Christ Church, Longridge

Olive has not been at all well in these last few months and so it is not surprising that after many years of indefatigable service to Christ Church and its predecessors (Longridge Congregational Church and Longridge United Reformed Church),  she needs to step down from most of her responsibilities.   Indeed we are extremely grateful that she has managed to continue for so long as she has certainly earned the right to an honourable retirement. Continue reading »

The theme of our decorations this year is to be The Star. If you want to make one or more stars to contribute, please bring them to church on Thursday December 16th between 10.00am and 4.30pm. (Stars can be any size and made of any material. Large cardboard star shapes could be covered with collages or pictures illustrating some aspect of Christmas)

The Church will be open for viewing and refreshments on Friday December 17th between 10.00am and 4.30pm and Saturday December 18th between 10.00am and 2.00pm

Summer Outing with Churches Together In Longridge (CTL)

That was the view of the 30 people including 9 from Christ Church, who went on the summer outing to Lancaster, Heysham and Morecambe.

First stop was a guided tour of Lancaster’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, originally St. Peter’s R.C. church. It was consecrated in 1859 but became a Cathedral in 1924 when the Diocese of Lancaster was created; then in 1995, re-ordered and redecorated. It is a spacious Gothic building with a 240 foot tower and spire and wonderful stained glass windows depicting the life of St. Peter, which, with sunlight streaming through, create an immense area of light and peace. One senses too, that as well as a being a cathedral, it has a very strong and supportive parish community.

After coffee we travelled the short distance up the hill to the Priory where again a guided tour had been arranged. Here, there was an overwhelming sense of history with the castle and the priory standing inside the lines of Roman fortifications. The doorway at the west end of the church appears to be of Saxon origin and the first written document, now in the British Museum, is dated 1094, when it became a Benedictine Priory. The foundations built by the Norman Conquerors were discovered during re-flooring of the chancel at the beginning of the 20^th century. Despite various wars and the Reformation, the building remains, not only of the utmost historical importance and significance, but a present day ‘living’ church.

By contrast our third visit was to Heysham Wesleyan Methodist Church, a modern building which has been recently totally re-furbished – bright and welcoming, with a calm decor of turquoise and white, plus every modern facility – a feature which aroused some mutterings of envy among those of us (female, I have to admit!) in churches equipped with less than ideal kitchens! The church is in use 5 days a week and has strong links with the community Here there was time to sit down and eat our packed lunches, though there was a certain deep disappointment that the ‘tea’ provided was of the sort that comes in cups – and was not going to be (as one person was convinced) of the edible variety that comes on plates!.

All in all, we deeply appreciated the very warm welcome and hospitality in all the churches which encourages our sense of grass-roots progress in Christian unity.

As the sun was shining and the day was warm, many chose to walk the coastal path from Heysham to Morecambe while others took the coach. The afternoon was spent at leisure along the promenade, with the odd ice cream, sticks of Morecambe rock and lots of photos alongside Eric Morecambe’s statue. Many chose to avail themselves of coffee at the huge and very up-market Midland Hotel, while others discovered that an excellent meal of fish with chips or mash, peas or salad, could be obtained for the price of a cup of tea at the Midland! (though admittedly in a place without the views, the space, the grand surroundings or the atmosphere!)

This was a new venture for CTL but, with such positive feed-back, one which should give us confidence to plan other trips and visits in the future.

Hazel Scott

It’s hard to know what to do when we hear of disasters like the earthquake in HAITI. But one thing is certain – we can’t do nothing!
Of the thirteen charities that make up the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee), World Vision, a Christian charity, has said ‘one thing we can all do is pray, pray, pray…’ World Vision has been instrumental in setting up a daily prayer focus and for those of you who have access to the internet you can get an up to date report by clicking here or here. They are asking people to commit themselves to 40 days of prayer starting today. Please consider making this commitment.
Many members have been asking what can we do in more practical ways? This will be discussed at the Church Council meeting on Sunday 31st January. It may be we have a retiring collection, or arrange an event to raise money. Please think and pray about this and if you have any views or ideas make sure you attend the meeting or let someone know who is attending.

Thank you

There are many constants in this life, and one of them is that as soon as the schools have gone back, and September is in full swing – the Supermarkets begin to roll out their Christmas Stock!
This means, of course, that the panic to get Christmas organised starts earlier and earlier each year, and for those of us who like a more spontaneous approach to the festive season, it’s just too much!
However, there are some things which we do need to prepare for well in hand, and one of them is this year’s Operation Christmas Child campaign. For some this will be a very familiar event, but for others will leave them confused as to what is going on. So here is an attempt to let you know how our 2009 campaign will happen!
Now is a good time to begin collecting shoe boxes, Christmas wrapping paper and various items to go in the boxes. Covering the boxes with Christmas paper beforehand will save time later, and get you into the spirit of things!
If you are not sure whether you want to prepare a box yourself, or just contribute to one, take a look at one of the leaflets, situated in the church foyer. Then take it home and inwardly digest!
Each leaflet will give you details about what the shoe boxes are for and an idea of where and who they go to, the age ranges involved, and the gifts which are acceptable to include – in fact, everything you need to know!
If you decided that doing a whole box is too much, then please think about contributing with a few of the items. All donations can then be used to complete whole boxes.
Lastly, make a note in your diary about the ‘Fill a shoe box’ morning, to be held at Christ Church on the 31st October, from 9.00 – 12.30, where we will be setting up a ‘production line’ to complete boxes for the ‘Shoe Box Celebration Service’ on Sunday 1st November, and generally having fun, food and fellowship! (Bacon sandwiches, a possibility!?!)
So, nothing to it really!! – and the fact that many of you are already getting prepared and thinking ahead is great – so why not encourage a friend or neighbour to come along and help out too?
If there is anything you are not sure of, please contact me and I will do my best to help.
Thank you so much for helping to bring hope and a smile to many children who would otherwise never know this gift of love.

Yours in Christ,   Helen <><