Dear Friends,

When you read this, I will hopefully be enjoying the bracing landscape and seascape of the North of Scotland – specifically Thurso and the surrounding area – a place the Higgin-Botham’s have not ventured to before!

Colin has great plans to resurrect his passion for fishing – though as yet he has no actual fishing gear – so I think the fish will probably be safe!

Basil will, I’m sure, enjoy racing along the beautiful beaches and sniffing lots of new and exciting places. Thankfully, whilst he may behave like a small child at times, there will be no danger on the long journey up to Thurso, of him asking ‘Are we there yet’!

As for me, I won’t exactly be putting my feet up for two weeks! Going to this remote part of the British Isles was in response to an email forwarded from the North Western Synod Office of the URC. They had received a request from the Church Secretary of Thurso URC, asking if any Ministers or Lay Worship Leaders would like to holiday up there (staying in the Manse) in return for taking their Sunday morning service. So after consulting Colin, we decided to jump at the chance to explore this beautiful part of the country. I’m not expecting the weather to be wall to wall sunshine, but a few good days to take in the sights would be welcome!

Whilst I’m away, there are exciting things afoot as the Preston Circuit of the Methodist Church becomes the new Preston Ribble Circuit. Sadly I shall miss the District Celebration at St Annes on the 5th September – but I hope that won’t stop some of you going and enjoying the fun!

Also, can you believe that my first service back at Christ Church will be our Harvest Celebration on the 19th September? This year I’d like to focus on Christian Aid’s ‘Be a part of a Wind of Change’ – which looks at the provision of a wind-powered well, bringing water to the desert of western Afghanistan. (Details in the Foyer) There will be an opportunity to make your own windmill in this All-Age Service – so come and enjoy the fun!

Friday the 1st October will be the Churches Together in Longridge Harvest Supper – for which tickets will be available. This is an opportunity to get together in fellowship and fun with our friends from St Paul’s, St Lawrence’s, St Wilfrid’s and Alston Lane.

October is also the month when we will focus once more on the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal – the launch date is Sunday the 17th, and our morning worship will reflect on the success of last year, and look ahead to what we can achieve this year. (Shoeboxes can be dropped off at Christ Church at the Coffee morning on the 5th November and then they will be dedicated during our worship on Sunday 7th November)

So, lots to look forward to, and before you know it, it’ll be Advent and the run-up to Christmas!

In the meantime – let’s celebrate everything that goes on at Christ Church. Now that we have ‘come of age’, let’s make our presence felt in Longridge as we seek to ‘Live for Christ, in the heart of the community’

Yours in Christ,
Helen
<><