“Of one Being with the Father”
We’re continuing our series through the Nicene Creed. We have been learning and will keep learning that God the Son is the same substance as God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? It means each of the three persons of God are fully God; 100%, totally, truly, very God. Kapow!
Come again on Sunday, as we look forward to hearing Rev’d Derek speaking to us on this subject.
It’s Lent! That means the Lent Devotional Booklets are once again available. This year’s is entitled ‘Hear our Prayer.’ You can pick one up in the bookshop (free of charge) and/or you can read, watch and listen to them on the Fruitful app. Bishop Philip has once again produced a five-week video-based Lent course which is featured on the Fruitful app.
I can’t recommend highly enough that you download the Fruitful app to help you in your discipleship.
Please read below for church news and events…
See you Sunday? Yes? Take your pick: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM…
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Sunday Services
The services and activities on Sunday 9th March 2025 are:
- 9:00 AM Traditional (The 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 Communion Service (livestreamed with refreshments afterwards)
- 12:15 PM Meadows Books’ open (until 12:45 PM)
- 5:00 PM Treehouse Family Worship (with refreshments)
- 6:00 PM Meadows Books open (until 6:15 PM)
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Watching Online, Bible Reading and Order of Service
Our livestream can be viewed on our YouTube channel here and our Facebook channel here. In our services we will be looking at the following Bible readings: Deuteronomy 6.1-9 (Church Bible page 151) and John 10.22-33 (Church Bible page 896). The 11:00 AM order of service is available here.
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Mr Raymond Turner
Raymond died this week in the early hours of Wednesday 5th March. Raymond was residing temporarily in the Manse Care Nursing Home in Kirkham. His devoted wife Josie will be deeply feeling the loss of her dear husband. Raymond, well into his 90’s, has lived a long and happy life. Of that long and happy life, the majority if it has been spent with his dear wife Josie.
In 2023 Raymond and Josie celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary! Yes, read that again…70 years! Platinum! What an amazing achievement. As part of their celebrations they attended the Mothers’ Union service on the 16th August 2023 surrounded by family and friends to celebrate this special moment, followed by a cutting of the cake in the Hall afterwards. It was a beautiful moment.
Raymond was instrumental in launching our Bowl & Chat here at Church. He was part of the team when it first started. Before we had a trolley to move the heavy bowling mats on, Raymond would each week help carry them in out and of the Church. Raymond loved bowling. He was quite used to a ‘change of ends’ during matches. Well, now Raymond is enjoying a change of ends like never before.
When speaking to Raymond, he would often reminisce about churches he was part of in the past before moving to Thornton – churches which he was intrumental in building and being part of. Faith was important to Raymond. Whilst he will be deeply missed by his family and special friendships in church members, his faith assures us that Raymond’s long life on earth has now been turned into a longer life in heaven – an eternal life.
Details of Raymond’s funeral will be published shortly. In the meantime, let us give thanks to the Lord for Raymond’s life…
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for Raymond, a gentleman, a man of faith, and a faithful husband to Josie. Please comfort Josie and all her family with your strength-giving shepherdly love. May they know your peace as they live with the knowledge Raymond is enjoying eternal life in your eternal kingdom. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Below is a photo of Raymond and Josie taken on the 25th December 2022 when they attended the Christmas Dinner at Church. A very happy couple!
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In memory of Martin
Mick Golden, John Hearnshaw, and Damian Platt (with a support vehicle driven by Geoff Stott providing logistical support and refreshments) are walking from Whalley Abbey (near Clitheroe) to Christ Church Thornton in memory of Martin Ormond. This is taking place this weekend on Saturday 8th March.
If you would like to sponsor the walk you are welcome to do so. Any donations will be sent to the Christian Charities which Martin himself supported. To make a donation by cash please use a white Gift Aid envelope available at the back of Church and clearly mark it ‘Walk from Whalley Abbey.’ Or for online and digital donations please reference your donation is for the ‘Walk from Whalley Abbey.’
Photos and details of how the walk went will follow on Sunday.
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Cookhouse
It was great to welcome 11 children and their parents/guardians to Cookhouse this evening. They made some delicious fish-shaped biscuits which linked to the Bible story the Miraculous Catch of Fish!
Please book here for ‘Cookhouse’ family teatime cookery class on Friday 14th March at 5:00 PM. Booking is essential. Please note that the volunteers purchase ingredients at 12 noon the day before (Thursday). Bookings will therefore close at 12 noon on Thursday.
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Men United
The next Men United gathering for men is taking place on Friday 14th March at 7:30 PM at the Golden Eagle (corner of North Drive and Warren Drive). Please book your place with John Hearnshaw before Wednesday 12th March with a £3.00 deposit per person (the deposit is needed because of payment required by the venue for a block booking in advance).
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Football match
The men’s 11-a-side football team are through to the trophy competition quarter-finals. Their next match is on Saturday 15th March at 10:30 AM. Supporters are welcome – unfortunately it isn’t nearby – it’s being played at Ashton Community Science College in Preston.
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Evensong
We’re delighted to be welcoming the Chapel Choir of Rossall School on Sunday 16th March at 3:00 PM in Church for a service of Choral Evensong. Please do come and worship the Lord in this way and to support the young people involved.
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Funeral of Beth Coleman
Beth’s funeral will be taking place on Friday 28th March at 12:45 PM at Christ Church Thornton, with the service continuing at 2:00 PM at Carleton Crematorium. All are welcome to the service in Church, and at the Crematorium, and afterwards at Carleton Bowling Club.
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Funeral of Stephen Parker
Stephen’s funeral will be taking place on Friday 11th April at 1:30 PM at Christ Church Thornton, with the service continuing at 2:45 PM at Carleton Crematorium. All are welcome to the service in Church, and at the Crematorium, and afterwards at the Community Centre Hall back at Christ Church.
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Diocesan Clergy Study Day
A big “thank you” to all those who helped on Thursday – you know who you are! It was tremendous to host church leaders from across Lancashire, including the senior leaders of the Diocese of Blackburn. There were some wonderful comments made by the guests, such as “the best venue” and “five star hospitality” and “amazing team.” Of course, hosting such days isn’t about inviting those comments, instead it was really good to be able to offer our facilities and hospitality to serve the Lord by equipping his servants across Lancashire.
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Special events in Holy Week and Easter
Jews for Jesus is an organisation that exists to support churches in exploring Jewish life with faith in Jesus. Those working for the organisation are Jews who are for Jesus. Many Jewish people have never heard that following Jesus can be a thriving expression of Jewish life. The events will give Christians the opportunity to further understand Jewish life and to help share our faith with Jewish people we meet.
Friday 18th April (Good Friday)
- 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Presentation: ‘Christ in the Passover Banquet’ – with a Seder
- *Booking required* (more details nearer the time)
Saturday 19th April (Holy Saturday)
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Presentation: ‘Gospel of Grace to the Nations’
Sunday 20th April (Easter Day)
- 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Presentation: ‘John 2 – the Significance of the Resurrection’
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Year of Prayer for Growth and Renewal
During the diocesan Year of Prayer for Growth and Renewal they have set aside five quiet days for prayer at Whalley Abbey. These are designed to be a day in the company Jesus, in a beautiful location with nice food and hospitality. Please find a poster for these quiet days using this link here.
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New Electoral Roll
The Church Electoral Roll is the register of electors for Christ Church Thornton. It is the list of those qualified to attend and to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in the elections for the Parochial Church Council and the parish representatives on the Deanery Synod. In 2025 and every six years thereafter, the electoral roll is renewed. In a year of renewal (this year), no names are carried over from the old roll, and everyone must apply for inclusion in the new roll.
The deadline to apply to be on the electoral roll is the 5th May 2025. Forms will be made available in the coming weeks – with various ways to apply, including online and paper forms.
Being on the electoral roll has other benefits too, especially for those who live outside of the parish – such as burial, marriage and baptism eligibility. However, if you live outside the parish boundary and want to come onto the electoral roll, you have to have been worshipping at Christ Church for a minimum period of six months.
For more information, please speak to the Electoral Roll Officer, Sally Johnson.
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Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Our 2025 APCM will be on the evening of Thursday 29th May beginning at 5:30 PM. Please do attend if you can, as this is an important annual meeting giving an overview of the previous year and looking forward to the year to come. This APCM will be suitable for all ages, so do come along as a family. We will start with food, then worship, after which a representative from each congregation will share some highlights of the ministry and mission during 2024.
The evening consists of two official meetings, firstly the Meeting of Parishioners (known as the ‘Vestry Meeting’ where Churchwardens are elected) and the APCM where the annual accounts and report are presented and members of the laity are elected to serve on the PCC and Deanery Synod.
At the APCM we have four places for a three-year term on the PCC. Nomination forms are available to download and print here:
- A nomination Form for Election to the PCC can be downloaded using this link HERE.
Nomination Forms must be submitted before or at the meeting. For more information about eligibility to serve on the PCC and Deanery Synod and the nominations and election process, please do get in touch with me. Please pray that God will equip and call people to these important roles to serve and lead His Church.
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2025 Treehouse Weekend Away – “Hallowed”
Once again we’re driving up the M6 to Grange-over-Sands for the fourth Treehouse Weekend Away. It’s only an hour from door-to-door. We’ll be staying at the Thornleigh Christian Hotel. The weekend will take place from Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November. The weekend will be full board, including all meals in the hotel from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, with plenty of coffee breaks and biscuits inbetween. On the Saturday afternoon there might be a special trip to Holker Hall & Gardens in the nearby Holker Estate in Cartmel.
The Treehouse Weekend Away is always a great opportunity to spend time together whilst growing deeper in our Christian faith. The theme will be “hallowed.”
How much? As a church we always try to subsidise the cost of the weekend for all who go, to ensure cost isn’t a barrier and to make things a little easier for families to budget, especially so close to Christmas. The price for the weekend is £155 per adult (17+). £35 for ages
3–5, £55 for ages 6–11, and £75 for ages 12–16. Children aged 0–2 are free of charge.
BOOK NOW! Places are available on a first come first served basis.
You can book and pay for places for the weekend here. If you’d prefer to pay in instalments by bank transfer, you can find the bank details here.
If the affordability of the weekend is a struggle, please get in touch. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to anyone attending.
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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
- 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 instuctions 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.
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Diary of Activities and Services
Monday 10th March
- 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 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 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre and Church
- 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bowl & Chat in the Community Centre
- 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Growth Group in the Community Centre
Tuesday 11th March
- 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 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 1:00 PM – 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 Community Centre
Wednesday 12th March
- 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM – Breakfast Club and Walking Bus to Royles Brook School in the Community Centre
- 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 the Chapel
- 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 10:45 AM – Wednesday Morning Growth Group in Church
- 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
- 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM – Lighthouse in the Community Centre
- 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Worship Team Rehearsal in Church
Thursday 13th March
- 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – Morning Prayer in the Bookshop
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 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 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre
- 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bat & Chat in the Community Centre
Friday 14th March
- 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 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)
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Craft & Chat in Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Move & Chat in the Community Centre
- 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – ‘Cookhouse’ Family Teatime Cookery Class in the Community Centre
- 7:30 PM – Men United meal out at the Golden Eagle.
Saturday 15th March
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:30 AM – Christ Church Men’s Team Football match
Sunday 16th March
- 9:00 AM – Traditional (The 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 Communion Service (livestreamed and with refreshments afterwards)
- 12:15 PM – Meadows Books’ open (until 12:45 PM)
- 3:00 PM – Choral Evensong with Chapel Choir of Rossall School
- 5:00 PM – Treehouse Family Worship (with refreshments)
- 6:00 PM – Meadows Books open (until 6:15 PM)
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With blessings,
Damian
