To Be a Pilgrim Thoughts for December 2018 from Barbara Worsley Journeys are common to Christmas; we all know Chris Rea’s “Driving Home for Christmas” and that the Magi went on a journey around Christmas. Mary and Joseph did a lot of travelling too. Though I am not well-travelled, I have always been fascinated by […]
Yield and Melt Away Years ago when Jack was a curate in Leigh (1962-5), he and his two fellow curates (those were wonderful days when a parish boasted three curates!) took turns to take assembly at the parish infants’ school. One day all three were summoned by the formidable headmistress. She requested that they get […]
Hymns and Memories I have always enjoyed singing, sadly however with no real skill, and in church I always have a quick look before the service begins to see what the hymns are and to check whether I know them or not. I know, there are hymns that seem to speak to me more than […]
The Vicar writes….. Dear Friends, “As an open and welcoming church our vision is to be at the heart of the community sharing faith and friendship to do God’s work. We aim to be a strong vibrant church committed to all ages.” This is our Vision Statement which has developed out of the work we […]
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH – My Day At 82 and registered disabled I find it difficult to get out and about. Doing so gives me chronic pain for days. The house is so quiet since my last dog died 6 years ago. When I get up each morning my first job is to feed the […]
The Vicar writes…… Dear Friends, As July slips into August, the schools have broken up for six weeks or so, families are off to relax and enjoy their summer holidays, and the sun shines on. This month the Blackrod, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton and Wingates Team say more goodbyes and au revoirs. Ian Hepburn who is […]
A Second Chance by Beth Brindle Here I am again writing for the magazine and wondering just what to say. However, to continue on a theme from last time, I am compelled to continue my everlasting gratitude to our wonderful NHS. 2017-2018 has been a nightmare year for the Brindle/Conchar family. Last July my husband, Eric, […]
Open Doors Northern event at St Peter’s Parish Centre, Halliwell In February this year Ruth Sharrock and I had the opportunity to attend this event. Not knowing very much about the venue or the programme, we felt we should really go and find out what other churches sharing our faith and in our area […]
Spring is here! Thought for the month from David Gregory Has there ever been a spring season more reluctant to show its face? Not that I can recall. We have all had to endure wild fluctuations of wind, temperature and rainfall, all of which gave rise to attention-grabbing media headlines such as “the beast from […]
The Vicar writes….. Address given at the Annual Parochial Meeting on 22nd April At last year’s APCM I left you with a question. “What do you think we should do next?” You’ve heard a lot about MAPs (Mission Action Plans) this last year. The Bishop has asked every Parish to produce its own MAP and […]