The Link

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United Reformed ChurchesUnited Reformed Churches

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Linked through the love of ChristLinked through the love of Christ

February and March 2015February and March 2015

Dear friends,

Recently I read a book by Francis S. Collins, the scientist who heads the Human Genome Project. Francis is one of the world’s foremost scientists and a committed Christian. In ‘The Language of God’, he discusses how he finds faith in God and faith in science compatible. As far as he is concerned, science does not conflict with the Bible, it enhances it.

But it was not always the case and at the start of the book, Dr Collins describes how he travelled a long road through agnosticism (not knowing whether there is a God or not), to atheism, (being sure – at least intellectually – that God did not exist) back to agnosticism and finally to faith.

It was this journey and the influences on it that fascinated me. Dr Collins describes some of the different experiences he had on this journey and the different choices he made that slowly altered his understanding. As I read one thing in particular struck me; it was through people of faith that his atheism was ultimately questioned and it was their impact on his life that led him to acknowledge the possibility of God and begin his faith journey.

As he worked as a hospital doctor he witnessed how many people’s faith helped them in and through often terrible times of suffering, pain and hardship. Their faith gave them hope, ‘with a strong reassurance of peace, be it in this world or the next’. The daily experience of observing and interacting with ordinary people of faith living or dying affected him profoundly. Then one day a woman with a terminal illness asked him a question; “What do you believe?” He realised in that moment that he was unsure. He goes on to write, ‘That moment haunted me for several days. Did I not consider myself a scientist? Does a scientist draw conclusions without considering the data? Could there be a more important question in all human existence than “Is there a God?”

As a consequence of this question he began to seriously explore the question ‘Is there a God?’ and his conscious journey of faith began. He sought out ministers and theologians, he read widely and found the books of C.S. Lewis (another atheist who came to faith) particularly helpful as they reflected his own journey.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus tells a number of people he has healed not to tell anyone else what has happened to them, but how many of them would have actually had to tell anyone else? They had changed in ways that all could see and they could not hide that even if they tried; could Blind Bartimaeus hide the fact that he was no longer Blind Bartimaeus? (Mark 10: 46-53)

Whether we realise it or not our faith affects the way we act in ways that those we come into contact with notice. God can work through us in ways we are unaware of. Some of us are called to ministries as missionaries and evangelists, ministers and prophets, but even if we are not, God can work in and through us because, in faith, like Bartimaeus, we have been transformed and like all those ordinary people with whom Dr Collins came in contact, through the simple living out of our lives of faith we can affect people in ways that can ultimately lead to transformation. Happy living, this day and every day!

‘The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10: 51-52)

Your friend and minister

Murray

Quiet Day 7 th March 2015

Our next QUIET DAY will be held at Croft Meadows Farm, Horton on Saturday 7th March 2015 from 10.00am to 4.00pm

and it will be led by John Keeling. Participants will need to bring a packed lunch and a Bible, notebook, pen/pencil and even a camera might be useful.

The cost of the day will again be £7.00 and names and money should now be given to Murray or John.

PRAYER PAGE:Inside this edition of ‘The Link’ is a separate insert for use in Alsager. It’s the new ‘Weekly Prayer Diary’ for use each day of the week as we pray for each other and for the Church. Apart from Sundays when we pray for Murray, the Elders and their spouses each day contains the names of people who belong to each Elders Pastoral Visiting List. It follows, therefore, that this is a ‘work in progress’ and always will be as different people will be added and deleted as and when necessary – WATCH THIS SPACE for future amendments (although a

revised Diary will be issued each year).It may be that there are names missing from this first Diary or indeed names that are on but shouldn’t be – if that is the case please speak to the relevant Elder or Murray. There is a suggested Prayer for the Day on the back of the Diary which I hope you will find helpful.And now for a complete change a few Prayers before reading the Bible that I’ve picked up on my own journey of faith:

Father of all, to hands and minds prepared and ready, send you Holy Spirit, that by the Scriptures our faith may be increased and our hope

strengthened; and this we ask through you Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Earliest known collect preceding the reading of the Scriptures (c.340)

I open myself to the wisdom of the Word of GodI open myself to the guiding of the Word of GodI open myself to the power of the Word of GodFather, you spoke your Word and the earth was birthedSpeak new life to me this day;Jesus, you came to us as the Word of GodSpeak new life to me this day;Spirit, you awaken me to the Word of GodSpeak new life to me this day.Father, Son, Spirit

Welcome me now to the Word of life. (Amen)

(General prayers (Community of Aidan and Hilda))

Assist us with your Holy Spirit, O God, that the precious jewel of your holy word may be written in our hearts to comfort and reform us, to renew us in your own image and to build us up into the perfection of Christ, the source of all holiness and author of all virtues; and this for his own name’s sake. Amen.

(From the preface to the Geneva Bible (1560)

Every blessingJohn

The Massacre of the Innocents – 21st C Just before Christmas Sheila and I attended a candlelit

vigil near the new Mosque in Hanley to remember the slaughter of 132 children in Peshawar, Pakistan, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim sisters and brothers whose grief and pain were palpable.

The room was packed, with various faiths represented. Brief words of solidarity were spoken by Hifsa Iqbal, a longstanding friend of ours who is the first Muslim woman to head-up Stoke on Trent’s Forum of Faiths; the Bishop of Stafford; leaders from the Jewish and Sikh faiths, and Lloyd Cook from Saltbox who held the whole event together with great sensitivity. The theme was peace, linked to a shared

abhorrence that such a deed could be perpetrated in the name of Islam.

We shared a moment of silence after lighted candles and roses had been distributed to everyone. Poignantly there were a lot of Muslim children present, looking round with wide-eyed innocence just as their counterparts in Peshawar must have done a week earlier.

During the moment of shared silence I put my arm round one of the elders from the Mosque standing next to me, and as the silence progressed very tentatively he put his arm round me and we stood together… then a child cried.

Bernard Moss

Come and be fed

in Body, Mind and Spirit

atAlsager Worship and Buffet Lunch

Midday February 17th

March 17th

April 21st The worship lasts about 35 minutes and is followed by

lunch at approx. 12.40pm

ABRAHAM – AND ALL THAT

Migration – the movement of people from one part of the world to another has been with us ever since the days of Abraham, and indeed long before. Sometimes families or tribes have moved to find more fertile land or a better climate.

However there is another kind of migration. This happens when people’s situation endangers their lives – through war, for example, or natural disaster, or persecution. The subjects of this kind of migration we call “refugees”. At the heart of the biblical story is the escape of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt; they became refugees.

Our own country has been familiar with refugees. In the 1600’s Dutch Protestants fleeing from persecution in their own country settled in Britain (and through their engineering skills changed the face of East Anglia). We have also produced our own refugees, for example the persecuted Puritans who left these shores to settle in America.

In January three of us from St. Mary’s attended the Christians Aware conference with this year’s theme “Refugees – Misery or Hope?” Here we were reminded that this is a worldwide issue. More than 25 million – many of them women and children – eke out a precarious existence, often in countries that are themselves deep in poverty and can do virtually nothing to support vast refugee camps. Most refugees are so as the result of war (think of Syria, the Congo, Eritrea), and some adult refugees are ‘second generation’ (Palestinians for example). Women and children suffer most.

One speaker was Anthony Harvey, former Canon of Westminster Abbey, worker for the Churches’ Refugee Network, and author of Asylum in Britain. He reminded us of the significance in international law of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the 1951 Convention for Refugees, to both of which Britain is a signatory. These speak of a universal right to humane treatment – this is a matter of justice. In religious tradition all human beings are created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity.

However, national governments have an obligation to protect their own citizens. This can lead to difficulties over the admission of “asylum seekers” (refugees escaping from

persecution or armed conflict), and the whole question of immigration becomes a political issue.

Our present situation in Britain is coloured by largely misguided public opinion, with some elements of the media stoking fears of the country being “swamped” (a frequently used word) by refugees. Louise Zanre, lawyer at the Jesuit Refugee Service, provided us with the latest figures. In 2013 there were 29,300 applications of which 17,600 were decided. 327 of these were given leave to remain. 8,500 of the rejected made an appeal and 25% of these were allowed. At the same time about two thirds of the incoming total was matched by British people emigrating and foreigners returning to their own countries.

Sadly, the whole process of dealing with asylum seekers on their arrival is (quoting Anthony Harvey) “a serious case of injustice in our midst today”. These are people who have suffered great hardships to reach safety; who are destitute on arrival and ask only for a fair hearing and opportunity to support themselves by working for their keep. Instead they are liable to be aggressively questioned, presumed to be lying, have limited, sometimes no legal representation when they appeal, are denied all right to work, are often placed in detention while waiting for a decision, are dispersed to regions where they may have no personal contacts and difficult access to lawyers, and may even be denied accommodation and provision for health and food if their final appeal fails.

Behind the statistics are human stories of suffering. This was brought home to us by Zoya Phan, Manager for the Burma Campaign U.K. At the age of 14 she had to escape from Burma when her village was razed to the ground and inhabitants murdered by the military campaigning against ethnic minorities. Zoya came to Britain as a refugee 10 years ago, now educated with an MA. She has revisited (and recently) the refugee situation on the Thai/Burma border where she tells us of continuing ill treatment and rape by the military. Her pictures, sadly made clear the reality and so she continues to work both here and in the refugee camps to alleviate the human rights issues.

It is an understandable temptation to put refugees out of our mind, or worse still accept the media’s false claims that all asylum seekers are “Bogus”. Who is our neighbour? - if it is not those who have been persecuted or whose lives have been torn apart by war.

Bryan Halson For J PIC

The scientific way of looking at the world is not wrong any more than the glass manufacturer’s way of looking at the window. This way of looking at things has its very important uses. Nevertheless, the window was placed there not to be looked at but to be looked through; and the world has failed of its purpose unless it too is looked through and the eye rests not on it but on its God.

Benjamin B. Warfield

Alsager Coffee and Chat

Why not come along and bring a friend on the 1st Saturday of the month.

Enjoy great company and service, wonderful refreshments and a charity stall

So come and enjoy!

Your hosts will be

February Bob & Ria Harrison March Doreen & Barbara H April Lynne & Jacquie May Tom & Janet June Audrey and Marie

Congleton Church on TuesdayCafé – Lunchtime Worship – Chat & Make

A warm welcome,friendship and fellowship,

sustenance for body mind and spirit, craft and conversation

Join us weekly between 10.00am and 2.30pm Congleton URC, Antrobus Street.

Drop in to the Café: 10am -12 middayReflective refreshing worship:12 – 12.30pmChat and Make: 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout this time

Alsager and Congleton URC’s2015

Lent course‘Test of Faith’

Science and Christianity Unpacked

Are science and Christianity in conflict?Has the Big Bang pushed God out of the Universe?

Is the theory of evolution compatible with Christian faith?

YES? NO? UNSURE?

Whatever your points of view are why not come and explore these and other issues raised by science for both faith and ethics.

Congleton Alsager

1 24th February 7.30 pm 25th February 2.30 pm

2 3rd March 7.30 pm 4th March 3.00 pm

3 10th March 7.30 pm 11th March 2.30 pm

4 24th March 7.30 pm 25th March 2.30 pm

Everyone Welcome!

Come along and bring a friend!

Refreshments served

ALSAGER CHURCH FAMILY NEWSIt has been said that germs don't survive in cold weather. Such a claim is hard to believe seeing most of us have been targeted by colds, flu and chest infections lately. I suppose “cold weather" can mean a certain temperature below what we feel at present as cold.

We are all vulnerable beings in so many ways, no one is exempt from suffering. No one should suffer alone. This does highlight the blessing of the support we give to each other in

times of need. Being somewhat incapacitated at present I can only marvel and be grateful for the help I have received from so many.

We are blessed in our church in that there is such a hidden network of wonderful caring people. In caring for one another, as we do in our church family, we are serving as Christ has asked of us in that we should love one another ....

Our cares and prayers are extended to   Joan and Ken Heaton, Dennis Jerrard, Ken and Dorothy Bragg, Philip and Lynne Eardley, Amy Coe, Beryl Garwell, Pat Averill, Tom and Janet Beamon. (I would add Val’s name to this list, Murray) All names in the Prayer Book and all names held in confidence in the Prayer Chain.

We will remember our dear friend Joan Phillips in her memorial service at 2.30pm. on February 17th.

" The Children of Messy Church told the wonderful  story of the birth of Jesus   in their own special way in the Crib Service. It quite rightly was a joy to behold.   Special thanks go to Lynne, Philip and Murray as supporting actors and the mothers of the costume department.    Photographs will soon be on display at Alsager for those who were unable to share in this colourful occasion "

    Val

A letter from Joan and Ken Heaton Dear Friends,We would like to ‘Thank You’ for your continued support during this difficult time, we appreciate being remembered in your prayers and for the offers of help in taking Joan shopping.Christmas cheer was brought to our home by six ‘Church Choristers’ who willingly gave of their time to come and sing some familiar carols. It meant such a lot to us and made us feel part of the Church family.Thank you Murray for your Pastoral CareWishing you all a peaceful and happy 2015Joan and Ken

The following people are known to be celebrating their birthdays during the next two months

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

February March 4th Janet Beamon 3rd Barbara

Harkness 18th Philip Eardley 6th Sidney

Rowbottham 23rd Gilbert Band 16th Pat Averill

If your birthday, or that of anyone you know within our Church Family is not on the list, then please tell one of the Elders. We don’t need the age, just the date!

SHOEBOX APPEAL

BELATED THANKS are extended to everyone who filled a box or contributed in any way to the “Operation Christmas Child” Shoebox Appeal.We were able to deliver 22 boxes this year for distribution to needy children. This simple gift, packed with love can communicate God’s love and the Good News of Jesus Christ wherever these children are in the world. Philip

HOPE HOUSE Children’s Respite Hospice

On behalf of the children and families that use Hope House Hospice, can I offer heartfelt thanks for the £55 cheque which I received from the Church Treasurers today. This of course comes from donations made by friends who displayed one card on the display boards in church instead of sending individual cards to the church family.Once again many thanks, Philip and Lynne.

EasterI first became aware of the meaning of Easter as a child going to Sunday school and church during World War II.

I remember as a child being very upset about Jesus being crucified. I don’t remember Easter eggs, as there was rationing. But, I do remember, my two sisters and I had a lovely new spring outfit for Easter, (brought with clothing coupons) and we always wore a hat in church.

We walked nearly a mile along a beautiful country lane to church, with wild primroses, forget-me-nots and violets in the hedgerows and the lovely pussy willow tree. Spring had arrived!

I never thought that one day I would visit Jerusalem. Seeing the sites where the crucifixion took place, walk the stations of the cross and see the slab on which Jesus lay.I felt a real presence in the Garden of Gethsemane and saw the ancient olive trees still growing. There. I remembered as a child thinking how awful Judith Iscariot was, so I could imagine the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane.

I think of Easter as a sad and joyous time. What a wonderful world. We could be living if everyone followed the teaching and examples of Jesus Christ.

Pat Averill

Inside the Church of the Sepulchre on the site where Jesus Christ was crucified

Thursday Afternoon Fellowship

Our final meeting of 2014 was our Christmas Lunch superbly prepared and served by Beech Tree Caterers. It was excellent but sadly missed by a number of members who were suffering from illness. After coffee and freshly baked mince pies, everyone received a gift, lovingly made by Gwen Pask and we retired into the Church for a Carol Service led by Philip with Marion James accompanying us on the piano. The New Year meeting on the 8th January was a “Free and Easy!” when we enjoyed singing hymns, a time of prayer, remembering all members and friends who were unwell and fellowship with many who we hadn’t seen from some weeks.Philip gave out a new programme of speakers and events right up until July and then we sat back and chatted some more over a delightful array of cakes!A warm invitation to join us for our meetings which start at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated, is offered to everyone.

PROGRAMME 2015

February 12th Cycling Challenge - Revd Kim Stillwell 26th Ian White and Fraser the Retired Guide Dog

March 12th Bob and Ria Harrison 26th Revd John Taylor – Easter Reflections

A letter from Crewe NSPCC following the Alsager Toy service in December.Dear Mr and Mrs Riley

I write to thank you for the wonderful Toys that you kindly donated to Crewe Service Centre. We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone involved in this year’s toy and food collection.

For lots of children we work with, life is hard all the time, but Christmas makes things more difficult with the added pressures on their families and the knowledge that Christmas is such a happy time for other children around them.

You have made it possible for us to change some of that. The Toys which have been donated help us to give our children a little bit of Christmas magic and help to show them that there is kindness in the world.

The children who receive your gifts will never be able to thank you personally, so please accept our most grateful thanks from everyone here on their behalf.

Yours sincerely,Anne-Marie Noon, Fundraising Assistant. Northwest CRIB SERVICEGreeted at the church door by two opulently dressed Bedouins (Bob and Ria) the congregation gathered and were seated to listen to the beautiful music which filled the air, thanks to Graham.

An aged shepherd (Murray) was the Narrator and led the townsfolk/congregation in our Crib Service. He thanked everyone for attending and dressing appropriately before opening a large pack of hay to line the crib. (Aged shepherd?? – Murray)The children lit the Advent Candles and gently with carols and prose the story unfolded.The Angel Gabriel (Gracie) walked up the aisle slowly to begin the formation of the tableaux, followed by Joseph (Philip) and his two Mary’s (Jasmine and Dulcie). As they approached the dais Joseph constantly told his Mary’s just how well they were doing and asked them to hold on until they reached the safety of where they would stay the night.At this point the aged shepherd (Murray) retold the scene of what happened when Joseph knocked on the door of the inn. The innkeeper and his wife (Lynne and Faye) told them that there was no room but eventually decided that they could stay in the stable with the animals.At this point a very bright star (Owen) arrived over the stable (up in the pulpit) to shine brightly.The shepherds (Alfie, Sophie and Emmie) followed the aged shepherd and travelled throughout the church before they arrived at the stable where they looked on quietly.The dais was becoming quite crowded by now and young Mary (Dulcie aged 3) decided to sit on the other Mary’s (Jasmine’s) knee – she was very tired! – and we suspect that she nodded off. Joseph (Philip) was also experiencing problems after the long walk – his legs were going numb from kneeling so long!Attention then turned to the aged shepherd again who promptly gave Christmas crackers to all those who weren’t dressed up – at least they suddenly became kings with their paper hats. Instant magic!Two kings (Alex and Matthew) made their way to the wonderful scene. They carried their gifts, presented them and knelt down near the crib.Oh dear! Our youngest shepherd (Emmie) decided that she actually wanted to see Baby Jesus (Ellie’s doll) which didn’t arrive and so the crib was quickly covered in a small sheepskin rug and everyone pretended that the baby was asleep and this was the story that the aged shepherd (Murray) stuck to.The scene was set, the story told, and after singing the last carol we all got changed to continue our fellowship in the hall

over refreshments. A very different way of telling one of the best stories ever told.Luckily for us a kaftan dressed Turkish traveller (Val) sat on the front row and took photos, some of which you can see on the children’s notice board in the church hall.Please take the time to have a look as we all enjoyed it and I think it shows on the faces of the children. Lynne

Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union Seek VolunteersCheshire Neighbours Credit Union (CNCU) is looking for

volunteers who can spare a couple of hours per month to help them at Alsager Library.

CNCU, a not-for-profit financial organisation, offers a range of savings accounts and affordable loans to members. It promotes effective money management and is open to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Cheshire.

By volunteering with them, you will learn new skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience. You will also make a difference in your community by helping to keep local residents out of the clutches of loan sharks and other payday lenders.

CEO John Weir said: “Some local people who have fallen on hard times struggle to access financial services from high street banking providers. As such, they often fall prey to doorstep lenders.” “Unlike banks, we are a not-for-profit organisation that works within the local community of Cheshire, providing access to fair and affordable loans and savings. Volunteers make a huge contribution to CNCU and their commitment and dedication means we are able to provide services at locations convenient to our members. “

If you are interested in volunteering, please call John Weir on 01270 685625 for more information.

Alsager Handmade Cards GroupOur group meet on the third Monday of each month at 7.00pm in the winter months when the weather and dark nights are best in our own homes – card making! We chat a lot and discuss various techniques, share ideas and are always ready to try something new! All the cards we make are sold to raise

money for church funds and with prices from £1.50 to £2.50 they really are a bargain.However, if there is a special card which you would like making, or if you are interested in joining the group then please speak to one of the ladies or ring Lynne on 877861

When God works in us, the will, being changed and sweetly breathed upon by the Spirit of God, desires and

acts, not from compulsion, but responsively.

Martin Luther

Have you booked your ticket for the BIG DAY OUT yet?

Great fun is to be had for all the church family: the whole of The Mersey and North Western Synods have taken over the whole of the Southport conference centre on the 18th July.

A variety of events are taking place throughout the day. There will be a practice and performance of a Roger Jones musical, a puppet workshop and performance, kid’s praise, Bollywood dancing, Bible Study and a range of speakers including Steve Chalke, Michael Jagassar, Loretta Mingella and John Proctor.

There will also be a variety of stalls and a roving magician and roving games.There really is something for everyone so please book early! £7.00 before April and if enough book we might even get a free coach! Children also go free but need to book so put your names down now!

There are sign up and booking forms at Alsager and Congleton

Congleton Christmas Party

Pass the Parcel at Congleton Christmas Party

This is always held in January and I am never sure whether it is late for last year’s or early for this year’s Christmas festivities. Whichever it is, this year’s party, as always, was a joyful occasion with a quiz and a number of other games including Pass the Parcel.

God food provided by everyone and of course much merriment and fellowship!Thanks go to the Fellowship Group (previously the Social Group) for organising it and providing the games.

Women’s World Day of PrayerFriday, 6 March 2015

Alsager2:30 pm at St Mary's Church.

Congleton 10.30 am at St James Church.

On Friday, 6 March 2015 an estimated 3 million people in over 170 countries will gather to observe the day of prayer, using

an order of service written by Christian women from The Ba-hamas and translated into over 1000 different languages and dialects.  In the British Isles alone over 5,000 services will be held.  The day will begin when the sun rises over the island of Samoa and continue until it sets off the coast of American Samoa some 35 hours later.

The theme of the service is - "Jesus said to them:  Do you know what I have done to you?"

The Bible Study is John's Gospel Chapter 13, verses 1-17.  It challenges us to demonstrate the same radical, unconditional love for others that Jesus showed when he washed the feet of his disciples.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service, men, women - people of all ages.

‘Science cannot solve man’s moral problems.’ Carl

Gustav Jung

‘I only trace the lines that flow from God’. Albert Ein-

stein

Congleton Street Pastors Quarterly Report 3rd October -21st December 2014

During the quarter we have patrolled every Friday from 7pm till 11pm, and ended the quarter with a late night patrol (11pm – 2am) on Sat20th/Sun21st December.

Each team has comprised 4 members (male and female). Additionally there have been Prayer Pastors covering each evening at Westwood House and others who pray at home.

Contact has been maintained with various doormen, proprietors of shops and takeaways etc. and security guards,

and the feedback from the public with whom we have had contact continues to be very positive.

The teams have continued to make contact with groups of young people who congregate in a number of areas ( park , market ), and some of these are now used to what Street Pastors are around for, and are happy to engage in some banter and various discussions.

The teams have been able to respond to requests for help by individuals of various ages and small groups, and have provided advice, prayers and practical support e.g. bottles of water, help with a specific problem.

We have resumed our regular patrols from Friday 9th January 2015 7pm – 11pm , and in the next few months we will be reviewing how the patrols can be best used.

We plan to have a new recruiting drive this year, and when we have trained sufficient additional Street Pastors we hope to be able to extend the coverage of patrols.

We thank you all for your support. Please continue to hold Congleton Street Pastors in your prayers

Dianne BurgessCongleton Street Pastors Co-ordinator

‘Science can add years to your life, but only Christ can add life to your years’

Anon

‘No sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible’

Isaac Newton

Worship dates and timesDate Time Alsager Leader

Feb

1st10.30 am Worship with Holy Communion Rev. John Keeling

8th10.30 am Church Family Worship Rev. David Hamblin

15th10.30 am

Family Worship with Messy Church Rev. David Spence

15th6.30 pm

Ecumenical service with Communion

17thMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Rev. Murray George

18th10.30 am Ash Wednesday Service Rev. Murray George

22nd10.30 am Church Family Worship Rev. Murray George

March

1st10.30 am

All age Worship with Christening Rev. Murray George

8th10.30 am Church Family Worship Rev. Sally Willett

15th10.30 am

Mothering Sunday with Communion Val Atkinson

15th6.30 pm

Ecumenical Worship with Communion Rev. Murray George

22nd10.30 am

All age Worship with Christening Les Sanderson

29th10.30 am Palm Sunday Family Worship Rev. Murray George

April

2ndMidday

Maundy Thursday Reflective with Communion Rev. Murray George

3rd10.00 am Good Friday Worship Rev. John Keeling

4th10-12 am Holy Saturday vigil/quiet time Rev. John Keeling

5th10.30 am

Easter Celebration with Communion Rev. Bob Parker

Date Time Congleton LeaderFeb

1st 10.30 am

All age worship and Christening Rev. Murray George

1st 6.30 pm Ecumenical Worship at URC Rev. Murray George

3rdMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Mrs Carol Booth

8th10.30 am Family All age Worship Mr Bob Booth

10thMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Rev. Murray George

15th10.30 am Worship With Holy Communion Rev. Murray George

17thMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Mrs Carol Booth

18th7.00pm Ash Wednesday service Rev. Murray George

22nd10.30 am Worship With Holy Communion Mr Peter Drew

22nd6.30 pm Celtic Style Communion Rev. Murray George

March

1st10.30 am All age Worship Mrs Carol Booth

1st6.30 pm

Ecumenical Service at WellSpring Rev. Derek Balsdon

3rdMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Mrs Carol Booth

8th10.30 am Church Family Worship Rev Keith Jarvis

10thMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Rev. Murray George

15th10.30 am Mothering Sunday Worship Rev. Murray George

17thMidday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Mrs Carol Booth

22nd10.30 am Worship With Holy Communion Rev. Murray George

24th Midday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Rev. Murray George

29th 10.30 am Palm Sunday Family Worship Rev. Bernard Moss

31st Midday Tuesday Lunchtime Worship Rev. Murray George

April

2nd 7.00pm

Maundy Thursday Reflective with Communion Rev. Murray George

3rd TBC Congleton Walk of Witness

4th 12-2pm Holy Saturday vigil/quiet time Rev. Murray George

5th 10.30 am

Easter Celebration with Communion Rev. Murray George

Dates For your Diary

Date Time Place Details

Feb      

1st MiddayAlsager Elders Meeting

2nd 7.15pmCongleton Elders Meeting

7th10-12noon

Alsager Coffee & Chat

7th8.30- 9.30am

Alsager Morning Prayer

9th 7.15pm Alsager Elders meeting

11th 2.30 pmAlsager One +One Bible Exploration

17th9.30-11.30

Alsager Meet the minister

18th MiddayAlsager Ash Wednesday Service

18th 7.00pmCongleton Ash Wednesday Service

19th 2.30pmAlsager Alsager Court Service

22nd MiddayAlsager

Same sex marriage debate church meeting

24th 7.30 pmCongleton Test of Faith Lent course 1

25th 2.30 pmAlsager Test of Faith Lent course 1

March

2nd 7.15pmCongleton Elders Meeting

3rd 7.30 pmCongleton Test of Faith Lent course 2

4th 3 pmAlsager Test of Faith Lent course 2

6th 10.30amCongleton

Women’s World Day of Prayer at St James

6th 2.30 pmAlsager

Women’s World day of Prayer at St Marys

7th8.30-9.30am

Alsager Morning Prayer

7th10-12.00pm

Alsager Coffee & Chat

7th 10-4pmQuiet day - Croft Meadow Farm Horton

9th 7.45pmCongleton Church Meeting

10th 10-middayCongleton Meet the minister

10th 7.30pmCongleton Test of Faith Lent course 3

11th 2.30pmAlsager Test of Faith Lent course 3

17th 10-11.30Alsager Meet the minister

18th 7.30pmAlsager Annual General Meeting

24th 7.30 pmCongleton Test of Faith Lent course

25th 2.30-4pmCongleton

One + One Special Church Meeting

April

2nd MiddayAlsager

Maundy Thursday Reflective Communion

2nd 7.00pmCongleton

Maundy Thursday Reflective Communion

3rd 11.00Congleton Good Friday Walk of Witness

4th8.30-9.30am

Alsager Morning Prayer

4th10-Midday

Alsager Coffee and Chat

4th10-Midday

Alsager Holy Saturday Vigil

4thMidday-2pm

Congleton Holy Saturday Vigil

Regular Weekly Activities

Day Time Place Activity Contact Monday 5.15

pmCongleton

1st Congleton Rainbows

Pauline McKeown 01260 275947

  6.15 pm

Congleton

4th Congleton Brownies

Pauline McKeown 01260 275947

2nd Mon 2.00 pm

Alsager Photographic group

 

3rd Mon 7-9 pm

Alsager Card Making Group

 

Tues 10 am- 12 noon

Congleton

Café in foyer Jean Cook 01260 276513

Tues 12noon - 12.30

Congleton

Lunchtime Worship

 

Tues 12.30- 2.30

Congleton

Chat & Make Lisa Spencer 01260 275171

Tues 1.30 pm

Congleton

Keep Fit for the not-so-fit

Pauline McKeown 01260 275947

2nd and 4th Tuesdays

7.30 pm

Congleton

Bible Exploration

Marion McGuinness 01260 281314

3rd Tues Midday

Alsager Midday service & Buffet meal

 

Wed 10.00 am

Congleton

Mums and Tots

Christine Astil 01260 273027

Wed 2.00 pm

Congleton

Bible Study Carol Booth 01260 272580

2nd & 4th Wednesdays

2.30 pm

Alsager Bible Exploration

 

Thursday 8.00 am

Congleton

Morning Prayer

Ruth Hughes 01260 272606

2nd & 4th Thursday

2.30 pm

Alsager Afternoon Fellowship

Philip & Lynne Eardley 01270 877861

Thurs in term time

6-7 pm

Alsager Pre-Teens Philip & Lynne Eardley 01270 877861

 Thurs 7.30 pm

Congleton

Bible Study Bob Booth 01260 273772

3rd Thurs February

2.30 pm

Alsager Alsager Court service

 

Friday 10 am Congleton

Café Jean Cook 01260 276513

1st Sat 8.30-9.30

Alsager Morning Prayer

Rev. Murray George

1st Sat 10am-12

Alsager Coffee and Chat

Sat 10am -12

Congleton

Café Jean Cook 01260 276513

Sat 10am Conglet Music Jean Cook

on Practice 01260 276513

A dove of peace Maze, see how long it takes you to complete

The deadline for the next Magazine:

22nd March

The next issue will cover April – May

E-mail Karen George at:

karenlgeorge@btinternet.com Or ring on:

01260 273873Alsager

Please give paper information to Murray George or leave in

the folder in the vestryCongleton

Please give paper information to Murray George, Barbara

Farrington or any Elder Or

Place in the labelled folder on the

bookcase at the back of churchAlsager URC

Website: www.alsagerurc.org.uk

Congleton URC Telephone: 01260 274969Email: congurc@hotmail.com

Website:www.congletonurc.org.uk

ContactsThe Minister

Rev. Murray George01260 273873

rev.murray@btinternet.com16 the Moorings

Congleton CW12 3RF

Alsager EldersChurch SecretaryRia Harrison 01270 487067Gordon Stockton 01270 878421Chris Keeling 01782 771288David Keeling 01562 747377Philip Eardley 01270 877861Christine Roche 01270 764175Val Atkinson 01270 766909Bob Harrison 01270 487067

 Congleton EldersSecretaryBarbara Farrington 01260 273901Bob Booth  01260 273772Carol Booth 01260 272580Margaret Bourner  01260 281045Alan Bowers 01477 533467Adrian Browne 01260 270628Nigel Browne  01260 279974Muriel Fraser 01260 276783Tony Hall 01260 275897Marion McGuinness 01260 281314Pauline McKeown 01260 275947 Cynthia Muncaster 01260 271844Lisa Spencer 01260 275171 Jean Vale 01260 400538