Revd Toby’s February newsletter

One of the most exciting aspects of ministry is marrying people! It is such a privilege to guide a couple through as they make their marriage vows and to pray for God’s blessing on them on behalf of the church. Young couples and not so young, those just setting out and those who have been together for years and already have a family together, big weddings with over a hundred guests, to small gatherings of only 15 or so people. All are special as all include those same promises to ‘have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; ‘til death us to part.’
Recently we had our wedding preparation Saturday – something that we hold early in January each year. As well as talking about hymns, music, etc, it gives couples a bit of space to think about their relationship and the meaning of the marriage they are about to enter. If marriage is for life, as we believe it is, then it is worth investing in, at the beginning (to lay good foundations) and all along (to keep building a strong, loving and life-giving partnership).

Perhaps you’re thinking of marriage? Perhaps you might be amongst those at the wedding Saturday in January 2020 – or thinking about a date sooner than that? Why not get in touch about marrying in All Saints’ or St James’ Churches? It doesn’t need to cost the earth. The fees normally come to £599 (including having an organist to play) but in exceptional circumstances fees can be reduced – we wouldn’t want anyone not to marry because they couldn’t afford the fees.

And just after Valentine’s Day – on Sunday 17th February at 6:30pm in All Saints’ Church – we’re having a service of prayer and worship. Whether you’re married, single, widowed, or divorced, you will be very welcome as we give thanks to God for the gifts of love and marriage and pray for his blessing on marriage and family life.

With every blessing
Toby

Friends of St James Altham – Lottery

If you want to join it is £5 per month. £125 prize each month. (£250 in December).

Sign up now! For details or to sign up contact jlesmoore@gmail.com

 

Advance notice! Harvest Supper & Ceilidh / Barn dance

This year we are welcoming the renowned ceilidh band ‘ Frolicking Pete  & the Fumbling fingers’ to play at this event. It will be in All Saints’ School on Saturday 5th October  2019- please save the date in your diary and support this event.

It should be fun!

All Saints’ Men’s Night Out

This invite is open to all men who go to All Saints’ Church – Why not have a night out and join the Men’s Group who  will be meeting up at the Hare & Hounds on the 26th February at 7:30pm. You can either have a meal or join the group later for a chat and a drink.

If you intend eating please sign up at the back of church, see Andrew McMinn or contact us through the website 

Bingo Night 8th February

Why not come along and have some fun at Altham St James ‘  Bingo Night on 8th February  at 7:00pm in Altham School.

The price is £5 for Adults and £3 for children. This  includes six games of bingo and a pie and peas supper. You can bring your own alcoholic and soft drinks if you wish but tea coffee and soft drinks will also be available.

The room holds a maximum of 50 people so please book if you wish to come along. Send an email to joanwalmselry@gmail.com.

 

 

Week of prayer for Christian Unity begins

Friday 18th January marks the start of a week of prayer for Christian Unity.

The day will begin with morning prayer at 9:00am.

At 11:00am, to mark the start of the week of prayer, there will be a time of prayer and worship at the Baptist Church, Clayton – Le – Moors. Just prior to the service at 10:30am  refreshments will be served. We are all cordially invited to both.

4:30pm at All Saints’ there is Evening Prayer

And  6:30 pm is the usual Friday Praise

MU – Open Night 15th January

The meeting is open to anyone and the topic this week is – ‘America 3′ by Yvonne & Matt.

The meeting will take place in the small hall at All Saints’ School at 7:30pm. Afterwards why not stop and enjoy some light refreshments and a chat?

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Malawi School Appeal – can you help?

Do you have any of the following items which you do not want?

  • pens and pencils
  • rulers or sharpeners
  • tennis sized balls,
  • metal spoons,
  • rucksacks,
  • sandals,
  • t-shirts,
  • clean towels.

OR

can you gift any of the following NEW items

  • toothbrush and tooth paste
  • soap and face cloths.

If so please leave at 71 Sparth Road or in church.

Thank you.

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Take a look at the New Church Magazine

The new style Benefice magazine was been launched this weekend. It has a more modern and hopefully appealing look. It will be available free in church and from various locations in Clayton and also on this website.

Why not take a look at it now.

Jan 19 Page 1 final pdf

Jan 19 Page 2 pdf

Jan 19 Page 3 pdf

 

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Revd Toby’s January newsletter

January can seem a bleak month, devoid of the colour, decorations and jollity of December (and with bank balances often feeling the pinch.) But it continues to be a season of joy and celebration in church. The season of Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came not simply to be king of the Jews, but as Saviour of the World. It begins with Epiphany itself, when we find the wise men from far off lands are drawn by the star, and by their searching of the scriptures, to the Christ child in Bethlehem. It ends with celebrating another biblical scene, that of Mary and Joseph bringing the baby Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord and make the appropriate sacrifices. It is whilst the Holy Family are in the Temple that two aged saints, Simeon and January can seem a bleak month, devoid of the colour, decorations and jollity of December (and with bank balances often feeling the pinch.) But it continues to be a season of joy and celebration in church. The season of Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came not simply to be king of the Jews, but as Saviour of the World. It begins with Epiphany itself, when we find the wise men from far off lands are drawn by the star, and by their searching of the scriptures, to the Christ child in Bethlehem. It ends with celebrating another biblical scene, that of Mary and Joseph bringing the baby Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord and make the appropriate sacrifices. It is whilst the Holy Family are in the Temple that two aged saints, Simeon and Anna, are inspired to recognise Jesus as the long-awaited saviour. And Simeon utters the words immortalised in the service of Evensong ‘A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.’ Jesus came not just for the devoutly holy and watchful, like Simeon and Anna, but for you and for me, wherever we are and whatever our circumstances.
Next time you’re in All Saints’ Church why not look at the window portraying this scene – you’ll find it set in the left hand wall. It portrays the intense focus of the old man on the baby Jesus, as he holds him in his hands. Simeon is now content to die in peace, having not just seen but held the Saviour. As you journey into the rest of 2019, with all its uncertainties, why not do so in the company of Jesus Christ, and find in him light and peace and the hope of glory?
May God bless you and yours throughout this new year,
Toby