Whilst I know this has come as a huge shock, it is no surprise to God. As many of you know I am passionate about leading people to Jesus, growing lay leaders and God's kingdom. My new post as Parish Renewal Officer in the Blackburn Diocese, plays to my strengths and over the last few months I have felt a very strong call to go and share my experiences here at Christ Church with other churches and leaders in Lancashire. <br><br>I can assure you all that this has been the hardest decision I have ever made. As I said last Sunday I am the curate that has never left and I owe so much of my leadership development to so many people here at Christ Church. The last nine years have taught me so much and because of my time here I am now able to respond to God's call to step once more into the unknown. <br><br>Cian is also stepping out and following God's call. He will be studying for a Grad Dip in Theology at Westminster Theological Centre from September. Again Cian's journey is also thanks to so many people who have encouraged him. <br><br>As we prepare to leave I want to reassure you that Christ Church will be in very safe hands. Our God is faithful and he will appoint and anoint the next Vicar to continue to lead Christ Church into growth. <br><br>Please pray for the Wardens, PCC, Janet and Graham as they lead the church in the interregnum. We are praying that the process to appoint the next Vicar will be quick. Janet and Graham will oversee the Sunday worship, but they will need everyone's help especially as Graham also has a full time post at Emmanuel Theological College. Please do support them and do whatever you can to ensure we remain outward looking to our community. <br>There are lots of things to handover and we may well need some extra people to take on some new responsibilities. I hope to share the gaps that will need filling over the next few weeks.<br><br>This year we all agreed that growing deep roots in Christ was our main priority and so we need to lean into and trust our faithful God to lead us through this time of transition. <br><br>There will be plenty of opportunities to say farewell between now and 3rd November, but please keep Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November free so we can have one last big celebration together. See attached.<br><br>Please pray for our family as we prepare to leave it will be a massive wrench to say farewell but once again in God's strength we can do all things!<br>Sarah and Cian
.To view the 2023 report, click <a href="https://christchurchaughton.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ACPM-2024.pdf">here</a>.<br>
Firstly, ensuring that our Ministry Centre is sustainable for the future by installing solar panels on the roof. This will help ensure that our running costs are kept low and will help us achieve our Eco church award. Secondly, we have exciting plans for our Grade II listed building. Whilst we gratefully appreciate the beauty of this historic building, we are aware there are some aspects of it which make it less than ideal for ministry in the 21st century. Our project involves stonework repairs and new infrared heating. Read the attached brochure which provides a comprehensive overview, including the plan drawings. Consultation with the congregation and local parish community is now complete. Our project will be funded through:- Our own fundraising efforts- Donations / legacies if appropriate- Some Church unrestricted reserves- Much appreciated grant fundingIf you want to help our project by way of a kind donation, we would love to hear from you. Contact revsarahodonoghue@gmail.com.
Christianity Explored Course: Sunday, September 15 - December 1, 2024What’s the best news you’ve ever heard? We invite you to join us for “Christianity Explored”, a course that will introduce you to Jesus - the man who changed history. Read the attachment for a breakdown of the topics we will cover during this 7 week course, and who to contact for more information.Sanctuary Course: Next course dates to be announced Do you want to learn and understand more about faith and mental health? The Sanctuary Course is an eight week educational course designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local churches regarding mental health. It requires no previous training or expertise, just a willingness to engage in dialogue with other believers. Places are limited, so booking is essential. For more information, please email Victoria & Graeme at vicbee99@hotmail.co.okHope Explored Course: Next course dates to be announcedWhat's the best future you could ever imagine? There are fewer emotions more powerful than hope. But these days, hope often feels hard to come by. Where can we find a hope that wont disappoint us? 'Hope Explored' is our new course for people wanting to explore Christianity by looking at the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in Luke's gospel. This three session series shows that Christianity is about real hope; a joyful expectation for the future, based on true events in the past, which changes everything about our present.To learn more, contact Geoff Fallows on 01695 424530.Alpha Course: Next course dates to be announced Have you ever wanted to investigate if Jesus, God, and the Bible are genuine or real and whether church is relevant? Alpha at Christ Church provides an informal opportunity over 11 weeks to get answers to these questions.Contact our church office on 01695 424530 if you'd like to sign up for the next course. For more information on Alpha please visit their website: www.alpha.org
