‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28: 19-end NRSVA)· Leading Intercessions in our Sunday services · Leading prayers for small groups · Reading the Scripture in our Sunday services. · Working in a small team to plan and help host mission and outreach activities in our churches in the communities they serve. · Joining our choir – choirs in both churches need new members. Come and enjoy fellowship and music. If you sense God is calling / prompting you to serve in any of these ways, please chat to me, Reverend Lesley.
God is at work in our communities and our Diocese is commited to sustain and increase clergy numbers, unlike many other Dioceses where parishes are frequently lay- led and clergy ‘manage’ multiple parishes. Please pray for the people who will be ordained this Petertide 2025 See the Ember list by clicking the link. If you are sensing God calling you to serve Him in ministry, Lay or Ordained, please speak to Reverend Lesley
At present, for various reasons, both of our churches are experiencing a decline in financial giving. This is partly due to a decline in attendance and new people coming to faith. It is imperative and our priority that we follow Jesus’ command (The Great Commission –Matthew 28: 18-20) and reach out to those in our communities and invite them to know the love of Jesus and how His love is transforming and peace giving. We can do this through social events and by offering new worship activities. We need money to do these things. Both churches have lost significant regular givers, and we thank God for their life of faith. The day- to-day running costs of our churches have increased. Just as in our homes, our fuel bills, water costs have risen. As public buildings we are bound by Health and Safety Regulations for PAT tests, lightening conductor tests, fire extinguisher tests and so much more to keep our buildings safe. We rely heavily on fundraising to support our running costs. We are grateful for all financial gifts and understand we each give what we can. May I take this opportunity to ask if it is possible for any of us to make a one-off donation to your church on Sunday? Please pop your gift into an envelope and place it on the offertory plate. If you are a regular giver, by Standing Order, may I ask how long it is since you reviewed your giving? Can I ask you to consider joining the Parish Giving Scheme? This scheme is similar to Standing Orders, but it gives a monthly Gift Aid return to our churches, saving much time for our Treasurers, who are volunteers with their time. You can find out much more information by clicking the link below. Please do have a read. Home - Parish Giving Scheme And finally, are you one of the 6 out of 10 people who has not made a Will, or did you make it several years ago and your circumstances have changed? For nearly 500 years the Church of England has encouraged people to make a Will. Without a Will, your loved ones could face a lot of trouble, work and expense after your death. Without a Will, a court could decide how to distribute your goods and who should look after your children or dependents. When writing your Will, you also have the opportunity to include a gift in your will to your local church. This type of gift can be given for a specific item, such as a stained glass window, internal decorations, new pew Bibles, or more generally to specify that your gift is used for outreach and mission (and NOT to pay bills!). For more information, please contact Simon Parker (St Anne’s) or Carol Jackson (St John’s) or visit the Church of England Legacy website Church Legacy | The Church of England Please get in touch with me either on Sundays or via email if you would like to discuss further areadean.Pendle@Blackburn.anglican.org
We celebrated the gifts we are given, in particular music. Barnoldswick Brass Band played for our worship which was so refreshing. We presented gifts to Anne Weekes who started Junior Choir 31 yrs ago, to her brother Robert Fergusson who recently retired as Organist and Choirmaster after 30yrs and to Gil Gilbert, who is our new Organist and Choir Leader. Each recognised gifts and offered and developed them in service to the Lord. Anne met up with Helen (nee Skinner) who was one of the first members of the Junior Choir. After worship, the band played whilst we enjoyed food and fellowship.Too wet to walk! A great turn out. Thank you to all who helped with food and setting things up.For more pictures please click the link.
