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Christ Church Magazine

December 2011

See our website for more information

www.christchurch-ashton.org.uk

30p

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“Jesus, the light of the world…

We celebrate your birth.” Welcome to Christ Church Magazine

Serving the community

In the Parish of Christ Church, Ashton.

Contributions to the Magazine are welcome;

please ensure items are

received by

20th December

for the January edition.

The world is full of glory

Full of dark and light

Made by the king

The king of all the world

He made the moon

The stars and the sun

He made me and you

For us to love the world.

Rebecca

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The Song of Christmas

Blazing candles, how they shine

Music rises, sweet as wine.

We sing the song of Christmas tide

With melody none could describe.

Celebrations in the air

As voices rise from everywhere.

Praising God for what He's done

He's brought to us, His precious Son.

Flickering candles light the eyes

Of songsters, as their voices rise.

Worshiping as they know best

In praise to God, so heaven blest.

Christos May Foreman

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Christmas Carol Services

There are a number of Carol Services at

Church during the month of December.

All of the Carol Services have their own character

and are not to be missed!

These are services packed full of opportunity to

sing and listen to carols,

old favourites and new ones too.

Everyone is welcome, from any other denomination

or faith; If you do not normally attend church,

Come and join us;

11th: 3pm Carol Service attended by the Free Masons

18th: 6.30pm Carol Service “Everyone is welcome”

Readings and Carols,

With ‗Choir Carols‘ sung by Christ Church Choir

24th 6pm Christmas Eve

Christingle Service For all the family!

24th Dec: 11.30 pm

First Communion of Christmas,

25th Dec: 10.30am

Holy Communion on Christmas Day

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Church Diary: December 2011

December

Sat 3rd 11am—3pm Christmas Fair

Sun 4th 2nd Advent 8.00am BCP HC

10.30am Holy Communion

Wed 7th 10.00am Holy Communion

12.00pm Christmas Lunch at the Broadoak

Sat 10th 3.30pm — 5.30pm Messy Church

Sun 11th 3rd Advent 8.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Service of the Word Canon Burrows School

3 pm Carol Service attended by the Freemasons

Wed 14th 10.00am Holy Communion

Wed 14th Christmas Light Switch On, Rose Queen

Emma’s fundraising

Sun 18th 4th Advent 8.00am HC

10.30am Traditional Morning Prayer

6.30pm Carol Service with the choir!

Wed 21st 10.00am Holy Communion

Sat 24th 6.00pm Christingle For all the family

11.30pm First Communion of Christmas

Sun 25th Christmas Day

8.00am HC

10.30am Holy Communion

Tue 27th 7.30pm Aladdin

Wed 28th 7.30pm Aladdin

Thurs 29th 7.30pm Aladdin

Fri 30th 7.30pm Aladdin

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Church Diary January 2012

Sun 1st 8.00am BCP HC

10.30am Holy Communion

Sun 8th The Baptism of Christ 1st Epiphany 8.00am HC

10.30am Holy Communion

Wed 11th 10.00am Holy Communion

Sun 15th Second Sunday of Epiphany 8.00am HC

10.30am Traditional Morning Prayer

Wed 18th 10.00am Holy Communion

Sun 22nd Third Sunday of Epiphany 8.00am HC

10.30am Holy Communion

Wed 25th 10.00am Holy Communion

Sun 29th Fourth Sunday of Epiphany 8.00am HC

Candlemas

10.30am Holy Communion

Looking ahead February Sing-a -Long a Mama Mia

11th March - Rose Queen Emma’s "At Home".

Who Cares?

The Diocesan Healing Road

show,

explores ‗Caring for Carers‘,

At St Martin‘s, Droylsden on

Saturday 10th December, £10.

Please see the Church notice

board

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Christ Church

Christmas Fair 3rd Dec

Canon Johnson’s School

11am—3pm

Something for Everyone!

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Rose Queen Emma

14th December Christmas Light Switch On! mulled wine,

mince pies, raffle. and ..Father Christmas

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Don’t Miss… ‘Panto’ Time’

This Year’s Pantomime is ‘Aladdin’

In Canon Burrow‘s School

Performances at 7.30pm on;

December; Tues 27th, Wed 28th, Thurs 29th Fri, 30th

Adults £4: Children £2:

To Book: In Cannon Burrows School

Sundays 2pm to 4pm:

or ring 330 5796 any time!

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Choir News

The church celebrated its growing Music Ministry at the

Holy Communion service on Sunday 6th November.

Youngest chorister Lucy Hindle (9) received her

surplice and became a full member,

Newly admitted choir members were: Michael Clarke,

Karen Murray, Jacqueline Moran, Nina McGlashan,

Lauren McGlashan, Barbara Thompson, May Foreman.

Voice for Life Medal Awards were awarded to:

Karen Murray, Barbara Thompson, Kath Nawaz,

Jean Nicholson, Michael Clarke.

Christ Church Choir will be singing at…

‘Songs of Praise’ Ashton Parish Church

On 4th Dec‘ 6.00pm; Come and ‗Praise the Lord!‘

And support our Choir. ...see you there…

See page six

for details of all Christ Church Christmas Services!

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Choir Practises

Alto Class: Tuesdays 1.30pm

Tenor Class: 2.30pm Only Men Aloud

Youth choir:

Tuesdays 3.30pm-4.30pm with Kath

Adult Sopranos & Young people Class:

Wednesdays 7pm: Nov 30th, Dec‘ 7th, 14th,

Joint

Adult Choir

Practises:

Every

Thursday 7pm

Please enquire if you

wish to join our

singers...

Have you passed a Music Exam this year?

We love to celebrate success at Christ Church!

Let me know of any musical examination that you have

passed and I can acknowledge your achievement, in the

Christ church Magazine in print in the January magazine

and on line! Contact; Lesley Bunce 0161 338 2647

...I happen to know that

Emily Hindle can play

‘Ode to Joy’ on piano,

keyboard...

and Christ Church Organ!

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Flowers in Church in December

4th Evelyn Viney

Ina Mellin

Mrs Wood

11th Mr & Mrs B Robbins

Doris Hardy

18th Ruth Kelly

Kath & Geof‘‘ Pierson

Anne Gordon

25th Mary Mirfin

Mrs Crebo

Denise Croft

Flowers in Church in January

1st Wyn Fletcher

Mary Mirfin

8th Margaret Astley

15th Di‘ Cronshaw

22nd Mary May

29th Margaret Yates

Audrey Jones

30th October

20th November

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Baptisms in Church in November

… for details of Nov/Dec’ baptisms please see the

January magazine

Wedding Nov 5th

Daniel Temple and Tracy Ann Davies

Love is patient, love is kind,

1 Corinthians: chapter 13

Those who have died

We commend to God’s keeping and

offer our sincere sympathy

to the family and friends of

Norma Dean; Dr Winston Jackson;

Ashes interned. Mrs Gwen Jones

Please remember in your prayers those who are ill:

At our Sunday services we pray for people by name

who need God's healing touch.

We remember with thanksgiving those who have died,

whose anniversaries fall in that week;

For the families and friends of those who have died.

for all who need God's healing in Body, Mind and Spirit;

Their names and circumstances are always known to God.

Please join with us through praying this prayer.

Dear Father, Grant the people we pray for,

Christ’s healing power in Body and Mind and Spirit,

And his Peace, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

5th November

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Church Offerings October 2011

Total banked, including all services and donations

02/10/11 £483.13

09/10/11 £696.61

16/10/11 £504.73

23/10/11 £426.27

30/10/11 £708.16

The Treasurer acknowledges Donations

18th November: Happy Birthday Memories of Jack

From Bernice

Donation received in memory of Shirley Anne Howarth.

Book of Remembrance

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"200 Club" draw for October 2011

Winning Numbers

1st: 62 2nd: 69 3rd: 87

200 Club ...January 2012 is nearly upon us!

Everyone needs to fill in ‘New Forms’ £12 for the year i.e.;

50p for prizes and 50p to Church Funds.

Please return the form and money to me for the new draw

in January 2012. New Members are Welcome!

The more we have, the bigger the prizes. Audrey Jones

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Mothers Union: ‘Christian care for families’

The members enjoyed a presentation by

Albert Cooke on a holiday to the Antarctic.

Albert‘s cruise ship called at countries along the

East coast of South America, then on through the South

Atlantic in Force 9 gales toward the Falkland Isles,

where these friendly people proudly show their patriot-

ism by flying the Union Jack outside almost every

home. Memorials to the last War abound and they still

have many ―no-go‖ areas on these beautiful islands.

On board again to Elephant Island (20 degrees be-

low) sailing by massive icebergs in a Force 10, through

Gerlache Straits, eventually landing at the Chilean Sci-

entific Station, where he filmed the most amazing views

and wildlife - especially the penguins (males) nesting on

pebbles - and showing how even the cloud formation

there was different.

Everyone agreed it was a spectacular journey

...but not for the feint hearted!

Margaret Millin

The ‗Christmas meal‘ is at Ashton Park

on Thursday, 1 December at 1.00 pm.

No meetings in December and January

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Services, Readers & Readings for

10.30am Services December 2011

4th Advent 2 Holy Communion

Intercessions: Alan Hills

Readings: Audrey Jones

Isaiah 40: 1-11; 2 Peter 3: 8-15a

Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8

11th: Advent 3 Service of the Word

With Canon Burrow‘s School

Intercessions:

Readings:

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24;

Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28

18th: Advent 4 Traditional Morning Prayer

Intercessions: Niall Perry

Readings: Sheila Blanchard

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-27;

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

25th: Christmas Day: Holy Communion

Intercessions:

Readings:

Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 4:4-7;

Gospel: Luke 2:15-21

May the Peace and Blessings of Christmas be with you.

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Gospels Readings for the Month of December;

4th Mark chapter 1: Can you feel the excitement?

‘Prepare the Way of the Lord!‘ Isaiah told everyone to expect

the messenger from the wilderness, and along came that wild

man of the desert, John the Baptist.

We have a wonderful ‗Song of Consolation‘ that we will be

singing in church at the 10.30am service. The words are for us,

relevant today in this day and age, straight from Isaiah 40.

Jerusalem, my people, be comforted, take heart.

Now lay aside your burden and prepare the way.

Your slavery is ended, your guilt is done away,

The Lord your God is coming, your salvation is near at hand.

Prepare the Way for the coming of God,

Across the desert drive a long straight highway,

Fill in the valleys, make the mountain tops low,

And all shall see the coming of the coming of God.

Text: copyright © Peter Jones 2001 Calamus Licence no.2250

11th... we stay with John the Baptist, a Messenger appointed by

God whose theme was repentance. People were moved by his

words, because he spoke the truth and he never forgot his

primary role of pointing towards the coming of the Saviour.

18th ... the story of Mary and the visit from the angel come into

full focus.. This is the beginning of the Christmas story as the

angel says those immortal words, ’Do not be afraid’. Angels in the

Bible were magnificent, awe inspiring creatures, and Mary never

falters in her acceptance of the mission given to her.

Read the whole of the Gospel of Luke and enjoy the Christmas

story, continuing through the life and teachings of Jesus.

Lesley Bunce

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6th Ashton Christ Church Beavers

We have had a busy few months at the 6th.

The explorer badge was completed on our final visit to

Park Bridge, which was a great fun evening.

All the beavers visited "Pets at Home" to complete our

animal friendly badge where some of us held rats, mice, a

giant rabbit and stroked bearded dragons!

We visited the "Indian Community Centre" for part of our

faith badge, which asks us to find out about other faiths and

beliefs. Jai, one of our helpers, attends the temple where we

had a very interesting tour.

Lesley has been teaching us to play the Hand Bells

which we hope to perform soon!.

All the Beavers and helpers dressed up for Halloween

which was great fun.

We are preparing for our Christmas Sleepover, with a

visit to Fairbank House to sing carols.

Yours in Scouting Jaime Jenkinson

PS Come and hear the Beavers play Christmas Carols on the Hand Bells

at the Christingle service 6pm

24th December at Christ Church!

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7th Ashton Guide Unit

Coming up:

Ashton division ten pin bowling Gala.

Run down of 2011:

In April we competed in the Ashton Division Swimming

Gala. It was a fun and loud evening as always. All the girls

did fantastically well and our unit won the swimming Gala,

and the Squadron cup.

In June we joined the 12th Guide unit in an outdoor

camp in Sheffield. The activities included grass sledging, ca-

noeing, and building go-karts. Fun was had by all.

In October Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from the

North West flocked to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the North

West’s 40th Anniversary celebration. There was an approxi-

mate total of 9000 girls that attended. All the girls took part

in creating a new world record for the amount of people par-

taking in the ‘Cha Cha’ Slide dance.

Unit activities:

The beginning of this year the Guides all took part in a 4

week line dancing session. The guides also completed their

Chocolate ‘Go For It’. The whole unit is currently busy complet-

ing two challenges ‘The Royal Wedding challenge’ and ‘The

Seven Springs challenge’.

We’re always on the lookout for new members and

volunteers, if you are interested please speak to one of the

Guiders at church.

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6th Ashton Scouts Meeting nights

Working together to support our young people

Beaver Scouts Ages 6 to 8 yrs Tuesday 6.30pm to 8.pm

Leader: Joanne Moores; 01457 765 302

Cub Scouts Ages 8 to 10 ½ yrs Monday 7.pm to 8.30pm

Leader :Tony Hoskins, 07702 101 659

Scouts Ages 10 ½ to 14 yrs Wednesday 7.pm to 9.pm

Leader: Mark Fish: 07931 765 121

Explorer Scouts Ages 14 - 18 yrs Thursday 7.pm - 9.pm

Contact: Group Scout Leader: Chris Wilson

Tel office hours 0161 308 2231 all other times 07714 457 478

We hire out our building for parties and receptions;

Also a Bouncy Castle to assist your celebrations.

Church Lads & Girls Brigade Meeting Nights

Canon Johnson‘s school Monday 6.30 - 7.45 p.m.

All Sections Canon Burrow’s school

Martins & Y Team Wednesday 6.30 - 7.45 pm 4 to 9 yrs

JTC & Seniors Thursday 6.30 - 7.30 pm - 10 yrs upwards

Band Practice Thursday 7.45 - 9.00 pm

Contact: Fred & Mildred Bennett 370 7968

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Advent

….And, Lucy Hindle

Our youngest Chorister,

With Mum and Dad

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Sewing Club 2 pm every Friday At Joseph

Jennings Court, Downshaw Road

Willow Wood calendars!

In church from Sunday 30th November at £3.25 each.

Please contact Anne Gordon to obtain your calendar.

UCB Prayerline http://www.ucb.co.uk/

When you need someone to pray with you,

or for you; Call… 0845 456 7729 local rate call

All calls are treated confidentially by trained volunteers

Opening hours are: Monday—Friday 9am—10pm

Saturday - 9am - 8pm Sunday - 7pm - 10pm

Times stated do not include bank holidays.

UCB United Christian Broadcasters/ Registered Charity 299128

The Book… A revolutionary breakthrough

in modern technology!?!

Is this the end of the computer?

BOOKS... Enjoy a good read... For 50p?

Take a look on the shelves

At the back of Church near the entrance.

All money to the

‘Church Building Restoration Fund’

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THE GOOD OLD DAYS

When we parrot the above phrase, most folk think that

having to be a little advanced in years we are looking

through rose coloured specs to the years that have long since

passed, and we can‘t accept that we have had our day, and we are

a little jealous of this modern era as it speedily goes past.

As I have said after listening to friends of around my age and

comparing my past life with theirs, I can only categorically state, that

without doubt they were the GOOD OLD DAYS, and will never be

repeated again.

Having been born in 1938 my memory can reach to when I

was quite young. I can even remember lying in my pram on a cold

winter‘s day being pushed by my Mum with the cloth blanket cover

covering the top and not being able to see straight ahead, only up-

wards, and feeling so warm and snug under the thick blankets; then

being dragged to start my first day at school and I had not reached

my fourth birthday. Another clear memory was sitting in our nearby

bomb shelter during one of Hitler‘s air raids, sat on Mr Diggle‘s

knee, a kindly neighbour who was then in his eighties. He later lost

his son who was killed in Italy. Another vivid memory was Hitler‘s

horrible doodlebugs going over and wondering what the extent of

damage occurred when the engine cut out. Finally, I remember go-

ing into Manchester city centre to see the raging flames that con-

sumed the surrounding warehouses, not far from Piccadilly, follow-

ing one of Germany‘s most vicious air raids.

These were quite poignant moments from the past but it didn‘t

stop us enjoying life with its limits, to the full, and loving the wonder-

ful moments in such a backcloth of a horrible World War without a

father, who was spending the war years in Khaki, stationed in the

outlying Orkney Islands. ..cont’...

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...A regular outing was walking to the rural fields surrounding the

trolley bus terminus at St Mary‘s in Haughton Green, armed with a

newspaper parcel of syrup butties and a bottle of Stafford‘s Dandelion

and Burdock. Spending the full day until the setting of the sun and

darkness beginning to descend; singing the popular wartime songs

around a lovely warm camp fire, and expecting Sitting Bull to attack

with his war painted braves complete with tomahawks and bows and

arrows, being rescued by John Wayne and his 7th USA Cavalry . . .

Another outing, was a visit to nearby Debdale Park with enough

money to purchase a bottle or Sarsaparilla from the grocers opposite

the park entrance. Spending the day playing football and cricket on

the park‘s large green area; when exhausted, going a walk around the

surrounding reservoirs and finishing up at Pussy Cat Park at the bot-

tom of Stamford Road, Audenshaw. Getting back home on a blue

Ashton Corporation No.17 bus back to Denton Market

My Auntie Marion and cousins David and John lived at the top of

Werneth Low at nearby Werneth Hall Farm on Mount Road , towards

nearby Marple. This was another regular visit during the War spending

a fantastic day on the top of Hyde‘s Werneth Low playing in the fields

and running away from the fierce bulls being disturbed by our childish

mischief. It was a usual undertaking to visit all the cottages surround-

ing the farm and talk to my Auntie‘s neighbours.

When the full day had finally come to an end the three of us, my

Mum and brother would trudge down Joel Lane to the terminus and

catch the open top decked SHMD tram back to Hyde Market to catch

the trolley bas back home after a very exhausting day on the top of

Werneth Low.

These are just a few details of wonderful times so many years

ago, and there‘s no denying they were the GOOD OLD DAYS.

Michael Clarke Tenor, Christ Church choir

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What is Messy Church I hear you ask?

We "Googled" ...and found the following and thought we

would share it with you:

It is an all-age church where everyone is valued equally.

It provides an informal environment for all-ages to explore and ex-

perience faith and worship through crafts, food and celebration.

It describes each and every one of us, as no one is perfect and each

of us lead messy lives for many reasons.

It invites us to come together, making things together, eating to-

gether and celebrating God together.

Messy Church is NOT just a craft club! Messy Church is NOT just for

children! Messy Church is for everyone – young & old alike

Christ Church held its first Messy Church event at Canon Johnson

School on 17th September and the theme chosen was God's Love.

It is hard to imagine the hours of preparation and paperwork in-

volved putting together an event like this, with a fun morning shopping

for crafts and supplies by Kirsty and Caroline (and Lily) but eventually

the day came.

Various craft stations around the Hall included, biscuit and cake

decorating, very successful, it was very difficult to stop the younger mem-

bers eating them before the end of the day!

A paper plate wreath decorated with hearts where you could put

down why you thought God loved you. A mirrored card with a decorated

frame, all themed to God's Love, paper hearts, glitter, stickers and bis-

cuit hearts everywhere. The prize of the day went to Oliver who said it

was "because he is handsome".

The mirror craft was designed to symbolise that we are made in

God's reflection and he loves us no matter who we are. The youth

activity centred on Fair Trade, around the world; and also a prayer wall.

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As well as the craft stations for all those budding Blue Peter pre-

senters, there was a chill-out zone; a board games and puzzles area;

and toddler mats as well as a very welcomed tea and coffee station.

There was something for everyone.

There followed an informal service presided over by Kirsty,

where Jane and Kerry amazed us with their puppetry skills. Some of

the children had written prayers and these were ready out through the

service which we would like to share with you;

I love my church messy new or old

I love my church even when it’s cold

I love to sit in the pews

Sing and read some hymns

I especially love listening to God he’s full of mystery

By Rebecca

We thank you for our families our friends our neighbours and animals

We thank you for this day, this day in messy church. Amen

Dear God thank you for the world beyond and help us to be good to

our mums and dads and all our families. Amen By Holly and Amy

We then assembled in the hall,

where behind the scenes a team of little

elves had cleared a space for us all to

have our picnic tea.

Despite bringing our own lunches, it

very much became a communal event,

sharing not only food but also laughter

too. Everyone appeared to have enjoyed the event immensely and

plans are already underway for a Christmas themed Messy Church on

Saturday, 10th December, 3.30pm-5.30pm! Watch out for more infor-

mation on the pew sheets. Caroline Harvey& Kirsty Deakin

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The Music Corner shop in Stalybridge!

http://www.musiccorner.co.uk/

Volunteers required to type in Charity sheet music onto the web;

An hour or two to spare? Phone‘ Christine, 0161 303 9966