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News & Events
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East Leeds Unity Day (Saturday 6th August)
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First of all a big thank you to Christ Church people who supported One Voice at this event by donating juice, biscuits, paper cups etc . These all came in very handy on a very damp day when we were certainly glad of a tent over us. Over 108 cups of tea or juice were served in the tent which we shared with Christians against Poverty, Halton Moor Toy Club and Wharfedale Vineyard Church.
Things could have been better e.g.the weather was very much against us which had an effect on the numbers turning up to attend and the activities were spread out all over and around a very large field which meant we saw only a few children at a time.
The prayer balloons worked well with over 70 prayers forming the tails to the balloons - where they ended up, with very variable wind speeds (from nil to strong) and directions, we will never know but they were sent.
Children arrived with most of them already having had their faces painted next door but one, they decorated the very appropriate bookmarks designed by Rachel or folded the ‘book’ (Revd Karen Marshall’s from All Saints/St Philip’s) idea or tore out the string of people (no scissors because of health & safety issues).
Peter and Summer, the puppets, never collected large audiences on the mat for stories but the occasion offered a chance to try out telling stories to an audience closer than usual.
Finally we did fly the One Voice flag/banner working together with volunteers from our group of churches to good effect, made useful new contacts and renewed old ones, and proved to the folk in the street that Church doesn’t exist only behind church walls. Let’s hope for better weather next year.
12th August 2011
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Return from Sabbatical
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Dear Friends
As you will know I have just returned from a Sabbatical, which I have really enjoyed. (It's amazing what you can get on with, when you don't have to work for three months!!) It was a much needed opportunity to rest, to catch up with friends that I haven't been in contact with for far too long, and it gave me time to spend with Pat and the wider family. Together Pat and I could enjoy settling in properly to the manse we moved into last August, and make it "our home" for the present time.
The Sabbatical was also a time to begin a study project of comparing the work and lives of Martin Luther (1483-1546) and St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556). For most people this subject is quite a conversation stopper, but these two men lived during the same period of history, and both wrestled in different ways with the issues and dilemmas that created the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. As part of this work I went on an 8 day silent retreat at Loyola Hall near Liverpool. I was also encouraged to pursue this study further by some who are expert in this period of church history. There is plenty more reading to do, so I hope I can find the time to cotinue with this exploration.
I do want to pay tribute to my ministerial and lay worker colleagues who managed so well in my absence. They dealt with extra pastoral and oversight responsibilities, as well as managing their own on-going church and circuit responsibilities. I have heard such good reports about all those who have covered for me; and I am very grateful for the quality of ministry and colleagueship that there is in this Circuit.
It was good to be on Sabbatical, but it is also good to be back, and thank you for the warmth of welcome I have received on my return.
Robert.
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June Messy Church (Father's Day)
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Father's Day was our theme for June Messy Church and it was lovely to see quite a number of Dads there. The numbers were a little bit lower than usual, but 42 children enjoyed making key rings, drink mats, cards and car suncatchers for their Dads. Along with the ainting and dough we decorated biscuits, made pom pom animals and added fabric printing to our Messy Church banner, which is now displayed at the front of church. A huge thank-you to all helpers, many of whom have now had Messy Church tee-shirts printed, and look very smart. Our puppet Sally told a story about two sons followed by singing, dancing and prayers, ending with sausage rolls, crisps and wagon wheels.
[taken from the July/August issue of Contact]
August 2011
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Messy Church
Want to try church as you've never seen it before? (or perhaps not since we have been running it since February 2010)
Messy Church is aimed at children and their parents in a FUN, RELEVANT & MESSY way. With puppets, music, games, crafts, food for all & MORE!
Saturdays
always from 2-4pm
No MESSY CHURCH in August! The next one will be Saturday 10th September (further details later)
£1 per child
It's essential that families book a place by signing the list in the hall or phoning Sue or Roger 2647037 otherwise you may be disappointed if you turn up and find we are full!
25th July 2011
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We had a visit from the Easter bunny at April Messy Church. He brought buns decorated with eggs and hot cross buns. The girls enjoyed their pamper afternoon with face paints, nail art, bracelets and hair beads. The boys made aeroplanes, bug gliders and football finger players.
Everyone joined in the Easter hat decorating and sewed Easter crosses. The Easter boxes were decorated and filled with sweets and hopefully be returned in May full of coins for Christian Aid.
We finished off with a wedding street party for the children and coffee and hot cross buns for the adults.
A very busy afternoon. Grateful thanks to all helpers.
[Taken from the May issue of Contact ]
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Beatrice (Beaty) Roberts
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Beaty was born in Preston Lancashire.
When she got home after her last day at school she was told she was starting work the next day. She worked for Parkinson’s Biscuits until the start of World War 2. When she was called up to work in a munitions factory helping to make the wings of aeroplanes.
In June 1942 she met a soldier by the name of William (Bill) Roberts. They married on 3rd April 1943 in Preston and their marriage lasted almost 50 years until dad’s death in 1993.
Mum had many hobbies and was also a lover of white knuckle rides,
Beaty was a lifelong Methodist, and from birth she attended the local Methodist Church before moving to Christ Church when she came to live in Knightsway She had 4 children, Leslie, Pamela, David, and Ian.
Mum was mainly a stay at home mum but did have a number of jobs in later life. Her last job was at Gateways School in Harewood.
4 children produced 12 grand children followed by 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. She loved them all and I know some of them remember her for playing games and the Kit Kats. On her 89th Birthday in July the home put on a party tea and we managed to get a photograph of 5 generations of the family.
She achieved many things in her life and I know from the Sympathy messages that I have received she was well liked by many people. Always willing to lend a hand when one was needed.
Les Roberts
Our prayers and condolences to all the family from all at Christ Church
Thank You The family of Beatrice Roberts wish to thank all those who attended the service to celebrate her life. Also for the many expressions of sympathy received.
A special thank you to all those who helped in any way to make the service such a meaningful tribute.
(taken from the September 2011 issue of Contact)
28th August 2011
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I'd like to say a massive THANK YOU to all who helped with our first Messy Church on Saturday (13th February) afternoon.
We had more than 100 visitors, there was a real buzz about the church and it was fantastic to see so many faces of all ages, particularly those who may not normally enter a church. Much fun was had, much mess was made, much juice and many pizzas and cakes were consumed! Best of all, in amongst all of this, everyone heard that God loves them. Here are some comments from those who came: 'I loved it, great idea! I love the name!' 'Really good, kids loved it. Maybe put cost up a little to cover your costs. They all got so much for the money. Thank you.' 'Excellent. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.' I am so happy with how our first Messy Church went and am really excited about what the future holds for it, but none of it could have happened without such an enthusiastic, talented group of volunteers.
Thank you so much for your help-you all worked like Trojans. They say that many hands make light work and there were certainly many hands helping everything to come together on Saturday, from the craft supervisors to the kitchen team. Speaking of the kitchen, I remember doing a double take at one point when I saw Robert in there rapidly slicing pizzas!
Matt :) (Wright)
16 February 2010
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Visit to Iona
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Over half term, I made the 400 mile long journey by car and ferry and car and another ferry to Iona on the far west of Scotland. It was an adventure on the way there, as I had to sleep in my car overnight. And it was an adventure on the way back as I missed my ferry and had to get a different ferry from a different place and had to take a different way home.
The Iona Community was founded in Glasgow in 1938 by Rev George MacLeod. The Abbey was restored and used as a training ground for ministers, and now has 2000 members (lay and ordained) scattered around the world. It is a very small island with a population of less than 200. From March to October the number goes up with 20-30 staff at the Iona Community and 50-100 visitors who stay with the community in the Abbey and other accommodation. I was one of the visitors who stayed in the Abbey.
St Columba landed on Iona in the 6th century and founded a religious community there. It became an important place of pilgrimage. It is a place of healing, a place of discovery, it is a place of rugged beauty. It exposes the raw power of God. The island is small but powerful, and what you find there calls you away again.
Comfort Zone Iona is an ancient place which calls you to come and visit and see the amazing geography and the weather which can change in the blink of an eye and the sense of the presence of God in a way that is both remote as well as connected. But it is also a place that sends you back home. It is a stop on the journey, not the destination. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to visit, experience and continue on the journey.
Do you hear God’s voice calling you? He may not be calling you to go to a remote island in Scotland, but he is calling you. He is calling you to come out of your comfort zone and into the rugged, raw power of his presence. Once you have been in that place you will never be the same again.
Life as a Christian is not supposed to be plain sailing. We learn from the storms and rough paths. And what we learn is to be shared with others, fellow pilgrims and those yet to start the journey.
Go and He will be above you, beside you and within you Rachel Richards
[taken from the July/August 2011 issue of Contact]
June 2011
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Keith (65) died suddenly at the beginning of August. It was a great shock to Gill and family and her sister Joanne.
The girls were members of Christ Church Girls Brigade and their grandparents, Dorothy and Les Thomson were faithful members at Halton Methodist (and Christ Church).
Keith supported our church fairs, enjoying his chance s on the Tombola and visited Saturday morning coffee for a chat. He enjoyed rugby and travelling.
Gill will be known to many locally as the lollypop lady outside Templenewsam Halton School on Chapel Street.
We send our prayers and condolences to all the family.
(taken from the September 2011 issue of Contact)
28th August 2011
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People with Dementia and Their Carers:Open Pastoral Carers Meeting at Christ Church
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Thursday September 29th at 7.30pm
Revd Gaynor Hammond, a Baptist Minister, will talk about
People with Dementia and Their Carers
Everyone is welcome to come along to the talk.
Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Please put this date in your diaries - it should be an interesting evening.
28th August 2011
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We had our summer party in July with a bouncy castle and games. The children enjoyed decorating sun visors, coasters and flip flop suncatchers and flower arranging along with the usual play dough and face painting. Our young puppeteer, Jenny brought Summer and after singing and prayers all enjoyed a buffet tea and ice-cream. Grateful thanks to all our helpers. Next Messy Church - Saturday 10th September 2pm.
(from the September 2011 issue of Contact)
28th August 2011
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Older Persons Event
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Older Persons Event
at Christ Church Halton
Wednesday 28th September
1030am - 3.00pm
Open to everyone over 60.
Find out about services available to you, get advice and meet friends. A buffet lunch is included and the day is topped off with entertainment.
All this is FREE. Booking is essential. Contact James Nundy (South East Area Management Team) via 0113 3368940 james.nundy@leeds.gov.uk
30th August 2011
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Over the summer months we continued to meet at coffee evenings and had a trip in July, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who went.
September 6th starts our 52nd year and the planning committee have been hard at work putting togeher a varied programme, which should have interest for everybody.
Sept 6th Opening Gambit - We launch our 52nd session with Dr Mary Jefferson speaking about the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone (Buffet supper)
Sept 13th The World of Andrew Lloyd Webber - Ken Humphrey presents a programme from Lloyd Webber's well-loved musicals.
Sept 20th Hawthorn House - Lucy Young tels us about the work of Leeds Mencap, our local charity forthe year.
Sept 27th The Weakest Link - Hilda Bonner takes us behind the scenes of this popular TV show.
The meetings start at 8pm and everybody is welcome. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday evenings.
Barbara Harris
30th August 2011
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To start off their anniversary weekend (in October) Christ Church Halton Guild put on a concert by Hobsons Chorus*, followed by afternoon tea, and raised £300 for Leeds East Methodist Circuit’s outreach - Meeting Point Café in Harehills. An appreciative audience of 85 were entertained by an 11 strong male voice choir from the Denby Dale area, Hobson’s Chorus under their musical director Jane Hobson with Craig Schofield accompanist.
The programme of more than an hour was a good mixture of 14 items in four themed sections by the full choir plus a number of solos, duets and trios.
The audience and our entertainers then sat down to afternoon tea, much enhanced by some fine home baking and endless refills of tea and coffee and a good time was had by all - including the team of volunteers who served and cleared away.
*If you are interested in contacting Hobsons Chorus please telephone Jane Hobson on 01484 865558
… and the following day, Sunday 24th October, Reverend David Hall led worship at the Guild Service in the morning and over 30 Guild members and their guests had lunch at the Watermill Restaurant. To finish the weekend a Circuit Service was held in the evening at Christ Church with Revd David Hall again leading worship and a further £200 (with Gift Aid) was collected for Meeting Point!
Quite exhausting for the organising team but all very worthwhile and enjoyable.
3rd November 2010
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Meeting Point Extra
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meet with others for a
chat, games, crafts, speakers, coffee and cake.
This is held Tuesdays fortnightly from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Please come along and join in.
All welcome.
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Letter from Rachel, Christ Church’s new Lay Worker
As you read this I will have completed my first month at Christ Church as a lay worker. I have met many people and tried to remember a lot of names. It’s a work in progress and I look forward to getting to know you over the next two years.
I am from the North East originally and I have travelled a lot since leaving home at the age of 18. While in London I met Dave and we got married shortly after. We moved to Leeds in 2001, bought a house in Garforth and started our family. Now we have William who is six and the most recent addition, Charlie the Dog. I am part of Garforth Methodist and have been for about seven years, training first as a worship leader and then a local preacher at the same time as being treasurer.
This year Christ Church is raising money at Harvest for Water Aid, so rather predictably, the theme of the Harvest Service this year, which I have the privilege of leading, is water. We take water for granted. We turn on a tap and there it is, hot or cold, safe and clean. Others around the world are not so lucky. We get an insight into not having access to water when there is a problem with the pipes, or the water company are doing some work. The transformation of a village when they have a well or toilets installed is remarkable. Water is life transforming.
“Whoever drinks the water that I give will never be thirsty again” (John 4:13)
Jesus met an outcast woman at a well in Samaria. She went to get water and met Jesus. They talk and her life is changed. She went for water, but got more than she bargained for that afternoon.
Water is life transforming.
God Bless and See you Soon Rachel Richards
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