Katy and Daniel’s recital was very enjoyable. Janet Lowes had laid on one of her brilliant buffets and then we were treated to super music from Katy and Daniel and their accompanist Alexis. Ted Lowes acted as MC. Our thanks to all who helped:- Janet and Ted, Charlotte and Sue Penrith, Judith Harvey, Elsie and Christine Oldham for various duties in the kitchen and to Joan Hardman for manning the door. We also raised £270— wonderful!

Forthcoming events

Babes in the Wood

Tickets available in the Hall after service or from Barbara Hothersall (01772 716203).

We are hoping to put together a recipe book. If you have a favourite recipe, please e-mail it to us or give it to one of the Fund Raising Group.

One Voice Community Choir

This internationally-successful choir will perform a concert for us on Wednesday, 25^th April in Church at 7.30pm. Ticket prices available nearer the time.

Dear Parents,

Over the next few weeks, the children and young people will be following the theme of the Life of Christ in the Junior Church sessions. We shall be using activities, stories, drama, music, craft and games to explore the humanity and divinity of Jesus at a level suitable for the different age groups. Although we may change the order slightly, we plan to look at the following aspects:

• Jesus the boy
• Jesus the friend
• Jesus the story teller
• Jesus the Son of God
• Jesus the teacher
• Jesus the healer
• Jesus the miracle worker
• Jesus the hero
• Jesus the King (Palm Sunday)

Throughout the sessions we shall also be looking at everyday life at that time to provide a background to the stories. The frieze in the hall will provide the focus for this.

Each week the children and young people will complete a page in a booklet about Jesus which they will bring home at the end of the topic.

If you would like any more information about the work, please do not hesitate to contact me (tel 01772 863791) or any of the Junior Church leaders. We should also welcome any ideas, resources, etc. you may have.

Yours sincerely,

Janet Wales

PS Look out for the quiz in the next edition of News from the Pews and see how much you know about the life of Christ!

Some time ago the Methodist Church carefully considered the place that children and young people have within the life and worship and the church and agreed that they are as much the people of God as adults. Many children have a deep and committed faith and love their Lord as much as any older person. At Fulwood the Church Council agreed a few years ago that children would be welcomed to receive the bread and wine at Holy Communion.

On the first Sunday each month Junior Church go to their groups after the first hymn and then come back into worship in time for communion. Children sit with their parents and any unaccompanied children remain with their Junior Church group leader. Sometimes the congregation receive the elements in their seats and at others come forward to receive at the rail. Junior Church leaders talk with the children about communion, its history and meaning, and will do so again later in the year. We recognise that parents will have their own thoughts about communion and would ask you to take time to talk with your child/ren about its significance. As a church we welcome all children, of whatever age, to receive the bread and wine; however we understand that each family will have its own view about this and ask that you talk with your child/ren whether it is appropriate for them to receive the elements or a blessing. For instance you may choose that the youngest children wait until they are old enough to hold a conversation with you about its importance.

On Wednesday, 31^st January at 6.30pm, you are invited to come to Church, parent/s and child/ren, when I will explain the sacrament of Holy Communion and our practice of sharing bread and wine, it will last no more than an hour. I will aim to speak at a level that (over 7s) children can understand as well as assisting adults to share this special meal with their offspring.

If you would like to talk with the minister or a Junior Church leader about this matter please feel able to contact us and to have a conversation.

God Bless,

Peter Sheasby

www.com is the meeting of the church’s young(ish) women. We meet for discussion of important issues, Bible studies and social events. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 7^th February at 8:00pm at Kate’s, 13 Gaythorne Avenue Myrtle’s.

Thank you to all who gave gifts of money during the Christmas period. We shall be sending:

• £480 to NCH
• £480 to Christian Aid’s Bethlehem appeal
• £480 to Fox Street Night Shelter
• £480 to support our visitors from Uruguay

£39.86 was raised by the Christmas card appeal and £73 was raised by the Derian House novelties.

All the above include Gift Aid tax reclaims.

Many thanks to you all.

The Carols in the Parlour (after the Peacelight service) were very successful. This was not a fund raising event, even though it was arranged by the Fund Raising Group. Carols were sung and poems and readings were enjoyed. Thanks to Stephen Grice for playing the piano, to Joan Hardman for helping with the readings and to Edna Armstrong for assisting with making the punch and the refreshments. This event is becoming a tradition.

Forthcoming events

Recital

On Sunday, 21^st January after evening service, we welcome Katy Bradley and Daniel Murphy who will sing for us. There will be a flyer going out with the notices with all the necessary information in the New Year. Tickets priced £5.00 will be available in the Hall after service from 7^th January or from members of the Fund Raising Group.

ACTS

The ACTS pantomime Babes in the Wood will be performed during half term week 11^th to 17^th February.

Unfortunately, the Gospel Concert planned for March has been cancelled. We hope to welcome the Blackpool Brass Band. Watch this space!