chased the offending article with a creditable hop-scotch a good 50 yards before managing to pin it down.

After being fed and watered, we continued up Well Lane to cross a stile into Wheelton Plantation Woodland. It had been expected that we would see a wide selection of birds but none were around at the time of our passing. Following the path we eventually crossed over a fast flowing stream and down to the track bed of the disused Chorley – Blackburn railway line. Here we crossed over the railway bridge and turned left along the road then over a concrete bridge across a brook to reach a road. Following the track uphill and over numerous stiles we eventually came to a point with good views to the left of Chorley and the Lancashire Plain. From here our path was through the paddock and across three stiles in quick succession. At the farm drive we turned right to walk up to Briars Brow and turned left down the road to return to the Dressers Arms.

Distance 7 miles. Thanks to Eddy Grange for an enjoyable walk and arranging the good weather.

Derek Gunnell

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Dear Friends,

As you [may] know, since September 2008 our son Daniel has been serving as a Medic out in Afghanistan, firstly in Kandahar then latterly at Camp Bastion. Just recently he was back in the UK for two weeks R&R and it was lovely to see him safe and well. Colin and I were overjoyed that he took the time whilst home, to make his engagement to girlfriend Lowri official – as in, he took her to buy ‘the ring’!!

Before he left, I asked him if he would write a few lines to let you know how the boxes of ‘goodies’ I’ve been sending out to him were distributed. The ‘Buddy Box’ at the back of church has become a familiar sight, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed and to let you know that I will continue to send them until the end of February.

The following piece that he left me to forward to you, explains far better than I ever could, just what your generosity means to those who are on the receiving end of it.

‘An Afghan Tale’

The sun starts to rise but the cold air hangs all around me, cutting through the thin desert trousers I’ve been wearing for the past 4 days. Mud and dust hold in what little heat there still is to my lower body, my upper body keeping warm through my armour and equipment.

The frost forms on the helmets in front of me and I look at my watch for perhaps the 5th time in the past minute; we’ll be lifted out of here any time soon…but no sound.

I look through the scope of my rifle at the compound to my front. A figure has come out; it doesn’t look to be carrying anything, probably going to pray, maybe going to make sure people know we’re here.

It’s OK though, we’ll be out any minute, but still no noise. It always amazes me how quiet everything is. The only time it’s this quiet back in Britain is when I’ve climbed to the top of a deserted peak.

More people begin moving out of that compound. Are they moving out or just around it? No-one seems to be carrying anything. They’re looking over at us, moving towards us. Are they just looking, or do they intend to do something else?

They’ve stopped, three of them looking in our direction. Maybe they’re just curious. I mean who wouldn’t be! If a foreign army was in Britain, on my road, I would probably want to see what they were doing as well.

These three seem to be just wearing their ‘dish-dash’ and don’t look to have any weapons. Would they have put any in their fields?

More movement from the compound – just kids playing.

The word is passed around…“HELO in, in one minute”. I check my equipment, get to one knee…I’ll be glad to get this day-sack off. It seems to get heavier every time I lift it up.

Standing up and moving towards the aircraft now – trying to move quickly across the ground, but legs have gone cold and stiff.

‘That helicopter came in quickly, I didn’t see it land’, I say. Still can’t see it with all the dust it’s kicked up, so I just keep following the bloke in front. One big step, then onto the helicopter…shuffle forward…move as close in as possible.

A couple more seconds then the earth falls away and we rise up…leaning forward…moving fast and low…getting out of the desertlike fields and back to base for a hot shower and some food.

Another op. down; one more closer to getting home, and no-one killed. A quiet one for me, but then it’s good when the medic has a quiet one.

I put a fresh uniform on and grab a couple of the boxes that have arrived from the Fulwood and Longridge Churches. I put them into the TV room where some of the lads are watching the football. They show their appreciation by digging into the goodies and express their thanks.

I then go back to the tent to clean my rifle and tuck into the box I’ve saved for me and the lads I share this ‘home’ with. They’re all out at the back of the tent where the sun is now high and the temperature is climbing.

We sit in a circle telling tales of our adventures and cleaning our rifles and kit, all the while drinking fizzy pop and munching the sweets sent by people we don’t quite know, but will always be grateful to for being so generous.

This is what brings us back down to earth…these couple of hours talking, laughing, joking, and eating…thankful we have all got through the last couple of days safe and sound. Having these packages sent over to us fills us with happiness, and reminds us of a place we all hope we’ll come back to very soon.

Dan
(Corporal Dan Higgin-Botham, Royal Army Medical Corp.)

NB: Dan will be home again in early April, and whilst I pray that he will return to us safely, that hope is extended to all those away from their loved ones, serving in our armed forces in difficult and dangerous circumstances. May God bless them and keep them safe.

Helen <><

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The walk for this month, led by Veronica, was a pleasant seven mile tour of the countryside to the west of Garstang. The weather turned out to be pleasant and less cold than recently.

Starting from the main car park in Garstang, our little party of six and two dogs headed out through the village to join the Lancaster Canal and then walking south towards Catterall. The water had a slight covering of ice, but provided little difficulty for two swans that decided to investigate the dogs.

Leaving the canal at Catterall basin, we then followed a mill stream westwards across fields to Calder Bridge, crossing the main road and now following a path by the River Calder. Shortly, we arrived at the confluence of the Calder and the Wyre. Next, we had to cross the busy A6 and pick up the river Wyre for a while, eventually crossing this river by means of a very impressive suspended footbridge and heading on towards the very old and pretty village of Churchtown.

Churchtown was our lunch stop. We spread ourselves out on benches surrounding the village square in front of the very old St Helens Church and this also became our photo opportunity.

Leaving Churchtown, we crossed the equally busy Garstang-Blackpool road and pointed north towards Hall Farm and Kirkland Hall where they appear to specialize in rare breeds of cattle which we believe are Belted Galloway. A further stretch of woodland led us to another farm, Cross House. Here a giant car transporter was unloading second-hand Volkswagens for storage at the farm.

Re-crossing the A6, we then descended a steep embankment and crossed a field of sheep which avoided us at first and then decided to follow us. A short stretch of canal led us back to Garstang.

Many thanks to Veronica for a pleasant and interesting walk in an area that rarely disappoints.

Linda & Eddie Grange

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