Alpha is a course which introduces the Christian faith, and it starts with the most basic and most important question: Who is Jesus? It’s an ancient question. Moses asked a similar question when God appeared to him in a burning bush (Exodus 3), to which God responded “I am who I am”. God is the God who is alive, not like the Egyptian idols of wood and stone. God is the God who is with His people. He’s the God who always was, who is, and who is to come. 

Jesus asks the disciples a similar question in this week’s gospel passage: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter responds: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” We’ll be unpacking that response in this week’s Sunday morning sermon. 

Who do you say that Jesus is? Whatever your answer, it’s important that you do have an answer. You and your friends are very welcome to come on Alpha to explore that question more. Sign up for Alpha at christchurchthornton.uk/alpha.

Andrew

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SUNDAY SERVICES

The services and activities on Sunday 27th August 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 Worship (with refreshments)
• 6:00 PM Sanctuary Youth Club (For school years 6-13)
• 6:00 PM Meadows Books open (until 6:15 PM)

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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 16:13-20 (Church Bible page 822). You can read it online HERE.

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ORDER OF SERVICE

To download or print the order of service for the 11:00 AM service, please click on this link HERE and select the appropriate week.

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WHALLEY ABBEY RETREAT PROGRAMME

The vision for Whalley Abbey is to be a place of encounter, spiritual refreshment and growth for all, and several members of our congregation have enjoyed retreats and quiet days at Whalley as a space to reflect. The diocese have recently produced a brochure of the 2023/2024 programme which you can download here:

WA Retreat Programme.pdf 

Email bookings@whalleyabbey.org or ring 01251 828 400 for more details. 

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ARTS & CRAFT FAYRE

Tomorrow, on Saturday 26th August 10am-noon we have an Arts & Craft Fayre in the Community Hall. This is a fun event to bring a friend along to and introduce them to the church building and family while you browse the stalls and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Stalls include cards, crafts, cuddly toys and more! There’s no entry fee, but plenty to spend your money on if you’re so inclined!

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BACK FROM THE SUMMER BREAK

Our Community Centre Programme and Growth Groups are now all running again. Exceptions are:

• Family teatime cookery classes, which will resume on Friday 8th September.
• Playhouse at Burn Naze and our Tuesday Evening Worship Service, which will resume Tuesday 5th September.

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SANCTUARY YOUTH CLUB

This Sunday (27th August) 6pm-7:30pm we have our Sanctuary youth group after Treehouse for young people in school years 6 to 13. This is a space to welcome young people into church and features table tennis, pool, card games, Nintendo and pizza. If you are a young person, you’re very welcome to come and bring a friend, or if you know a young person, please invite them along!

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BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

We seek to remain open as much as possible, but just occasionally we like to give staff and volunteers a break. Therefore on Bank Holiday Monday 28th August, Church and Community Hall activities will not be running. This includes Morning Prayer, Pilgrim’s Rest, Meadows Books, Playhouse, Food Pantry, Lyrics & Lunch, Bowl & Chat and Growth Groups.

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CHRIST CHURCH FC

The next men’s 11-a-side match is on Saturday 2nd September. There may be some changes to the venue and kick-off time. so we will keep you posted next week. This will be our first competitive match playing in the Cup competition of the South Manchester and Cheshire Christian Football League. It got off to a good start on Tuesday night a with a 3-1 victory against Kay Street Baptist Church at our pre-season friendly match. And the vicar almost scored a goal! But almost isn’t good enough is it?

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ALPHA

ALPHA is a short course that introduces the basics of Christian faith in a welcoming and engaging way. It includes a tasty meal, a short video on topics like ‘Who is Jesus?’, followed by a friendly discussion where guests are encouraged to express any opinion or ask any question they like. It’s a great course to come on if you’re exploring faith, and a great course to invite a friend to. 

We’re running Alpha from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on a Wednesday evening, starting on 13th September and running until 6th December. This will run alongside with Lighthouse, so the children will join us for the meal, and parents can stay for Alpha while the children are at Lighthouse. 

Sign up for Alpha at christchurchthornton.uk/alpha.

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BURN NAZE PLAYHOUSE AND KICK ACADEMY

From 5th September we’re (re-)launching two Tuesday afternoon activities at Thornton Cleveleys Football Club on Gamble Road in Burn Naze. Please do pray for these activities and mention them to people you know, especially if they live in or near Burn Naze.

Playhouse is our drop-in for 0-5s and their parents/carers with toys, songs, Bible story, tea and toast. It runs 2-3pm every Tuesday. 

KICK is a football Academy for Primary School aged children that includes football coaching, a short half-time talk, and a game of football. It’s open to all abilities with the aim of having fun, learning football, promoting Christian values and connecting children to church. It runs 3:45-4:45pm every Tuesday. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch, and remain responsible for their children at all times. 

To give us an idea of numbers and to aid with communication, it would be helpful if children could be registered for KICK, however you can turn up and registered in-person on the day. 
You can book Primary School aged children in to KICK Academy HERE.

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MEN UNITED

The next Men United meal will be at the Tavern at the Mill at 7:30pm on Friday 8th September. This is an ideal event for men to invite a friend to, introduce them to some other men from church, and then invite them on to Alpha starting the following Wednesday. 

Speak to John Hearnshaw to book your place. 

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FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF MEADOWS BOOKS

We will be celebrating the first anniversary of Meadows Books on Thursday 14th September, 7:30 PM. There will be refreshments and a free gift for each person that comes. Come along, celebrate, browse!

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FLOURISH WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

This new weekly opportunity for Bible study will start on Tuesday 19th September, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Chris Hartley’s home. It will be an encouraging time for women to grow in their Christian walk together. Please speak to Chris for more information.

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ABIDE WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

Starting soon and meeting around once a term, the book group will spend an enjoyable evening reflecting on a short Christian book. The first book will be ‘Heavenly Minded’ by Mary Wilson Hannah. This short book captures how fixing our eyes on heaven will transform our Christian experience here on earth, bringing assurance, hope and purpose. The book will be available to buy in the Meadows Books for only £2.50 (usual price £3.99). Please speak to Chris Hartley for more information.

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‘LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS’ WITH THORNTON CLEVELEYS BAND

Live music from Thornton Cleveleys band. Friday 22nd September from 7:30 PM. Entry costs £7 (pay on the door) with no booking necessary. Interval refreshments included!

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CORE CATECHISM CLASSES
Getting to grips with why we believe what we believe!

Core Catechism Classes will equip Christians with the tools to understand more firmly why they believe what they believe. Using the ancient method of catechesis, the Core Catechism Classes (designed by Damian) will teach the foundational doctrines of Christianity, carefully tracing the story of the one true God as revealed in Scripture.

Core Catechism Classes will run in-between the Sunday morning services 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, enabling people attending either congregation to come. They will run in the Community Centre Hall and will include coffee and cake.

Topics will include: Church History, Creation, Creeds, 39 Articles, Bible Overview, Heresies, Baptism, Holy Communion, The Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Reliability of the Bible.

Classes start on Sunday 8th October. For more information speak to Damian or Andrew.

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HARVEST SUPPER AND CEILIDH

Put on your dancing shoes and eating shirt for the Christ Church Harvest Supper and Ceilidh on Saturday 28th October 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Featuring live music from the Preston-based ‘Old School Band’ along with a tasty harvest supper of Home-made Lamb Hot Pot and Chocolate Fudge Cake with Cream (bring your own drinks). It will be great!

Tickets must be purchased on advance and will go on sale soon (watch this space!) They will cost £10 per adult and £5 per child. 

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COACH TRIP TO LIVERPOOL

Damian is running a coach trip to Liverpool – would you like to come too? It’s on Friday 1st December and costs only £15!

There will be an opportunity to explore Liverpool at your own leisure and do some Christmas shopping. You could also visit one of Liverpool’s Cathedrals.

The coach will be setting off from Christ Church Thornton at 8:30 AM, arriving in Liverpool just around 10:00 AM. The coach will leave Liverpool at 4:00 PM, arriving back at Christ Church around 6:00 PM, traffic dependent.

As an optional extra, you can also enjoy a 50-minute ferry ‘cross the Mersey to see one of the greatest waterfronts in the world! The cruise will be followed by a bus tour of Liverpool. The route provides the opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The cost for this is an extra £16 (£31 total).

Book your tickets and pay online HERE.

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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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GIVING TO GOD

There are numerous ways to give to God and contribute to the mission and ministry of Christ Church:

• 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
• 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)
• 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

Here’s a comprehensive list of all that’s taking place in the week ahead…

Monday 28th August Bank Holiday Monday. No activities.

Tuesday 29th August

• 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 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
• 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Tuesday night Growth Group in the Community Centre

Wednesday 30th August

• 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 11:00 AM – Mother’s Union Committee Meeting in Church
• 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)
• 11:30 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
• 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Musical Worship Team Rehearsal in Church

Thursday 31st August

• 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 1st September

• 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 11:30 PM – Service of Holy Communion at Alexander Court Care Home
• 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
• 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Move & Chat in the Community Centre

Saturday 26th August

• 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop

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.

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With blessings,

Damian & Andrew