Dear Friends,

Harvest Thanksgiving

Harvest was celebrated with great thanksgiving as we gathered to worship in church which was tastefully and appropriately decorated. As a result of the response to God’s goodness, we were able to take many many bags of tins and appropriate food to The Salvation Army Blackburn and Nightsafe, a charity supporting homeless people aged 16 to 24 years of age in Blackburn ( www:blackburn-nightsafe.org.uk ) We have received letters from both charities expressing their appreciation.

Board Games Night

This was held in the community hall on the 19th October and organised by the Sunday School leaders. Over 75 children and adults attended to make the night really enjoyable – Gary and Zoe’s pies sausage rolls mushy peas and gravy was the icing on the cake – so to speak…..Well done everyone.

Festival of Baptism

Lynn Packer and I attended this event held in our cathedral, on Saturday 19th October. It was a full day which began with a Eucharist followed by a stirring key note address by the Bishop of Chelmsford The Rt Rev Stephen Cotterill. A series of workshops were available and we could attend two. The festival was brought to a stirring conclusion as we renewed our baptism vows. I am sure Lynn will share her thoughts over the coming months.

Remembrance

The month of November challenges us all to Remember with grateful thanks those who have made the supreme sacrifice. We gather on the 10th November to offer the thanks of the Church and Community to the fallen, firstly at 9.15 am with the uniformed organisations. This is followed by the service at 10.45 am. During which, the names of those from this village who died during conflict will be read out and wreaths laid. It is also appropriate that we remember those who, as a result of subsequent conflicts have given their lives in the service of their country. The poignant words of Laurence Binyon from his poem ‘The fallen’ will be said not only at St. James’, but at all Acts of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning

We will remember them.”

As in recent years, I have invited young members of the church family to say these words. I am greatly encouraged by the strong desire of the young people to associate with this and other acts of remembrance. Sadly they are growing up in a world where images of conflict are brought to our screens with such immediacy and this seems to draw out of all of us, emotions which oscillate from helplessness to anger and probably settle at confusion.

I do extend a sincere invitation to those of faith or none to gather on this most poignant occasion.

On the 3rd November we will gather at 6.30pm to remember those whom we love but see no longer. To commemorate The Faithful Departed, a service of reflection, thanksgiving and hope is to be held in church and I extend a warm invitation to anyone who may wish to reflect as one recently bereaved or one for whom their loved one died some time ago.

Ian Whyte

Ian’s funeral was held on the 4th October and we offer our continued love and prayer support to Kathy, Rebecca, Ruth and Alan. Ian has been a most valued member of the parish family and made significant contributions to the life of St. James’. It was Ian who, together with Kathy who ensured the Stained Glass panel was preserved and displayed in church. There is a most fitting tribute on the Chorley History Society web site. I commend this to you all. (http://www.chorleyhistorysociety.co.uk/nwsvws19/nwsvws1910.htm)

Confirmation

This will take place on Sunday 17th November at 6.30pm. Bishop Philip will conduct the service and confirm. Please hold in your prayers those to be confirmed:

Evan Barr; Rowan Blunt; Lois English; Olivia Fish; Archie Fitzgerald; Mia Hibbert; Tanya Hibbert; Erin Lynch; Isabelle Mahon; Nicola Middleton; Emma Monks; Jack Monks; James Orrell; Harry Stewart. Sebastian Kay

They are a wonderful group and it has been a privilege to share in their journey to confirmation.

Advent

May I invite you to a service of Advent Carols (not to be confused with the service of nine lessons and carols!) at 6.30pm on the 1st December. As in previous years, an invitation has gone out to our friends at All Saints’ and Holy Trinity AND The Rev Hannah Boyd will give the Advent Reflection. This will be Hannah’s first visit to St. James’, following her installation and induction as Vicar of All Saints and Holy Trinity. If there are others who may worship at other places that are not holding a service that evening and wish to come, you will be made most welcome.