St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 18th December 2022 We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and is a voice of hope to the community we serve. Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671 Sunday 18th December 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church 9.30 am Worship via Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons Susan & Christine. Reader - Margaret 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway Rooms 6.30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols with Thornton Cleveleys Band in Church Monday 19th December 12.30 pm Funeral of Audrey Ross in Church Tuesday 20th December 11.30 am Funeral of Annie Bates in Church 2.00 pm Holy Communion in Church Thursday 22nd December 10.00 am Community Christmas Coffee Morning, with carols in the Jubilee Room Christmas Eve 5.30 pm Crib Service in Church 11.30 pm Midnight Holy Communion Christmas Day 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church followed by mince pies and drinks at the Vicarage * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Here at St Nicholas, we’ve had a busy December with lots of different events and services which have brought the church family together with the community and the local schools. We have much to be grateful for, not least the band of volunteers who have given so freely of their time and resources to make these occasions happen. As we approach the end of year it’s natural to look back on 2022, recalling the joys and sadness’s of which there have been many, not just for us as individuals but for us as a nation and a world. One of those sad occasions was the passing of our Queen. This Christmas will be the first time since 1957 that Queen Elizabeth II will not be addressing the nation. Her first Christmas broadcast came from Sandringham House. It was an historic event, because this was the first time that the public could see and hear the queen thanks to what she described as the 'new medium' of television. As we journey through these final days of Advent in preparation for our Christmas celebrations it’s worth remembering some of the wise words she shared with us, in a public expression of her faith: *God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general … but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. … It is my prayer that … we all might find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord. (2011) *Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another. (2015) *Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far. He was maligned and rejected by many, though he had done no wrong. And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe. (2016) May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas. Christmas Wishes – Beryl Clarkson sends her good wishes to you at Christmas. Nancy Burr wishes the church family a happy Christmas and good health in 2023. Berny McCarthy sends her love and best wishes to you in this Holy season. Please remember in your prayers – Rev Jane Everitt, Tony Hardman, Rev Martin Keighley, Gillian & Elizabeth King, Chris Kelsall, Michaela Jones, Kathryn Pendleton, Jean Wright, Cath Chambers, Peter Keitch, Emily Lowe, Peter Hollier & Mark Price. Please also remember the families of Audrey Ross, Annie Bates, Jean Watson, Patricia Fallows and Margaret Crawshaw whose funerals are due to take place.
St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 11th December 2022 We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and is a voice of hope to the community we serve. Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671 Sunday 11th December 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church 9.30 am Worship via Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons Elizabeth & Margaret. Reader - Joy 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway Rooms Tuesday 13th December 10.00 am Little Treasures Nursery - Nativity 11.45 am Funeral of Doris Wadsworth at Carleton 1.30 pm Shakespeare School YR2 Christingle in Church 2.30 pm Holy Communion in Church Wednesday 14th December 10.00 am Charles Saer School Nativity in Church Thursday 15th December 10.00 am Shakespeare School Nativity in Church Friday 16th December 9.00 am Little Gang in the Broadway Rooms 12.00 pm Funeral of Christopher Sherry in Church 7.00 pm Fleetwood Choral Society and Band – Concert in Church Sunday 18th December 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church 9.30 am Worship via Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons Susan & Christine. Reader - Margaret 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway Rooms 6.30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols with Thornton Cleveleys Band in Church * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Important Changes – Please note and pass the word round that Tuesday’s Communion service will start at 2.30 pm for one week only. Also, the Nine Lessons and Carols next Sunday has changed from 4 pm to 6.30 pm so as not to clash with the World Cup Final. This year our carols are being led by a brass band in church and as usual it will be a lovely service to invite folk to. A full programme of events between now and Christmas is available on the red card at the back of church and on our website. Carols in the Courtyard - Massive shout out to Ruth for organizing this with her nephew Colin and the Saddleworth band. And to Janet in charge of the kitchen and all the team who delivered this wonderful start to our Christmas celebrations. It was lovely to be together and to enjoy lunch together too. The Roof – Work has now been completed and the scaffolding has been removed. We are so sincerely grateful for the generous response to our appeal. We have managed to cover all our costs from donations with the exception of the VAT which we will have to pay from our working capital. Hopefully we have done enough to stop any further water ingress, time will tell! The damage to the ceiling will have to thoroughly dry out before we can consider redecorating. Sincere thanks to Brian Pendlebury who has project managed the work and to Steve Fish our architect. Christmas Wishes – More people than usual this year are opting not to send Christmas cards to their friends and family, partly due to the time and cost involved but also because of the planned postal strikes. Instead, some have decided to make a donation to church or to a charity. If you are thinking you might like to follow suit, then your name and a special Christmas message will be included with this notice sheet on 18th December. Please liaise with the Vicar if you wish your message to be included. 100 Club – Winners last week were Muriel Freestone, Gordon Roberts and Nancy Burr. Please remember in your prayers – Rev Jane Everitt, Tony Hardman, Rev Martin Keighley, Gillian & Elizabeth King, Chris Kelsall, Michaela Jones, Kathryn Pendleton, Timothy, Cath Chambers, Peter Hollier & Mark Price. Please also remember the families of Annie Bates, Christopher Sherry, Jean Watson, Margaret Crawshaw and Doris Wadsworth whose funerals are due to take place.
St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 4th December 2022 We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and is a voice of hope to the community we serve. Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671 Sunday 4th December 8.30 am No Service 9.30 am No Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons Carole & Sandra. Reader - David 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway Rooms Monday 5th December 12.30 pm Funeral of Bill Blundell in Church Tuesday 6th December 12.00 pm Funeral of Barry Porter in Church 2.00 pm Holy Communion in Church 7.00 pm Patronal Festival in Church Wednesday 7th December 1.15 pm Funeral of Tony Fowell at Carleton Thursday 8th December 10.00 am Community Coffee Morning in the Broadway Rooms Friday 9th December 9.00 am Little Gang in the Broadway Rooms Saturday 10th December 11.30 am Carols in the Courtyard Sunday 11th December 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church 9.30 am Worship via Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons Elizabeth & Margaret. Reader - Joy 12.30 pm Baptism of Charlie Wells-Howarth Welcome and Set-up Dorothy Angel 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway RoomsWelcoming today - Rev’d Dr Carol Wilkinson who will preach and preside at our 10.45 service. Carol has recently retired as an Accountant and we are ever grateful for her help and support at St Nic’s.Christmas Fair - Massive shout out to David, Joanne, Trudie and Wendy and their amazing team of helpers who, after weeks of planning and preparation, pulled off an amazing event on Saturday. The Broadway Rooms were buzzing with our own stalls complimented by 17 community stalls. The café provided exquisite cuisine, delivered by Tim and Judith and it provided a super meeting place and refuelling station. Harmony and Health added to the Christmas cheer and Santa popped in too on his way to the North Pole. Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way, grafting on the day, providing gifts, prizes and purchasing raffle tickets. It was a blast and hopefully we made a bit of money too. Advent & Christmas Events – Dates and times are all now available on the red Christmas card at the back of church and also published on our website. On Tuesday this week at 7 pm is our Patronal Festival at which the Venerable David Picken will be preaching. Please do make this a priority if you are able. We want the Diocese to see us at our best. If you would like a lift, please just ask or phone the vicarage 874402.On Saturday we have our carols in the church car park with the Saddleworth Brass Band, followed by a hot pot lunch in the Broadway Rooms. Please sign up at the back of church today for lunch.100 Club – Winners last week were Gerald Mathias, Barbara Quirk and Ethel Chantler.. Please remember in your prayers – Rev Jane Everitt, Tony Hardman, Rev Martin Keighley, Gillian & Elizabeth King, Chris Kelsall, Michaela Jones, Kathryn Pendleton, Timothy, Cath Chambers, Peter Hollier & Mark Price. Please also remember the families of Bill Blundell, Barry Porter, Tony Fowell, Annie Bates & Margaret Crawshaw and Doris Wadsworth whose funerals are due to take place.
St Nicholas Parish Church Fleetwood. Week beginning 27th November 2022 We seek to be a church that lives by faith, is known by love and is a voice of hope to the community we serve. Website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11671 Sunday 27th November Advent Sunday 8.30 am Holy Communion in Church 9.30 am Worship via Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons – Judith & Dorothy W. Reader - Sandra 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway Rooms 6.30 pm Advent Carol Service (Churches Together) Trinity Baptist Church Tuesday 29th November 2.00 pm Holy Communion in Church Thursday 1st December 10.00 am Community Coffee Morning Friday 2nd December 9.00 am Little Gang in the Broadway Rooms Saturday 3rd December 10.00 am Christmas Fair in the Broadway Rooms Sunday 4th December 8.30 am No Service 9.30 am No Zoom 10.45 am Holy Communion in Church Sides persons Carole & Sandra. Reader - David 4.00 pm Family & Co in the Broadway RoomsWhat’s happening? The dates for all the events from now until Christmas Day are available from today in church on a separate sheet and they are also available on the church website. Please do invite your friends and neighbours to come and join us at any of the events. If you are staying for lunch after “Carols in the Courtyard” on 10th, then we need you to sign up at the back of church or phone the Vicarage to book in. Advent Reflections - Please remember to pick up your copy from the back of church and join with us and the Diocese as we journey through Advent together. There are large print copies and extra copies if you wish to pass one on to a friend or neighbour.Messy Church – Massive thanks to Janet and her ‘Messy Team’ who yesterday delivered another wonderful morning of fun, crafts, singing and fellowship all with an Advent theme. Lots of forward planning, prayer and pulling together went in to making it happen and we are so very grateful to all who were involved in any way!Today – We celebrate the beginning of Advent. Many of us know that the Advent season focuses on expectation and that it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is part of the story, but there’s more to Advent. We also tie Advent, not just to the coming of Christ in the manger in Bethlehem, but to his second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world. Advent is then an opportunity for self-reflection, a casting off from all that distracts us and distances us from God’s plans, for us as individuals and for his Church. May you be richly blessed in the period of preparation.God of Salvation, Wake us up Lord! The night is nearly over. Let us continue our Adventjourney. Move us from our lives of greed and selfishness, from our globalised world ofinequality and exploitation, to your kingdom of righteousness and mercy to a transformedworld, where peace is built on understanding not weapons, the poor are empowered to livetheir lives to the full, businesses are built on need not greed and your Creation is nurturednot abused. Wake us up Lord! Let us live as people of the light. Amen.100 Club – Winners last week were David Meekins, Mandy Ryan and Barbara Quirk. Please remember in your prayers – Rev Jane Everitt, Tony Hardman, Rev Martin Keighley, Gillian & Elizabeth King, Chris Kelsall, Michaela Jones, Kathryn Pendleton, Timothy, Cath Chambers & Annie Bates. Please also remember the families of Cliff Turner, Bill Blundell, Barry Porter, Tony Fowell and Michael Raynor, whose funerals are due to take place.
