It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! On Monday, I found a fully decorated Christmas tree has appeared in my front room while I was out and at the Thornton Primary School assembly this morning, the children were learning how to assemble Christingles in preparation for them coming to Christ Church Christingle service in a few weeks.
There’s plenty going on in and around Church over the next 38 days, and I want to highlight two events in this introduction. The first is the Herald of Herod Pantomine-Nativity taking place at 6:30 PM on Monday 4th December. Oh no it isn’t? Well, no it won’t be if we can’t find room at the inn for the actors! do you have a spare room? Can you help with hosting? Speak to Martin or email martin@christchurchthornton.uk if you can.
Secondly, there’s still time to book for the Advent Concert which is less than 2 weeks away on Thursday 30th November at 7:30 PM. This is a great event to invite a friend along to. Click HERE to book, or see below for more details.
Andrew
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SUNDAY SERVICES
The services and activities on Sunday 19th November are:
- 9:00 AM Traditional (Book of Common Prayer) Service of Holy Communion (with refreshments afterwards)
- 10:00 AM Meadows Books open (until 10:45 AM)
- 11:00 AM Contemporary Service of Holy Communion LIVE streamed (with refreshments afterwards)
- 12:15 PM Meadows Books’ open (until 12:45 PM)
- 5:00 PM Treehouse Informal Family Service of Holy Communion (with refreshments)
- 6:00 PM Meadows Books open (until 6:15 PM)
- 6:30 PM Rossall Chapel Evensong at Rossall School Chapel (followed by mulled wine)
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WATCHING ONLINE
If you’re unable to attend due to health and mobility, our livestream can be viewed on our YouTube channel HERE and our Facebook channel HERE.
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BIBLE READINGS
Our focus in the Sunday morning services is on the Bible reading, Matthew 25.14–30 (Church Bible page 830). You can read it online HERE.
At Treehouse we are looking at Story 41: Moses Disobeys God in our Gospel Story Bibles. This covers Numbers 20:2-13 which you can read online HERE
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ORDER OF SERVICE
For the 11:00 AM service is available HERE.
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TONIGHT: YE MERRY MEADOWS CAROLLERS
Use your voice to glorify God this Christmas! The voice is a gift from God and can bring delight to God and joy to his people. Do you like singing Christmas Carols? If so, come along and be part of the ‘Ye Merry Meadows Carollers’ who will sing at events over Christmas, such as at Rest Homes, the Tree-lighting service, and some of the services at Church. You don’t need to have any previous experience or training – this will be a group of carol singers, not an award-winning choir. It will be great fun, not taken too seriously but at the same time seeking to bring joy and gladness as we sing of our Saviour’s birth.
Gatherings to rehearse and enjoy being together, complete with hot chocolate and cake, will be on the following dates in Church from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM.
- Friday 17th November
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THIS SUNDAY: ROSSALL CHAPEL EVENSONG
Due to strong winds on Monday, the Rossall Chapel Choir were unable to come to the planned Sung Evensong service at Church. Aware that many of us will have been disappointed, they have instead very kindly invited us to the Rossall Chapel (St. John the Baptist) this Sunday evening (19th November) for their service of Evensong with the Chapel Choir. It starts at 6:30 PM, followed by mulled wine. The South Drive can be used for driving up to and parking near the Chapel.
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NEXT SATURDAY: ARTS AND CRAFTS FAYRE Do join us for our next Arts and Crafts Fayre on Saturday 25th November from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Hall. To book a table or for more information please speak to Jean Grimshaw.
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A WEEK ON THURSDAY: ADVENT CONCERT
We’re looking forward to hosting an Advent Concert on Thursday 30th November at 7:30 PM. We’ll be hosting once again Christian singer-songwriters Yvonne Lyon, Gareth Davies-Jones and David Lyon as they bring you an evening of live acoustic seasonal music.
Please book tickets in advance, costing £7.50 adult, £4.00 child. Click HERE to book.
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CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Come along to the Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM on Sunday 3rd December in the Car Park. With carols around the outdoor tree, lovely mince pies and hot chocolate, this annual event is a fun occasion for all ages, and the tree lighting is a moment of excitement for children (and adults!) Wrap up warm!
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CHRISTMAS PAN-TIVITY: HERALD OF HEROD
The one who is born to be king, in Bethlehem of Judea? “Oh no he isn’t!” says Herod. “Oh yes he is!” The Three peculiar Magi have appeared in the Royal Palace, talking of the birth of a potential rival King! The cruel King Herod is keen to unravel this mystery. For Harry the humble Herald, this is the chance of a lifetime… to embark upon an epic quest and be noticed by the King!
Join us 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM on Monday 4th December for our Panto-Nativity (Pantivity) presented by 4Front Theatre. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come and join the fun!
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PAN-TIVITY HOSTING
There are 4 actors (3 single men and 1 single woman) from the 4Front Theatre Company coming to Christ Church on Monday the 4th December for the performance of the pan-tivity ‘Herald of Herod’. We are looking for hosts for them (Oh yes we are!) for Monday evening.
1 of the men is allergic to pets (cats/dogs and furry animals).
If you are able to accommodate one of them overnight and would like further information please contact Martin or email martin@christchurchthornton.uk.
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CAROL SERVICES & TREEHOUSE NATIVITY Join us to sing your favourite carols at one of our Carol Services and the Treehouse Nativity on Sunday 17th December:
- 10:00 AM Traditional Carols and Communion
- 5:00 PM Treehouse Nativity
- 6:00 PM Mince Pies and Mulled Wine
- 7:00 PM Contemporary Service of Lessons and Carols
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PLAYHOUSE BABY AND TODDLER POP-UP NATIVITY The week before Christmas, Playhouse will be hosting the Playhouse Baby and Toddler Pop-Up Nativity! Come dressed up as a nativity character of your choice, whether that’s an angel, a cow, a wise person, or even Gary the Christmas Gorilla! Bring the babies and toddlers dressed up as well.
The Nativity will involve babies, toddlers, mums, dads, grandparents and carers. It’s a fully interactive experience and lots of fun! The Nativity will run:
- Monday 18th December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
- Tuesday 19th December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
- Tuesday 19th December 2:00 PM at TCFC on Gamble Road
- Wednesday 20th December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
- Thursday 21st December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
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CHRISTINGLE CHRISTMAS EVLES WORKSHOP
Have you ever wondered who cuts the oranges, prepares the ribbons and assembles the hundreds of bags of goodies ready for the Christingle service? It’s the Christingle Christmas Elves! And good news: you can join us!
The Christingle Christmas Elves Workshop is not just a time of preparation for the Christingle service, but a fun church family event in itself. It’s a great time of fellowship with Christmas music, and a buzz of joyful activity as elves of all ages work together to get ready for Christmas.
Come and join us for as long or short as you like between 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday 22nd December. Full training and elf ‘n’ safety briefing is provided!
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CHRISTINGLE
An orange, some red ribbon, sweets on sticks and a glow stick. Somehow it all points to the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. Come and join us for our Christingle service at 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December.
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CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY DINNER 2023
Delicious Food, Friendship, and Joy
We are looking forward to hosting a joy filled afternoon on Monday 25th December from 1:00 PM onwards in the Community Centre Hall. The meal is for anyone who might benefit from having company on Christmas Day. Enjoy a proper Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, followed of course by pudding, cake, and cheese and biscuits! There will be a quiz and live music.
There is no charge for any of the food or the activities. God gave the generous gift of Jesus at the first Christmas. We believe in sharing the generous love of God with anyone who would like to receive it.
Booking is essential. Please sign up HERE.
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AUTUMN, ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
We have been planning our worship, special activities and events for Autumn, Advent and Christmas. For a preview of what’s taking place, please click HERE. Printed leaflets will be made available and will be distributed in Church, the Community Centre and to homes around the Parish.
Please note that the timing of the Elves Workshop has changed since the previously published version.
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FAMILY TEATIME COOKERY CLASSES
Family Teatime Cookery Classes continue. Book for classes HERE.
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ALPHA SPRING TERM
We are having a fantastic time at Alpha this term, with over 20 guests attending each week to explore foundations of Christian faith. One of our guests this term said this: “I’m really enjoying Alpha and appreciate all the hard work and organisation that’s gone into it. I’ve met some lovely people too. Thank you.”
Next term, Alpha will run on a Tuesday morning between Playhouse and lunch (11:15 AM – 1:00 PM) from Tuesday 16th January through to the week of Tuesday 23rd April with breaks for half-term and Easter.
We are hoping to run a small creche for 30 minutes each week during the video to enable parents and grandparents from Playhouse to attend.
Could you volunteer to help with the creche or in the kitchen? Speak to Andrew or email andrew@christchurchthornton.uk.
Or, if you would like to attend Alpha next term, you can book here: christchurchthornton.uk/alpha
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CALLING ALL CHRIST CHURCH LADIES
Ladies, please come and help to lighten the dark winter months with an evening of Celebration, Friendship and Fun at the Briardene Hotel, Kelso Avenue, Cleveleys, on Wednesday, 24th January 2024. We can promise you an evening of good food, good fellowship and good conversation – what could be better than that on a cold winters’ evening? Menus and all details are available from our Churchwarden, Judith and the cost of this delightful evening is £30 including all gratuities.
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FIRST AID TRAINING
Christ Church is hosting First Aid Training on the evening of Friday 26th April 2024 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM . This two hour training session covers basic first aid and is recommended to be refreshed every year. The session is open to anybody who wants to book and costs £26 per person (including £1 booking fee). The session is limited to 16 people, but we can arrange addition sessions if we fill up.
BOOK HERE.
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2024 HARVEST SUPPER AND CEILIDH
Following the success of the 2023 Harvest Supper and Ceilidh, we’ve booked it again for next year on Saturday 5th October 2024, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Put on your dancing shoes and eating shirt! Featuring live music from the Preston-based ‘Old School Band’ along with a tasty harvest supper of hot pot and apple pie with cream (bring your own drinks). It will be great! Plan in advance and BOOK NOW.
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TREEHOUSE WEEKEND AWAY
We’re very pleased to announce the third Treehouse Weekend Away, which take place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2024. It will be at Thornleigh Christian Hotel at Grange-over-Sands. We hope to have all the accommodation at the Hotel in use just for the Treehouse congregation, with many families enjoying a weekend away growing in faith through worship, prayer, Bible teaching, alongside great food, walks out, and fun times together. A letter with more information will be available in due course. For now, keep those dates free if you’re interested in going.
For members of other congregations, a three-day stay at Thornleigh Hotel is also being planned for 2024. More details to follow when they are available.
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GIVING TO GOD
There are numerous ways to give to God and contribute to the mission and ministry of Christ Church:
- Bank transfer – details available HERE
- By dated giving envelopes (on request)
- By contactless machine at the back of Church (or sometimes positioned in the Pilgrim’s Rest or the Community Centre)
- Online giving – you can give online HERE
- Text message – simply text SUNDAY to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message which will be added to your mobile phone bill
- Cash in the collection plate (positioned on the font)
Bank transfer or standing order is the preferred method of giving as they do not have any processing fees attached. Tax payers can add Gift Aid to their gift. More information about this can be found on the website HERE.
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SERVING IN CHURCH
There’s always lots of opportunities to get involved in the mission and ministry of the church and all our activities throughout the week, on evenings, and on Sundays are dependent on volunteers to operate. Volunteers help to set up and tidy up, provide refreshments, assist with (and in many cases run) activities, and keep our churchyard mowed and tidy.
Serving on a team is also a great way to get to know other members of the church family. If you don’t currently serve on a team at church and would like to, please do contact Damian or Andrew for a chat about where you might best fit.
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DIARY OF ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Below is a comprehensive list of all that’s taking place in the week ahead. You can also visit out online diary on the church website HERE.
Monday 20th November
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
- 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre and Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bowl & Chat in the Community Centre
- 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Monday night Growth Group in the Community Centre
Tuesday 21st November
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Flourish Woman’s Bible Study at Chris Hartley’s House
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Craft & Chat in Church
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Lunch in the Community Centre
- 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) at Thornton Cleveleys Football Club on Gamble Road
- 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Tuesday night Growth Group in the Community Centre
Wednesday 22nd November
- 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Fridaymen volunteers in the Churchyard and Church
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM – Wednesday morning Growth Group in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
- 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM – Traditional (BCP) service of Holy Communion in Church
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Lunches for Seniors in the Community Centre
- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM – Alpha in the Community Centre and Church
- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM – Lighthouse in the Community Centre
- 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Musical Worship Team Rehearsal in Church
Thursday 23rd November
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
- 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre and Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bat & Chat in the Community Centre
Friday 24th November
- 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Fridaymen volunteers in the Churchyard and Church
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Craft & Chat in Church
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Family Teatime Cookery Classes in the Community Centre
- 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Meeting of the PCC
Saturday 25th November (1 Month until Christmas!)
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Art and Craft Fayre in the Hall
Not sure what to come to? Not sure if a service or activity is suited to you or not? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask.
Spot n e erroz inn r weakqly newz – dew lettuce no sow we kan corectt vem!
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With blessings,
Damian & Andrew
