June 2003
Littleborough Methodist Circuit “The Lit-borough” Come and grow with us	From the Minister’s Study Living and leaving a legacy I have been to Buckingham Palace on three occasions. On the second and third occasions, it was at the Queen’s Garden party. Although I shook hands with the Queen and the late Princess Diana and other royalties in one of those occasions, it was the first that has a tale to tell. It was in 1986 when I worked for a foreign embassy in London to finance my PhD studies. One afternoon, I was charged with the protocol duty of taking the ambassador to Buckingham palace to meet Her Majesty the Queen. As I pulled outside Buckingham Palace, the concierge opened the door ushered the ambassador and his wife into the palace and showed me where to park and wait. As I waited I said to myself, surely am I really inside Buckingham Palace? How can I prove this to my family? So I came out of the car and asked the concierge, can I use the toilet? He said sure, so he showed me the toilets. Oh boy it was royalty, marble walls, floor, marble glass etc. After washing my hands I looked for the hand towel and there were paper towels as white and soft as linen. So I whipped my hands and put one in my pocket a souvenir to show to my family. Toilet tissue as a souvenir from Buckingham Palace! We all collect trophies and souvenirs to mark places and our presence in this world because deep down, all people would like to leave something behind that will live on after them. More important than collecting trophies and souvenirs or even leaving inheritance, however, is leaving a living legacy. The drive of creating a legacy is determined by how much we love other people. Although Jesus is most remembered for his miracles, people forget that His legacy was the time He invested making those first disciples fishers of men. Jesus spent most of his time creating His legacy carriers. Jesus’ lasting legacy was love for people. He loved them in spite of their faults. Peter, in spite of his impetuosity, James and John in spite of their ambition, Matthew in spite of his materialism, Judas in spite of his dishonesty and greed, Thomas in spite of his doubts, others in spite of fiery temper asking for fire to consume the opposition. Jesus’ legacy was to change these people through his consuming love and commission them to the ministry of changing other lives. The legacy? Love for other people. This month and last month have been dominated by John Wesley tercentenary celebrations. An ordinary man, full of faults as we all are, but consumed by love for people. He abandoned his status as an Oxford don and security as a parish priest to itinerant life on a horse- back. His legacy in my view seems to be summed up in his famous words "I look upon the whole world as my parish”. Through this simple legacy the Methodist movement reinvigorated the church in the eighteenth century. World Wide today, according to the Methodist Webpage, “there are new Methodist churches in nearly every country in the world, and it is calculated that the whole world Methodist family numbers some 70 million people. Over the last 40 years major areas of growth have been in Latin America 783%, Asia 690% and Africa 450%” What is the legacy that you want to leave behind? How would you like to be remembered? How much do you love other people? Whatever legacy we may want to live after us, it must be driven by love. The apostle Paul described his drive in these words: “the love of Christ constrains us” 2Cor.5:14. If our lives are not driven by the love of Christ and love for other people, we will go through this live merely collecting souvenirs and fighting for trophies rather than looking for a vision worthy of our lives and creating lasting legacy, invest our time on things instead of people. According to J C Maxwell “ a legacy is a dream that changes not only your life but also the lives of all the people it touches”. What is your Living Leaving Legacy? SHALOM Daniel John Wesley visits to Rochdale and the surrounding areas Rev D A Tipper remarked in a recorded talk that John Wesley came to Rochdale in 1749. Robert Heap of Hartely Farm (Hartley Lane) became a convert and a firm friend, the kitchen of the farm was the venue for Methodist services and also Class meetings from 1750 to 1850. Rev Wiliam Grimshaw (known as the apostle of the North) was assistant curate at Rochdale Parish Church, before moving to Todmorden, and later Haworth. He was a close friend of Wesley, and saw times of great awakening. Wesley would leave Hartley Farm for preaching in Milnrow, where he was not warmly received. There were times when mud and rotten eggs were hurled at him. There is a house in Bank House Farm, on the edge of the moors above Norden, where John Wesley preached, a gate across the stairs is thought to have been the pulpit which Wesley used.. Often Wesley rode from Roolely Moor to Bacup and other places to take Class Meetings, or wherever rival had broken out. There is a tradition that he preached at Fernhill, off Rooley Moor Road, at Lane head, For more details, see (The Story of Littleborough, page 97ff) John Street, of Littleborough Civic Trust gives the following dates of John Wesley around our area:- 1747, 4-6 May at Todmorden Edge above Dobroyd Castle and then came to Shore near Wardle. 1748, 27 August , at Todmorden 1749, 18 October, the famous account of his visit to Rochdale and the comparison with Bolton. 1788, 23 April, , three years before his death, Wesley came to Toad Lane Rochdale, where there was a “Methodist House When John Wesley came to Birtle, on one occasion he preached on the subject of “Cities of Judgement”. The names of the two cities were taken as names of farms by two men, at least converted through the sermon—Jericho and Nineveh. Jericho still appears on the destination of local buses, and a post office near Fair field hospital bears the name of “Jericho” Zero 3 Celebrations at Victoria Hall, Bolton A group attended the evening service at the Bolton Victoria Hall, where churches from all over the district were meeting to celebrate the birth of John Wesley. Thanks to Sylvia Wild who organised the coach trip. The evening was a real blessing to all who went. The Victoria Hall was full downstairs, while the Balcony was nearly 1/4 full. Rev Keith Garner led the service, and different people took part, including the former Circuit minister, Rev David and Pam Burton, who did a sketch, which the congregation thoroughly enjoyed. We all had a good evening, and look forward to the next Zero 3 District Event on 14th June, hoping as many will attend Pais Project ( Youth & Schools Work Organisation) As a 19 year I joined Pais Project last year and have been based at Smithy Bridge Chapel where I have been assisting with Youth work. I have also been working at different schools in Rochdale area with other Pais workers, Sarah, Lisa, and James, we have been providing lunch Clubs, assemblies, workshops and classroom support. My year as a Pais worker has been amazing. One of the most amazing moments were -: 1) seeing 25 young people literally racing out of the door to make commitments to Christ at our Flipside gig (the Pais Band). It was a real privilege to be able to tell them about what God has done for them and to pray with them. These young people have now been integrated into youth groups and are being discipled. 2) The Fairytale Evening held by us to raise money for Pais. It was amazing to see many of the Churches in Rochdale in Fellowship with each other. We had great fun and managed to raise £550 3) Setting up a girl's discipleship course at Smith Bridge Chapel. I am currently using the Alpha ideas. It is amazing to see the enthusiasm and the way they are so hungry to hear more about God. This year has been a real blessing for me. God has changed me so much. I have grown spiritually and in confidence over the year. God has been so faithful, always giving me the strength I need to do the work. It is an amazing privilege to be able to serve Him and to be able to tell young people about Him. Please pray that the work of Pais continues, that it goes from strength to strength, that God’s hand is upon it, seeds will be planted and the harvest will come. If you would like to support Pais, you do this by joining the 1001 club. This is where you will pay £10 towards Pais every month. Churches and business can support Pais by giving £50 each month. There is a new way to support Pais! This is called Savantsage and it means that if you re-direct your calls to Savantsage, the money you save on phone calls will be donated to the Pais Project. Any money given is much appreciated, and will be used to continue the work of Pais and help it grow. If you would like to support Pais financially, please get in touch with me Thank you so much for all your prayer and support. God bless you all. Ruth Bradbury Old Smithy Bridge Church Some five years ago when I was researching the book, “The Story of Littleborough”, John Street and I were asked about the two chapels in Smithy Bridge. Puzzled, I investigated and found the following answer. In c1856 the Methodists in the Smithy Bridge area opened a meeting house above what is now the Chinese chip shop on Smithy Bridge Road. By 1863 they were members of the United Methodist Free Church and a chapel was built. The congregations must have been large for in 1868 it was realised that the chapel was not big enough to accommodate the membership, so they built a large chapel across the road on the corner of Little Clegg Road. The original chapel was transformed into the chapel schoolrooms where lessons took place, then in 1903 was extended to the rear with more classrooms. This was the situation for the next 70+ years when in 1975 the ‘new chapel closed and was demolished (if memory serves me right it was because the outer fabric was rotten and dangerous). The congregation moved back across into the schoolroom (‘old chapel’) and renovated this to its present situation. One of the reference books referred to a stone plaque in the front gable with the inscription ‘Smithy Bridge Methodist Free Church 1863’ something I had never noticed before—How often do we not look up. Peter Jackson The Bridge Project In November 2000, an extension incorporating the disabled access was opened to the current Chapel, making it easier for the disabled to access worship at a cost of c£43,600, made possible through c£19,000 Connexion and Circuit grants: as follows: £9000 Circuit Advance Fund; Rank Trust £7000 and £2,800 Property Grant, the rest c£24,800 from Smithy Bridge church own effort. All this time meetings at the current building were made possible through the kindness of the former J Mills brothers who allowed the church free parking in their premises during church services and other events. When the extension was undertaken, little did the church know that the Mills brothers had decided to close for business and sell up before the beginning of financial year 2001! When this became known, miraculously and in typical Smithy Bridge “walking by faith fashion” they decided to buy the site rather than depend on whoever bought the site for parking embarking into the current Bridge Project ! Please pray and support their dream and vision for the future of the witness for Christ in Smithy Bridge. The Letters of Halcyon After re-reading C S Lewis’s book The Screwtape Letters, I thought it was time the good angels had a turn. I offer you the notes of a senior angel called Halcyon, as he corresponds with a junior angel. First Letter from Halcyon: Both of us have been honoured: yourself by promotion; myself, in being appointed as your tutor. I am pleased that you will be retaining your guardianship of children. That closeness to the Gracious Father, which that responsibility provides, is a token of His special concern for them. However, in taking up your new duties, there are numerous things to be learned. I will begin with the confusion which Humans have over creation: of ourselves—the angels, which includes those of the Great Rebellion and its Unholy Leader, the creation of the Universe, the creation of life on earth, and the special creation of Humans. Even the time it took is a problem for them. They fail to see the Glorious Father worked slowly (taking six days), to set them an example, and make it easy for them to understand. Some of their so-called scientist and mathematicians feel that, given enough time, anything could have been created—perhaps even God himself. And all for nothing? They do not see the Irreducible Complexity of organs, parts and chemical systems, makes the theory of a gradual creation, over billions of years a fairy story, or at best a joke! Next letter to follow next month….. Douglas Wilkinson Read this……... A colony of small water bugs living in a pond noticed that every once in a while one of their fellow bugs would climb up a lily stem and never seen again. They agreed that if this should happen to one of them, they would return and tell the others about their journey. Sure enough, the day came when one of the bugs found himself going up the stalk and crawling onto the lily pad at the top. Here he fell asleep in the warm sunshine and when he awakened, he stretched himself, only to hear a crackling sound as his outer coat fell off. He sensed that somehow he was larger, cleaner, and freer than ever before. Spreading his wings, he flew into the air as a beautiful green dragonfly. Suddenly he remembered his promise, but then he realised why none of the others had ever returned. He could not go back and tell his friends what to expect, because he was no longer a part of their world. Besides, one day they too would experience the wonderful freedom he now enjoyed. Food for thought……... To make a long story short…. Don’t tell it. Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. Peace starts with a smile A lot of church members who are singing “Standing on the Promises” are just sitting on the premises. We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers, or judges. Poem For Computer Users over 40…. A computer was something on TV From a Science Fiction show of note A window was something you hated to clean A ram was the father of a goat Meg was the name of my girlfriend A gig was a job for the nights Now they all mean different things And that really megabytes An application was for employment A program was a TV show A cursor used profanity A keyboard was a piano A Memory was something that you lost with age A CD was a bank account And if you had a 3-in floppy—You hoped nobody found out Compress was something you did to the garbage Not something you did to a file And if you unzipped anything in public You’d be in jail for a while Log on was adding wood to the fire Hard drive was a long trip on the road A mouse pad was where the mouse lived And a backup happened to your commode Cut you did with a pocket-knife Paste you did with glue A web was a spider’s home And a virus was the flu I guess I’ll stick to my pad and paper And memory in my head I hear nobody’s been killed in a computer crash But when it happens they wish they were dead News round and Folk news Sympathy We all sent our sincere sympathy to Gill and Graeme Berry for the loss of Graeme’s mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family We too express our sincere sympathy to Mariam and Mimi and Joshua (Smithy Bridge) for the sad loss of husband, Dad and Grandad. Rest assured of our prayers and thoughts. Milestone Our best wishes to Geoff Proffitt as he celebrated a milestone in his 60th birthday on 28th May. Wardle Ecumenical Partnership LEP On Sunday May 18th, Wardle Village Church celebrated 10 years of partnership. The Bishop of Middleton and our Chairman of District Rev Keith Garner took Morning Service, followed by Communion. Andrew and Daniel both took part, it was good to both Anglican and Methodist meeting under one roof each wit their church leader. The church was full. The evening service was a LCT praise service. First ministers of the Wardle Local Partnership, David Burton and Neil Salt were present Each had time to share on the service & chose a favourite hymn which was sang by the congregation. The Kiev Singers Thanks for all who supported the Kiev Singers concerts. In total the two concerts raised £593:11p, towards the Chernobyl charities. Many thanks for your support and many thanks to the stewards of Dearnley who worked so hard to see this event succeed. Thanks to Stuart Carmichael of St. Andrew’s Dearnley who assisted in hosting the event Every body who came to listen to these gifted singers appreciated that it was a worthwhile evening. Coming to our area:- The Pine Castle Singers, from Orlando, Florida In Concert on: Thursday 5 June 1:30 pm, Champness Hall, Drake St, Rochdale (special event for senior Citizen) Admission free, but a freewill offering will be taken for the work of a Missionary Ventures Project in Africa. Also:- Friday 20 June 2003 at 7:30 pm, Bolton and Rochdale Methodist District are hosting an evening for all interested in The World Church Special guest for the evening will be Rev David Barakana Havea, President of the Methodist Church, of the Solomon Islands. The event will be at Bolton Road Methodist Church, Bury on Come along and enjoy a buffet Supper and hear the Chair of Districtinterview Rev David Havea Circuit Events this month Sunday, 8 June , Pentecost March, at 1:00 pm from St Andrews or 1:30 pm at St Mary’s. Service in Littleborough Square at 2:00 pm On 14 June, the Bolton & Rochdale District will be celebrating John Wesley’s 300th birthday, at the Victoria Hall, Bolton. Zero 3 will be an event to equip today’s Church for tomorrow’s mission. Throughout the day there will be a variety of workshops which include Getting Funky with God (dance) Centring the Church on Christ (Lay witness) The challenge for the Christian Church Spirituality Making small groups work Music—The Next Step Drama Christ in a multi faith world Banner making The Church and the local media Web Design Contemporary Bible Study These workshops are aimed at young people and adults. For children there will be special activities throughout the day and a crèche will be available. There is no need to pre-book this event—just be there at 10 am to register for the workshops you want. The day then runs as below:- 10 :00–10:30 am Coffee and registration 10:30–11:00 am Worship and Key Note Address 11:00–12:00 noon Workshop 1 12:30–2:00 pm Lunch 2:00–3:15 pm Resourcing exhibition still open There will be an extended lunch break to allow you to look at the resources on offer, and the day ends at 3:30 pm. Young people, children ,and the ret of the Church are encouraged to come along to be challenged and inspired. Wednesday 25 June, St Anne’s Singers at Dearnley Chapel, Tickets £3.00 including, Meat and Potato Pie Supper, contact Geoff Proffitt, on 377349 or Joyce Armitage, on Tel 341613, for tickets Thursday 26^th June, Circuit Meeting at Smallbridge, beginning 7:30 pm What’s happening round the churches Dearnley The Rock Solid Youth club (ages 11-14) Friday evenings at 7:30–9:00 pm Contact Betty Bellenger, on 376999 Children’s Craft Club (ages 8–11) Monday afternoons at 3:45–5:15 Contact Betty Bellenger, on 376999 or Joanne Frost on, 377736 Fellowship Meetings Monday at 7:30 pm: Fellowship meeting at 1 Mount Avenue, contact, Rev Jack Leach, on 838707 Thursday at 7:30: Weekly Fellowship Meeting, at different venues, contact Paul Monk, on. 374614 Greenhill Children’s Craft Club, (ages 8–11) Sunday Afternoons Further details, contact, Colin Wass on 376894 Fellowship Group Wednesday at 7:30 Weekly Fellowship at Green Hill Chapel, contact Sylvia Wild on 378169 Smallbridge Chilren’s Craft Club (ages 8–11) Thursday afternoons at 3:45-5:15. Further information and details, contact Charles Turner on 647711 or Paul Monk on 374614 Tuesday afternoon, (fortnightly) Fellowship at Smallbridge Chapel, contact Charles Turner on 647711 Smithy Bridge Monday 7:30 pm Fellowship and Bible Study, “Every Step Counts” at4 Cleggswood Ave, contact Glenys Moorfoot , Tel 370659 Tuesday 10:30 am Bible Study, “Teachings on the Holy Spirit”, led by D Wilkinson, at 20 Leighton Ave. (fortnightly) Alternates with “Seeker’s informal fellowship, - same time, same place 7:45–9:00 pm, “Worship Fellowship” meets fortnightly, Contact Elaine Harrison, on Tel 375988 Wednesday 2:30, “Bright Hour” meets every fortnight led by Mrs Dorothy Mills, & on alternate week by the Superintendent Minister, contact Joyce Hill on, 378691 All are welcome! Wednesday 7:45–9:00 pm, Fortnightly, “Burning Questions at 4 Rose Ave, contact Norma Stokes, on 377400 Wednesday (alternate week) A new fellowship group, contact Lynne Priestly for more details Thursday 8:00–9:30 pm “Christians Today” a look at some of the issues facing Christians Today, plus a chat over tea or coffee, 47 Whitegate, contact Hazel Harrison, on 374284 Thursday Evening:- Youth Event contact Kathryn Walton, on Tel 670170. Fortnightly, “Meeting with God”, at Michael and Lynne’s, and the monthly “Fellows’ Fellowship” are off to a good start on first Friday of the month, contact Ian Brazendale on 379857 WARDLE Wednesday 2:30 pm: Ladies Bright Hour (fortnightly) Contact Marjorie Broadbent on 379247 First Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm: Fellowship at the Hollies, East St, Wardle, contact Rev Andrew Howell on 713529 Pentecost March, Sunday 8 June The march leaves from St Andrew's with the Moston & Beswick Prize Brass Band at 12:45 pm and leaves from St Mary's at 1:30 pm. The service starts at Town Square at 2 pm. The preacher will be Rev Kevin Dunn (Hospice Chaplain) CAMPAIGNING TO CHANGE THE RULES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE - to make trade work for poor people, not against them. MAYC World Action has joined the Trade Justice Movement, adding its voice to the 9 million others already calling for Trade Justice. The new World Action campaign is “World Action for Trade Justice” and MAYC World Action is asking young people to “Throw Your Weight Around”, and take part in the “24 hours for Trade Justice “ on 27/28 June 2003 Advance Notices 6July, First Lake Bank this Summer at 6:15 pm 7 July, Local Preachers’ Meeting at the Manse, beginning 7:30 pm 10 July, Dave Bilborough in Concert at Dearnley Chapel, at 7:30 pm, sponsored by United Christian Broadcast. Dave Bilbrough’s song, ‘Abba Father’ launched his international ministry. Two decades later he is recognized as one of Britain’s foremost worship leaders and songwriters. His songs, like, ‘All hail the Lamb’ and ‘I am a new creation’; are sung in thousands of churches. Dave is in great demand as a worship leader, having ministries throughout the world and making appearances on national TV and radio. His ministry brings an emphasis on the grace and faithfulness of God, praise and reconciliation Having become a Christian in 1971, Dave began singing and writing songs of worship in a contemporary style. The leadership in his church encouraged and developed Dave in his calling, and for over 20 years he has travelled and toured diverse cultures and denominations, recorded 16 albums and does 150+ concerts most years, bringing experience, innovation and the prophetic into the worship arena. Dave sees his role as ministry, as ’someone who is a worshipper but uses his skills and gifts to encourage others into worship’. The importance being ’to be sensitive and open to God’s voice; and ’to hear what God is saying in my constant desire and longing’. All welcome, entry free, but a collection will be taken on the night. 11^th July, 7:30—9:30 pm, Faithworks- “ I believe” with Steve Chalke, worship led by Forgiven. Featuring Crimson Scarlet, Gracie Fields Theatre, Rochdale. Tickets £1:00 (no door sales), postal applications to “Forgiven, and include 50p to cover p&p. Purchase your ticket, from “Forgiven”, The Lodge, I The Green, Rochdale, O1706 638744. There will be an offering taken for the work of Faithworks.
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