The Gate of the Year: Minnie Haskins

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

 

Christmastide

The Church’s season of Christmas finishes after the Baptism of the Lord: Sunday 12^th January this year.

 

The Feast of the Epiphany: Sunday 5^th January

As 6^th January is a Monday this year, Epiphany will be celebrated on the adjacent Sunday, always the rule when a Holyday is a Saturday or Monday.

 

Update on Parish Building Projects

If all goes according to plan, we will be starting the work on the Porch on Monday, 6^th January. This will be a 3-4 week project and will cause some disruption as follows:

• The porch will be out of use from Monday to Friday and all church access will be via the Day Chapel side entrance;
• If disabled access is needed Monday to Friday, then please let Fr Paul know the day before and he will make suitable arrangements;
• The porch will be used as normal Saturdays & Sundays;  

Your patience during this work is greatly appreciated! For details of the redecoration, see one of the notice boards. We should have a bright and welcoming porch for the start of our 150 years’ celebrations. It’s badly needed.

 

Our Next “Drop In Social”: Friday 10^th January  

Put the date in your diary and come and join us for an informal time of chat and laughter, coffee and wine, In the Day Chapel on Friday, 10^th January  from 7.00-9.00 pm.   Everyone welcome, Newbies and Wrinklie Werbies alike, to give our Newbies a warm welcome.

 

Christmas Tree 2024

The Tree, decorated with your beautiful Prayer Stars, will be up until Sunday 12^th January, your prayers continuing to twinkle in the lights for everyone entering our church.

 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

County-Wide Christian Unity Service on Sunday 19^th January 2025  at Hoole URC, 3.00 pm. We will also be taking part in the usual Christleton, Rowton & Waverton Churches Together visit to each other’s Churches:

• Monday 20^th January: Waverton Evangelical
• Tuesday 21^st January: Rowton Methodists 
• Wednesday 22^nd January: St Peter’s 
• Thursday 23^rd January: St James’
• Friday 24^th January : Christleton Methodists 
• Saturday 25^th January: St Werburgh’s 

 

Don’t Forget: Crib Collection for Caritas!

Shrewsbury Diocesan Caritas: keeping families together rather than picking up the pieces afterwards.

 

Parish Council on Thursday: Items to any Member, Please

 

Almost New Fieldscope – Back of Church

The winning bid was £260! This will be forwarded to Caritas, with hopes that the new owner will gain as much joy and fascination from it as did the old one.

 

Congregation Fire Safety: Five Key Points

• If you spot a fire sound the alarm.
• Top third of the Church exit through house door or door by the organ. Bottom two thirds exit via Porch.
• If you are on your own, go home.
• If two or more, make your way to the park entrance; when your group is all present, go home.
• Wheelchairs/assisted mobility people exit last.

 

Forthcoming Meetings for the Parish FHC Group

• Tuesday 7^th January, 6.30 pm at Church: Meeting for parents and children. The final class for the children before they make their First Forgiveness, so attendance is vital. The children will need their preparation books and pencil cases.
• Monday 13^th January, 7.00 pm, St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s: School Meeting for all FHC Parents: The Sacrament of Forgiveness.

 

SVP Festive Lunch

You are cordially invited to this annual event to be held on Saturday  25^th January at St Mary’s Handbridge. Places will be allocated on a first come basis. If you’d like to come, please contact Marco (bububaba05@icloud.com) or Fran (07990524780) by 20^th January. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

University Masses Restart on Monday: All Welcome!

 

Children’s Liturgy Starts Again Today

Sunday 5^th January, and will run until Sunday 6^th April, the start of the school Easter holidays.

 

Welcome Wednesdays: Wednesday 8^th January

We meet again on 8^th January for a trip down Memory Lane with Ann Marie Curtis from our History Group.

 

Spend, Spend, Spend: Manchester’s Royal Exchange

Another great Theatre Outing on Thursday, a powerful and moving play, a striking theatre space and a fun After Show Supper. It was lovely both as theatre and as a social gathering. Huge thanks to Tina and the Tinalat Booking Agency for all the organisation behind it. Watch this space for the next one!

 

Safeguarding Training

Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives, Liz Aiello and Chris Proudfoot, will deliver Safeguarding Training at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 14^th January. The aim is to increase Safeguarding awareness across the Parish to ensure a safe environment where everyone in the Parish can feel welcome. Training open to all.

 

2025 Diocesan Year Books and Ordos: Selling Fast!

£5 each. On the Newsstand and selling fast.

 

Photo of the Week: The Sanctuary at Fatima

The commanding high Tower at the centre of the Sanctuary, snapped by Helen & Cyril. Thanks, both!