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October 2020 THE MAGAZINE OF THE HORWICH & RIVINGTON TEAM CHURCHES
OUR NEWEST CLERGY TEAM MEMBER—WELCOME!
"He told them: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send
out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2
“My journey to ordination has been an unusual one and unique in many
different ways. This week started with a ‘virtual’ retreat led by Reverend
Canon Phil Stone, director of the Scargill Movement and leader at Scargill
House in North Yorkshire. As eager ordinands we 'zoomed' in and out of
sessions sharing our lives and the experiences that had led us to this stage of
our journey with God and taking time to prepare for the ministry ahead. We
were encouraged to live generously recognising God’s amazing abundance
and His rich and lavish love for us. John 7:38, NIV: "Whoever believes in me,
as Scripture has said, ‘rivers of living water will flow from within them.'" A call
to consider the pure and life-giving nature of God. We were likewise
heartened by God’s view of us as His beloved – adored, cherished and
blessed.
At a time when so many elements of our lives are altered and unsettled we
may ask ourselves, ‘How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?’ Be
inspired that we can continue to sing of His abundance and His blessing as
constant and firm when the world around us feels unpredictable and fragile.
On Wednesday 23rd September, I was ordained by the Rt Rev’d Mark
Ashcroft, the Bishop of Bolton, at Bolton Parish Church. This was an intimate and personal service for me and
my dear friend Debbie Clarke and it was a great delight to share this with a few close family and friends and
with others who were able to watch online (apologies for the unfortunate audio!). Despite the lack of
traditional trimmings, it was still a truly special day – Spirit
led and full of joy and promise.
I look forward to walking with you all in the Benefice of
Horwich and Rivington in the coming years. I thank you for
your personal messages, cards and gifts, for your ongoing
prayers and kind words and for your fellowship. I am excited
to minister alongside you and to serve as deacon and I will
strive, with the help of God, to make the love of Jesus
known. Every Blessing., Nicola Gillard.”
Pictured left with proud husband Steven and children Tom
and Grace. Our best wishes to you, Nicola and family!
NEXT EDITION: NOVEMBER 2020 DEADLINE: October 18th PUBLICATION DATE: November 1st
IN THIS ISSUE - Page 2: Contacts; Flu Jab; Notices Page 3: Harvest Musing & services Page 4: Namibia
update & Gift Cards Page 5: From the Registers; Ven Alan Wolstencroft Page 6: Daily Hope; SRA update;
Green News Page 7: Smiles! Page 8: Rotary Horwich Page 9: Congratulations; Psalm 23; CE & BCE Page 10:
WD-40 Uses Page 11: 30 years on… Page 12: Lockdown Worship Page 13: Taizé 1 Page 14: Prayer for our
times; From the Magazine Page 15: Lockdown Loaf Page 16: St Sofa’s; photos BtP details
If you have any concerns for yourself or anyone else please contact:
Holy Trinity and Rivington: Nicola Butterworth on 07706 979393
St Catherine’s: Rev Michael Behrend on 01204 697162
St Elizabeth’s: Rev. Gill Smart on 01204 468271
GET YOUR FLU JAB CHOP CHOP!
Have you had your flu jab yet? ‘Kung Flu Fighters’ ie your local doctor, or
pharmacist are urging you to get your flu jab ASAP. As yet there is no Covid-
19 vaccine but that is all the more reason to get the genral flu jab done—as
having flu will help to make you more vulnerable to Covid-19.
People are particularly being urged to get their flu jabs, including those over
65, pregnant women and under 65’s with chronic illnesses such as chest
problems like asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, Heart Disease,
Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Diabetes, have had a stroke or TIA.
The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and
muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for
some the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death. Carers and those
with impaired immunity are also eligible for free flu jabs. The vaccine is not live, so it cannot give
you the flu. I t is im possible – don’t believe the stories. It might give you a sore arm but that is
much better than getting flu with the added danger of Covid-19.
Be wise, contact your local pharmacist, doctor, or health centre to find out about appointments—
chop, chop.
Important Notices: As you may know Church services have started again but due to Corona Virus (Covid-19)
in a very different way. To find all the details please refer to our weekly Team newsletter or go to
www.achurchnearyou.com/16052 for Holy Trinity; 16053 for St Elizabeth’s; 16054 for St Catherine’s and
16056 for Rivington Church.
Great news is that CYFA still meet ‘virtually’ via Zoom. If you are 14—18 years of age and feel you would like
to try it out please contact youthminister.gemma@gmail.com
On the wishes of the young people, during the summer holidays
they continued the Zoom meetings—doing quizzes, playing games
and updates on how each of them was while focussing on having
fun together and keeping the space open to let the young people know that the leaders are there for them. In
October they will be saying goodbye to several of their members who are off to university. We wish them well
for their future studies and pray that they will make new Christian connections while they are away.
Draw the chick who is Messy Church has lots of interesting stuff on St Elizabeth’s Facebook for families to
very ‘eggcited’ to be share, play and have a go at. Over the last few months
hatching out! we have explored thankfulness and Feeding the 5,000,
new beginnings and new starts and shared in a Covid-19
safe Treasure Hunt! All the crafts and activities (see
example left) are available for you to look at and have a
go at on :
https://www.facebook.com/horwichstlizzies
OCTOBER MUSING ALL GOOD GIFTS AROUND US...
September and October are traditionally Harvest Thanksgiving services in our churches but due to the
pandemic, this year they won’t be happening in their usual form. Details of the services are below.
However , if you are not able to attend a service what can you do to show your thanks for all the good gifts
around us? As the well known harvest hymn says:
“We plough the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land; But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing
rain.
Chorus: All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His
love”. Author: Matthias Claudius (1782)
We can still show our gratitude by saying Grace before a meal, donating to the Bolton Grub Tub and also
supporting charities that help people living in countries where harvests and food are always uncertain due to
climate change, soil poverty and degradation etc. Tearfund and our own Namibia Link are two examples.
“He only is the maker of all things near and far; He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; The
winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed; Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread”.
At the beginning of the pandemic people went crazy and stockpiled foods and other items, unnecessarily, as
the majority of us have many reliable sources of food, maybe not always what we specifically request but we
won’t go hungry. Try to imagine what it must feel like to not know if you can afford to put food on the table or
you go without so that your children can eat as is happening in our communities, or imagine you live in a
country devastated by drought or floods with a whole winter trying to survive on scrapings— it is hard to
imagine isn’t it? But it is out there and we shouldn’t ignore it. Do everything you can through the gifts you
offer to show your humble, thankful hearts to God by helping all His children to have their daily bread.
3
NAMIBIA NEWS UPDATE
The Namibia Committee members continue to keep in touch with our link parishes of Okathitu and Ruacana
through WhatsApp and Facebook.
We are being upheld in prayer by all our Namibian friends who are themselves experiencing drastic increases
in Covid-19 cases. To date: 9719 cases with 101 deaths. It is an answer to prayer that those numbers are small
compared to our own statistics.
Okathitu Parish
Both schools have been closed since March with parents picking up lessons for their children to complete at
home. Face to face teaching has now resumed although there are concerns about how safe it is for children to
gather in large numbers.
The Bicycle Workshop has had a very difficult year. Due to Covid 19 many businesses have had to close down
which has meant no income, problems with paying staff and utility bills. Hilya (Manager of the Bicycle
Workshop) has informed us that they have struggled to pay for basics such as food. The Namibia committee
made the decision to postpone payment of the loan which was given last year to enable them to set up as a
Solar Light Distributor.
Sadly, the ordination service which was to be held in 'The Church of the Good
Shepherd' has been postponed with no definite future date set. The letter and prayers
written by Holy Trinity's K4C were very much appreciated and Abed (Priest at the
Church of the Good Shepherd) sent a photo via WhatsApp of the Wardens holding the
letter and prayer poster (see right). Presently church attendance is extremely low with
parishioners staying at home to keep safe.
Ruacana Parish
Greetings from Lusia (Principal of Tjihozu School): "These times are very scary but we
believe our living God will see us through. Stay safe,
we pray for you
The agricultural programme at the school continues to go from strength to
strength, with three pigs giving birth to 21 piglets (Caroline's third litter).
They will be sold for $750 each providing much needed funding for the
school.
Due to the pandemic many of the town's street vendors have lost their jobs,
although the government is trying to 'help those unable to help
themselves'. Rev. Caroline Tracey
NAMIBIA GIFT CARDS
We have decided to take a leap of faith, in spite of the Covid-19 restrictions and continue offering Namibia Gift
Cards for Christmas (however, they are also appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries etc!). There will be two
projects this year, food and books, with a choice of pictures for each and some text to explain the projects. The
minimum donation will be £5 per card however, we hope that you will feel moved to donate more!
As we aren’t allowed to display catalogues and order forms in church at the current time we will have to work
with a more complex system. If you are interested in seeing what is available please contact Margaret
Broadfoot at mbroadfoot283@btinternet.com or phone 01204 690283 (answerphone if no one in—please
leave name and number and we will get back to you). You will then be sent/emailed a display of cards with
code numbers, an order form and Gift Aid declaration (if you are a current UK Taxpayer) which you will return
to Margaret. Your order will be made up and left for 72 hours to ensure there is no virus trace, the cards will
then be sealed in a plastic envelope and dispatched to you. For your protection please sanitise your hands
before handling the envelope. Payment can be made by cheque or if you have a card reader at home we can
let you have the details to pay that way. We would prefer not to have cash but if that is the way you wish to
pay we won’t refuse it! You have been amazing at supporting us in previous years and we hope that will
continue this year. Thank you.
4
FROM THE REGISTERS
During the initial period of Covid-19 Baptisms and Weddings were not permitted due to social distancing
issues. Funerals can take place in crematoria , cemeteries and now churches, with only close family
members attending and keeping to social distancing rules. Weddings are now also allowed but under
strictly controlled restrictions.
FUNERALS
We offer love and sympathy to the relatives and friends of:
16th July Kay Bird
6th August Jacqueline Waine
THE VEN ALAN WOLSTENCROFT RIP
Sadly, we have lost another of our amazing ‘retired’ clergy, the Venerable Alan
Wolstencroft. Alan served the whole of his ordained ministry in the Manchester
diocese. In 1998 Alan was made Archdeacon of Manchester and Residentiary Canon of
Manchester Cathedral, in which capacity he served until his retirement. In his
retirement he settled in Horwich. In his retirement he often preached in our churches
and was latterly affiliated to St Katharine’s Church, Blackrod.
The Ven David Sharples pays this tribute to Alan: “Alan must have served on every synod and committee of
the diocese. That impressive roll call of posts and ministries, however worthy and commendable, does not
begin to do justice to the indelible mark that Alan has left on this diocese. A priest and a pastor to his
fingertips, Alan could also be forthright in expressing his views, without fear or favour but he was always
motivated by his love of the Lord, the care of clergy and laity, the welfare of the church and the flourishing
of God’s Kingdom.
That care extended into his retirement as Bishop’s Officer for Retired Clergy, a ministry he exercised with
characteristic dedication and compassion. As an archdeacon, Alan had to make some difficult decisions but
people always recognised him as a man of honesty and integrity who could be trusted. The Cathedral
congregation still fondly remember the reverent way Alan led worship, as well as his thoughtful preaching
and deep pastoral care.
We hold Alan’s wife Christine (who supported him unstintingly throughout his ministry) their children,
Jeremy and Elspeth, and their four grandchildren in our prayers.
I must add that Alan was a proud Lancastrian and a passionate Bolton Wanderers fan. We owe him an
enormous debt of gratitude for his wisdom, humour, humanity, faithfulness and dedication. May he rest in
peace and rise with Christ in glory.”
Rev. Phil Mason, chaplain to BWFC paid a warm tribute to Alan: “Alan was a big BWFC fan and season ticket
holder most of his life and was the ‘unofficial Chaplain’ before I was appointed.
He conducted the 50th Anniversary service of the Burnden Park disaster, which took place at Bolton Parish
Church.
Alan also took part in the dedication of the Nat Lofthouse statue with a dedication prayer.
He was a great support to the club and an encouragement to me in my role as Club Chaplain.
We give thanks for his services and support to the club and our prayers and thoughts are with his family at
this time.” ©BWFC website
Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which
he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands
through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are
his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. Teresa of Avila
5
BUILDING ON HORWICH GOLF COURSE -
YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED—UPDATE
Unfortunately the SRA Sale and refreshments
had to be cancelled due to the new restrictions
for Bolton. However committee members have
managed to sell many of the donated items
online and raise well over £2,000. They have also
auctioned two local photos for their funds and
will very soon be starting to sell online again, so
if you have any items (not electrical) please
email them at: stocksrahorwich@gmail.com and
in November they will be advertising their
Christmas Raffle. Watch this space!!
They are very grateful for all the new supporters
who have joined them and thank everyone for
their support with donated items and financial
donations.
GREEN NEWS
Hopefully, you all saw David Attenborough's TV programme on Extinction: The Facts? If not it is still
available on I-Player. Strongly recommended. There are still many deniers but a lot of the evidence seen
here is irrefutable!
Other news—In Climate Week 2020 (21st—27th September) both Ford and Facebook
pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Also run with the United Nations and the
City of New York, the big Climate Week NYC conference aimed to be a place to talk
about climate action and discuss how to do more. Much of the discussion was about
the action that the world needs to take to tackle climate change, and how much action
is actually being taken.
To illustrate this, climate campaigners unveiled a huge countdown clock on Saturday
19th, showing how little time is left before global temperatures hit 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The digital clock shows seven years and 102 days remain before average global
temperatures, at current emission rates, reach those levels.
Keeping the global temperature increase to 1.5C is considered to be very important by climate scientists, in
order to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change.
Locally—You are invited to Bolton 2030 ‘s Climate and the Environment Conference on facts and call to
action for churches and high schools which will
be held on October 13th at 7pm at The Bridge
Church, Bradford Street, Bolton.
Please register your interest in attending the
conference by emailing Dave Wyke
on david.wyke@outlook.com Stating whether
you will attend in person (restrictions allowing)
or via Zoom video link.
And GM’s consultations on clean air will take
place this month. The first is for you to have
your say on the clean air plan for all 10 LA areas in GM from October 8th to December 3rd. The second
consultation is on having a zero-emissions fleet of taxis and private hire vehicles in GM by the end of the
decade. Go to cleanairgm.com for more info.
6
TWELVE COMMANDMENTS FOR SENIORS
1 - Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice
2 - “In Style” are the clothes that still fit.
3 - You don't need anger management. You need people to stop making you mad
4 - Your people skills are just fine. It's your tolerance for idiots that needs work
5 - The biggest lie you tell yourself is, “I don't need to write that down. I'll remember it. "
6 - “On time” is when you get there.
7 - Even duct tape can't fix stupid - but it sure does muffle the sound
8 - It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free
and three sizes smaller?
9 - Lately, you've noticed people your age are so much older than you.
10 - Growing old should have taken longer.
11 - Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn't shut you up
12 - You still haven't learned to act your age, and hope you never will.
And one more: "One for the road" means going to the bathroom before you leave the house! Anon
On Computers: Those parts of the
system you can hit with a hammer
are called ‘hardware’. Those parts
you can only curse at are called
‘software’! Anon
“There is only one satisfying way to
boot a computer” J.H. Goldfuss
7
The Rotary Club of Horwich: What are we – Who are we?
We are part of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland which in turn is part of Rotary International, a
world -wide organisation comprising 35,000 clubs and over 1.2 million members.
In Horwich we are a group of local business men and women who are trying to put something back into our
community.
We meet weekly at the Horwich RMI Club (until Covid-19), where we enjoy a meal and have guest speakers
and presentations on a variety of subjects.
The objects of Rotary are –
The development of acquaintance as an opportunity to serve society
High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful
occupations and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation to serve society.
The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life.
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of
business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
And we apply the “Four Way Test” to all our projects and activities:
√ Is it the Truth?
√ Is it fair to all concerned?
√ Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
√ Will it be Beneficial for All Concerned?
Each Rotary member joins one of 4 committees. They are - Club Service, International and Foundation,
Community Service and Vocational and Youth Development.
As President I have asked the chairs of these committees to contribute articles in future issues so you can get
a better insight as to what they do.
The money we raise through our fund-raising activities go to a wide range of good causes.
We donate money to Bolton Hospice, Derian House and North West Ambulance service and more recently we
provided PPE for Care Homes and Hospices around our area.
We raise our charity funds by various social events. The two main ones being the annual Beer Festival and the
very popular Christmas street and supermarket collections.
Just alone the Beer Festival has raised over £150,000 since we started 21 years ago.
These events are made successful by the amazing Horwich Business Community that sponsor the Beer
Festival so generously and the general public for supporting us with the Christmas float.
In closing, as President of Horwich Rotary, I would like to wish all our parishioners a safe and prosperous
remainder of 2020 and look forward to my committee chairs’ information on their respective committee work
inside Rotary for you to enjoy.
Should you require more information on our club and its activities please contact our club Secretary at
sec.horwich.rotary@gmail.com
Yours in Rotary
President Ian Blackmore
8
OCTOBER and BELATED SEPTEMBER CONGRATULATIONS
Belated September birthday wishes for Marjorie Sims and to Lily McNeerly (12
years old this time and who writes for us). Congratulations on
your 80th to Joe Holdsworth who was born during the Battle of
Britain much to the fascination of his grandchildren!
And also flying the flag for Trafalgar Day birthdays (Oct 21st)
for Joan Dixon and Mike Foster. Both are choir members at Holy
Trinity. Mike produces the HT newsletter and Joan is stand-in
organist at HT and Rivington Churches. Best wishes for a Happy Birthday.
AND IN HONOUR OF JOAN’s AND MIKE’s BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH’S ALTERANTIVE PSALM 23 IS
THE LORD IS MY CHOIRMASTER
The Lord is my choirmaster, I shall never be out of step with the music.
He leads me in songs of praise and thanksgiving as I remember all His love and goodness
to me.
He causes me to hum softly as I go about my daily tasks.
He sings me a quiet lullaby to bring me rest at the close of the day.
He teaches me a restful, quiet, air to sing which brings peace to my troubled spirit.
Sometimes as I feel God's power and majesty my soul is lifted up in a symphony of
swelling music; I sing out in joy and praise, letting myself go and losing myself in the
glorious sound of the orchestra, full of confidence, pride, happiness and enjoyment.
But there are times when the music is silent, or strident, or unfamiliar.
At those times I look to my choirmaster to guide me and keep me on the right note.
Then once again there will be harmony.
I shall sing happily and my song will bring me joy and inner peace,
until the day when I shall join in that heavenly chorus above
with those I have loved and lost awhile. Amen.
CE AND BCE
Recently I was reading a book involving a forensic archaeologist and the book referred to CE and BCE which I’d
never come across before. On looking them up they mean ‘Common Era’ and ‘Before Common Era’ replacing
the BC and AD that we normally use. My first reaction was that here we go again, political (or religious)
correctness rules.
However, on digging a bit deeper (no pun intended!) it is something that has been used
since the 17th century — ”The expression has been traced back to 1615, when it first
appeared in a book by Johannes Kepler (see portrait left) as the Latin annus aerae nostrae
vulgaris and to 1635 in English as "Vulgar Era" The term "Common Era" can be found in
English as early as 1708 and became more widely used in the mid-19th century by Jewish
religious scholars. Since the later 20th century, CE and BCE are popular in academic and
scientific publications as culturally neutral terms. They are used by others who wish to be
sensitive to non-Christians by not explicitly referencing Jesus as "Christ"
nor Dominus ("Lord") through use of the other abbreviations.
“Some academics in the fields of theology, education, archaeology and history have adopted CE and BCE
notation, although there is some disagreement. Several style guides now prefer or mandate its use. The style
guide for the Episcopal Diocese Maryland Church News says that BCE and CE should be used.”
There is a huge amount of information on dating systems out there with arguments for and against,
fascinating reading! For starters try: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Era or
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2015/11/difference-bce-ce-bc-ad-come which is where most
of the above information comes from.
9
SOME OTHER USES FOR WD-40
Please note that none of these uses is endorsed by the manufacturers of WD-40, however, they are what
users have found has worked for them! Please note that we accept no responsibility if they don’t work or
damage your property!
Removing oil from carpets and textiles (do patch test first).
Clean oil from your driveway.
Pre-treat blood, ink, lipstick, grease and other stains on clothing by spraying it on (when
stain is as fresh as possible), wait a couple of minutes and then wash as normal.
Removing road tar: e.g. from your car paintwork.
Removing sticky labels, sellotape, duct tape etc.
Removing crayon from walls: but wash the wall with soapy water immediately after.
Removing rubber scuff marks: ditto re washing after.
Cleaning stainless steel: Oily fingerprints, grease etc spray with WD-40and then thoroughly
wipe with newspaper or kitchen towel.
Lubricating squeaky hinges: make sure to wipe away all excess.
Protecting bike chains: Once or twice a year, spray the metal chain and gear sprockets on your bike. WD-
40 is not, however, designed as a lubricating oil.
Polishing chrome: Rubbing a thin coat of WD-40 onto chromed metal surfaces will prevent moisture from
pitting the metal.
Removing rings from your fingers: A squirt of WD-40 will do the trick.
Waterproofing shoes, boots and gloves: Spray WD-40 on outdoor wear to make it water-resistant. Make
sure your boots aren’t genuine rubber though – they will melt. Modern rubber is usually plastic based.
Removing stains on porcelain: Use it in the toilet to remove stains, or spray it on surfaces to remove tea or
coffee rings, and more.
Sprayings as an insecticide or insect repellent: You can spray WD-40 directly onto insects to kill them or
use it on surfaces to prevent insects from entering the house or building nests.
Loosening stuck zippers: Metal zippers sometimes get sticky because the metal
develops a bit of rust. WD-40 will loosen a metal zipper . Don't try this trick on plastic
zippers, however.
Moistening leather or wood: Because it lubricates and protects against moisture.
Lubricating a shovel: Digging in hard clay with an old shovel can be back-breaking
work. Lubricating the shovel blade with WD-40 will make it slippery as it penetrates hard
soil.
Dissolving hardened chewing gum.
Lubricating guitar strings.
Degreasing barbecue grills: As a preliminary part of deep cleaning, WD-40 will help
dissolve the heavy, baked-on grease. Just make sure to remove all traces of WD-40 before lighting up your
grill.
Lubricating metal slides: Metal slides on playground equipment can be polished to a high degree of
slipperiness by rubbing it with a very fine coat of WD-40. Make sure to wipe off all the excess.
Loosening stuck Lego bricks: Lego toy pieces that are tightly stuck together can be loosened by spraying
WD-40 into the cracks. But the pieces will be oily to the touch afterward, so make sure to wash, rinse, and
dry them before handing them back to the kids.
When NOT to Use WD-40
Don't use WD-40 on locks. While it's tempting to think you can lubricate a dry lock with oil, it will attract
small particles of dirt and make the lock worse over time. Instead, use graphite powder.
Don't use it to lubricate rubber or plastic parts. These parts are made of petroleum substances, and WD-
40 may melt them.
Don't lubricate computer keyboard keys. WD-40 can damage plastic parts inside the computer.
Don't use WD-40 as a lighter fluid for fires or BBQs: WD-40 is highly flammable!
Taken from the www.thespruce.com and also Reader’s Digest
1030 Years on………
30 years ago Dave and Chris Bagley founded Urban Outreach and developed partnerships across Bolton. Just
as importantly, this month Chris and Dave reached the milestone of being 30 years married! Brenda Griffiths
sent a greeting “What achievements! And what an amazing pair you are. Bolton as a whole and so many
individuals owe you a great deal for your inspiration, faith, enthusiasm, care, love, support, perseverance,
friendship, and tenacity. Thank you both so very much!”
THE POWER OF ONE Dave Bagley, CEO of Urban Outreach, talks about how the pandemic has changed the
way food services have been operating over the past few months: “Here at Urban Outreach we have had to
make some significant changes to operations. Fundamentally we are committed to keeping all our staff,
volunteers, and those we work with safe. We have had to suspend our drop-in and group work support
sessions for the time being. However, our staff who work to support offenders, those struggling with complex
needs, and children and families that need one-to-one help, have continued to provide critical services
throughout the pandemic. Dave continues: “The Food Hub has shown everyone how beautiful Bolton is – with
so many people coming together to work for the good of others. The need can seem so overwhelming at times
but here at Urban Outreach we believe in the Power of One. Our town
is made up of communities which in turn are made up of individuals of
all ages. I am convinced now more than ever that this Power of One
can make all the difference. One person can do One thing, give One
thing, say one thing. One single act can change another person’s life.
Collectively, all of these ‘One’ moments have the power to transform
the face of Bolton forever”. Urban Outreach are looking for volunteers
who can help with deliveries as well as continuing to donate food.
Since the beginning of March until the end of May they have fed
17,929 people with 9,516 food parcels! There is a vastly increasing number households across Bolton who
find themselves in need at this extraordinary time”.
………and into the future! Following on from this a new project for Urban Outreach is
hoping to come to fruition but your help is needed! It is the “Trinity Project” and aims to ‘Renew’, ‘Rebuild’
and ‘Restore’.
Currently they are managing the Humanitarian Hub out of a vacant warehouse on the Trinity Retail Park. This
warehouse and its two adjoining warehouses are up for sale. The vision of UO is to buy these warehouses and
develop the Hub as a sustainable centre for their work and in conjunction with Bolton at Home provide a
centre of excellence as a broader response to post pandemic needs in the form of training facilities in
installing and maintaining renewable energy products. This would provide much needed employment at a
time when so many jobs have been lost and would also create a vibrant development in the town while
showcasing positive environmental and money saving products.
This is where you come in! To purchase these warehouses a lot of money is needed so there is an opportunity
to show your faith in the future of Bolton and offer help to those in need of employment and support (and
help the environment at the same time!) by donating to https://www.urbanoutreach.co.uk/donate-money/
ensuring you mention that it is for The Trinity Project. Or you can donate by cheque payable to Urban
Outreach (The Trinity Project) and send it to: Urban Outreach (Finance Administrator), Environ House, Salop
Street, Bolton, BL2 1DZ. As always your support will be appreciated.
11LOCKDOWN WORSHIP
When the lockdown was announced back in March this year, I was in a quandary as to where I would get
fellowship, teaching of the Bible and guidance from, as I’m sure many others were. We started with watching
Sunday Worship on BBC1 which was very good and encouraging and it provided teaching of the Bible and some
guidance. It, however, did not provide fellowship, communication with others or interaction in the worship
with others. All of these were very important to me as I firmly believe that the church is made up of people and
when the people are absent from the worship and meeting a huge chasm is created.
My Sundays were filled with time on my hands at home with my husband until after watching Sunday Worship
when he went to his father’s for Sunday lunch. Being over 70 I was required to stay in. I must admit that
showering and dressing took place very late in the morning as I wasn’t going out and no one was coming to see
me, so apart from watching Sunday Worship, Sunday mornings started off as the modern ‘duvet days’, spending
time reading and some additional prayer until I came to my senses. I then spent time planting seeds, writing
more emails, sending text messages, reading the Team newsletters avidly and accessing some of the links
offered there and learning Zoom for the work I do for the National Childbirth Trust.
Sundays progressed like this until one of my daughters, who lives in Leicestershire invited her dad to give
some support to the men in the church choir she had joined. (see photo of
church right) She is very technologically competent and their choir had started
to record hymns and anthems for Sunday services individually and send them to
Alice who would then put them on a digital programme that could be played for
the Sunday Parish Worship which was on Zoom. As my husband was singing,
she decided to invite us to the service.
I could not imagine how the service was going to be conducted and I was
astounded with what followed after joining the Zoom space. We could see and
hear all the people as they joined and said ‘Good morning’ to each other and
when the Rector started the service he welcomed and introduced us as
newcomers and our relationship to Alice. We were not in a church but, for all
the world, you would have thought we were because the Rector had set up his
dining room as an altar and the background was similar to the back of an altar,
furnished with candles and flowers. To be able to feel like you were in a church
with other people was uplifting. We were sent a copy of the liturgy and hymns
to be sung. From the start we could see the Rector and the people in attendance including children and he then
muted everyone before starting the Communion celebration. When it was time for hymns a picture of the choir
appeared and the recording that had been prepared was played as a video with pictures that matched the
words in the hymn and as we had copies of the hymns we could sing as well even though we were muted. The
recording of the choir and pictures was another extraordinary experience. We were invited to unmute
ourselves for the congregational prayers and to join in praying them together. It was clear that whoever was
preaching the sermon was speaking to the parish in a personal manner and we could still see everyone. The
prayer after Communion was a prayer for Communion in separation. I felt that we were fully involved in the
worship and after attending several times were able to enjoy fellowship with the other parishioners as we
started to recognise them. It was an amazing experience and I felt refreshed and contented that we had been
able to worship fully with other people.
The parish also offers daily Morning Prayer, one of which is with Communion, and a weekly Evening Prayer all
on Zoom. I started to attend the Tuesday Morning Prayer because it was followed by a coffee morning and I
wanted to get to know some of the parishioners mostly so that when we were able to visit and attend services
inside the church we would not be strangers. These were great fun and I have started attending Morning and
Evening Prayer more regularly. I still access the Horwich and Rivington Parish reflections which are very
encouraging in these very difficult times but being able to share fellowship with others has been very sustaining
for me. Elisabeth Ginniff
“A worship that will have staying power is a worship that is firmly grounded in the old, yet aware of and concerned for
new ways to respond to the old, old story.” Robert E. Webber
12TAIZÉ 1
Roger Schutz, son of a Swiss Protestant Pastor, had been studying Reformed Theology in Lausanne and was
leading a student Christian movement. In 1940 with the fall of
France he felt called to serve those suffering in World War Two.
So, at the age of 25, he rode his bicycle from Geneva across
occupied France and near Cluny he crossed the border into
Vichy France, that part of France as yet unoccupied. He bought
an empty house in a small village where he and his sister hid
Christian and Jewish refugees. After two years he was tipped off
that the Gestapo had found out and managed to return to
neutral Switzerland.
In 1944 he returned to his house in France and set up a kind of monastic community of a mixed bag of
Christian men living in poverty. All his life Brother Roger ’s concern was to reconcile Christian
denominations. All denominations, including Roman Catholic, are represented among his brothers.. From
the 1950’s the community have been inviting young people from all over the world to join them in the
village for worship, study and a time of silence if they so wished.
Soon after I retired two of our Bolton Methodist ministers, Martin Skinner and John Butterfield, organised a
coach trip to spend a week with this community and Chris and I decided to join them. A curious highlight
was the journey through the new channel tunnel. It seemed extraordinary to get out of our coach to stretch
our legs and chat with the English Channel a few metres above our heads. Then it was a long drive across
France to arrive at the village of Taizé much later than we were expected.
We were directed to the “Casa”, the welcome centre, where we separated to go to different kinds of
accommodation. Chris and I would have a room further up the hill. Suddenly our host looked at his watch
and exclaimed “Oh it’s time for evening worship now, leave your bags here and come back later”. We
wandered off to find the chapel and what a surprise was in store. The chapel building had huge, wall sized,
doors that had been opened and huge tents had been put up to extend it in all directions. We found
ourselves plunged into a congregation of around 5,000 people!
Down a central aisle sat the brothers each dressed in white. We were given a copy of the Taizé song book
and were able to join in each chant as it was sung. A bible passage was read in a number of different
languages and then Brother Roger gave his homily. He spoke just a few sentences in French and then
microphones were passed around the brothers so that his words were repeated in four or five languages.
Then we got a few more sentences and so on. There was plenty of time to think about what he had said
before we got the next bit. Each day worship would take place in the morning, at lunch time and in the
evening. Every time we sang the Taizé style chants. In the song book words were printed in the original
language of the song and in four other languages. Mostly we sang the words it had been written in but with
an understanding of what they meant. By day three I had become desperate for the Methodist Hymn
Book!!! We Methodists sing our theology and these chants seemed theologically thin to me. However, by
the end of day three I had experienced an unexpected transformation. From then on, I was always in chapel
early.
There was an all-pervading silence as people gathered and then quietly, I sang my heart out. Those initially
strange chants had become a pattern of worship for me that I would remember for the rest of my life!
But I’m getting ahead of myself. When the service ended night had fallen and we made haste back to the
Casa. It was in darkness and the door was locked. Our suitcases were locked inside and we had nowhere to
sleep. As time passed our spirits began to sink as we wondered if we had been forgotten. Eventually our host
turned up, brought our suitcases out and told us a vehicle would come to take us to our room. After
that he turned the light out and locked the door again! We waited. Eventually a mini bus did come and we
and our suitcases were taken up the hill. We were told that it was a silent house so not to expect
conversation. Our twin room was simply furnished and turned out to be very comfortable.
As I got ready for bed a little voice in my head said, “O ye of little faith”! All that was to change. (to be
continued next month)
Jim Hodgkinson - Jim became a Methodist local preacher in his teens and spent his working life teaching
Physics mainly at A level. On retiring he took a diploma in Biblical Studies. Methodism found lots of things for
him to do at local (Including St John’s in Horwich) , district and national levels.
13A PRAYER FROM TEARFUND THAT RELATES TO US ALL WHEREVER WE LIVE:
Father God, thank you for the gift of relationships and community.
We pray this crisis will bring people together, not drive them apart.
For those of us who are anxious, bring peace.
For those who are sick bring healing.
For those of us caring for others, bring strength.
For those of us who are lonely, bring comfort.
For those of us who are not lonely, help us to see those who are, and help us to reach out
to them in whatever ways we can.
We pray that this crisis will bring about renewed trust in your goodness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
From the newsletter and from the magazine — Ed’s note: I have been given a pile of weekly
newsletters for Holy Trinity from October 1979 and the 80s. They are hand typed presumably onto a stencil
and then copied on a Roneo machine or something similar? They are interesting reading—on some of them
they list the organ music played before the start and after the end of the service. There is always a list of
people to pray for, notices for the week, details of that day’s service and if the occasion arises any
congratulations due.
The one feature I found interesting (and quite entertaining) is that for the year 1979 (I don’t know if it
occurred prior to then and it isn’t mentioned in subsequent years) is the sentence “Coffee in the Vicarage
after service for surnames beginning…..” in the case of October 21st 1979 it is C,D and E, the following week F
and G and so on until Christmas when the final ones were V,W,X,Y,Z. I wonder how many people’s surnames
fitted that group!
In an October 1980 newsletter it mentions that one of the decisions for the PCC meeting “concerns next
year’s magazine: we are still waiting for your comments on the suggestions put forward in a recent issue of
this newsletter”. Sadly I don’t have that newsletter, however, I did look in the 1979 September magazine and
found the issues to be discussed and hopefully implemented from the January 1980 edition were: new title;
new front cover; new contents; new help.
Looking at the January 1980 edition of the magazine, the title had changed from ‘Focus’ to ‘ The Parish
Magazine of Holy Trinity Horwich’, the
design of the front cover had changed
and a new regular column on “The
Church in Crisis” started. The new
cover was designed by Mr G.N. Green, a
relative of a church member, he has
reflected the wishes of the PCC—”an
attractive but original cover and reflects
two important aspects of our church—
our Christian faith and its specific
setting in the community of Horwich.
The central feature of the design is the
empty cross representing the risen
Jesus in our church and standing
beneath its outstretched arms is our
parish and our town, its industry and
countryside, old houses and new ones.
Indeed everything that is part and
parcel of life in Horwich”. There is also a text placed above the cross which will be changed each year (this was
a feature of the parish magazines back in the 30s and 40s).
14LOCKDOWN LOAF
Gloria Long writes: I was sent this recipe a few weeks ago. It comes from a professional Chef, Chelsea, a
friend of my family in New Zealand. I present it exactly as it was sent to me, so please excuse any spelling
errors or “odd” words/thoughts.
This beer bread recipe is sooo easy and so delicious, and only requires a few pantry staples. Since we’re all
in lockdown here in NZ, I’ve coined the term “Lockdown Loaf” - and it really is perfect in that sense. Stir
the beer bread up in one bowl – no kneading, no proving, no yeast needed. And if you need a gluten-free
bread option, I’ve included that below the recipe.
Tips:
This bread isn’t light and fluffy like a bakery loaf – it’s dense and dare I say ‘moist’, and that’s how it’s
meant to be.
For a reason I cannot understand, some people using Corona beer have produced a doughy, undercooked
loaf – Go figure? In any case don’t get too fancy here. Use the cheapest beer you have on hand the one
that could be expired and certainly no one will touch, not even your teenage son’s half-c ut mates. That’s
the beer you want.
Check the expiry date on your baking powder.
This beer bread is safe for kids and pregnant women as the alcohol evaporates in the oven.
If you can’t find beer then cider or plain soda water works – or a dry, not-too-sweet ginger beer or
kombucha (kombucha is a fermented tea – look it up) – omit the sugar if using these as they are already
sweet. Lemonade would be far too sweet.
People have had success with using half wholemeal flour in the beer bread too.
Once it’s cooled down it’s amazing toasted – we have it with peanut butter, Marmite or vegemite, avocado
and tomato, hummus and basil. Some suggestions for toppings: Extra virgin olive oil; Finely chopped
onion; grated cheese; sprinkle of paprika and/or oregano; olives, capers; parmesan; chopped sun-dried
tomatoes; sunflower seeds; pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, cumin seeds or any combination
of those that take your fancy! Eat it hot or warm with just butter . It’s highly addictive, I’ll warn you now.
Ingredients
3 cups plain flour (or use self-raising and omit the baking powder). (1
cup NZ = 8oz UK)
3 tsp baking powder
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
375 ml beer 9or make up the extra with water)
Method
Preheat the oven to 180c regular bake and line a small/medium loaf tin with baking paper.
Add the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
Pour in the beer (or other liquid) and stir again to combine into a sticky dough. Scrape the mixture into
the prepared tin with a spatula and smooth out.
Sprinkle with the topping/s you like and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake in the oven for 40 minutes – it will have risen and puffed up and be all golden and delicious looking.
Keep at room temperature in a bag or container. It’s not gonna last long though, I warn you now.
My conclusions: I’ve made this bread twice now, using beer for both. The first effort was certainly “heavy”
but I think it was because I used half and half strong bread flour and wholemeal. Tasty but solid. The
second attempt was made with ordinary SR flour. Much nicer. Still a solid loaf but not as heavy as the first
attempt. I used a 2lb loaf tin. Don’t try to shape it—just put it in the tin! I should say that the loaf will last
well, my last one (even though a bit solid) lasted a week, and that was just wrapped in a clean tea
towel. Also the beer I used (from a tin) has been in my fridge since mid-last year! My verdict - It’s
yummy! Thank you Chelsea.
15ST SOFA’S
We worship at St Sofa’s now
Since Covid came to stay
We don’t dress up or do our hair
But still we come to pray!
Our Vicar is a clever chap
A Zoom with his IT
And so we sit down ev’ry week
And meet up virtually!
Our Parish Church stands empty
With praise she does not ring;
But still her people gather round
To pray, and praise, and sing!
The virus is a nasty thing
Yet it has helped us see
The church is NOT a building
But folk like you and me!
Nigel and Carol Beeton
A steeplejack recently refurbishing and repairing Holy
Trinity’s flagpole. Lots of safety equipment etc—very
different from Fred Dibnah’s day! (Photo by Chris Knowles)
WISE WORDS? Taken on their recent holiday
You can live to be 100 if you in Northumberland, Eunice and
give up all the things that David Hawkins have sent this
make you want to live to be photo of the wonderful
100! Woody Allen. wooden carving by Fenwick
(gazing at the stars in the sky) Lawson, ‘The Journey’
‘Let’s go inside and watch TV. depicting monks carrying the
I’m beginning to feel body of St Cuthbert to safety. It
insignificant.’ Charlie Brown is situated in St Mary’s Church,
(Peanuts) Holy Island.
BELOW THE PIKE
BELOW THE PIKE is published by the Team Council of the Anglican Churches of Horwich and Rivington. Its aim
is to link the Team Churches with each other and the wider community of Horwich. The contents are not
exclusively religious, but encompass any matters of Christian or local concern. Anyone who would like to make
such a contribution, through the Editorial Team is most welcome (details below). Please be aware that the
articles printed do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the Editor or Editorial Team who are: Editor -
Margaret Broadfoot 690283 or email: mbroadfoot283@btinternet.com
Michael Behrend (Acting Team Rector) 01204 697162; Nicola Butterworth (Team Curate) 07706 979393;
Shirley Sharples 01204 696925; Gloria Long 01204 692035; David Griffiths 469621; Pam Knowles 667363You can also read
