December 2015+January 2016 - South Lakes Methodist Circuit
Transcription
December 2015+January 2016 - South Lakes Methodist Circuit
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE METHODIST CHURCHES OF CONISTON, SWARTHMOOR AND ULVERSTON DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke Chapter 2 verse 11-14 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations 1. Radical Hospitality Dear Friends; In my last letter, I introduced you to the book by Robert Schnase whose title is above. This time, I want to look at Radical Hospitality. 'Hospitality' is something we can all identify with. Who hasn't been blessed by a welcome in a strange place or an invitation to a meal in someone's home? We know what hospitality is, and I have no doubt that we could all say that our church is an hospitable place as well. A welcome is a wonderful thing. At Ulverston, by the time you read this, we will have held an evening called “Creating a climate of welcome” in which we would have looked at how we welcome people into our fellowship, and discussed how we might do this better; and I am more than happy to run it again should anybody wish it. Paul wrote “Welcome one another, then, as Christ has welcomed yourselves, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7, Moffat Translation). Statistics show that more people come to faith because one person befriended them and invited them than ever came through mass rallies and evangelistic programmes - in one study a few years ago, 86% of people said the major influence in them becoming a Christian was friends and relatives. So much for hospitality then, but what about the word 'radical'. The Cambridge dictionary has one definition of the word as: "relating to the most important parts of something or someone; complete or extreme.” Five Practices says that “Radical” means “arising from the source”, “drastically different from ordinary practise, outside the normal”. Schnase says that “Christian hospitality refers to the active desire to invite, welcome, receive and care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ.” I remember once getting a lift home from some friends. I said they could stop at the end of the road and I would walk the 300 yards or so to my door. They wouldn't. “Oh, no” they said, “we're second milers” and they drove me right home. That phrase has stayed with me, are we 'second milers'? Do we go out of our way to make people feel welcome and at home? Churches who practise radical hospitality surprise visitors with the depth and the quality of their welcome, so that newcomers sense that they are cared for, are more than a face or a number, not a 'bum on seat' but a persons, with hopes, aspirations and needs which must be responded to. And this culture of welcome extends throughout the church. Perhaps each of our organisations need to ask themselves how they can best respond to the needs of those who attend their meetings. “All Churches offer some form of hospitality” says Schnase, “but Radical Hospitality describes churches that strive without ceasing to exceed expectations to accommodate and include others.” Why not take a look at your building? Walk through it as if for the first time. Think about what you see, smell, hear; about what you notice that is welcoming and inviting and helpful, and what you find confusing or uninviting or forbidding. Try to leave behind preconceptions and look through strangers eyes. Try to look through the building from the point of view of a child, a teenager, a mother with a baby, a person with a disability or someone suffering from dementia. See what changes could be made to make the building, and the actions of the people, more welcoming. Blessings to you all; 2 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 DIARY FOR DECEMBER and JANUARY st December 1 December 2nd December 4th December 5th December 5th December 6th December 8th December 9th December 9th December 12th December 15th December 16th December 19th January 4th January 5th January 9th January 11th January 12th January 14th January 16th January 18th February 2nd February 6th 7-9pm 7.30pm 12.30pm 10am 7.30pm 10.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9.30am 12noon 7.30pm 3pm 10am 7.30pm 3-6pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10am ‘Creating a Climate of Welcome’ - First Impressions Count at Ulverston Blackburn Room Ulverston Choir Practice Circuit Christmas Lunch at Hillthwaite Hotel Windermere Ulverston Methodist Band Practice Furness Bach Choir at Ulverston Methodist Church Ulverston Methodist Church Gift Service Churches Together in Ulverston Prayer Meeting at Ulverston Methodist Church Ulverston Choir Practice Local Preachers’ and Worship Leaders’ Meeting at Windermere Methodist Church Ulverston Brigade Coffee Morning at Coronation Hall Lunchlink Christmas Lunch by ticket only. Ulverston Choir Practice Messy Church at Ulverston Ulverston Stewards in the vestry Churches Together in Ulverston Prayer Meeting Family Christmas Party at Ulverston Ulverston Finance Committee in the vestry Ulverston Missions Committee in the vestry Ulverston Events Committee in the vestry Messy Church at Ulverston Ulverston Worship Committee in the vestry Churches Together in Ulverston Prayer Meeting Ulverston Methodist Band Practice MIDWEEK COMMUNION AT ULVERSTON There is normally a short Communion service the second Wednesday of the month at Ulverston at 10.45am and everyone is very welcome. Every Wednesday there is Coffee and Chat 10.00 to 11.30am at Neville Street where you will find a warm reception. MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING There is a monthly prayer meeting run by Churches Together in Ulverston on the first Tuesday evening of each month at 7.30pm. It moves from Church to Church and the venues until Christmas are shown below. All are very welcome for a time of fellowship and prayer for the Church, the Community and beyond. 8th Dec. Ulverston Methodist Church Rev Graham Ransom From Rev Graham Ransom Inside this Issue Letter from Rev Graham Ransom Diary for December and January News of Friends Zimbabwe Victims Support Fund From Coniston From Swarthmoor From Ulverston Christmas Quiz From the South Lakes Circuit Services at Grange, Cartmel, Westerley, Lowick Parish Church, Ambleside Grasmere, Hawkshead The Lectionary From the District Answers to Christmas Quiz From Churches Together in Ulverston From our Local Community Ulverston Sunday Services Our Safeguarding and Mission Statements 2 3 4 4 5 6 8 15 17 First Impressions count; Creating a climate of welcome, This will be an evening to help us think about the welcome the Church gives to newcomers and strangers. 19 19 21 21 22 23 26 1) Creating a welcoming building 2) Being a welcoming people 3) Welcoming through inclusion Everyone is welcome so please come along on Tuesday December 1st at 7pm In the Blackburn Room. 28 3 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 NEWS OF FRIENDS BIRTHS Rev Les and Hann and his wife Jill, their daughter Charlotte and son-in-law Rob along with big brother Andrew are pleased to announce the birth of Alastair. Thank you all for holding us in your prayers during the last year. BAPTISMS At Ulverston we welcomed by baptism on Sunday November 29 th Samuel, son of Ruth and Luke Green, grandson of Lesley and Howard Thompson and great grandson of Brenda Romans. GRATEFUL THANKS From Nicky Diggle I would like to thank all those who came and supported the Coffee Morning in aid of the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which was held on Saturday 24th October at the Reading Rooms in Swarthmoor. The total amount raised from the event is £1079.88. A special thanks to Barbara Springthorpe, Katie and Barry Brooks, Ruth Howlett and Jean Lambert who came helped out on the day. Thank you again – next year the Swarthmoor Coffee Morning will be in aid of ST MARY’S HOSPICE. From Joyce Pickstone Hello to friends at Ulverston Methodist Church - Greetings! Thank you for all the ‘New Home’ cards and the good wishes, I appreciated them very much. We are settling in our new home at Ackenthwaite Nr Milnthorpe. I have still to find a church to worship and a choir to sing! I look forward to getting the newsletter and hope to visit Ulverston soon. Our address is The Cottage, Ackenthwaite, Milnthorpe LA7 7DQ Telephone: 01539564716 From Liz Rice I would like to thank all friends in the church for the cards, flowers, gifts, prayers, visits and good wishes during my recent period of recuperation after the operation on my hip. Jack and I appreciate the kindness shown to us by everyone. I am well on the way to recovery and am looking forward to seeing you all at church very soon. PLEASE REMEMBER THE NEEDS OF THE ABOVE IN YOUR PRAYERS ZIMBABWE VICTIMS SUPPORT FUND Since Rev David Winwood visited Ulverston information about this fund is readily available. Ruth Howlett shares this latest update from Pastor Albert. In August 2015 some 300 families were evicted from their homes on the McDonald’s Bricks site near Bulawayo. This update was recently received on 30 October 2015. We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus! As previously advised we attended court on 22 October where Radar Industries (the owners of McDonald’s Bricks) were defending their right to evict the villagers. The villagers were represented by a lawyer. The case was postponed to 27 October as the judge’s judgement was not ready. The judge gave a lengthy summary of events and concluded by saying that Radar Industries did not get a legal court order to evict people. The title deed the plaintiff presented were also judged as not relevant to this case. So they had no right to evict the villagers. There was joy in the courtroom after this judgement! The plaintiff’s lawyer sneaked out while the woman lawyer representing the villagers stood up and clapped. However this may not be the end of it she warned, telling the villagers to be prepared for any further arguments Radar might bring forth. I felt that the judgement was grace and mercy from the Lord. We thank God for an honest judge. According to the last Sunday News the city council is planning to formalize the six squatter camps around the city, including McDonald’s. Now that this judgement has been given the people, encouraged by the lawyer, believe it is now time to start rebuilding. As of yesterday I was in the camp and there was much joy. No-one was sitting, everyone was busy cleaning and making mud bricks using tin cans as moulds.. Now we need to use donated funds to buy roofing for these homes. The corrugated iron is at a good price but treated poles are expensive. We need to move before the rains. Thank you to all of you who have been praying with us and supporting us financially. 4 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 OUR MISSION is to provide a Christian welcome to all and to act as a witness to Christ in the local community. Maureen Studholme Senior Steward at Coniston If you need to contact Maureen you can do so by SERVICES AT CONISTON Sunday December 6th 11.00am Sunday December13th 11.00am Sunday December 20th 11.00am Sunday January 3rd 11.00am Sunday January 11th 11.00am Advent 2 Dr John Biggs Advent 3 Mr Alan Thomson Advent 4 Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Christmas Day At Parish Church Rev Tim Harmer Christmas 1 Rev Graham Ransom Friday December 25th 11.00am Sunday December 27th 11.00am Sunday January 17th 11.00am Sunday January 24th 11.00am Sunday January 31st 11.00am Sunday February 7th 11.00am Covenant Sunday Mr John Hutchinson Baptism of Christ Rev Graham Ransom Covent Service Epiphany 2 Mr Mick Malkin Education Sunday Rev Graham Ransom Epiphany 4 Mrs Gillian Ransom Sunday before Lent Rev Jim Needham MORE NEWS OF FRIENDS AT CONISTON from Dorothy Reilly UNSUNG HEROES Ernest Abbott 1st January 1927 - 20th October 2015 New chapel members are mostly a delight and a blessing and so it was in 1981 when Ernie, with his beautiful wife Joan, came to Coniston. Their contribution to chapel life and also Christians Together in Coniston, was invaluable. Joan, sadly now deceased, was an accomplished musician whilst her good husband worked as Honorary Secretary and Co-ordinator as well as being a practical participant in most chapel work, Mission Out Reach being a high priority. Ernie wrote in his memoirs, “On the death of my mother, a lady doctor said to me , ‘I am sure your mother is in Heaven’. This was an important turning point in my life!. From then on I started to read scripture avidly. Next came two Missions . One was in Warrington led by Rev Dick Shepherd. The other was Mission England with Dr Billy Graham and under his ministry I committed my life to Christ.” In 1980, after 37 years in the glass container industry working at a senior level, Ernie was made redundant!, On the bookmark inside his Bible were the following words from Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 - 7. ‘Be not anxious about any thing, but in every thing, by PRAYER and PETITION with THANKSGIVING present your requests to GOD. Which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS.’ This, Ernie wrote, was continually his experience. ‘NEW employment with Vickers in Barrow: NEWLY built house in Coniston: NEW place of worship: NEW Christian friends and church fellowship. Ernie encouraged scholars old and new approaching Bible study with the words of John Bunyan ‘This book will make a traveller of thee, If by its counsel thou wilt ruled be It will direct thee to the Holy Land. If thou wilt its direction understand; Yea, it will make the slothful active be; The blind also delightful things to see.’ The pamphlet printed for Ernie's funeral reminds us that Jesus said, “Every one who lives in me will never die.” John chapter 11 verse 26. 5 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 NEWS FROM SWARTHMOOR Ann Thomson Senior Steward at Swarthmoor If you need to contact Ann you can do so by e-mail: [email protected] SERVICES AT SWARTHMOOR PLEASE NOTE: Service for December and January are all at 6pm except on December 20 th and January 17th, when they are at 10.30am. Carols by Candlelight on Wednesday December 23rd is at 7.30pm Sunday December 6th Advent 2 6.00pm Rev Jim Needham Sunday December 13th Advent 3 6.00pm Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Sunday January 3rd Covenant Sunday 6.00pm Rev Jo Rand Sunday January 10th Baptism of Christ 6.00pm Rev Graham Ransom Covenant Service Sunday December 20th Advent 4 10.30am Mrs Lesley Thompson Sunday January 17th Epiphany 2 10.30am Rev Graham Ransom Wednesday December 23rd 7.30pm Rev Graham Ransom Carol Service Sunday January 24th Education Sunday 6.00pm Mr Alan Thomson Friday December 25th Christmas Day 10am At Ulverston Rev Graham Ransom Sunday January 31st Epiphany 4 6.00pm Mrs Paulette Bissell Sunday December 27th Christmas 1 6.00pm Dr John Biggs Sunday February 7th Sunday before Lent 6.00pm Rev Dr David Jackson SWARTHMOOR LADIES’ MEETING All women are welcome. Information from Brenda Horrocks on 01229 587891. Tuesday 8th December 2.15pm: Bring and Share Christmas tea at Brenda’s house. Tuesday 19th January 2.15pm: Meet at Sylvia Smith’s house. CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Wednesday 23rd December at 7.30pm led by the Rev Graham Ransom Friends from the village and from other churches will be very welcome. Seasonal refreshments will be available after the service. CAN YOU HELP? We are always glad to welcome friends from Ulverston and other churches who join the congregation at Swarthmoor. They often say they come because they feel at home and appreciate the friendly, prayerful atmosphere. The intimacy of a small space works especially well on occasions such as the All Souls service in November. We are happy to fulfil that valued role; however departures and illnesses in recent times have left us with few people fit and able to take on the routine jobs necessary to keep the place going. The tasks are not as complicated as in a larger church, but they need to be done reliably and with care. We now need to look for help beyond the immediate circle of Swarthmoor members. At the end of March Ann will come to the end of her six-year term as steward. Are there any well-wishers out there who could consider doing a stint in that role? Ideally there would be more than one person, and there are various possible ways of sharing the duties. If you would like to know what is involved, with no obligation at this stage, just get in touch with Ann. Her contact details are above. 6 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 SHEEP, PSALMS AND GALLERIES ADVENTURES OF A CHRISTMAS FAVOURITE During a church choir outing on the Yorkshire moors, one young couple slipped away from the group for a while. Their colleagues made up a song mocking the amorous pair, and sang it to one of their favourite hymn tunes. The teasing words are famous as ‘On Ilkley Moor ‘baht ‘at’. The tune appears in some old hymn books, called ‘Cranbrook’ and linked with ‘While shepherds watched their flocks by night’. For most people, the tune ‘Winchester Old’ is the obvious companion to that familiar Christmas hymn. Yet the words and tune followed separate paths for centuries. The post-Reformation English Church – especially its Puritan wing – did not approve of ‘human hymns’ in worship: only the Word of God would do. Metrical psalters, published for church use, adapted Psalms from the Bible into verses that could be sung to tunes with a regular metre. (Examples still used today include ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’, ‘O God our help in ages past’, and ‘As pants the hart’.) The tune we know as ‘Winchester Old’, composed by George Kirkbye, was first printed in a metrical psalter of 1592 and set to a versification of Psalm 84, ‘How pleasant is thy dwelling-place’. A century on, A New Version of the Psalms of David, written by Nahum Tate and Nicolas Brady, appeared in 1696. The book became standard in Anglican worship. A Supplement in 1700 added several original hymns, only one of which caught on. Like the metrical Psalms it was closely based on a Scripture passage, in this case part of Luke’s Gospel chapter 2. We know it as ‘While shepherds watched their flocks by night’, and for many years it was the only Christmas hymn acceptable to the Church of England. Outside the church context, in family gatherings and communal celebrations, traditional carols for Christmas and other seasons still flourished, kept alive by oral transmission and later in published collections. While Anglican congregations stuck to metrical psalms, dissenting religious groups often used hymns such as those of the Congregationalist Isaac Watts (1674-1748). Methodism – famously “born in song” – encouraged hymn-singing for worship and spiritual nurture, with prolific writer Charles Wesley (1707-1788) on hand to cater for the demand. Its hymn books were dominated by Wesley compositions including ‘Hark, the herald angels sing’ (originally ‘Hark how all the welkin rings’) and other hymns on the Incarnation. ‘Winchester Old’ was set to hymns on entirely different topics. Not until 1904 would ‘While shepherds’ appear in a Wesleyan hymn book (Primitive Methodists had it a little earlier), with a tune now long abandoned. Meanwhile Church of England parishes were taking steps to revitalise the singing of Tate and Brady’s metrical psalms. “West Gallery” bands of singers and instrumentalists were formed to lead the singing. With local composers providing new tunes - often elaborate ones with ornamentation, staggered entries and repetitions – parishes and localities built up their own musical repertoires. Some of this material has been revived in recent times by concert groups such as the Lancasterbased Gladly Solemn Sound; but the church bands themselves eventually died out. The exuberant complexity of West Gallery music was fun to perform, but could flummox ordinary members of the congregation. (Many present-day worshippers who try to navigate tunes like ‘Lyngham’ may sympathise!) Industrialisation and population movement disrupted local continuity. And, as we shall see, metrical psalms began to lose their dominant place. In the nineteenth century, new movements within the Church of England prompted a drive for a wider repertoire of hymns. There was plenty of choice: translations of early Latin hymns or of German texts from the hymn-loving Lutheran tradition; devotional verses by English poets; hymns current in nonconformist congregations; plus newly-written material. All were rich sources for the Anglican compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861) – now seen as a rather stuffy tome, but ground-breaking in its time. Translated Latin texts (pleasing the High Church party) rubbed shoulders with items by Congregationalists Watts and Doddridge and the Methodist Wesleys. In the 1840s Charles Dickens had published A Christmas Carol and other Christmas Books, perhaps turbo-charging a rolling bandwagon if not, as some claim, “inventing” the hearty celebration of Christmas. At any rate the editors of Ancient and Modern saw fit to include a sizeable section of Advent and Christmas hymns Here, for the first time, ‘While shepherds watched’ was paired with the tune ‘Winchester Old’ - a combination copied by many later hymnals including Methodist hymn books from 1933 onwards. As verse, ‘While shepherds watched’ is unremarkable. What makes it such a survivor? For a long time it was the sole Christmas hymn available in parish churches. When West Gallery musicians worked their magic on the metrical psalms, ‘While shepherds watched’, as part of the same canon, received the full treatment. As the lively psalm arrangements faded into the past, towns and villages proudly kept their rollicking tunes to ‘While shepherds’. Its ballad-like story form slotted readily into the traditional repertoire of carols and other songs. Choir rehearsals in the warmth of local pubs doubtless helped. There are said to be hundreds of tunes to ‘While shepherds watched’, some sung to this day, many forgotten. With singing now rare as a family or social activity, a mobile population, the karaoke machine replacing the pub piano, folk clubs out of fashion, even church congregational singing often hesitant, it’s little wonder local traditional song has struggled to survive. Where is the succession of people willing and able to keep it alive and pass it on? Imagine football supporters’ clubs rediscovering their local versions of ‘While shepherds’ and singing them on the terraces… A change from ‘Abide with me’ - why not? Featured in Furness Bach Choir’s ‘Christmas Around Europe’ concert (December 5 th at Neville St) is a splendidly florid arrangement of ‘While shepherds watched’, described as “traditional in Sheffield and district”. If you read this in time, come and enjoy it! Ann Thomson 7 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 NEWS FROM ULVERSTON If you need to contact someone at Ulverston these are our two Senior Stewards Pauline Beeby 01229 582505 and COMMUNION A reminder that we have gluten free bread available for Communion if required. Please kneel at the Communion Rail nearest to the Pulpit. Mavis Posnett 01229 587720 LUNCHLINK CHRISTMAS LUNCH Tuesday December 15 th at 12 noon Tickets £5 Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday November 17th WHAT’S ON AT ULVERSTON Note: not every meeting is held weekly SUNDAY Services 10.30am and 6.00pm (see pages 26) 10.30am A Crèche is available at the 10.30am service MONDAY 10.00am Parent & Toddlers (during term time) Treasurer - Lynne Higgs [email protected] 2.00pm Banner Group Jane Shakeshaft 01229 585350 2.00pm Women’s Friendly Pat Moneypenny 01229 585869 TUESDAY 12.00noon Lunch Link Irene Jenkins 01229 585380 7.30pm Fellowship Group Jane Longton 01229 480961 held on last Tuesday of every month WEDNESDAY 10-11.30am Coffee & Chat Brenda Horrocks 01229 587891 10.45am Monthly mid week Holy Communion normally held on second Wednesday of each month From 6.30pm Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association John Shakeshaft 01229 585350 7.30pm Choir Practice - practices held weekly Brenda Horrocks 01229 587891 7.30pm Wednesday Group Susan Falvey 01229 869501 Meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday of the month THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 10.00am Church Band & Ichthus Brass Practice On the first Saturday of the month and also extra practices called when necessary Jean Lambert 01229 588571 2.00pm Messy Church Carol Whiteley 01229 5838 normally on the third Saturday of the month. The church buildings are available for a variety of bookings. For more information contact Prim Eves 01229 580853 To Richard Gillgrass ULVERSTON METHODIST BAND Richard has been the Lettings Secretary at Ulverston Methodist Church for the last nine years. Recently he has decided to tender his resignation from this post and Mrs Prim Eves will take over from him on January 1st 2016. Her details are at the foot of the What’s On at Ulverston box on the right hand side of this page. We welcome anyone who can play a brass or woodwind instrument or even drums!. We offer our grateful thanks to Richard for all he has done in regard of lettings since 2006. More details from Jean Lambert 01229 588571 8 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 WOMEN’S FRIENDLY Meetings are monthly, on the second Monday of the month and start at 2pm. December 14th January 11 Carol Service th Communion Service with Rev Graham Ransom February 8th Jane Shakeshaft Members discussion followed by ‘Scenes of the Lake District’ presented by Everyone is welcome; if you would like to know more please ask Joyce Farrell 01229 587113 A note from Joyce - Can the Women’s Friendly Survive? Over the past year or two, attendance at the Women’s Friendly Meetings have dwindled, largely due to the increasing age of our ladies. This year, having ended our year two weeks after Easter, instead of in June, it was decided in the current Autumn session to meet monthly instead of weekly. This has improved attendances, and at our recent meeting on November 9th, fifteen ladies came. These included several from the church who had not been before. However, we urgently need people to take on the tasks needed to keep our group going.. Doreen Blantern struggled valiantly to continue as Treasurer, and though one of our ladies kindly volunteered for this, it proved too much, so at present we do not have a Treasurer. Also Pat, feeling she had to cut down some of her commitments, retired as Secretary at the AGM (even though she had always enjoyed this role). I too, as President, am under a lot of stress (I have been overseeing the finances recently), so any other volunteers to keep the Women’s Friendly continuing and thriving, will be welcomed with open arms. The Women’s Friendly was founded in 1918, so it would be tremendously sad if it couldn't persevere long enough to celebrate its centenary in 2018 FELLOWSHIP GROUP Meetings are normally held on the last Tuesday of the month at Low Willows, Mayfield Road, Ulverston. For more information please contact Jane Longton 01229 480961 WEDNESDAY GROUP Meetings are normally held at church on the second Wednesday of the month usually in the Bedford Room. They are open meetings and we welcome everyone. The December meeting is on Wednesday December 16th when we shall all meet at the ’Hot Mango’ for our Christmas Meal. The January meeting is on Wednesday January 13th when we shall hold a social evening at the home of Joan Jeffreys at Dow Crag, Lowick Green. If you would like to know more about the Wednesday Group or any of these meetings please contact Susan Falvey 01229 869501 or Jane Longton 01229 480961 Our October Meeting was held in the church when we all gathered to watch Ros Harrison of Dodds undertaking “Hands-on Flower Arranging” 9 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2015 DECEMBER Tuesday 1st Saturday 5th Sunday 13th Saturday 19th Sunday 20th Thursday 24th Friday 25th 7.00pm ‘Creating a Climate of Welcome’ 7.30pm Furness Bach Choir Concert ‘Christmas in Europe’ 10.30am Christmas Gift Service Coffee Morning at Coronation Hall for Brigade Funds 10.30am Family, Parade and Carol Service Christmas Messy Church 5.00pm Candlelight Carol Service 11.30pm Christmas Eve Communion 10.00am Christmas Day Worship 2016 JANUARY Saturday 9th Saturday 16th Sunday 17th 3-6pm Church Family Party Messy Church 10.30am Family and Parade Service FEBRUARY Monday 8th Sunday 14th Thursday 25th 7.30pm Ulverston Church Council 10.30am Family and Parade Service 7.30pm Circuit Meeting at Coniston Sunday 6th Saturday 12th From the Events Committee An invitation to everyone to Come and join the Celebrations at the Ulverston Methodist Church Family Party MARCH Friday 4th - Sunday 6th Circuit Away Weekend at Rydal Hall Sunday 20th 10.30am Family and Parade Service th Thursday 24 Maundy Thursday th Friday 25 Good Friday Sunday 27th Easter Sunday APRIL Sunday 17th Saturday 23rd On Saturday January 9th 2015 From 3-6pm Foodwise this will be a ‘Bring and Share’ event. 10.30am Family and Parade Service 7.30pm Furness Bach Choir Concert ‘The Surround of Sound’ MAY Sunday 15th Friday 20th 10.30am Family and Parade Service 7.30pm Barrow Male Voice Choir Concert JUNE Sunday 12th Civic Service - venue to be confirmed A list will be in the Concourse and the Blackburn Room for you to sign indicating whether you will be bring savoury or sweet food. Ron Campbell is 94 on Saturday January 23rd 2016 We wish him many happy returns GIFT DAY Sunday December 6th We remember with affection Tom Bradley, Caroline and Steve's friend and a regular worshipper here at Neville Street. Sadly he died earlier this year and has been greatly missed by many around the town. He was a staunch member of the Wednesday Club which meets at the Coronation Hall every fortnight. This year everything given on Gift Day will go to this Club in grateful memory of the part he played within our congregation. There will be a box in the foyer for your gifts on Sunday November 29 th and Sunday December 6th. 10 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 SWIMMING AT ULVERSTON POOL The last swimming session for this term is Wednesday December 9 th. As yet dates and times for the next group of sessions still have to be finalised. Details will be printed in the service sheets when available. Anyone is welcome to join us including friends from elsewhere in the circuit. After swimming you will be very welcome at ‘Coffee and Chat’ at Ulverston. For more information contact Margaret Tooke 01229 584905 Action for Children September House to House Collection A big thank you from Barbara Pickthall to all the collectors and everyone who supported the Action for Children House to House Collection held during September. A total of £1,412.35 was raised. Barbara has been organising the House to House Collection in Ulverston town and some local villages since 1992 and she and her collectors have been instrumental in raising over £34,000 for Action for Children. Until 2010 I helped with organising the collections but since then, each year, Barbara has carried on alone. Regretfully, she has now stepped down from her role and 2015 has been her last year organising the collection in Ulverston. If anyone feels that they might be interested in taking over this role, please contact Barbara 01229 587434 and she will be happy to pass on information regarding what is involved. Action for Children is the children's charity of the Methodist Church and its 146 year history, from earliest beginnings in the pioneering work of Rev Thomas Bowman Stephenson and friends in 1869 to the present day, is an on-going story of bringing hope for vulnerable children, young people and their families. Today, in what are undoubtedly increasingly difficult times in Britain, there is a profound commitment by Action for Children to go to those needing them most and to bring hope by their continuing commitment of caring for the vulnerable in our societies. On behalf of everyone at Ulverston Methodist Church I would like to thank Barbara for all her time, work and commitment since 1992. Barbara, together with her band of faithful collectors, has helped in trying to achieve Action for Children's vision of "a world where all children and young people have a sense of belonging, and are loved and valued. A world where they can fulfil their potential, shape their destiny and experience the joy of life". Thank you Barbara. Susan Falvey - Church Steward We would love to see more of you join us. We are open from 10.00 - 11.30am and serve FREE Coffee or Tea (with biscuits) We are constantly welcoming new friends and whether you stay for the whole time or just five minutes you are very welcome In December we shall not be meeting on December 23rd or December 30th. On the second Wednesday of each month during ‘Coffee & Chat’ there is a short informal communion service at 10.45am for those who wish to attend. 11 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 FROM The Boys Brigade and Girls Association It was pleasing to see so many of our families and friends attending our Enrolment and Dedication Service. Well done to Beth, Megan, Korie and Jasmine on achieving and receiving their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards this year; they have now started working towards their Gold Award and we are pleased that Hannah Ransom is joining them. We wish them all well and look forward to seeing, and hearing all about it. Speaking of awards, congratulations to Harry Scott who received the Williamson Trophy and to Jasmine who received the Chaplain’s Cup and to Beth who received the Audrey Lewis Trophy. Thanks must also go to the many church members who give us so much support and kind donations throughout the year. Talking of which, on Saturday 12th December at the Coronation Hall we will be holding a Coffee Morning in aid of Company Funds. We trust many of you will be able to come and support us. Our poster is on the page opposite. We all hope you will think about what you could bake for the Cake Stall and will find us items for the Bric-a-brac stall as you prepare for Christmas. And don’t forget the Brigade needs as many bottles as possible (unopened & full) water, squash, lemonade, after shave, shampoo, perfume and anything else you can think of for the bottle stall Tickets are now on sale at £1 and are available from Brigade members Payment can also be made on the door. Church will be open on Friday 12th December from 4pm - 6pm to accept items for the Coffee Morning. Articles can also be brought to the Coronation Hall from 8.30am onwards Offers of help and more information contact Jane Shakeshaft 585350 12 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 12th 13 2015 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 Wishing everyone a peaceful time this Christmas Roger and Dorothy Aldus Sam, Sharon, Henry and Greer Anderson Margaret Ball Maureen and Jack Barnes and family Trevor and Pauline Beeby and family Marian Bell Doreen Blantern and family Jean and David Booth Gill de Bourcier Kate and Barry Brooks and family Robert and Edna Callanan, Keith, Ruth and family Ron and Enid Campbell Mary Chapman Margaret Cole Julia Daley Mary and Keith Daniels Jackie Dawson Arthur Dickinson Les and Evelyn Dixon Margaret Eccleston Olive Ellershaw Prim Eves John and Susan Falvey and family Joyce Farrell David and Janet Fellows and family Doreen and John Fursey Carol and Les Galloway Jean and Garner Joan and Alwyn Gee Richard and Joan Gillgrass All the Ginnever Family Heather Gregson Olive Haines Bob and Sheila Henderson Brenda Holden Pam Hollows Michael and Sheila Hopkins Brenda and Don Horrocks Ruth Howlett Fred Jackson and family Steve and Lindsey Jackson Mary and Stephen Jeffry Joan Jeffrey Irene, Sandy Jenkins; Kathrine, John and Chloe Williamson Mary Kellett and family The Kyle Family Jean and Arthur Lambert Ann, Mike, Adam and Frank Larbalestier The Leech Family Peter and Jacky Lingard and family Russell and Jane Longton Margaret Ludlow and family Chris, John, Euan and Ailsa McArthur Margaret McLaren Elizabeth and Dorothy Manfield (Thirsk) Marjorie Martin Jude and Roger Middleton Pat Moneypenny Margery Moores Phyllis and Steve Morgan Kathleen and Alan Murray Patricia Oversby Bernard and Margaret Parker Sheila and Graham Phillips Rita Pilkington Mavis Posnett and family Lynn Pointon Alma and Bill Postlethwaite Sheila and Sam Price, Jason, Sarah, Harvey and Tess Branton June Quine Graham, Gillian, Hannah, Sarah and Hayley Ransom Gene Rice Jack and Elizabeth Rice and family Karen and Tony Rigby Hal Robb and Rosi Jordal David and Pauline Robinson Brenda Romans Christine Sanders John and Carole Scott, David and Rachel Irene and Steve Shakeshaft Jane and John Shakeshaft Boys and Girls of the 1st Ulverston Brigade Campbell, Jean, Susan and Stuart Smith Sylvia Smith Chris, Tom and Jack Spencer Barbara Springthorpe, and family Ann and Alan Thomson Lesley, Howard, Lauren and Mark Thompson; Ruth, Luke and Sam Green Barrie and Margery Thornley and family Margaret Tooke, and family David and Elizabeth Tyson Rayment Tyson Joan Wade and Ian Johnston Phil and Margaret Walker Eric and Sophie Ward The Wells Family Carol and Rob Whiteley and Family Mike and Charlotte Wills; Simon, Tom and Nic Wills; Rosie, Andrew and Sam Jackson Kathleen Wilson Doreen Woods Jonathan, Helen, Catherine and Bart Wren With thanks to everyone who has contributed, the current total stands at £753; 00 has been donated to church funds, with one or two donations to follow, it will also increase once Gift Aid is added. Jane Shakeshaft 14 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 We had a large increase in numbers at Messy Church in October and November. Everyone enjoyed the sessions and Rachel Scott produced some wonderful Power Point presentations which ran through the sessions. In October we looked at the story of Samuel and how he was trained to listen to God with activities such as making mobile telephones, identifying different sounds, biscuits with the children’s names iced on showing us how God called Samuel by his name. In November we studied Mary and Joseph and how they listened to God through his angels and were obedient to his wishes. Craft activities looked at Joseph’s life as a carpenter; both Mary and Joseph being visited by angels and then going on a long journey in preparation for the birth of Jesus. The worship sessions led by Mark Callaghan and Graham Ransom, were followed by pizza and Swiss roll in October and tuna pasta bake and Jelly and ice cream in November. Thanks go to all who helped in the preparations and clearing up and with the sessions themselves. On December 19th we will celebrate Christmas and we would be very grateful for donations of cakes from members of the Church. You will all be welcome to join us for tea that day. The next two Messy Church dates are Saturday December 19th and Saturday January 16th A Christmas Quiz Answers p20 Many quizzes can be found free on the internet and this is from www.reindeerland.org/christmas quiz 1. What guided the three wise men to the infant 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. What was the name of Joseph's city? 10. What is the other name for the city of David? Jesus? 11. Why was Jesus lain in a manger? Where did the three wise men see the celestial 12. What did Mary wrap the baby Jesus in? body? 13. What were the shepherds doing in the fields? Who did the three wise men say they were looking 14. Who gave the shepherds good tidings of great for? joy? What country was Herod the king of? 15. Who did the angel refer to when he spoke to the Where did Herod send the three wise men shepherds - (Clue: For unto you is born this day...) Why did Herod want to know when Jesus was 16. Who else appeared with the angel? found? 17. Where did the angels go? What reason did Herod give to the Three Wise 18. What gifts were given to Jesus by the Wise Men? Men to explain why he wanted to know about the 19. Where did Joseph and Mary go to flee from birth? Herod? What was the name of the Roman Emperor who 20.How old were the infants that were slain under sent out a decree that all the world should be the orders of Herod? taxed? 15 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 From Marjorie Martin, Once again it is time to think about decorating our church for Christmas. From the Property Committee CHRISTMAS PLANTS Church Heating You may have noted by now that the heating in the church is not working as it should be. If anyone would like to make a small donation towards the Christmas Plant Scheme I would be very pleased to receive it. I am sure you will all agree that by remembering a loved one - your donations make our church look beautiful over the Christmas period. Many thanks for your generosity over the past years. It was installed when we had the church refurbished in 1991. Now the heater is of such an age that we are unable to get replacement parts, so it means that we will have to replace the whole of the heating unit. In the mean time we will have to make alterative arrangements. We are trying to secure some temporary heating, but it will not be as good as the previous source and sometimes we may have to use the Blackburn Room for services, as we did on Sunday November 22nd. Please let me have the details as soon as possible and no later than Sunday December 13th. After 17 years of organising Church Flowers I have decided to hang up my secateurs and retire in January. Many, many thanks for the very generous donations everyone has made over the years. I hope someone will follow in my foot-steps and continue with Sunday flowers as they are so much appreciated. We are hoping to be able to carry out the works as soon as possible in the New Year. Many thanks, once again, Marjorie Martin Our Grateful Thanks: After all these years we do need to thank Marjorie Martin for all she has done in respect of the Church flowers. She has led her team in a most quiet and competent way and the effort Marjorie and her ‘Flower Fairies’ all put into the flower arrangements in church during the past years is very much appreciated. As and when we know more about when the work is to be carried out we will let you know. To Marjorie Martin, Queen of the Flower Fairies, a heartfelt thank you from us all. John Shakeshaft CALENDARS The 2016 calendars (which include the pictures below) are now available. As usual I am asking for a minimum donation of £8 that will enable me to give something to the causes that I support. These include St Mary’s Hospice, Christian Aid, Oxfam as well as the Church. I am very grateful to those who support me buying cards, calendars and canvases. It meant that I could give over £800 to charities last year. Gill de Bourcier 16 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 From the SOUTH LAKES CIRCUIT From Grange Methodist Church and Grange URC Journey to Christmas Grange URC and Methodist Churches are working together to create a special space for all ages to explore the Christmas story. Drop in to ‘Preparing for the baby’ on the day of the Christmas Extravaganza - the doors of the Methodist Church will be open on Sat 5th Dec from 10am. Later in December, ‘Journey to Christmas’ follows the story of the shepherds and angels, Mary and Joseph, as their lives are changed for ever. We’re invited to take some time away from the shopping and the tinsel as we wonder what this ancient story offers us today. Drop in at the Methodist Church any time: 11am-4pm Tuesday 14th to Saturday 19th December; evening opening 6.30-8pm Tuesday and Thursday; or join us for prayers at 10.30am each day. 17 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 At Grange United Reformed Church on December 22nd at 7.30pm A United Service for AGE UK store opens in Grange The Longest Night Super- For those who find Christmas difficult or who appreciate a more reflective time. The new Superstore in Grange was opened on the 5th November by a past member of the Circuit Choir Norman Critchley. Brian McCann, Grange Agent for Age UK, thought that being 100 years young made Norman an ideal candidate for the ribbon cutting ceremony. He was pleased to be asked, and took it in his stride, as this photo outside the store with members of the Age UK team shows. Led by Rev Martyn Coe and Rev Jo Rand Everyone is welcome to join us at the CIRCUIT CHRISTMAS LUNCH at Hillthwaite Hotel, Thornbarrow Road, Windermere On Friday December 4th 2016 12.30pm for 1pm £19.95 per person The choice of menu is Starters. Home made Salmon Gravalax with brown bread and butter, lemon jelly Westmorland Vegetable Broth - hearty soup, pearl barley, black pepper croutons Chicken Parfait - crisp melba toast, red currants, lambs leaf salad Pearls of Compressed Melon - forest fruits compote, ginger syrup, orange sorbet Sweets Traditional Christmas Fruit Pudding - steamed fruit pudding, white rum sauce Baked Blueberry Cheesecake - warm fudge sauce, blue berry compote Raspberry Sherry Trifle - sherry soaked sponge, English custard, raspberries Lemon Meringue - smooth lemon curd, crisp meringue and chocolate Mains Roast Norfolk Turkey - pigs in blanket, sage and walnut stuffing and roast gravy Braised Daube of Beef - rich red wine gravy, roasted Followed by coffee and mints shallots, truffle mash potato Gateau Pithivier - roasted vegetables bound in tomato sauce, encased in filo pastry, watercress cream sauce More information from Mrs Angela Pratt Yew Grove Troutbeck Windermere 015394 33304 18 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 Below are the services for Grange-over-Sands, Cartmel and Westerley as well as Ambleside, Grasmere, Hawkshead, Windermere and Carver URC Windermere. We include them to give you a flavour of services throughout our circuit. Please note the dates and times of services if you are considering attending any of these, as not every church has a service every week. Services at Grange-over-Sands November 29th 10.30am Rev Jo Rand December 6th 10.30am Rev Les Hann Holy Communion December 13th 10.30am Rev Jo Rand Nativity Service 6.00pm Rev Jo Rand December 20th 10.30am Rev Jo Rand/Rev Martyn Coe Carol Service United Service at Grange Methodist th December 24 8.30pm Rev Jo Rand Rev Martin Coe Holy Communion United Service at Grange Methodist th December 25 10.30am Rev Jo Rand United Service at Methodist Church December 27th 10.30am United Service Grange URC January 3rd 10.30am Rev Jo Rand Covenant Service January 10th 10.30am Rev Dr David Jackson 6.00pm Rev Jo Rand January 17th 10.30am Rev Jo Rand United Service Grange URC January 24th 10.30am Mr John Hutchinson 6.00pm Mr Stan Lewis th February 7 10.30am Mrs Dorothy Reilly Services at Cartmel November 29th 11.00am Mrs Paulette Bissell December 6th 11.00am Rev Jo Rand Holy Communion December 13th 11.00am Mr Mick Malkin December 20th 11.00am Mr Dare Holland th December 27 11.00am Mr Stan Lewis January 3rd 11.00am Mr Alan Thomson th January 10 11.00am Rev Jo Rand Covenant Service January 17th 11.00am Mrs Gillian Ransom th January 24 11.00am Mrs Paulette Bissell January 31st 11.00am Rev Jo Rand February 7th 11.00am Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Services at Westerley November 29th 2.15pm Rev Martyn Coe December 6th 2.15pm Rev Dr David Jackson Holy Communion th December 13 2.15pm Rev Jo Rand December 20th 2.15pm Mr John Hutchinson th December 27 2.15pm Rev Graham Ransom rd January 3 2.15pm Rev Jo Rand Holy Communion January 10th 2.15pm Mr Alan Thomson January 17th 2.15pm Rev Les Hann January 24th 2.15pm Mrs Lesley Thompson January 31st 2.15pm Rev Graham Ransom February 7th 2.15pm Mrs Yvonne Needham Services at Lowick Parish Church December 27th 9.30am Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion January 24th 9.30am Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Services at Windermere Services at Ambleside November 29th 11.00am Mr John Hutchinson December 6th 11.00am Mrs Susan Varty th December 13 11.00am Mr Bryan Bucknell December 20th 11.00am Rev Les Hann th December 25 10.30am Rev Les Hann December 27th 11.00am Mrs Dorothy Reilly rd January 3 11.00am Rev Les Hann Covenant Service th January 10 11.00am Rev Pauline West January 17th 11.00am Mr Paul Rand th January 24 11.00am Mr Dare Holland January 31st 11.00am Mr Mick Malkin February 7th 11.00am Rev Les Hann Holy Communion November 29th 11.00am Dr John Biggs United Service December 6th 9.30am Rev Pauline West Holy Communion December 13th 9.30am Mrs Paulette Bissell December 20th 9.30am Mr Bryan Bucknell December 27th 11.00am United Service at St Marys January 3rd 9.30am Rev Les Hann Covenant Service January 10th 9.30am Mr Dare Holland January 17th 9.30am Dr John Biggs January 24th 11.00am United Service at St Marys January 31st 9.30am Rev Les Hann February 7th 9.30am Rev Les Hann Holy Communion Services at Carver Uniting Church Windermere November 29th 10.45am Rev Martyn Coe December 6th 10.45am Gina Dennison th December 13 10.45am Rev Martyn Coe December 20th 10.45am Pam Carpenter th December 24 11.30pm Rev Martyn Coe th December 25 10.00am Rev Sarah Moore December 27th 10.45am Rev Carole Marsden rd January 3 10.45am Laurence Moore th January 10 10.45am Rev Martyn Coe January 17nd 10.45am Rev Les Hann th January 24 10.45am to be announced Services at Hawkshead November 29th 11.00am Rev Pauline West December 6th 6.00pm Rev Les Hann Holy Communion th December 13 11.00am Dr John Biggs January 3rd 6.00pm Rev Les Hann Holy Communion th January 10 11.00am Mrs Dorothy Reilly January 31st 11.00am Mrs Paulette Bissell February 7th 6.00pm Rev Les Hann Holy Communion The Lectionary is printed below for the next nine weeks. Advent Sunday November 29th Advent 2 December 6th Advent 3 December 13th Advent 4 December 20th Christmas Christmas 1 December 27th Jeremiah 33 v14–16 1 Thessalonians 3 v9-13 Luke 21 v25–36 Malachi 3 v1–4 Philippians 1 v3–11 Luke 3 v1–6 Zephaniah 3 v14–20 Philippians 4 v4–7 Luke 3 v7-18 Micah 5 v2–5a Hebrews 10 v5–10 Luke 1 v39–45 (46–55) Isaiah 9 v2–7 Titus 3 v4–7 Luke 2 v(1–7) 8–20 John 1 v1–14 1 Samuel 2 v18–26 Colossians 3 v12–17 Luke 2 v41–52 Covenant/Epiphany January 3rd Baptism of Christ January 10th Epiphany 2 January 17th Epiphany 3 Education January 24th Epiphany 4 January 31st Sunday before Lent February 7th Isaiah 60, v1–6 Ephesians 3 v1–12 Matthew 2 v2–12 Isaiah 43 v1–7 Acts 8 v14–17 Luke 3 v15–17, and v21–22 Isaiah 62 v1–5 1 Corinthians 12 v1–11 John 2 v1-11 Nehemiah 8 v1–3, 5–6, and 8–10 1 Corinthians 12 v12-31a Luke 4 v14–21 Jeremiah 4 v1–10 1 Corinthians 13 v1-13 Luke 4 v21–30 Exodus 34 v29–35 2 Corinthians 3 v12–4, 2 Luke 9 v28–36 (37–43a) 19 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 SOUTH LAKES METHODIST CIRCUIT Circuit Weekend 2016 WILL YOU COME AND FOLLOW ME? An exploration of what it can mean to each one of us to be a Christian disciple today, based on the much-loved Iona hymn of the same name. Following the great success of previous events, we return to Rydal Hall, just outside Ambleside, 4 – 6 MARCH 2016 The whole weekend will be prepared in the Circuit for the Circuit to encourage the warm fellowship we already have within the Circuit and to find help and support as we move forward in our Christian journeys. It’s fun. It’s uplifting. The food’s great. It’s unbeatable value. Don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity Starts Friday evening and finishes with lunch on Sunday Day visits possible on Saturday Cost of full weekend £140 per person Day visits @ £25 per person A time to work and a time to relax and Paul R am Ransom & o by J th Grah ns led wi Sessio Devotions Wors hip cr e om it all g away fr erful settin In a wond ated b y ever yone A time to think and a time to share Will YOU come? There’s room and a welcome for all. Enquiries and Bookings to Dare Holland, phone: 015394 41594 or email: [email protected] 20 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 From the CUMBRIA DISTRICT Cumbria District Marriage and Relationships The Methodist Conference invites members of the Methodist Church to share in a conversation to discuss A Christian Understanding of Family Life, the Single Person and Marriage The conversation on Tuesday 17th November at Ulverston Methodist Church was well attended and a most interesting and informative meeting If you have one of these following dates free you are very welcome to attend and we would love to meet with you Thursday 3rd December: 7pm – 9.30pm at Stricklandgate Methodist Church Saturday 23rd January 2016: 10am – 12.30pm at Penrith Methodist Church Saturday 6th February 2016: 10am – 12.30pm at Cockermouth Methodist Church The meetings will include opportunity to explore both the history and changing context of marriage and also scriptural and theological context and will be led by Rev Rachel Williams and Mr David Kendrew Further information is available at [email protected] Tel: 01229 770071 [email protected] Tel: 01768 892992 Answers to Christmas Bible Quiz on p15 1. Star 2. In the East 3. The King of the Jews 4. Judaea 5. Bethlehem 6. So he could kill him. 7. So he could worship him. 8. Caesar Augustus 9. Nazareth 10. Bethlehem 11. Because there was no room for them in the inn. 12. Swaddling clothes 13. Watching their flocks 14. The angel of the Lord 15. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord 16. The Heavenly Host 17. Heaven 18. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh 19. Egypt 20.Two years and under 21 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 From CHURCHES TOGETHER in ULVERSTON and DISTRICT Dickensian Service This will be held at the Market Cross at 4pm on Sunday November 29th. Below, we reproduce the leaflet to be handed out by CTU at Ulverston’s Dickensian Festival this weekend. A service of worship, witness and solidarity for victims and survivors of domestic abuse Carlisle Cathedral Wednesday 2 December 2015 2pm nd Dickensian Christmas reproduced by kind permission of Pauline Smith Real candles on the tree, holly boughs in the hall, roaring fires, carol singers in the snow …….Christmas isn’t what it was 150 years ago. Things change. Except for one thing, the baby at the heart of it all, Jesus, son of Mary, laid in a manger. JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. So now, as then, Christians remember His coming at Christmas-time. We remember the story of His birth We rejoice that God sent his Son into this broken world to share our life and bring us the help we need We rejoice that He is still our Friend and Saviour Why not meet Him in Church this Christmas “Domestic abuse crosses all boundaries” Carols at the Cross This very popular event at the Ulverston Market Cross. will take place on the Saturday before Christmas, Saturday December 19th at 10.30am. The Annual General Meeting of Churches Together in Ulverston will be held at Ulverston Parish Church on Sunday January 17th 2016 at 6pm. “I cried to you for help when my heart was overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge.” Psalm 61:2-3 22 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 From our LOCAL COMMUNITY North Lonsdale History Society At Ulverston Methodist Church 2015 - 2016 The aims of the society are to encourage an interest in local history and to help promote and preserve the beauty, character and traditions of the district. Meetings are held from September through to May in the Blackburn Room at the Methodist Church, Neville Street, Ulverston on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm During the Months of June, July and August guided walks/visits are organised, please note the different meeting times. Annual Membership is £7.00 Visitors £2.00 Refreshments are included. PROGRAMME December 8 Waiter, Butcher, Spy - Germans & Austrians in Cumbria during World War 1 (mince pies & cakes will be provided ) Rob David th Shells, Ships and Submarines - Barrow's role in the Great War Bill Myers th John Bolton, Ulverston's last slave trader Peter Wilde January 12 February 9 th March 8 th “It should have been stopped” - Decisions affecting the Lake District Maurice Steele th 300 years of schooling - Satterthwaite and Rusland Susan Tiplady th Short AGM followed by - History of the Coronation Hall Gordon Crayston April 12 May 10 SUMMER VISITS / WALKS. th June 14 th July 12 th August 9 Urswick Parish Church Meet 7.00 pm at the church John Imlack Lancaster Castle Details to follow Official Guide Furness Abbey Meet 11.00am at the Abbey Official Guide FURTHER INFORMATION FROM : Further information available from, Mr & Mrs D Miller 01229 869229 Mr J Rice 01229 585854 and Mr D Fellows 01229 583565 Music Director: Anthony Milledge Accompanist: Sue Quarmby THE NEW BORN KING by Gordon Jacobs with sic Director: Deborah Milledge Accompanist: Margaret Harrison Christmas Music and Community Carols Mu- Baptist Church Hall ULVERSTON PARISH CHURCH Abbey Road Barrow-in-Furness Monday 14th December at 7.30pm on Friday 18th December 2015 at 7.30pm TICKETS £10 Available at the door or from Mrs P Gillman on 01229 716321 Charity Number: 500372 Tickets available from Choir Members £6 23 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 Furness Bach Choir Another date for your diary Our 2016 spring concert will also be at ULVERSTON METHODIST CHURCH on Saturday April 23rd at 7.30pm when we shall perform THE SURROUND OF SOUND More information and tickets from Furness Bach Choir members Mike Larbalestier 01229 584917 and Ann Thomson 01229 588031 24 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 More information from Nicky Diggle 01229 580140 25 Date 26 Rev Graham Ransom Mrs Susan Varty Rev Graham Ransom Epiphany 4 January 31st 10.30am Sunday before Lent February 7th 10.30am 6.00pm Week of Prayer Christian Rev Jo Rand Mrs Gillian Ransom 6.00pm Mrs Lesley Thompson Epiphany 2 January 17th 10.30am Education Sunday January 24th 10.30am Dr John Biggs Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Rev Graham Ransom Rev Dr David Jackson Rev Graham Ransom Family Service Baptism of Christ January 10th 10.30am Covent Sunday January 3rd 10.30am Christmas 1 December 27th 10.30am Christmas Day December 25th 10.00am Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Mr Paul Rand Advent 4 December 20th 10.30am Christmas Eve December 24th 11.30pm Rev Graham Ransom Family Parade & Carol Service Rev Graham Ransom Holy Communion Gift Service Preacher Advent 3 December 13th 10.30am Advent 2 December 6th 10.30am Mavis Posnett Barbara Springthorpe Audio Steward John Shakeshaft Chris McArthur Susan Falvey Audio Steward Pauline Beeby Barbara Springthorpe Audio Steward Mavis Posnett Bob Henderson Audio Steward Gill de Bourcier Joyce Farrell Ray McIlroy Gill de Bourcier Margaret Walker Prim Eves Irene Jenkins Carole & John Scott Robert Callanan Carol Galloway Liz Rice Rachel Scott Susan Falvey Barbara Springthorpe Audio Steward Mavis Posnett Chris McArthur Audio Steward Joan Jeffreys Margaret McLaren Not required Mary Daniels Ruth Howlett Trevor Beeby Yaa Kwateng Carol & Rob Whiteley Readers Pauline Beeby Barbara Springthorpe Audio Steward Bob Henderson Susan Falvey Audio Steward Bob Henderson Susan Falvey Audio Steward Mavis Posnett Chris McArthur Audio Steward am Mike Larbalestier Pauline Beeby Mavis Posnett Audio Steward Chris McArthur Bob Henderson Audio Steward Stewards on Duty Jane Longton David Tyson Carol & Rob Whiteley Jeanne Rogers Russell Longton Margery & Barrie Thornley Jackie & Peter Lingard Ruth Howlett Liz Rice Joan Jeffreys Jonathan Wren Not re Not Ann & Mike Larbalestier Jane Longton David Tyson Carol & Rob Whiteley Vestry Helpers Ruth Howlett, Ann Kyle, Helen & Jonathan Wren Kate Brooks Prim Eves Joyce Farrell Steve Jackson Door Stewards Prim Eves, Ann Kyle Margery & Barrie Thornley Trevor Beeby, Steve Jackson Jane & Russell Longton Kate Brooks, Ruth Howlett Elizabeth & David Tyson Prim Eves, Joyce Farrell, Helen & Jonathan Wren Trevor Beeby, Ann Kyle Margery & Barrie Thornley Ruth Howlett, Steve Jackson, Jane & Russell Longton Kate Brooks, Prim Eves, Elizabeth & David Tyson Joyce Farrell Ann Kyle Ann & Mike Larbalestier am Jane & Russell Longton Trevor Beeby, Ann Kyle, pm Janet & David Fellows Margery & Barrie Thornley SERVICES AT ULVERSTON Jackie Dawson Susan Falvey Jean Booth Liz Rice Margery & Barrie Thornley Carol Galloway Lynn Pointon Carole & John Scott Kate & Barry Brooks Judith Middleton Margaret Not required Not required Maureen Barnes Rita Leech Doreen & John Fursey Jackie Dawson Coffee Rota Jane Shakeshaft Margaret Tooke Karen & Tony Rigby Jackie Dawson Ruth Howlett Helen & Jonathan Wren Jane Shakeshaft Margaret Tooke Karen & Tony Rigby Helen & Jonathan Wren Not required Not required Jane Shakeshaft Margaret Tooke Jackie Dawson Ruth Howlett Karen & Tony Rigby Crèche Flower Fund i/c Margaret Walker/Carol Galloway Jane Shakeshaft Jean Garner Christmas Flowers Christmas Flowers Christmas i/c Marjorie Martin Christmas Flowers Christmas Flowers Christmas Flowers Christmas Flowers Flower Fund Carol Whiteley Flowers The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 We continue to remember our friends and members who are unable to take part in church activities because they are in residential care, are housebound or have difficulty with mobility. Some do come to church but we would not want any of them to think we had forgotten them Mr Rayment Tyson Mr Dennis Scott Mrs Nina Lambert Mr Les Dixon Mrs Anthea Jackson Mrs Edith Ball Mrs Barbara Woodend Mrs Joan Carter Miss Mary Chapman Mrs Olive Haines Mrs Nina Ladds Miss Gene Rice Mr Arthur Dickinson Mrs Margery Moores Mrs Molly Newman Mrs Dorothy Shepherd Abbey View Abbotsfield Residential Care Home, Barrow. Elmhurst Ulverston Kirkstanton Care Home Marsh House Ulverston Milnthorpe Risedale Barrow Staveley House Dalton Staveley House Dalton Staveley House Dalton Staveley House Dalton Staveley House Dalton Swarthdale Ulverston Ulverston Abbeyfield Ulverston Abbeyfield West Acres Care Home, Newton Mearns Glasgow At Home Mrs Doreen Blantern on the Wirral Mrs Enid and Mr Ron Campbell Mrs Evelyn Gammack Please let the Pastoral Co-ordinator, Carol Whiteley 01229 583848, know if we have left anyone out. Richard Corrie welcomes advance information of faith group events in the County. To get publicity for your event email information to [email protected] or you can send a hard copy to Richard Corrie Sunday Breakfast BBC Radio Cumbria Annetwell Street Carlisle CA3 8BB PLEASE REMEMBER: Grapevine welcomes articles relating to the life of Methodist churches in the South Lakes Circuit. The editor cannot guarantee publication of any articles submitted to the Grapevine and those not relating to the life of the church may not find immediate publication. Any article submitted may be edited for publication. If you would like births, special birthdays, wedding anniversaries, exam results, thanks etc. reported in ‘News of Friends’ please let Graham Ransom and/or the editor know in good time, especially if you have a photograph. If we do not know about it, we cannot publish it! COPYRIGHT Anything sent in for publication which has been copied and is not already in the public domain must comply with copyright laws. Extracts must acknowledge where they have come from; anything else should have permission to be published in The Grapevine. Grapevine material may be copied and used but it must be acknowledged that it has come from The Grapevine. AND FINALLY Everyone is very welcome at any of our services of worship, but you may like to make a special effort to come to one of our Christmas services which are as follows:Sunday December 6th Sunday December 13th Saturday December 19th Sunday December 20th Tuesday December 22nd Thursday December 24th Friday December 25th Sunday December 27th Sunday January 3rd Sunday January 10th 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 5.00pm 6.00pm 7.30pm 11.30pm 10.00am 11.00am 10.30am 11.00am 10.30am 11.00am 6.00pm Ulverston Gift Service Rev Graham Ransom Ulverston Parade and Family Service Rev Graham Ransom Ulverston Town Cross Carols Churches Together in Ulverston Swarthmoor Mrs Lesley Thompson Ulverston Mr Paul Rand Ulverston Carol Service Rev Graham Ransom Coniston Parish Church Carol Service Rev Tim Harmer Swarthmoor Carol Service Mrs Brenda Horrocks Ulverston Christmas Eve Communion Rev Graham Ransom Ulverston Christmas Day Family Worship Rev Graham Ransom Coniston Parish Church Rev Tim Harmer Ulverston Morning Service Rev Dr David Jackson Coniston Morning Service Rev Graham Ransom Ulverston Annual Covenant Service Rev Graham Ransom Coniston Annual Covenant Service Rev Graham Ransom Swarthmoor Annual Covenant Service Rev Graham Ransom We wish you all joy and peace this Christmas. 27 The Grapevine - December 2015/January 2016 Volume 53 number 7 December 2015/January 2016 Minister & Superintendent of South Lakes Circuit Coniston Church Council Secretary: Swarthmoor Church Council Secretary: Ulverston Church Council Secretary: Circuit Safeguarding Officer Editor Rev Graham Ransom 21 The Drive, Ulverston LA12 0DT Tel: 01229 583198 e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Mary Jeffrey 46 Park Road Swarthmoor Ulverston LA12 0HH Tel: 01229 587661 e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Joyce Holland How Head Cottage Coniston LA21 8AA Tel: 015394 41594 e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Ann Larbalestier 1 Ford Park Crescent Ulverston LA12 7JW Tel: 01229 584917 e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Jane Shakeshaft 6 Parkhead Road Ulverston LA12 9NX Tel: 01229 585350 e-mail: [email protected] Mrs Ann Larbalestier 1 Ford Park Crescent, Ulverston LA12 7JW Tel: 01229 584917 e-mail: [email protected] This magazine can also be read on line at our circuit website www.slakescircuit.org.uk - Adobe Reader is required to access it. This can be downloaded free of charge if you have not already got it. The cost for the production of this magazine is £1. Contributions towards this expense are very much appreciated. Many thanks for all donations received. Please note: The next copy of the Grapevine will be for the two months of February and March 2016. Copy for this edition should be sent to the editor before Sunday January 24th 2016. Inclusion of articles depends on space available. Publication date will be Sunday January 31st 2016. SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT The church takes its safeguarding responsibility seriously – We are committed to: The care and nurture of all children, young people and adults. The safeguarding and protection of everyone when they are vulnerable. Maintaining a safe and caring environment where there is vigilance to the dangers of abuse We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggest that an adult, child, or young person may have been harmed. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse whether recently or in the past. If you want to discuss any issues further please contact – Rev Graham Ransom or Jane Shakeshaft OUR MISSION We are called to be The Church in this place: to love and serve God and to celebrate His presence in the midst of our lives to love and serve others, of all ages and circumstances to seek justice and resist evil, in our neighbourhood, in Britain and throughout the world to proclaim Jesus crucified and risen; our judge and our hope. 28