Dear Friends
Summer seems to have gone so fast, in fact, I am not even sure it even arrived!
Rich and I returned at the end of August from 10 days of torrential rain in Keswick. We were working with 14 young people all wanting to become young Christian leaders. Rich helped them to understand their personality and I helped them to lead services. We both cooked up a storm each day and we were so blessed to spend time with such amazing young folk.
The first week of school was quiet as my schools geared up to being back – the last few weeks have been busier as Families@5 and Toast Time have started again and I have spent time with both schools planning services for Harvest, Remembrance day and Christmas. This year our PCC has paid for Bibles for the reception children and we had little services to present them. Last week I was also privileged to be involved in the interviews for the new head at Benjamin Hargreaves.
What’s on this month
We have just had our Autumn Ceilidh this weekend at St John’s. Over 120 tickets were sold and it was a really lovely occasion with every age represented and lots of those from our wider community too.
Part of the reason for doing the Ceilidh is to show those who are considering giving us funds (for repairs at St John’s), that we are committed to putting our hand in our own pockets too. The other reason is to introduce the Christian faith to members of our friends and family who don’t come to church. So while there was lots of fun dancing, a raffle, quiz and pie and peas supper, we also received an encouraging message from Michelle Delves, Outreach Minister from Colne.
Autumn Fair
As is customary at St Paul’s, there will be the Autumn Fair on Saturday 2nd November – an opportunity to rummage the second hand stalls, buy some gifts for Christmas, or just catch up with old friends over a cake and cuppa. Like the Ceilidh, these sort of events prove to our funders that our churches are not just for the faithful, but for the whole community.
Christmas is coming!
I hate to say it, but we have been planning Christmas since August – trying to ensure we meet the needs of children, families, older people and our extended community, while not exhausting our core team. This year we are bringing back the popular brass band carol concert at St Paul’s (organised by Families@5) and Christingles at both churches. At St John’s we are going to bring back the ‘Midnight Mass’ service on Christmas eve and our amazing Children’s Church Team will be offering a Christmas party again for children across the whole.
This comes with my love and prayers for you all this Autumn,
Amanda
Dates for the Diary – click here for the full list of events on our calendar https://www.johnpaulparish.org.uk/
6th October – Harvest Festivals in both churches
2nd November – Autumn Fair from 10.30am at St Paul’s
10th November – Remembrance Sunday will be celebrated, but venues need to be confirmed.