April 2003
Littleborough Methodist Circuit “The Lit-borough” Come and grow with us	WAR IN IRAQ May we pray for hostilities to end; for humanitarian agencies in war zones; for families with relatives in the war regions and for world peace. From the Minister’s Study EASTER : THE LAST WORD The simplest message of Easter is that God has the last word. On the first Good Friday night it appeared as if evil had the final word, when the holiest and most loveable person, who had ever lived, was cruelly crucified by the order of a tyrant! He who had raised the highest hopes for the nations died such a shameful death, nailed to a cross in front of a jeering debauched mob. The next three days, when His voice was silenced and His life apparently ended were the blackest days in the human race. For it appeared as if evil had triumphed over good. If Pontius Pilate had succeeded in putting an end to Jesus, hope in a good God would have been rendered a mockery. But there came Easter morning and the glorious message: “He is risen”, bringing an end to the apparent evil’s triumph. Lifting the doom, the disappointment and the despondence of Good Friday. The heavy, ponderous stone that sealed Jesus into the confines of that rock-hewn tomb was but a pebble compared to the Rock of Ages inside. Jesus defeated death, the enemy of us all. What a glorious hope, to know that death is not the end! Eternal life is available in Christ. Just as the Spring blossom wipes out the memories of the Mid-bleak Winter, so does Easter testify of New life in Jesus Christ. On the Easter before he died, D.W. Sangster, a deeply spiritual Methodist, who had spearheaded a renewal Movement in the British Isles after World War II, whose ministry was ended by a disease that impaired his vocal chords, painfully printed a short note to his daughter. The last Easter Sunday He spent on earth he wrote: “How terrible to wake up on Easter and have no voice to shout, “He is risen!” Far worse, to have a voice and not want to shout”. As I write this article I am aware of war in Iraq, the anxieties that brings and its implication for world peace. Let us take heart in that what God did on that first Easter which remains our assurance that God is still in control. The resurrection of Christ remains a current event and supersedes all others, a living testament that God always has the last word. As Apostle Paul puts it nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39) revealed on Good Friday and sealed in victory on the Resurrection Morning. Shalom. HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOURS. Daniel Good Friday The crucifix has been primarily identified with the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox for many centuries. Other bodies within Christianity have also made use of the symbolic cross with the figure of a man hanging on it, but most of us identify it with the Catholic or the Orthodox Church. The point that I am getting at is that most Protestants don’t feel real comfortable with the crucifix. Many of us who are Protestant have said for many years, “Our symbol is the empty cross, sign of the Resurrection.” Well, today is a day when every Protestant, as well as Catholics, Orthodox and others, need to focus on the crucifix. Good Friday is the day when Christians around the world reflect on the final hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The act of crucifixion, and the events which took place while Jesus was on the cross, will be the subject of countless Good Friday services held today. Local churches and ecumenical groups will gather together to participate in what are the most solemn services in the Christian church. I suppose that it is altogether obvious that crucifixion is a very painful method of execution. It was not a unique punishment designed for Jesus. Rather, it was a common method of execution in the period of time in which the church was born. The main cause of its pain and suffering was the amount of time involved in the death of the subject. Persons being crucified could live for several days, while the nails tore at their hands and feet. In most cases, a wooden peg located at the crotch of the victim supported most of the weight, thus preventing the body from tearing off the cross and falling to the ground. Persons who witnessed a crucifixion were very sure that they did not wish to die this way. It was, and remains, one of the most painful methods of execution known to humanity. While our polished brass crosses may add to the beauty of the church, there was, and is, nothing beautiful about seeing Jesus dying on a cross. Why then, do we call it “Good Friday”? Why, of all the possible names that could be given to this day of infamy, have we chosen to give it a name which suggests that there is goodness, rather than wickedness, surrounding it? The answer to that question is found in the perspective of the observer. From the point of view of the woman or man of faith, the issue is not what people of the first century did to Jesus, but what Jesus did for us. Today marks the day when we recall that this unique child of God gave His life so that we might live. This is the moment when we are reminded of the penalty for sin, and who paid that penalty on our behalf. This is the critical moment, in preparation for a resurrection and an opportunity for new life for Jesus and for all who follow Him. Yes, Christians call it Good Friday. It is the day when God showed how much we are loved, and to what extend God will go, in order to win us back. I hope that it is a good day for you because you accept God’s love in your life. Article by Dr. David L Glusker. Greater love hath no one than this: that one lay down their life for a friend:- John 15:13 Newsround and Folknews New Local Preacher on Note Mark and Susan Cryer were received into membership at Smithy Bridge last summer. They have 2 children, Sarah (18) and Jonathan (15) . Prior to this, they worshipped at Littleborough Parish Church, then in The Vine Fellowship. Mark has been battling with a call to Lay preaching ministry for quite sometime. He gave his testimony at the last Local Preachers meeting, which unanimously recommended him to the Circuit Meeting to be given a Note to preach. Norma Stokes was appointed to be his mentor. The Circuit Meeting accepted the recommendation unanimously. We wish to congratulate Mark and welcome him into the circuit team of lay preachers. Susan works at Hopwood College and will be signing for the deaf at some of the services in Smithy Bridge with effect from next the preaching plan. Warm welcome to the Cryer Family. The New Editorial Team We welcome the New Team and express Sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr Paul Monk who has been compiling and editing Circuit Magazine over the last two years. Due to increased work as a result of his foundation training, on top of his normal lecturing work load (besides waking up at night to change nappies) ; Paul requested to give up some jobs within the circuit. Thank You Paul for all the work and effort you put into the Circuit Magazine. You will be a hard act to follow. We continue to pray for you , Jo and baby Mary Elizabeth and wish you well in your Foundation Training. Continued convalescence Margaret Mwailu wishes to thank all of you for your prayers, cards, and visits, especially those who provided cooked meals and domestic help for the family following her operation. She is feeling much better and is now able to do some limited house work. Miraculous Jo We rejoice and praise God in the good news of Jo Miller from Smithy Bridge Chapel, who threatened with serious cancer, heard these words: “This is miraculous….but of course, you are the people who pray…” This was her Medical Consultant’s review of her case. Warm Berrys’ We welcome Graeme and Gill Berry back from a month’s holiday in Chile (we suppose it must have been warm). They seem to have brought back with them the warm weather, perhaps the song came true “Every where you go, you must take the weather with you”. Welcome back. MILESTONES Sheila 70: Congratulations to Sheila Hawkwood from Dearnley who recently celebrated her 70th Birthday with a happy buffet tea at Jill Greenwood’s home, a lovely church family occasion, one more score and ten to that famous telegram, you can do it, congratulation Sheila. John 90: Congratulations to John Crossley from Greenhill, who celebrated his 90th Birthday last month. A celebration that was slightly spoiled by the fall of his wife Edith on the day resulting in her ending up in Braeside Nursing Home for temporary respite care. We wish her speedy recovery. John received a memento from Greenhill chapel, presented by Senior Steward Sylvia Wild. With less than half a score surely the telegram will be yours John. Events In the District and Connexion Wesley portrait by Richard Douglas John WESLEY (1703–2003) 2003 will be celebrated by Methodists throughout the world as the tercentenary of the birth of John Wesley. John Wesley was born on 17 June 1703 ('old style' calendar - or 28 June in the 'new style' calendar after 1752). His birthplace was Epworth in Lincolnshire. He was a renowned preacher and spiritual leader of the 'Methodist revival'.' I look upon the whole world as my parish' The occasion of the tercentenary of John Wesley's birth offers the Church the opportunity to celebrate the life of one of the most influential personalities in its history. John Wesley’s Rule for Christian Living “Do All the Good You can, By All the Means You Can, In All the Ways You Can, In All the Places You Can, At All the Times You Can, To All the People You Can, As long as Ever... ..You Can!” A date for your diary: Zero 3 The 14th June 2003 sees a major event for the Bolton and Rochdale District. As part of our celebrations of the tercentenary of the birth of John Wesley Zero3 will take place at Victoria Bolton Hall, Bolton. Zero3 is an opportunity for everyone in the District to take part in workshops and activities. The aim of the day is to equip today’s Churches for tomorrow’s mission. Throughout the day there will be a variety of workshops including:- · Small group work · Strategy for the Local Church · Running a Holiday Club · Prayer & Spirituality · Music in the Local Church · Contemporary Bible Study · Personal Evangelism · Race &Justice · Running a Lay Witness Mission · Drama · Dance · Banner making · Building a Church Website Workshops are aimed at young people and adults. For children there will be special activities throughout the day led by a team from outside the district. A crèche will be available during the workshops. The day begins at 10:00 am with an opportunity to register for your chosen two workshops (this event doesn’t need to be pre-booked) Following a Keynote address and Worship, at 10:30 am, its time for the workshops. This s a chance to try something new, enhance your existing skills or just have some fun. The first workshop runs form 11:00 am—12:15 pm and the second from 2:00 pm—3:15 pm. Between the two workshops there is a long break for lunch and to explore resources and displays brought by workshop leaders and other Christian resource providers. Book the day in your diary and bring along your: Children’s group for an opportunity to have fun finding out more about God. Youth group to be equipped and inspired. Whole church to be challenged and excited. Training and Development Officer: Alison Hulse Circuit Events This Month This Month's Lent meetings will be held in Dearnley on 3rd, led by Rev Peter Davey & 10th, led by Rev Dr Daniel Mwailu. Maundy Thursday Raising of the cross at the Farm behind Fisherman’s Inn 6.00 pm Communion at Smallbridge, beginning 7:30 pm Easter Day 20 April Sunrise Service @ Hollingworth Lake 7.00 am THOUGHTS BEFORE THE COMMUNION ERVICE Crucifixion was one of the most cruel and public ways of dying, and yet it was the Divine Bargain: to save all people in history, who will believe in the Son of God. Let us accept God’s love with enthusiasm and gratitude. May we never presume that Christ cannot, or will not save us. There is a time limit, and a glorious looking forward: the remembrance is kept until the time of His promised return. Like the Passover Lamb in Exodus 12, Jesus is the great Passover Lamb which caused God’s just wrath on sin, to “pass over us. We are reminded that the greatest issue of all is settled. Philip Dodderidge wrote, in his hymn “O happy day”: “ ’Tis done, the greatest transaction’s done! I am my Lord’s, and He is mine!” Edwin Lees OUR BEST WORK IS DONE ON OUR KNEES: CHARLES SWINDOLL The Cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God: Oswald Chambers When we pray, we can be certain God wants to hear, and answer in certain areas He desires to receive thanksgiving, praise and worship from His people, for everything He wants to: Glorify Jesus, our Lord Build the Church Unify the Church as one, so that the world may know the truth of Christ’s message Fill believers with the Holy Spirit Increase our knowledge of Christ Resolve the problems in the Church, either by giving us wisdom and understanding, or by His own intervention Cleanse us from sin, and bring us to holiness Equip us with the spiritual gifts the church needs Give grace to help us in all things, to abound to every good work Bless the preaching of the Joyful News Have all people to hear that Good News Work attracting miracles “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” Deut: 4:7 Thoughts from Smithy Bridge Saturday morning prayer meetings Recipe for living Take a cup of Kindness and friendly Smile Put in a pan of Happiness and mix well for a while. Add a pinch of Tenderness and tablespoon of Trust Stir in a little Sunshine and put on a loving Crust Flour it with Contentment and keep it free from Strife Fill with Understanding and bake well all your Life K Hill Live Each Day At The Fullest Yesterday’s troubles are written in the sand, Brushed out of existence by God’s own hand. The things of the future our hearts may fear, Can be resolved when tomorrow is here. Out of a lifetime these hours alone, The hours of today are completely our own. A willingness to do our best from dawn to setting sun, A kind word for a neighbour; a smile for everyone. A patient trust in providence to guide us on our way. A heart that’s full of gratitude and love, to give and share, An offering of the day to God in just a little prayer. All these combined with thoughtfulness, Will make a perfect day K Hill Easter Offering 2003 :God's Rainbow Promise This year's Easter Offering Service has been prepared by Jean Owen (Women's Network President 2000 -2001). "God's Rainbow Promise" gives us the opportunity to thank God for the precious gift of water, given to all people and to reflect on the need to reach out to others, as we share with them the living water of Jesus Christ. The offering is organized by the Women's Network of the Methodist Church and all proceeds go to the FUND FOR WORLD MISSION. This enables, among other things, the following to be funded: · Grants for Partner Churches overseas · Training for Mission Partners · Support for long and short-term Mission Partners · World Church in Britain Programme · Mission Live Programme · Funding for the work of Nationals in Mission Appointments · Special Projects · Further training scholarships for those from our Partner Churches. Our Partner Churches are so grateful for the help we give them and for the interest that is shown by the people of Britain and Ireland. The envelopes are provided for your offering. Please give generously to provide the necessary resources for the work of sharing the love of God throughout the world. Thank you for your prayerful support and interest. You will find gift envelopes in your church pews to support the fund for World Mission, please give generously Quotes The Christian on His knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe—D L Moody We never lose the time we spend with God in prayer—C E Jefferson “He wore the crown of thorns, so that we could wear the crown of Glory” To put the matter at it's simplest, Jesus Christ came to make bad people good- James Denney What’s happening round the churches Dearnley Monday at 1:30 pm: Monthly Fellowship Meeting in the School room, (to resume in May) will be studying the Epistles of Paul to Timothy. Contact Margaret Mwailu, on 373095 Greenhill Anniversary Services, Sunday 11th May at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. There will be Faith lunch. The preacher will be Margaret Mwailu Spring Fair, Saturday 26th, commencing 11:00 am. Tickets £2.00 (including a potato pie lunch). Various stalls. Come and support this event. Full chapel what a sight! Yes Greenhill had a full chapel on 23rd February, when Jannine & Matthew Leonard and her family brought their second child—Jake for baptism. The chapel was full with extra chairs on the aisles, a great family occasion. It was almost full again on 16th March when Margaret Clarke’s family of Oak Hill, Bents Farm, Littleborough converged from Shropshire, South of England and West Yorkshire for the baptism of her two grand children: Kyran Jordan Lewis and Isabelle Sophie Roche a very happy family occasion with her daughters: Deborah Clarke and Louise and Christopher Roche. The family has long standing connection with Green Hill chapel. Margaret Clarke and her husband were the happiest grand parents in town. Congratulations to the Clarke’s family. WARDLE Sunday 18 May, at 10:45 Celebration of the 10th anniversary f the foundation of Wardle Local Ecumenical Project. This service will be led jointly by the Chairman of the District, and the Bishop. There will be also a Littleborough Churches Together service at 6:15 pm at Wardle Village Church. Please Note Our Circuit Motto: “Dream your dreams and let us achieve them together”: If you cannot make it to fellowship at your own church, there may be one for you at another church. Let us support each other and grow together Monthly “circuit bible study”, to resume after lent meetings Advance Notices Thursday 1st May: Easter Offering:- will be on at Small Bridge Beginning 7:30 pm, the speaker will be Mrs Dorothy Mills (see article, above) Thursday May 15th :Trial Service at Dearnley, for Margaret Mwailu beginning at 7:30pm. Sunday 18 May, at 10:45 Celebration of the 10th anniversary of the foundation of Wardle Local Ecumenical Project. 25 May and 14 June: Zero3 Celebrations at the Bolton Victoria Hall. The District is holding 300th Celebration of John Wesley at the Bolton Victoria Hall. We are planning
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