Hello everyone!

I’ll soon be on the motorway. That’s because this weekend is the Treehouse Weekend Away! It’s the fifth weekend away since 2018. Our theme is ‘From Eden to New Jerusalem – How Christ Brings His People Home’ – Discovering Jesus in Genesis, Daniel and Revelation. The Bible begins in Eden and ends in the New Jerusalem. Between them stands Babylon, the city of man’s rebellion against God. Through promise, preservation, sacrifice, and victory, God fulfils His plan of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Please do pray for all on the weekend – for safe journeys, rich teaching, joyous worship, and deepened relationships with God and one another.

Don’t arrive at Church on Sunday an hour early! Keep warm for an extra hour in bed!

On Sunday we have services at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Download the Order of Service for the 11:00 AM service HERE.

During the sermons at the 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM services, children of primary school age have their own time of teaching at Treasurehouse in the Community Centre Hall. The Chapel is available throughout the 11:00 AM service as a creche area for parents and their babies and toddlers with the service streamed to the TV screen. Children are welcome to all our services! We love to see them and hear them!

There are refreshments in the Community Centre Hall after the 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:00 PM (on the first Sunday) services and before the 5:00 PM service. The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop is open after each service.

It can be very helpful to read and reflect on the Bible passage(s) before coming to Church, to ensure some familiarity. You can read them HERE or find them in your own Bible at home: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 and Matthew 6:19-34. Our theme is God’s Promise of Provision.

Are you applying for a school place for your child in a Church of England High School? Do you live beyond the catchment area and need evidence to say that you (as parents ) have been attending your local Church?

If so, remember that CofE High Schools in the Diocese of Blackburn require evidence from the vicar that parents have been attending at least fortnightly for the year prior to their application.

If you haven’t been attending, I can’t in good conscience sign a form to say you have – please don’t put me in that position. All parents looking to secure school places for their children in the future – the number 1 best thing you can do is be at Church on a Sunday as often as you can, at either 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM or 5:00 PM. Even better if you come as a family!

Have you heard? The world’s largest floating bookfair is coming to Liverpool. The Christian ship Logos Hope is at Liverpool’s Cruise Port from 1:00 PM on Tuesday 27th October until 10:00 PM Sunday 8th November. It has a huge onboard bookfair with thousands of titles both Christian and secular available at very reasonable prices.

The ship will be at Cruise Port, 2 Princes Parade, L3 1DL. Entrance to the ship is £1 per person and it includes an introductory presentation, access to the large bookshop and onboard cafe. Logos Hope will be open to the public: Tuesday to Saturday daily 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sundays 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Closed to the public: Mondays and Thursday 29th October. 1-hour tours of the ship conducted by guides in groups of 7 people: £5 – adults; £2 – ages 5-16; free – ages 4 and under.

To book a tour and for details of numerous on-board events see:
uk.om.org/waves-of-hope-liverpool

Here are five things you could pray for today and during the week:

1. For the Treehouse Weekend Away – especially the children you are participating – that they will grow in their knowledge and love of God.
2. For the ministers preaching at Sunday’s services and for the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to hear God’s Word.
3. For church members who are unable to be at worship on a Sunday due to illness – for them to know the Lord’s presence with them and for their faith to be sustained.
4. Vocations – pray the Lord will stir interest and grant discernment to those he is calling to minister now and in the future. Pray for courage to be granted to those exploring a call.
5. For the financial needs of Christ Church – for God’s continued provision to enable us to meet all our obligations and to serve the community.

Just-in! New books are in the bookshop. Christmas cards too! Pick-up a free ‘Take Note’ magazine to take home and browse what’s on offer. The bookshop is usually open after Sunday services and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday to Friday.

Struggling to know what to get someone for their birthday or Christmas? Our bookshop has all you need. Cards, mugs, pens, books, tote bags – all available.

Most of all, look out for the recommended resources that will help you in your spiritual growth.

On Saturday 28th November will be an Advent Quiet Morning of Prayer and Fasting from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Church. Exploring the theme of Watching and Waiting, we will be preparing our hearts and minds for the season of Advent and the anticipation of the return of Christ for his second advent. The morning will include scripture readings, times of silence, and guided meditations and reflections based on the seven letters to the churches in the book of Revelation. As the morning is fasting and praying, there will not be any refreshments available other than water and hot drinks. To help ensure enough printed resources are provided, please book HERE to attend.

Come along to the Christmas Tree Lightingat 5:00 PM on Sunday 6th December in the Car Park. There will be 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 joy for children (and adults!) Wrap up warm! Once again we’re delighted to have the Bispham Silver Band joining us. There is no need to book – just turn up.

It will soon be Pan-tivity time! It’s a nativity, and a pantomime (“oh yes it is!”). 4Front Theatre Company are joining us once again, bringing a show full to the rafters with fun, all the while delivering a message of hope, found in the birth of Jesus.

Our next Pantivity is… On the Bethlehem Beat. It’s about angels, shepherds and missing wallets! Big city cop Sgt. Barton has been reassigned to the sleepy town of Bethlehem – but with census crowds, a thief at large and a conspiracy surrounding a new king, it won’t be a silent night!

The show is suitable for the whole family, with enough fun to keep little ones engaged and enough laughs to keep the grown-ups smiling the whole way through.

It is taking place on Monday 7th December at 6:30 PM.

Because of the staging and visibility spaces are limited to 100 people. Therefore entry is by advance booking using this link HERE. Spread the word, put the date in your diary, and let’s fill every seat!

We’re delighted to be partnering with the local and brilliant Thornton-Cleveleys Brass Band to host a Christmas Cracker of a concert. It will be on Saturday 12th December at 7:30 PM. The cost is £8 per person, payable on the door on the night. There will be an interval with complimentary tea and coffee and mince pies.

The Playhouse pop-up nativity (for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers) is taking place from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th December from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Community Centre Hall.

Going on a special tour of the building, Banjo Bob and his team will be leading the cast of mini actors. The first stop will be the Pilgrim’s Rest. Will there be any water or snacks for the donkey? The next stop will be the bookshop. Will there be any room at the Inn? The next stop will be the Choir Vestry. Where are the shepherds? The final stop will be the Church, in preparation for the birth of a very special baby. Where are the angels?

Parents and carers are encouraged to bring costumes for themselves and their children!

You’re invited to the very popular (book early!) Festive Musical Lunches – with winter-warming soup, turkey sandwiches, yule log, and cheese and crackers. There will be Christmas crackers, carols, and the opportunity to join Banjo Bob to spin the wheel with his famous catchphrases: “round and round the wheel goes, where it stops nobody knows…once completed it must be deleted!”

Due to its popularity booking is mandatory in order to cater accordingly. Please book HERE. If you cannot book yourself, please ask a friend, family member or church member to book for you.

The Festival Musical Lunches are at 12 noon on the following dates:

• Monday 14th December
• Tuesday 15th December
• Wednesday 16th December
• *Thursday 17th December

*Please note the Thursday event is a Lyrics & Lunch Special – for adults with special needs and their carers who usually attend Lyrics & Lunch on a Thursday. Everyone else – please book for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

The cost is £12 per person per lunch. If affordability is a problem, please don’t let that put you off. Have a chat with Damian, Judith or one of the team.

A gorgeous evening of Carols, Canapés and Cocktails by Candlelight awaits! It’s on Friday 18th December from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This is an invitational event, designed for church members to bring friends, work colleagues, neighbours or family members who wouldn’t usually attend worship at Christ Church (or other churches). You are welcome to attend but only on the condition that you bring someone! Limited places available. Tickets available HERE.

Please note…

• The cocktails will be non-alcoholic (‘mocktails’).
• Allergy/food intolerence alert: nuts will be served during the evening.
• This event is for adults only.

Our Family Christmas Nativity, ‘Bethlehem’s BIG SURPRISE’ is taking place in Church on Saturday 19th December at 4:00 PM. All children (accompanied by their parent/carer) are welcome to come to our annual ‘pop-up’ nativity. There will be a rehearsal at 3:00 PM with a performance at 4:00 PM. All are welcome to come and watch at 4:00 PM. Expect chaos mixed with love, hope and peace! There is no need to book – just turn up.

Following the nativity performance will be a Children’s Christmas Party at 5:00 PM in the Community Centre Hall (just for the children and their parents/carers).

Christingle Elves needed for Orange & Chat! This annual event to prepare the Christingles will be on Wednesday 23rd December from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall. We’ll be getting all the components together. Various roles required, from bagging up sweets, to wrapping the oranges, to dropping a doughnut in each bag. Come along and have some fun.

We are looking forward to hosting our Christmas Day Community Dinner on Friday 25th December from 1:00 PM onwards in the Community Centre Hall. It will be a joy-filled afternoon of delicious food, friendship, faith and joy.

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 using this link HERE.

Friday 18th December

• Carols, Canapés and Cocktails by Candlelight at 9:00 PM

Saturday 19th December

• Pop-up Nativity Service Rehearsal at 3:00 PM
• Nativity Service Performance: ‘Bethlehem’s Big Surprise’ at 4:00 PM (all welcome to watch)
• Children’s Christmas Party: ‘Bethlehem’s Boogie’at 5:00 PM
• *Caroling Crawl: ‘Bethlehem’s Brightest Night’ at 7:00 PM:

*Our walk will start at Church, then up Wordsworth Avenue, left along Tennyson Avenue, left down Linden Avenue, left along Meadows Avenue, finishing with refreshments at the Vicarage. The Caroling Crawl is mainly for the grown-ups but children are of course welcome. Wrap up warm!

Sunday 20th December

• Carol Service at 10:00 AM
• Carols by Candlight (with mulled wine and mince pies) at 6:00 PM

Thursday 24th December (Christmas Eve)

• Christingle Service at 3:00 PM
• Midnight Communion Service at 11:30 PM

Friday 25th December (Christmas Day)

• Christmas Morning Service at 10:30 AM
• Community Chistmas Dinner at 1:00 PM

Sunday 27th December

• Combined service at 10:30 AM
• (no other services taking place)

Sunday 3rd January (Epiphany)

• Combined service at 10:30 AM
• (no other services taking place)

The last day of usual activities will be Friday 18th December. After that, Church and the Community Centre will only be open for the special services and events over the Christmas period. On Sunday 27th December and Sunday 3rd January there will be ONE Sunday service only at 10:30 AM. From Monday 28th December until Saturday 3rd January the buildings will not be open at all with no activities taking place. Everything will resume to the normal programme on Monday 4th January 2027.

Taking place in the Community Centre Hall and starting in November, is Silver Service – a place of friendship, faith and fun. Starting on Tuesday 10th November from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. For more information please speak to Dawn Bradbury.

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 in the corridor
• Online giving – you can give online HERE
• You can give by text with a smartphone.  Send a text to 07380 307 800 containing our keyword “CCTFY5”, followed by the word “give”, followed by the amount you wish to give.  For example “CCTFY5 give £10” to give £10. Step by step instructions HERE
• 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.

A note from Sally Johnson…

‘Calling all knit and crochet crafters………’

Did you know that September 2029, marks the significant 90th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II? To commemorate this milestone, there is an exciting community project I would like to share with you and that is to create a spectacular ‘River of Poppies’ inside Christ Church. It will be a massive 45-foot cascading display of handmade poppies.

This is going to be a massive team effort. We need around 12,000 poppies to make it look truly spectacular. We will be setting up a Poppy Donation Box for yarn, felt, and finished poppies. It is going to be a beautiful, moving tribute that brings the whole community together, and I look forward to keeping you all updated as to how our poppies are growing.

The project will focus on community engagement and Heritage commemoration. We will deepen local partnerships (for example with schools) by offering a tangible, creative and multi-year connection to the Church building culminating in a major public exhibition in 2029. We will give a purposeful, long term project that fosters social connection and community pride. The Church will create a breathtaking, visual installation that will draw visitors into the Church from across the wider coastal community. 

The poppies will be slightly overlapped so the burlap backing is completely invisible. Shading will be created by clustering darker red or slightly larger poppies near the centre and bottom of the flow and scattering lighter and smaller ones at the top to simulate movement. We will add in a few purple poppies for the animals that were killed during the wars and some white poppies to symbolise peace.

The plan is for the installation to open on Sunday 2nd September 2029 and remain in situ until Remembrance Sunday, 11th November 2029.

For more information and to get involved, please speak to Sally Johnson or email her on: sally@christchurchthornton.uk

The All for Jesus seminars look at some interesting and sometimes controversial subjects. The purpose of these is to stretch our theological muscles and ponder some little discussed but important subjects. Each seminar is rooted in teaching from the holy scriptures with some history, theology – all within a prayerful and pastoral approach.

• 022 | Tuesday 27th October | Why does the Bible describe Jesus as King? (video recording)
• 023 | Tuesday 3rd November | Why and when will Jesus return?
• 024 | Tuesday 10th November | What will happen when Jesus returns?
• 025 | Tuesday 17th November | How do we prepare for Jesus returning?
• 026 | Tuesday 24th November | Was there really a donkey and an Inn?
• 027 | Tuesday 1st December | Why did Jesus need to be born of a virgin?
• 028 | Tuesday 8th December | Who were the Wise Men?

All the seminars take place on a Tuesday lunchtime from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Community Centre Hall over a simple lunch of soup and a roll followed by cheese and biscuits. The cost is £5 to cover the cost of food. Booking in advance is required via the link published in the weekly news email the week before each event happens. Book HERE for Tuesday 27th October.

An invitation from Bishop Joe Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley…

“Five hundred years ago, in 1526, William Tyndale printed the first New Testament in English. Copies were printed in exile at Worms, and then were smuggled back into England in bales of cloth. Tyndale’s passion for making God’s Word accessible to everyone transformed countless lives and changed history – and today when we read the Bible in English, we are reading translations that have been shaped by his work. As part of its centenary celebrations, Blackburn Cathedral is marking the Tyndale anniversary in three different events, and I am writing today to commend these events to you and to invite you to promote them…”

To mark the 500 year anniversary of William Tyndale’s English New Testament first being printed, Blackburn Cathedral are hosting a special exhibition from September to the 20th November. First printed in 1526, it was a decisive moment in the story of English Christianity, public worship, and the English language itself.

Displaying an original edition of the first Bible to be printed in English, on loan from the British Library, the exhibition focuses on translation and Tyndale’s use of technology. This will be the only copy on public display anywhere in our region. Alongside the Bible will be a fascinating exhibition, designed by the Cathedral, showcasing Tyndale’s life, his impact on the English language and on Christianity today. Entry is by donation. More information available on this link HERE.

Bowl & Chat is back on Mondays from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Community Centre.

Playhouse!is on Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Community Centre Hall. During the half-term holiday Playhouse will continue to meet.

Brickhouse! is on Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall. Due to the half-term holiday, Brickhouse is taking a two-week break. It will return on Tuesday 3rd November.

Lighthouse! is on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM in the Community Centre Hall. Due to the half-term holiday, Lighthouse is taking a two-week break. It will return on Wednesday 4th November.

Cookhouse! is on Fridays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall. Due to half-term, Cookhouse is taking a two week break. Book HERE for the next one taking place on Friday 6th November.

Treasurehouse! is on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the Community Centre Hall.

Treehouse! is on Sundays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Community Centre, Church & Chapel.

Clubhouse!is on Sundays from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM in the Community Centre.

We’ve been live streaming services since 26th March 2020. Did you know they are all available to watch on our YouTube channel?

We hope that by streaming the service live, anyone who faces restrictions because of mobility, health or other reasons, can benefit from tuning in on a Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. We know of some people who come to the 9:00 AM service and go home and enjoy the 11:00 AM live stream at home. And others who appreciate the opportunity to be in Church on a Sunday but to watch the sermon back again at home. Others like to worship through the week by joining in the worship songs. Here is the link you need to watch the live stream this Sunday and view any of the 750 videos available on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/ChristChurchThornton/

This week’s worship songs for our 11:00 AM service on the 25th October can be listened to in advance using this Spotify playlist on this link HERE.

Closed Case, Open Tomb will cause us to ponder just what did happen on that first Easter. Weren’t the soldiers supposed to be guarding the tomb? Were they not watching? How on earth are they going to explain this to their superiors?!

“It wasn’t our fault sir. We watched it all night sir – honest sir – we did sir!”

Taking place during the season of Easter, on Sunday 25th April at 10:00 AM, this unique and special production will be a huge collaboration involving many of the church family.

We are looking for ALL age groups to be involved. We need scenery makers and painters, costume designers and makers, dressers, prompts, scene shifters, backstage crew, sound and light technicians, front of house crew, musicians, and of course…actors!

Apart from saving the date of Sunday 25th April in your diary, we’d love you to know how you can participate…

The next rehearsal and planning gathering is this coming Sunday after the 11:00 AM service.

The coordinators of Closed Case, Open Tomb are Sally Johnson (sally@christchurchthornton.uk) and Angela Roberts. Please chat to them for more info.

The heating is on in the Church building. Please bear with us as we seek to find that happy balance between keeping everyone warm, comfortable and healthy whilst also seeking not to unnecessarily emit carbon and increase costs.

There’s a Recycling Roadshow coming to Christ Church on Wednesday 25th November. Between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM there will be a representative of Wyre Council with a display table and information in the porch. Do pop by and see what you can discover.

Monday 26th October

• 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in Church
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
• 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 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
• 12:00 Noon to 1:45 PM – Lyrics & Lunch in the Community Centre
• 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bowl & Chat in the Community Centre
• 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Growth Groupon Mondays

Tuesday 27th October

• 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in Church
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
• 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)
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Craft & Chat in Church
• 12:00 Noon to 12:45 PM – All for Jesus Seminar & Lunch in the Community Centre
• 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
• 7:45 PM to 8:30 PM – Prayer for Growth in the Chapel

Wednesday 28th October

• 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM – Fridaymen volunteers in the Churchyard and Church
• 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in Church
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
• 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)
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Growth Group on Wednesdays
• 11:15 AM to 12:00 Noon – Traditional (BCP) service of Holy Communion in Church
• 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Lunches for Seniors in the Community Centre
• 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
• 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Worship Team Rehearsal in Church

Thursday 22nd October

• 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in Church
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
• 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 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
• 12:00 Noon to 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre
• 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bat & Chat in the Community Centre
• 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM – Alpha Course in the Community Centre

Friday 29th October

• 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM – Fridaymen volunteers in the Churchyard and Church
• 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – ‘Side Aisle Support’ in Church
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Community Centre
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Craft & Chat in the Community Centre
• 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)
• 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Move & Chat in the Community Centre

Saturday 31st October

• Go for a coffee, go for a walk – wrap-up warm!