november 2012 bamford chapel magazine
DESCRIPTION
November 2012 Bamford Chapel MagazineTRANSCRIPT
Bamford Chapel
www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
BAMFORD CHAPEL
Mission/Vision Statement
MISSION TO MAKE KNOWN THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LOVE OF
GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
WORSHIP We believe as a congregation that our worship should be
wholehearted and meaningful as we join together in praise and
thanksgiving to God. In response to God’s love, we wish to express our joy, to open our hearts to God’s voice and to respond
to His word.
LEARNING Recognising our need to learn of God and from God, we seek to provide an environment within which learning and teaching can
take place. We would want to enable each person to accept God into their life and to have the ability to discuss and share their
faith with all.
PASTORAL We are joined together in our faith by the Holy Spirit. As a
loving fellowship we wish to deepen and extend our care for each
other encouraging everyone to use their gifts, as they are enabled by God, to show tenderness and compassion in a spirit of
humility.
MISSION/SOCIETY We accept that we are called to make Christ known in our
community at Bamford and in all other places. We would wish to
influence others by example and comment, accepting that God will speak through us as we maintain a relationship with Him.
We recognise the need for the Church to participate in all aspects of the life of the world, and proclaim God’s will, as it is revealed
to us.
Further Details may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
Thursday 1st Nov. 7.30 pm Elders meeting
Saturday 3rd Nov. 1pm till
4pm
Big Sing - see notice board for details
Sunday 4th Nov. 10.30 am Family Worship with Holy Communion
led by Ken Greer
6.00 pm Evening Worship led by Andy Platt
Tuesday 6th Nov. 8 pm Focus on Prayer
Sunday 11th Nov. 10.30 am Remembrance Sunday Parade
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley
6.00 pm Evening Worship
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley
Tuesday 13th Nov 12 Noon for
12.45 pm
Light lunches followed by concert given
by Chris Holmes Jazz Trio
Thursday 15th Nov 6.45 pm for
7.00 pm
Orphan Hope Project Dinner
at 3Szons Restaurant, Bury College
Sunday 18th Nov. 10.30 am Family Worship led by Andy Platt &
Margaret Ogden
6.00 pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion
led by Margaret Ogden
Monday 19th Nov 6.30 pm Bamford & Oakenrod Area Forum
Saturday 24th Nov 10.30 am
until 2 pm
Christmas Fair
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Message from the manse
“I have called you by your name you are mine”
“I have called you by your name, you are mine” is a line from the hymn
Do not be afraid (R&S 591) It is based on Isaiah 43:1-3:
“Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you
by name; you are mine.”
Words which were no doubt a real comfort to the people of Israel – in a
time of great uncertainty, pain, anguish and separation. God again
shows to His chosen people how special they are.
As we begin a new service theme in the month of November we explore
the theme of “The Calling of God” and look at some of the people God
called to specific tasks and ministries in the Old and New Testaments.
I hope during these themed services that we will engage with the Bible
and grapple with it. I want to encourage you during the next twelve
months (when the passages are themed) to go home from church and re-
read the passages that have been used in the service that morning and
evening. The idea of setting themes for the services is so that we can –
together as God’s people – grasp God’s vision for His Church here at
Bamford Chapel. In this year of reflecting and seeking God’s vision we
need to be ready to hear His voice and to respond to His call to each of
us as individuals and corporately as the church.
Saturday 24th Nov 7.30 pm “And now for something completely
different” A fun packed evening for all
the family.£3 or £10 per family.
All proceeds towards our World
Challenge teenagers.
Sunday 25th Nov 10.30 am
Parade/Toy Service. Worship led by our
Minister Revd Richard Bradley
6.00 pm Evening Worship
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley
Wednesday 28th
Nov
1.30 pm Mid week service
led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley
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In each passage that has been selected people have been called and have
had to respond in faith depending fully on God and His provision. For
without God’s provision we have nothing.
In Luke 12:7 we read: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all
numbered.” I don’t know about you but I couldn’t start to guess how
many hairs are on my head! God knows us better than we know
ourselves and He also knows what is best for us. As a parent knows
what is best for their young child (even though the child might not
always share the same ideas) so God knows what is best for you and me.
Sometimes we might also wonder and question why God does what He
does.
Friends be assured God’s call is not something to fear. He calls people to
faith and trust in Him and He also calls people to specific tasks. What is
important is that we listen for that call and respond accordingly allowing
the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us so that God’s
name is praised.
If during these months you
feel that God is speaking to
you then please speak to
me about what you feel
God is saying. As we have
heard during the month of
prayer is that prayer is not
just us talking to God but
us also listening for His
voice. And so as we go
from the theme of “Prayer”
to the “Calling of God” we continue with the thought of listening –
because listening is paramount in both prayer and God’s call.
As we continue to grow in faith together I pray God will pour out His
blessings upon us all so that the Kingdom of God will grow and people’s
lives will change.
God Bless,
Richard.
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News of the family
Concerns continue to be expressed for Auriel and Ray
Atkins, Joyce and Derek Yates, Fred and Margaret Riley,
Margaret and Geoff Ogden, Don and Winifred Schofield
and Malcolm and Linda Kerford, Joan Warner and Dot Craig and family (Norden). Our prayers and thoughts are
with John and Joanna following the recent death of Helen
Baillie.
Please remember all of these friends in your prayers,
along with any others who you know of or who I may have omitted.
After the summer holidays things are getting back to
normal now and Bamford chapel has been busy during
the past few weeks. Heritage Weekend took place in
September, as did the Ladies’ Fellowship Macmillan
Coffee Morning. Praise in the Park was held at Queen’s
Park and a new Alpha course began. Hey Hodos and
Koinonia started up again and Hey Hodos have recently
had a trip to Blackpool. The uniformed organisations are
back into their routine, although sadly, the Guides are no
longer meeting. Music at Lunchtime has started again.
We are truly blessed to be part of such a vibrant and
energetic church and we give thanks for the people who
make all of these activities possible.
A massive thank you for the welcome we received at our new home. We know that we will be very happy here.
A special thank you to Ian and Muriel Sturrock, Ian Hampson and of course Richard and Ruth.
You are all very special people . Kindest regards Ernie and Moira Springhill Cottage
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A reminder of our project for 2012.
This year we are supporting Orphan Hope.
You can make your donation in the envelopes which can be found in
the pews. If you are a tax payer, please use the white envelopes and fill
in your name and address. This will enable us to claim back tax. A
great way of increasing your giving without any additional costs to
yourself.
The charity was founded in 2008 by Donna and Peter Foulds to raise
money to assist in providing an education at the Holy Faith School for
orphaned children and additionally support local families to “foster”
orphaned children, integrating them into families and the wider
community. Empowerment of adults in the community through
education is also being facilitated. The orphanage is in an area of great
need.
Peter and Donna’s vision is to support these children within their own
community so that they can reach their potential.
For further information please view the link below or just ask one of
the committee.
http://www.orphanhope.co.uk
Thank you
Carole Greaves
Fundraising Dinner in aid of orphan hope
at 3Sczons, Bury College
on Thursday 15th November
Sign up under the clock
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A Prayer for Remembrance Time
Lord, You are our loving Father and we come to you for
comfort.
Hearts are breaking at this time, as we remember the
effects of war throughout the years and still today. Help
us Lord, to comfort those who have lost loved ones,
those whose loved ones are in danger and those who
feel bereft in any way. We know Lord, that there are many kinds of loss, many kinds of bereavement, many
kinds of grief.
Help us to be comforters and peacemakers in all our
relationships.
And when we feel lost and the pain seems too much to
bear, help us to remember Jesus, who suffered and knows all about pain and loss. Help us to remember his
promise that he will never leave us or forsake us.
Thank you that whatever our situation today, he is right
in the middle of it with us, holding us close, wiping our
tears, giving us hope.
Thank you Father for Jesus, who lights our way forward.
In his name, Amen.
A prayer by Daphne Kitching
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Letter received from
Rochdale foodbank
Dear Richard,
I and all of the team at Rochdale Foodbank would like to
thank you and all the congregation of Bamford Chapel
for their generous donation of the Harvest Festival
collection to the Rochdale Foodbank. It is greatly
appreciated and needed.
We have been encouraged by the response we have
had, not just from the churches and people of Rochdale
but from many social/welfare organisations in the town
that can hardly wait for us to open, the needs are so
great. Sadly, this situation is replicated in very many
towns and cities throughout the country.
In order to start, we need to amass 2 metric tonnes
(2000kg) of food and at the moment we are still some
way off that target, so you can see how valuable your
contribution is. Our team is working very hard to be
ready to go in the next six weeks or so.
So, once again a great big thank you.
God bless you all.
Marlene Nurse
Churches Coordinator
Don’t forget that you can continue to contribute.
There is a box in the coffee area and a list of
required foods is under the clock.
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In aid of the youth Namibia trip a charity meal is
being held at Viet Village in Bury.
Sunday 4th November
starting at 7.30 pm
We've booked the whole restaurant and have
got a very nice three course menu.
We also have a singing act who is amazing and
has his own album out.
A brand new Ipad 3 will be raffled.
It would be great to see you there supporting us
and also having an amazing night.
Tickets are £16 available from
Alice Morris or ring 0754374995.
Hope to see you there.
There are some of your graces which would never be
discovered if it were not for your trials.
C H Spurgeon
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Want to learn new
ways of singing God’s praises?
BIG SING
at 1pm - 4 pm
on Saturday 3rd November
at Bamford Chapel This is an event for the five United Reformed
Churches in and around Rochdale.
Tickets £3 (children free),
including refreshments
All are invited.
There will be Iona songs as well as some familiar and new songs being sung.
Led by Revd. Carole Marsden (URC minister in Cumbria) will lead the singing.
For tickets contact Revd Richard Bradley or Revd Carolyn White
on 01706 641161
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A Glass of milk
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his
way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was
hungry.
He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost
his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a
meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so
brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked,
"How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied.
"Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said.....
"Then I thank you from my heart."
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but
his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up
and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors
were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in
specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for
the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from,
a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the
hall of the hospital to room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to
see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation
room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave
special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won.
Dr Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for
approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill
was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would
take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked,
and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.
She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of
milk"
Signed Dr Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as
her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, God that Your love has spread
abroad through human hearts and hands." Shared with us by Eric
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Christmas Fair
The Christmas Fair this year will be
held on
Saturday 24th November
10.30 am to 2.00 pm.
We need some help from YOU – help is needed in
the kitchen, some stalls need organising, hopefully
you can donate to those stalls which need
contributions and, last but not least, we need
people to turn up on the day, bring neighbours
and friends and spend some money.
The Fair is an important event in the Chapel’s
calendar – we welcome the community into our
building and we raise money for the ongoing work
of the Church.
Take a look at the list of stalls we would like to
run. A copy of the list is up in the coffee area so if
you can help please sign up.
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child is the largest children's Christmas project in the world, run by the Christian charity Samaritan's Purse. Gift-filled shoeboxes have been sent to disadvantaged children around the world since 1990, bringing joy into the lives of over 80 million children. Could I once again ask for your support of this children's charity? Many of you will already be familiar with it. For those who are not, the aim is to fill a shoe box with various items such as, soap and flannel, toothpaste, brush, comb, pens and pencils and notebooks. We also try to include hat and gloves and a small toy. We also need shoe boxes. We need gifts for both boys and girls in the age groups, 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14.
I will be happy to receive any items also boxes
Joan Ashton, on behalf of Carol Hartley. tel 01706 360395. (I can collect.)
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ARE YOU TENSE? TIRED?
TROUBLED?
Christian Meditation could help!
We are planning a one-off workshop in November
to introduce people to the practice of Christian meditation.
Why not come along and see if it helps you?
The SAME course will run
on a Friday evening 7.30pm to 9.00pm and on a Saturday morning 10 – 11.30am.
So you can choose whichever session suits you best.
The actual dates will be announced later. For more information, please see Lesley Ashworth,
Diane Davies, Joan Warner
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Service Themes for morning and evening services – Bamford Chapel URC – October 2012 to December 2013
“SEEKING GOD’S VISION FOR THE CHURCH”
Date Special Service? Preacher Bible Reading Heading Monthly Theme
7th October 10.30am Communion Revd Richard Bradley Matthew 6:5-15 Prayer Prayer
7th October 6pm Joan Warner Jonah 2:1-10 Jonah’s Prayer Prayer
14th October 10.30am Church A’sary Ken Greer John 17:1-5 Jesus Prays for himself Prayer
14th October 6pm Revd Richard Bradley 1 Samuel 2:1-11 Hannah’s Prayer Prayer
21st October 10.30am Walter Brisk John 17:6-19 Jesus Prays for his disciples Prayer
21st October 6pm Communion Revd Richard Bradley 1 Samuel 3:1-20 The LORD calls Samuel Prayer
28th October 10.30am Revd Richard Bradley John 17:20-26 Jesus Prays for all believers Prayer
28th October 6pm Joanne Ackroyd Daniel 9:1-19 Daniel’s Prayer Prayer
4th November 10.30am Communion Ken Greer Isaiah 6:1-8 (inc 9-13?) Isaiah’s Calling Calling of God
4th November 6pm Andy Platt Matthew 4:18-22 The Calling of the first disciples Calling of God
11th November 10.30am Rem. Sunday Revd Richard Bradley Jonah 1:1-17 Jonah flees from the LORD Calling of God
11th November 6pm Revd Richard Bradley Acts 6:1-7 The choosing of the seven Calling of God
18th November 10.30am Andy Platt Jeremiah 1:4-9 (inc 10 -19?) The call of Jeremiah Calling of God
18th November 6pm Communion Margaret Ogden Acts 9:1-19 Saul’s Conversion Calling of God
25th November 10.30am Toy Service Revd Richard Bradley 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Samuel anoints David Calling of God
25th November 6pm Revd Richard Bradley Matthew 28:16-20 The Great Commission (Our call) Calling of God
2nd December 10.30am Communion Revd Richard Bradley Luke 21:25-36 (Part of) Signs of the End of the Age Preparing for Jesus
2nd December 6pm Revd Richard Bradley Jeremiah 33:14-16 (Part of) Promise of restoration Preparing for Jesus
9th December 10.30am David Watson Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist Prepares the Way Preparing for Jesus
9th December 6pm Ken Greer Luke 1:68-79 (or 67-80) Zechariah’s Song Preparing for Jesus
16th December 10.30am Andy Platt Isaiah 9:1-7 To us a Child is born Preparing for Jesus
16th December 6pm Food For Thought / JA Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
23rd December 10.30am Nativity - FFT FFT & Jnr Church Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
23rd December 6pm Carol Service Choir Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
24th December 11.30pm Midnight Com’ion Revd Richard Bradley Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
25th December 10.30am? Christmas Day Revd Richard Bradley No set passage The Arrival of Jesus
30th December 10.30am Joan Warner No set passage Norden to join Bamford?
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Service Themes for morning and evening services – Bamford Chapel URC – October 2012 to December 2013
“SEEKING GOD’S VISION FOR THE CHURCH”
Date Special Service? Preacher Bible Reading Heading Monthly Theme
7th October 10.30am Communion Revd Richard Bradley Matthew 6:5-15 Prayer Prayer
7th October 6pm Joan Warner Jonah 2:1-10 Jonah’s Prayer Prayer
14th October 10.30am Church A’sary Ken Greer John 17:1-5 Jesus Prays for himself Prayer
14th October 6pm Revd Richard Bradley 1 Samuel 2:1-11 Hannah’s Prayer Prayer
21st October 10.30am Walter Brisk John 17:6-19 Jesus Prays for his disciples Prayer
21st October 6pm Communion Revd Richard Bradley 1 Samuel 3:1-20 The LORD calls Samuel Prayer
28th October 10.30am Revd Richard Bradley John 17:20-26 Jesus Prays for all believers Prayer
28th October 6pm Joanne Ackroyd Daniel 9:1-19 Daniel’s Prayer Prayer
4th November 10.30am Communion Ken Greer Isaiah 6:1-8 (inc 9-13?) Isaiah’s Calling Calling of God
4th November 6pm Andy Platt Matthew 4:18-22 The Calling of the first disciples Calling of God
11th November 10.30am Rem. Sunday Revd Richard Bradley Jonah 1:1-17 Jonah flees from the LORD Calling of God
11th November 6pm Revd Richard Bradley Acts 6:1-7 The choosing of the seven Calling of God
18th November 10.30am Andy Platt Jeremiah 1:4-9 (inc 10 -19?) The call of Jeremiah Calling of God
18th November 6pm Communion Margaret Ogden Acts 9:1-19 Saul’s Conversion Calling of God
25th November 10.30am Toy Service Revd Richard Bradley 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Samuel anoints David Calling of God
25th November 6pm Revd Richard Bradley Matthew 28:16-20 The Great Commission (Our call) Calling of God
2nd December 10.30am Communion Revd Richard Bradley Luke 21:25-36 (Part of) Signs of the End of the Age Preparing for Jesus
2nd December 6pm Revd Richard Bradley Jeremiah 33:14-16 (Part of) Promise of restoration Preparing for Jesus
9th December 10.30am David Watson Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist Prepares the Way Preparing for Jesus
9th December 6pm Ken Greer Luke 1:68-79 (or 67-80) Zechariah’s Song Preparing for Jesus
16th December 10.30am Andy Platt Isaiah 9:1-7 To us a Child is born Preparing for Jesus
16th December 6pm Food For Thought / JA Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
23rd December 10.30am Nativity - FFT FFT & Jnr Church Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
23rd December 6pm Carol Service Choir Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
24th December 11.30pm Midnight Com’ion Revd Richard Bradley Not set passage Preparing for Jesus
25th December 10.30am? Christmas Day Revd Richard Bradley No set passage The Arrival of Jesus
30th December 10.30am Joan Warner No set passage Norden to join Bamford?
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The other side of the door
A very sick man visited his doctor in a small rural village.
As he was leaving, he suddenly blurted out: "Doctor, I
am afraid to die. You go to church on Sundays. Tell me
what lies on the other side."
The doctor thought a moment. Then he said simply: "I don't know."
"You don't know?” protested the man. “You, a Christian,
can’t say more than that?”
The doctor was holding the handle of the door into the waiting room of the surgery. On the other side, there was
a sound of eager scratching and whining. He opened the
door and the patient’s spaniel sprang into the room,
leaping on his owner with an eager happiness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Here’s your dog.
He's never been in this room
before. He didn't know what
was inside. He knew nothing
except that his master was
here, and so when the door
opened, he sprang in without fear. It is the same for me. I
know little of what is on the
other side of death, but I do
know one thing: I know my
Master is there, and that is
enough. And when the door opens for me one day, I shall
pass through with no fear, but
with gladness."
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A Date for Your Diary
Naomi Zupfer, who worked with Auriel Atkins to arrange the visits by the Wartburg Wind Ensemble in 2010, has been in touch with Auriel once again. This time she has asked to bring the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir to Bamford Chapel as part of their 2013 tour of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The choir and their director, Dr James Nowack particularly wish to sing in church buildings, in order to emphasis the sacred nature of their repertoire. The choir will be arriving in Bamford on Friday evening 24th May and the concert will be held in church on Saturday 25th May. They will be travelling to Dublin the following day, so would need to leave us around 8am. We will need to provide accommodation for around sixty five members of the choir, over the two nights of their stay. As many people know, hosting our American visitors is a rewarding and happy experience. We have no further details of the visit as yet, but I am hoping that all who are able will give prayerful consideration to offering hospitality and a warm Bamford welcome to one or more member of the choir. Julie Platt and I will be asking for a more formal commitment nearer the time, but in the meantime feel free to see either one of us if you already feel able to offer a bed or two. For more details about the choir go to www.wlc.edu Thank you Angela smith
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Religion and mental health
People with religious
faith tend to have
better mental health
than non-believers. A
recent study, done at
the University of
Missouri, was carried
out on the mental
health of people who
were recovering from
various medical
conditions. It was found that mental health “appears to
be related to positive spiritual beliefs, and especially
congregational support and spiritual interventions.”
Researchers studied people within the Buddhist, Muslim,
Jewish, Roman Catholic and Protestant communities.
Across all five strains of belief, results showed that a
higher level of spirituality was related to better mental
health and general sense of well-being. The researchers
also noted that “the selflessness that comes with
spirituality enhances characteristics that are crucial for a
global peace... With increased spirituality, people feel a
greater sense of oneness with the rest of the universe.”
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Bamford Chapel November
Lunchtime concert
Tuesday November 13th 12 noon for 12.45 pm
Featuring
Chris Holmes Jazz Trio (piano, double bass and drums)
Chris is a noted jazz pianist and much in demand as a teacher.
He is joined by two equally talented performers.
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Ladies Fellowship
Our first meeting of the
new season kicked off with
a trip to Mexico. Our own
Joan Warner and her
travelling companion,
Barbara, took us on a very interesting trip through
parts of Mexico. We saw
some beautiful places they
visited during their recent
holiday.
Barbara displayed lots of
items she had purchased
whilst travelling - Joan had purchased a necklace and a
belt.
A vote of thanks was given
to Joan and Barbara by
Irene Lucas - then we all
enjoyed our usual cup of tea and biscuit.
Margaret Entwistle
Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a
contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the
contest was to find the most caring child.
The top four were:
A four-year-old child, whose next door neighbour was an
elderly gentleman, who had recently lost his wife. Upon
seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's' yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat
there. When his mother asked him what he had said to
the neighbour, the little boy just said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'
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Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a
picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a
different hair colour than the other members. One of her
students suggested that he was adopted. A little girl
said, 'I know all about adoption, I was adopted..' 'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked another child.
'It means', said the girl, 'that you grew in your mummy's
heart instead of her tummy!'
On my way home one day, I stopped to watch a Little
League base ball game that was being played in a park
near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score
was
'We're behind 14 to nothing,' he answered with a smile.
'Really,' I said. 'I have to say you don't look very
discouraged.'
'Discouraged?' the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face...
'Why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to
bat yet.'
Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop
and think about little Jamie Scott.
Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it,
though she feared he would not be chosen.
On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to
collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes
shining with pride and excitement. 'Guess what, Mum,'
he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a
lesson to me....'I've been chosen to clap and cheer.'
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THE LEGEND OF THE MIRACULOUS BEAM
Whilst on holiday last month, I visited Christchurch Priory Church, Dorset. I would like to share this story with you. In the first half of the 12th century lies the origin of the legend of the Miraculous Beam which led to the change of name of the town from Thuinam to Christchurch. According to legend, the foundations of this church were originally to be laid two miles north of its current location, at St Catherine’s Hill despite the wishes of the townspeople who wanted the church to be built on the existing site. However, each time building materials were taken up to St Catherine’s Hill, by the following morning the workmen found the site empty and the materials returned to the site of the original Saxon church. After this had happened several times, Ranulf Flambard, under whose instruction the building work begun, concluded that this was divine intervention and building commenced on the present site. It is said that in the early building operations, a mysterious carpenter assisted in the work but was neither present at mealtimes nor when wages were paid. One day a beam was required for the roof. The place where it was needed was measured and the timber was cut to the required length. However, when the beam was hoisted into position it was found to be several inches too short and had to be lowered back to the ground. As evening was coming, the workmen decided to leave cutting a new beam until the following morning and left for the night. The next morning the workmen found to their amazement that it had grown to the proper length overnight and had already been placed in the correct position. The mysterious carpenter did not appear after this and it was assumed
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by all that he must have been Jesus Christ of Nazareth who helped to build his own church which thus became known as Christ’s Church of Twynham as the town was then called. Later the town became Twynham-Christchurch later Christchurch. The Second Miraculous Beam On Thursday 25th January 1990 during a violent storm of hurricane force winds, one of the pinnacles of the tower was blown down. Weighing some 7 or 8 cwt it fell on the nave roof, dislodging many tiles and making a large hole. Fortunately it then lodged in a roof truss and did not fall through the vaulting to the nave beneath where many of the congregation, after a morning service, were sheltering from the storm. That roof truss is now regarded as The Second Miraculous Beam. DOREEN WATTS
Musical production will take place next
February. Please contact chapel for
more details.
Tickets will be on sale at the Christmas
Fair on Saturday 24th November
Don’t miss your chance to see it!
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Food for Thought presents:
"And now for
something completely different"
on Saturday 24th November 2012
at 7.30pm at Bamford Chapel
Tickets available from James Crompton, Alice Morris,
Lucianna Jefferies and Alison Greaves.
Tickets £3 or £10 per family.
All proceeds to the above teenagers to assist in the funding of their overseas
challenges in 2013.
This will be a fun packed evening of sketches and a short melodrama suitable
for all ages.
Refreshments will be available during the interval.
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You are invited to a jewellery party at the home of Lucianna Jefferries
On Thursday 15th November
from 7.30 pm at 42 Shawfield Lane, Norden,
Rochdale OL12 7RQ
The Jewellery Tailors offer a wide variety of unique and unusual high quality Venetian glass
beads, pendants, semi-precious stones and Swarovski Crystals in a huge choice of colours,
sizes and shapes many of which are sourced from around the world and are previously unseen in
the UK.
Commission from the evening will be going towards the Equador Fund
For more information please call
Lyn on 01706 351420
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Reminder
You can keep up to date with everything happening at Bamford
Chapel by logging on to the
website at:
www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
The October magazine is also available and was viewed
online 63 times last month. This is a great way to see
the photographs in more detail .
If you would like to view the magazine on your smart
phone go to
www.issuu.com
and search for
’Bamford Chapel’
or use your qr code scanner
and scan this code.
NB: Please take note of the dates for the next magazine as there
will be no magazine in January
(as usual).
Please make sure that any articles for events taking place up to
the end of January are received by .
Sunday 2nd December
Articles received after this date will appear in the February
edition.
Thank you
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29
BAMFORD CHAPEL MAGAZINE
EDITORS: Louise Aspinall 01706 719449
Martyn James 01706 868885
SECRETARY: Joan Ashton 01706 360395
DATES FOR THE NEXT MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013
Articles to be handed in by: Sunday 18th November 2012
Magazine to be completed by: Thursday 29th November 2012
Magazine distributed: Sunday 2nd December 2012
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BAMFORD CHAPEL
United Reformed Church
Charity - Reg’d No 1128387
(FAIRTRADE CHURCH)
Norden Road, ROCHDALE, Lancs. OL11 5PQ
The Manse,
Norden Road,
ROCHDALE,
Lancs
OL11 5PQ
www.bamfordchapel.co.uk
Telephone: 01706 369622
Minister : Rev Richard Bradley
Email: [email protected]
Church Secretary: Ian Sturrock
Telephone: 01706 653109
Email: [email protected]
Wedding Secretary: John Lapworth
Telephone: 01706 632460
Lettings Manager: Linda Kerford
Telephone: 01706 624256
Email: [email protected]
Times of Services: Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1st Sunday in month
Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3rd Sunday in month