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Christ Church Magazine Serving the Community

In the Parish of Christ Church

Ashton-under-Lyne www.christchurch-ashton.org.uk

December 2012 Price 30p

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Celia will make ‘Speciality Cards’ to

order!

Personalised and ‘Special order’ Greetings cards;

Birthday, Anniversary, Congratulations etc. Celia has

some special home-made Christmas cards. See her after

the service for your special cards.

This magazine is available online at

www.christchurch-ashton.org.uk

or by email in pdf format. If you require an email

version please email a request to

magazine@christchurch-ashton.org.uk.

We would, of course, request that the same 30p

donation be made in respect of any copies

obtained by electronic means as for paper

copies.

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Church Diary December 2012

Sun 2nd Advent Sunday

8.00am Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer

10.30am Holy Communion

12.30pm Baptism

Wed 5th 10.00am Holy Communion

Sun 9th Advent 2

8.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Service of the Word

2.30pm Advent Choir Concert

Wed 12th 10.00am Holy Communion

Sun 16th Advent 3

8.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Traditional Morning Prayer

12.30pm Baptism

Wed 19th 10.00am Holy Communion

Sun 23rd Advent 4

8.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Holy Communion

Mon 24th Christmas Eve

6.00am Christingle

11.30am First Communion of Christmas

Tues 25th Christmas Day

8.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Holy Communion

Wed 26th No service

Sun 30th Christmas 1

8.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Holy Communion

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Wintry Days

Golden leaves strewn o’er the ground

No singing birds to make a sound

Winter’s on the way for sure

Darkened days now to the fore

How bright the stars on frosty nights

When curtains close, hiding the light

Of lamps that glow to end the day

And chase our darkest fears away

The ground feels hard beneath our feet

Crispy, crunchy as we meet

Cold air upon our ears and nose

Tingling on our hands and toes

The longest nights the shortest days

As we continue in God’s ways

Thanking Him as seasons change

While life moves to another page

Christos

May Foreman

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Flowers in Church December

2nd Evelyn Viney

Tom Wragg

Mrs Wood

9th Ina Mellin

Doris Hardy

16th Ruth Kelly

Anne Gordon

23rd Angela Rabbyns

Mary Mirfin

Aseneth Creba

Denise Croft

Flowers in Church January

6th Wyn Fletcher

Margaret Astley

13th Di Cronshaw

20th Mary May

27th Margaret Yates

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Baptisms in Church November

We welcome into God’s family, The Church:

4th: Harry Jack Kirk

Jack Eric Brierley

18th Paige Louise Penney

Tyler-Lee Richard Jonathan Penney

Shaun Brendan McGowan

Please remember in your prayers

those who are ill:

At our Sunday services we pray for people by name who

need God's healing touch. Pray with us now and include

the people you are concerned about and are dear to

you.

Dear Father,

Grant these people we pray for…..

Christ’s healing power in Body and Mind and Spirit,

and his Peace,

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.

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Total banked, including all services and donations

The Treasurer acknowledges Donations

07/10/2012 £599.12

14/10/2012 £530.11

21/10/2012 £687.30

28/10/2012 £589.89

Donations for the Book of Remembrance

Loving birthday memories of Jack Howarth 18th November from Bernice

In memory of Kenneth Kelly

"200 Club" November draw Winning Numbers

1st: 2nd: 3rd:

It is time to register for the 200 Club 2013. Please send me the

forms and if you do not see me in church, would you please

include a stamped addressed envelope?

Thanks, Audrey

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Services and Readings for

10.30am Services December 2012

2nd Holy Communion Advent Sunday

Intercessions: Pauline Ward

Readings: Brenda Dewhurst

Jer 33: 14-16 1 Thess 3: 9-13

Gospel: Luke 21: 25-36

9th Service of the Word Advent 2

Intercessions: Canon Burrows School

Readings: Canon Burrows School

Phil 1: 3-11

Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6

16th Traditional Morning Prayer Advent 3

Intercessions: Niall Perry

Readings: Angela Robbins

Zephaniah 3: 14-20 Phil 4: 4-7

Gospel: Luke 3: 7-18

23rd Holy Communion Advent 4

Intercessions: Brenda Dewhurst

Readings: Kath Nawaz

Micah 5: 2-5a, Hebrews 10: 5-10

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45

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Christmas Time

Christmas comes with so much cheer

As we approach a brand new year

Our hearts are light by sight and sound

With decorations all around

Making darkness into light

Sparkling frost by day and night

We love to sing by candle glow

Hoping that we see no snow

Cold winds set our cheeks on fire

Blazing like a funeral pyre.

Trees now bare sway to and fro

Far too cold for leaves to grow

Another year has come and gone

A time to wonder where it’s gone

Time is such a funny thing

If we don’t watch it soon takes wing

But as we thank our God for peace

We pause to give our souls release

Knowing we can rest within

The love of God, all praise to Him

Christos

May Foreman

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An opportunity to donate to Christ Church Restoration Fund

Wurlitzer for Free!

Wurlitzer 950 AT

Length 54 inches:

Width 40 inches including Pedal Board

Width, without removable Pedal Board, 30 inches

Height 46 inches excluding music stand

There is a handle both sides of the organ to assist in transportation

Plus an 'Owner's Manual' A Boxed Set, in the original box;

A progressive course in Creative Stylings for Wurlitzer Organs

Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4

Plus a 'Service Manual' explaining:-

a) Handling procedures for MOS Integrated circuits

b) Circuit description

c) Schematic and printed Circuit Board Assemblies

d) How to order parts

e) Part location Illustrations

Also a selection of music books designed for the home organ.

Buyer Collect

Buyer to collect and be responsible for the removal and any costs incurred

For more information

https://lesleybunce.musicteachershelper.com/Wurlitzer-organ

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A WEEK OF GOOD THOUGHTS

Suppose we start this very day

To live our lives in a different way

Suppose we vowed and constantly tried

To help those in trouble on life’s wayside

If we showed by our deeds a hint of His love

Wouldn’t earth be a little more like heaven above?

On Monday;

Look for a smile today

And return it with one of your own

Give someone faith and hope

It’s a beautiful loan

On Tuesday;

Gather a thought that’s kind

One that’s sincere and deep

Be sure to pass it along

For such are too precious to keep

On Wednesday;

Forget yesterday’s sorrows

Mistakes sadness and pain

Lift your heart with hope

As flowers to sun and rain

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On Thursday;

Offer a word of comfort and prayer

To help someone in need

A little thoughtful gift, some flowers or a smile

Makes us all rich indeed

On Friday;

You shall not pass this way again

So do all you can do

Don’t put it off till tomorrow

Or the chance may be lost to you

On Saturday;

Today will soon be a memory

So don’t let it come to an end

Without a smile, without a song

Or just a word from a friend

On Sunday;

Don’t let worry and care depress you

Or brush your joy away

But arise and give thanks to God above

For his love and another “Blessed Day”

A poem written by an unknown author,

spotted by Sonia in the Oldham Chronicle

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Important notices

All prayer group meetings (i.e. Prayer of the

Heart and Prayer Shawl) have been put on hold for

the foreseeable future and will be reinstated when

the work is completed. The prayers and shawl

making will still continue at home by us both. Thank

you for your support, we look forward to being

reunited with you in the near future. We’ve a supply

of completed shawls. If you know of anyone in need

please contact Katrina or myself, we shall gladly

distribute them.

Love to all

Your sisters-in-Christ

Pauline and Katrina

Church cleaning

To have the church ready for Sunday services will

require more help during the roof repairs so could

we ask for extra volunteers to assist and spend an

hour or so on Saturday afternoons at a time to be

arranged? Contact Colin or Janet if you can help.

Thank you

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Important notices

Mother’s Union Meetings

There will be no Communion Services on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Also the meetings on the second Wednes-day of the month, when we have a speaker, will be held at Canon Johnson School at 7.30pm, see next page for details. These arrangements will apply until the work has been completed and updates will be printed in the pew sheets.

Bernice

Flowers for December

Whilst the church is being restored, I will be

bringing into Church for the 10.30 service

just one arrangement. This we will send out

to someone who is ill or needs cheering up.

Audrey

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‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’

An Advent Choir Concert with Readings, Music and Song

With Light Refreshments afterwards

Sunday 9th December 2.30pm in Christ Church

There will be sacred songs of different styles, including an outstanding Malawi dance tune with accompanying tambourines, played so well by our youth choir. There will be an opportunity for all to sing the well loved and familiar advent hymn; ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’.

In aid of Christ Church Restoration Fund, a free will offering will be taken. This concert is the first of four Sacred Music events in 2012/2013. The concerts are part of a project for my MA Sacred Music Studies with the RSCM.

We are blessed at Christ Church with a choir who love the Lord; so many talented singers who are wholeheartedly committed to singing God's praises. Do come and enjoy all the beautiful singing.

https://lesleybunce.musicteachershelper.com/christ-church-choir-diary

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Treat yourself!

In the mad dash to Christmas, be brave, dare

to allow yourself to “pause a while” to

consider and reflect on the one who is

coming.

You are warmly invited to

“An Advent Pause” of words, silence, music and pictures

Come and see. Rev. Mary’s place Saturday,15thDecember 99 Cranbourne Road 9.30am-10.30am Ashton.

Followed by chatter, drinks and mince pies. Donation may be given, (90% towards the building

fund, 10% towards Christ Church’s annual donation to

The Children’s Society.)

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The Chief Scout Gold Award is the highest award available in the Scout section. 51 Scouts from Greater Manchester East were presented with their Gold award at the Greater Manchester Police HQ, Miles Platting, Manchester by Dan Pepper, Olympic swimmer from the GB Paralympic Team 2012.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy welcomed the Scouts and guests to the new Police HQ and thanked all the Scouts and Leaders for all the work they do with the young people in Greater Manchester, adding that our young communities would be much better if more people joined Scouting.

Andrew Corrie, County Commissioner, congratulated the 51 Scouts for completing the eight challenges, Promise, Fitness, Community, Creative, Global, Outdoor, Expedition and Adventure, required to complete their Gold Award.

Three of the scouts, Daniel Brocklehurst, Kavita Chauhan and Isobelle Renkin-Holloway, were from 6th Ashton. They said it was ‘a wonderful

experience’.

The event finished off with Dan Pepper explaining how Scouting had helped him with his disability and helped him to be part of the team GB for the Olympics.

If you would like to be a Scout (10 to 14 years old) or an Explorer (14 to 18 years old), girls or boys then contact Alan Fish 0161 330 5901 07931 765120 or alan.fish.161te@gmail.com

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"The Mothers' Union meeting in November brought Chandra Law back to give the last of her talks on Malaysian life through the eyes of their women. She introduced us to the "Mature Ceremony" which takes place when the daughter reaches 12 years. It is the beginning of the pathway to marriage, symbolised by a grand party at which she receives the 3-Tier Wedding Basket from her parents but prepared by her grandmother, and blessed by the Priest. However, at no time does she actually own the basket, as, on her marriage, she will give it to her Mother-in-Law. As she grows towards a possible wedding at 18 years, the girl acquires the traditional contents for the basket as her dowry: money, jewellery, material and a fan. Her future in-laws will judge her suitabil-ity by the quality of the contents of this beautifully crafted basket.

Chandra is a charming speaker. She interspersed her talk with amusing anec-dotes on the eventual use of the Basket's contents which are the essentials of a Malaysian girl's steps into married life. She also brought along a sample of their wedding cake for us to have with our cuppa, adding to the enjoyment Chandra always brings to her talks."

Margaret

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Christmas Lights switch on

Mulled wine, mince pies and

Father Christmas

In aid of church funds at Janet’s house

Tuesday 11th December

Tickets available from Janet

Please would anyone who is currently receiving any

finance related correspondence e.g. bank

statements, invoices or any other bills please

contact the sender and get it redirected to the PCC

Treasurer,

Tony Hoskin,

54 Smallshaw Lane,

Ashton-u-Lyne OL6 8PX

Or alternatively contact Tony to advise. His contact

details are on page 2

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6th Ashton Scouts Meeting nights

Working together to support our young people

All meetings at the Scout Hut, Cranbourne Road

Beaver Scouts Ages 6 to 8 yrs

Tuesday 6.30pm- 8.pm

Leader: Joanne Moores: 01457 765302

Cub Scouts Ages 8 to 10 ½ yrs

Monday 7.pm - 8.30pm

Leader :Tony Hoskin: 07702 101659

Scouts Ages 10 ½ to 14 yrs

Wednesday 7.pm - 9.pm

Leader: Mark Fish: 07931 765121

Explorer Scouts Ages 14 - 18 yrs

Thursday 7.pm - 9.pm

Group Scout Leader: Chris Wilson

Tel office hours 0161 308 2231 all other times 07714 457478

We hire out our building for parties and receptions;

Canon Burrows Sunday School Joan Sutton 0161 330 9510

Canon Johnson Sunday School Elizabeth Travis 0161 339 3681

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Church Lads & Girls Brigade Meeting Nights

Canon Johnson school Monday 6.30 - 7.45 p.m.

All Sections Canon Burrows school

Martins & Y Team Ages 4 to 9 yrs

Wednesday 6.30 - 7.45 pm

JTC & Seniors - 10 yrs upwards

Thursday 6.30 - 7.30 pm

Band Practice Thursday 7.45 - 9.00 pm

Contact: Fred & Mildred Bennett 370 7968

7th

Ashton Guide Unit

All meetings at Canon Burrows School on

Monday Night

Rainbows 5.30pm 5 to 7 yrs

Jackie Buckley 0161 612 0746

Brownies 6.30pm 7 to 10 years

Rachel Hindle 0161 330 7789

Guides 7.30pm 10 to 14 years

Young Leaders 14 to 18 years

Female and Male Adult Helpers/Leaders 18 to 65 years

Contact Colleen 0161 336 2922 colleenroberts@btinternet.com

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A Short Story by Michael Clarke

Fatherly Christmas

Well over six and a half feet, Alan Dearing was the epitome of a regimental drill sergeant in the Coldstream Guards at their training Depot at Tidmouth. Although he had only been with them for just over five years he had risen rapidly through the ranks having the natural flair for military discipline and achieving end results although not attracting too many colleagues along the way; you could say he was a bit of a bully.

Although his tactics were more or less condoned, it had spilled over into his domestic life, making his family take the brunt of his abrasive and overbearing manner. He had a lovely, beautiful wife in Annette, and two smashing twin sons, the exact copy of their mother, Derek and John. They had been married for a little over ten years with no love whatsoever between them, causing Annette much unhappiness and so many tears, but it didn’t budge Alan one iota, he was so wrapped up with his job as a regimental drill sergeant the end of all things, whatever the consequences.

Annette had to go to the meeting of the regimental sergeants’ wives in the NAAFI that evening, because she was the treasurer. Reluctantly Alan had to put the twins to bed after coming home to his quarters and eating his evening meal. With the threat of sore bottoms if they disturbed him watching his favourite team Everton playing West Brom’, he packed them off to bed almost an hour earlier than usual and settled down to drink his cans of Strongbrew. He felt so relaxed and comfortable in his own armchair, it wasn’t long before he nodded off.

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There was just a sound of a dull thud coming from the twins bedroom, and Alan came quickly awake and rushed up the stairs to carry out his earlier threat, disobedience to his direct orders made him so angry; they’ll regret it, but for some reason he stopped as he heard Derek saying words that he was slowly writing in one of his notebooks at his bedside desk; “Please Santa I don’t want you to give me any toys this year, but I would like a new daddy and so does my mum and my brother. My mum is so miserable it makes her cry such a lot and my present dad never kisses her or gives us a hug like other daddies do, I don’t think he wants us, so please send a new one. John and I will leave you some of mum’s lovely mince tarts when you come down the chimney, Bye”.

Give Alan his due, he finally took his sons Christmas letter to heart, he realized there and then what he had to do. He soon realized that his family needed him and his love, far more than being a conscientious drill sergeant, and he changed completely overnight, and now two years later he is the proud father of a lovely daughter.

Everyone needs love in their lives.

Michael Clarke Tenor, Christ Church Choir

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Advent

Sounds of hymns of Advent splendour,

Heralding carols celebrate his birth,

Coming from the mouths of choirs,

Celebrating Emmanuel’s worth.

These are sounds that greet us yearly,

In churches of the Christian Creed,

Everyone singing to God’s glory,

Overcoming temptation to exceed

Another year is shortly ending

With its troubles and its fears,

Giving us a brand new future,

Showing a pathway that is clear

For Jesus gives us all the message,

Relating his love for all of us,

Willing us with happiness resounding,

Making our lives a glorious plus

Michael Clarke, Christ Church choir

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Christ Church Advent Concert

Sunday 9th December 2012 2.30pm

An Advent Reflection with Sacred Songs

Readings and Poetry

With Christ Church Choir

And afterwards

Please join us for light refreshments

An Offertory will be taken

In aid of Christ Church Restoration Fund

https://lesleybunce.musicteachershelper.com/christ-church-choir-diary