Peace and Love to all
at Christmas
Whoever you are
Wherever you’re from
You’re welcome at
WheatleyLaneMethodistChurch
Wheatley Lane Road, Fence. BB12 9ED
*Advent and Christmas*
Thursday 1stDec 6.00pm
VILLAGE CRIB SWITCH ON
Sunday 4th Dec 9.30am
CHURCH PARADE & GIFT SERVICE
Sunday 11th Dec 6.00pm
COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE
Sunday18thDec 9.30am
NATIVITY SERVICE
Thursday22nd Dec 7- 8 pm
’LANCASHIRE SINGS CHRISTMAS‘
Saturday 24th Dec 11.30pm
CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT COMMUNION
Sunday 25thDec 9.30am
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
> Christmas celebrations for all to share >
Come and be part of the largest
Carol Service in the county
on Thursday22nd December 2011from7 – 8 pm
Radio LancashireChurches Together in Lancashire
present a Christmas Celebration
An interactive hour of singing celebration
Live links with crowds gatheredat schools - churches pubs - clubs - village halls - supermarket foyers. . etc.
Your venue may even be chosen for a Radio Lancashire outside broadcast during the evening!
* * *
Where? Your local venue is: Wheatley Lane School
Come along! The more the merrier!
Feeling Fit?
Some people will meet at the village churches
and walk to schoolwith lanterns
(You could always make one!)
It should be quite spectacular Why not join them !
NOTE:The Methodists will start from ‘The Harpers’!
Church to school next door wouldn’t be much of a walk!
Meet up in the school yard
school hall if weather dictates
Bring your family, friends & neighbours
to this great village event
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December 2011
December is here again. What thoughts does that conjure up? The approach of winter? short days and long dark evenings? Cold, sleet, and snow? Well that depends on your age – how exciting and magical the first snowfall of the winter is for small children, as their whole world changes rapidly before their eyes.
December is the month of Advent - a time of anticipation. For children the excitement of counting off on the calendar the days left to Christmas. In Church, lighting an Advent candle each Sunday, in anticipation of the coming of Jesus. Then on Christmas morning lighting the fifth and final candle - a celebration that Christ has come.
For the rest of the time ………..? Well, every medium available: from glossy magazine to checkout leaflet, TV to tannoy, computer to church notice board, batters us with advice and information about what to do, and how to cope in Advent. Depending on your nature, you may already have done, bought, booked and ordered everything; more likely you’ve got lists and memos everywhere of ‘must do’ items. Perhaps you’ve simply decided to ‘opt out’ this time. Maybe this time of the year just has too many sad memories for you.
Thinking about all this, we’ve decided that:
during December, our church will be open for a short while
each week day, 12.15–1.15pm
just simply to offer a space where you can relax and unwind; an oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic world.
(Feedback would be useful. Have we got the timing right? )
In church on Sundays, we’re now in the midst of our trial period of running two morning services, 9.30 contemporary, 11 o’clock traditional. It’s too early to come to any conclusions, but both services seem to be thriving. We continue to get a trickle of new people, who usually say how welcome they feel, so if you are new to our village we invite you to come along and try what we have to offer. We have also welcomed back people whose attendance had lapsed, but who are now coming to our later service and enjoying it. It is fair to say, however, that most people seem to prefer to come at an earlier time.
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Our new technology has caused some teething problems, but time will sort that out as operators become more familiar with it. Also as a church we will become more discriminatory; we will decide which technology actually adds something to our worship, which is superfluous or for very occasional use only, and which is merely a distraction; we will select appropriately. We never need a situation where, faced with a power cut or a breakdown of apparatus, we cannot possibly worship and have a wonderful service. John Wesley was very successful indeed without it …..…….. but had it been available, he would surely have selectively embraced the new technology.
Yes, Technology enables us to do to do great things. You’ll read elsewhere in the newsletter of a famous Methodist who, in his day, was a pioneer in the use of a new medium, to great effect.
Here in Wheatley Lane, on December 22nd, we are looking forward to participating in
***Lancashire Sings Christmas***
A fantastic opportunity for people in the village to gather together during Advent in a spirit of friendship and togetherness, to celebrate and anticipate Christmas. Furthermore, the wonders of modern technology enable us to be linked up in friendship with other groups gathered throughout Lancashire, for
***An interactive hour of singing celebration***
and in these worrying and difficult times, don’t we all need this?
We’ve already held the first of our Christmas events - our ‘Best of British Christmas Market’. Our thanks to everyone who came to support us and shared in making it such successful and friendly time, and special thanks to the School Choir for a wonderful performance.
Outside church, the Christmas tree is already in place, and in just a few days time the village crib will be lit up - another village event for everyone to share.
You will be warmly welcomed at Carol Services (with coffee and mince pies) and Nativity events, at any of the churches in the village, and also at WheatleyLaneSchool. Midnight Christmas Eve Communion is at the MethodistChurch this year, and all the Churches have Christmas morning Services. Come and share the love and fellowship of Christmas.
Peace and happiness to you all at Christmas
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Rev.Gareth Higgs Tel: (01282) 694439
Dear Friends,
As another festive season rapidly approaches it seems that more than most, this is a time to consider others and reflect on the nature of community and togetherness. Christmas is often seen as a time to be together, to appreciate loved ones, to allow grudges to be passed over and differences put aside as folk gather in the Christmas spirit.
One of the great images of the nativity is one of togetherness. As we see in schools, homes etc, the nativity scene again, it is striking to note the different characters involved: Shepherds - regarded as the lowest of the low, together with baby Jesus at His birth; astrologers from the east - most probably people of a different faith, certainly of a different culture, there with baby Jesus at His birth; two young parents, unsure of what the future holds for them and their new family, but clinging together more in desperation than anything else, there with baby Jesus at His birth; that's not to mention the sheep and cattle and domestic animals that probably inhabited the manger as well. The Christmas scene is one of community, one of togetherness, one of unity across different dimensions, for of course this is the place where even heaven and earth are one.
As a church this academic year we have begun to consider what it means to be a Christian community; what does it mean to be a group of people formed in the image of God's likeness and marked by love for one another. One of the constant themes that I have reflected on as we have discussed different age groups, different gifts, forgiveness, welcome etc, is that being together is hard work. Looking out for others is great when we feel on top of the world, but hard work when we're worn out and stressed by life's demands. That is as true for a church as it is for any family. What is important for us to remember as a Church family, is that it is our love for and devotion to Jesus Christ that we hold together in common and keeps us as one people.
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In this Christmas season I would encourage you to take up some of the same thinking. It is from Jesus that wholeness flows for individuals and as a community. It is the babe of Bethlehem at the centre of the nativity, and it is that same babe who is central in the Christmas season. It is in putting others first, looking out for one another, sharing what we have with strangers and friends alike, that something of that togetherness seen in the nativity can be experienced again amongst us. It is as we try to live out a life of compassion, selflessness and love, that by His Spirit, the babe of Bethlehem, Jesus, the Saviour King, comes to dwell amongst us once again.
With every blessing for this Christmas season, Gareth
CHURCH CALENDAR: Sunday Services December – February
DEC 4th / 9.30amATW / Ian Wheeler Church Parade Toy/Gift Service
(Gifts for ‘Sure Start’ – children 0-5yrs, and adults)
11th / 9.30am C
11.00am T
6.00pm - / Rev Phil Clarke Communion service
“ Communion service
Rev Gareth HiggsCOMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE
18th / 9.30am ATW / Rev Gareth Higgs NATIVITY
25th / 9.30am Short ATW / Rev Gareth Higgs CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
JAN 1st / 9.30am ATW / Christine Barnes
8th / 9.30am C 11.00 T / Karen Hoyle
15th / 9.30am C
11.00 T / Rev Gareth Higgs
22nd / 9.30am C 11.00 T / Ian Wheeler
29th / 9.30am C
11.00 T / Rev Gareth Higgs
FEB 5th / 9.30am ATW / Rev Gareth Higgs EDUCATION SUNDAY
12th / 9.30am C 11.00 T / Tim Broughton
19th / 9.30am C 11.00 T / Rev Gareth Higgs
26th / 10.30am / UNITED SERVICE at INGHAMITECHURCH
Key: C Contemporary, T Traditional, ATW All Together Worship
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This half term always passes very quickly and is always very busy. At the time of writing this newsletter the children are preparing for the ‘Children in Need’ appeal. This year each class has used a small sum of money to make things to sell during the morning of the 18th. This has encouraged them to think about how to be enterprising as well as consider the needs of children less well off than themselves.
We are well on the way with the Christmas Productions at school at the moment as well, and the children are, as always, looking forward to performing for their parents. The choir is also very busy this year and the children have been asked to sing at various events in this area over the next few weeks. Mrs Brown and Mrs Brassington have been working very hard with them and they sound wonderful.
Below I have put a list of dates for your diary of events that you would be welcome to come and support. The money raised from the Singathon, which many of you have enjoyed in the last couple of years, will be donated to the Kanlungan project again this year. There will be coffee and mince pies served throughout the day at this event.
Friday 18th NovChildren in Need Enterprise Day
Saturday 19th NovMethodistChurch Christmas Fair at 11am - our choir will be singing at this event
Thursday 1st DecChoir singing at the turning on of the Nativity in the Village at 6pm
Friday 2nd DecFWLS Christmas Fair at 3.30pm
Sunday 11th DecCandlelit Carol Service at the MethodistChurch at 6pm
Monday 12th Dec2.00pm and 7pm KS 2 play
Tuesday 13th Dec2.30pm Reception and KS 1 play
Wednesday 14th Dec2.30pm Reception and KS 1 play
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Thursday 15th DecSingathon in Church all day
Monday 19th Dec6.30pm Music Concert at the Gospel Mission for children who are learning to play an instrument and the choir.
Wednesday 21st Dec.Christmas service at 1.15pm in church
Wednesday 21st DecFinish at 2pm for Christmas Holiday
As this is the last message you will have from me this year
can I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
Mandy Kroukamp Headteacher
Babies & Toddlers Play, story time
Need somewhere
to hold your child’s party ?
“The Basement Project”
located under CentralMethodistChurch
in Burnley, could be the answer
For further information,
tel. Loiuse or Adrian 839323 or see our website
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Thanks to YOU !
Congratulations to everyone who supported our successful ‘Best of British Christmas Market’. The opening by the School Choir was amazing, and the school hall was a wonderful sight with stalls and decorations. The food was first class, as was the community fellowship.
Thanks to everyone who donated items, and to those who gave their time and talents to raise money in this way for church funds.
In total £1256 was raised, which is absolutely fantastic in such a short period of time. Thanks to Craig, Esther and Denise for organizing it all.
Any feedback on the event would be appreciated as it will help us when planning next year’s event. Kath
Fairtrade Ladies Night:
A big Thank You to all who made this event so successful. Over 40 women came together in the church, and many new friendships were formed, as well as old friendships strengthened. In total £75 was raised for church funds, which was fantastic, as the aim wasn’t to raise money. Katy’s fair-trade stall was full of wonderful items, as was Denise’s art stall. Many women took the opportunity to purchase their Christmas cards which raised a further £28 for the local hospice. Congratulations to Joanne who won a free manicure by Deidy.
At the Tuesday Fellowship meetings we are averaging 15 to 20 members, with good speakers and plenty of fellowship. Anyone is welcome to come along; we enjoy seeing new faces.
Our meetings usually finish around 4 o’clock, after tea and biscuits.
Speakers for the winter period Dec – Feb are:
Dec13th Christmas Party
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2012
Jan10thMr R Thornborrow ‘Southern Upland Way’ slides
24thMegan Dumpleton ‘The British Trees’
Feb7thMr M Hadfield ‘Slice of Lancashire’
21stMr R Bolton
Please support our *Coffee Afternoon *
for Pendle Hospice,
Tuesday March 6th, 2 – 4pm.
Tuesday Fellowship members wish all our readers
A Peaceful and Blessed Christmas and New Year.
Mary Bland 693134
Allan organised a very enjoyable meal for us all at the College Bistro and a very good time was had by all.
As I write we are preparing our items for the Carol Service on December 11th, and our thanks go to Lynne for sorting out some suitable pieces. At the moment the choir is somewhat sidelined during our experimental 2 services on Sundays, but hopefully this situation will soon be rectified and we can continue to offer our talents to enhance worship.
As ever, new members are always welcome – don’t feel you have to be a wonderful singer to join us – remember the parable of the talents – the man who used his 2 was praised just as highly as the man with 5! We enjoy Thursday evenings together – musically as well as socially. Betty Willoughby
CAROLS by CANDLELIGHT - 11th December 6pm
Everyone invited
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J. ARTHUR RANK – a man of faith
Born 123 years ago, this month, we know J Arthur Rank well. But did you know that he was a prominent Methodist? Do you know that he first showed films at a Methodist Sunday School?
His father Joseph Rank, son of a flour milling family, had begun to see the potential of grinding wheat with steel rollers rather than millstones. He built a mechanically-driven flour mill, enabling him to produce six sacks of flour an hour instead of one and a half, and worked single handedly, grinding the wheat, collecting the flour into sacks, canvassing and delivering orders by horse and cart. In 1888 he built another steel-roller plant in Lincolnshire, and soon after, a more modern plant, producing 20 sacks of flour an hour. Striving for greater productivity he installed equipment that produced 30 sacks of flour an hour, and then 40. Thus he built up a substantial flour milling business, so young J Arthur Rank was a member of a wealthy Victorian Methodist family. Joseph is reported to have told his son that he was "a dunce at school" and that the only way that he could succeed in life would be in his father's flour mill. However, Arthur branched out on his own with, ‘Peterkins Self-Raising Flour’, but unfortunately the business proved unsuccessful and he returned to work for his father in the family business - ‘Joseph Rank Limited’ (later ‘Rank Hovis McDougal’)
J Arthur Rank’s interest in films arose much later in life. A devout Christian, and a teacher at his local Methodist Sunday School, he began to show religious films to aid his teaching – a practice which expanded to other churches and schools. About this time an article appeared in the Methodist Times newspaper, with a declaration that the films shown in cinemas were having a detrimental effect on family life. This produced a response from the London Evening News suggesting that rather than
complaining, the MethodistChurch should do something about it.
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Rank took up the challenge – a decision which would soon change the course of his career. Realising the potential of the new medium for spreading the gospel, he set up Religious Films Ltd - making films for cinemas which could also be used in church services, if necessary on projectors provided by the company, to enable them to reach a wider audience. To facilitate his film production he gradually began to acquire and develop interests in all areas of the industry - production, studios (including Pinewood Studios) and technology and, with a view to increasing circulation, he established the Odeon chain of cinemas.
As his empire grew he made other films – the comedy series ‘Dr in the House’ etc, Carry On films, and so many more. He became the dominant figure in British films. It is worth noting that the first British film to be made in the new Eastman Colour in 1953 was - a biography of John Wesley - no doubt influenced by his Methodist upbringing.
Arthur Rank, along with his wife,undertook a wide range of charitable work throughout life. In 1953 he set up the J.Arthur Rank Group Charity (later Rank Foundation), founded on the Christian faith which governed his whole life, to assist the youth, elderly and the many disadvantaged in our country. In 1957 he became Lord Rank.