Hello everyone!

76 days to go! Until what? You know! Until Christmas. That either fills you with dread or joy. May it be the latter. May the run-up to Christmas this year be a joy-filled anticipation of the deeply beautiful love of God evidenced in his coming to be among us.

Next week I’ll be publishing the list of all the Christmas services, special events and activities. Until then hold on tight. In the meantime, please be thinking about who you can invite and any ways in which you can prioritise worship and spiritual growth during the Christmas season. It’s so easy to get ourselves distracted and caught-up in the secular aspect of Christmas that we forget the first five letters of Christmas.

Have you thought about having a media fast – ditching watching those films you’ve watched so many times and taking up a spiritual discipline instead (pray, read, sing etc)? Have you thought about an alternative way to give a gift to a loved one – could you pay £60 to twin their toilet and help someone elsewhere in great need? (More info HERE) How about hosting an evening of carol singing and mulled wine at your house – invite your neighbours, friends (and vicar!)? How about joining in with a few other households in your area and do a Carol Singing Crawl? Who could you invite for Christmas dinner at your house – someone who would otherwise be on their own? Could you start a new tradition – bring all the family to the midnight service and then go home and open all the presents?!

Tomorrow, Roger Lloyd Jones will be updating us on the work of one of our Global Mission Partners; Life Association. HERE is their latest newsletter.

Last week I made a mistake on the weekly news email and advertised that the Sanctuary Youth Gathering was taking place last Sunday. It wasn’t and didn’t! It’s tomorrow instead. The Sanctuary Youth Gathering is for those in school years 7 and above. We’ll play games and eat food. It’s the Community Centre Hall straight after the Treehouse service.

Tomorrow 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: Daniel 9:1-27 and Luke 18:9-14.

Tomorrow we’ll be looking mainly at the Daniel 9 passage – a fascinating, deep, and hugely relevant piece of scripture to our lives (of course all of scipture is relevant!). We’ll be focusing on this verse:

Verse 19: O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.

Pray your heart will be primed by the Lord to hear his word to you.

Once again we’re driving up the M6 to Grange-over-Sands for the fifth 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 23rd October to Sunday 25th October 2026. 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. We’ll enjoy a lovely walk out on the Saturday afternoon – to spot birds, spot trains, spot Blackpool Tower, play in the park, feed the ducks and visit the chocolate shop! The food at Thornleigh is always amazing! The Treehouse Weekend Away is always a great opportunity to spend time together whilst growing deeper in our Christian faith.

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 below is a subsidised price made possible by the generosity of church members and through raising funds or securing diocesan grants.

The price for the weekend is £170 per adult (17+). £40 for ages 3–5, £60 for ages 6–11, and £80 for ages 12–16. Children aged 0–2 are free of charge. Book using this link HERE. 

Is it only for the Treehouse congregation? Not necessarily! We always welcome those who attend the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM congregations too. Just have a chat to me (Damian) if you’re interested.

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

1. The children who come to Church tomorrow – that they will grasp in their hearts and minds the things they are taught – and have their hearts enlarged with greater love for Jesus in amazement of how much they are loved by him.
2. The children’s ministry team tomorrow – give thanks for them and pray they will be strengthened and sustained by God – and equipped with God’s wisdom and knowledge in all they teach.
3. Young people (teenagers) – pray we will see more young people coming to Christ Church and each one will put down firm roots in their faith.
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. Livestream – for those who are immobile and unable to come to Church – that the livestream ministry will be a real blessing to them as they join in from home.

The month of worship continues with two more events still to come:

• Saturday 10th October (today) at Sacred Heart Church from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (tea, biscuits and games)
• Saturday 17th October at Thornton Methodist Church from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (tea and scratch choir)

A special evening with Rev Rico Tice is taking place on Thursday 15th October at Singleton Lodge Country Hotel. Rico is the founder and presenter of the widely used Christianity Explored course. After dinner Rico will address the question Why bother with Jesus? and there will be time for questions as well, so it is perhaps an ideal opportunity to bring a guest.  

The cost is £37.50 per person for a 3 course dinner (4 options for each course), including welcome drink and coffee. To book please telephone David Gascoigne on 07768 303462 or email davidpgascoigne@gmail.com. The event is an invitation from St Chad’s Church, Poulton-Le-Fylde.

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.

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 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.

• 020 | Tuesday 13th October | Is the story of Noah and the Ark a true story?
• 021 | Tuesday 20th October | Where is Jesus in the Old Testament?
• 022 | Tuesday 27th October | Why does the Bible describe Jesus as King?
• 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 13th October.

Last week, Dave Champness (Creation Care Senior Project Manager at the Diocese of Blackburn) went on a tour of the recycling centre at Farrington nr (Leyland) – known as the Eco Town. He discovered that Wyre ranks 3rd behind West Lancs and South Ribble for recycling, reusing and composting. The government target is 65% by 2035. Currently Wyre is at 40%. Above is a photo Dave took of one of the learning signs when visiting the centre. He thought it was worth sharing with the Christ Church Thornton church family.

If you’re interested in visiting the Eco Town for a tour, take a look at their website for more info HERE.

If you are involved in serving in an aspect of our ministry and mission and are due to renew your Safeguarding Training, there is an in-person training session run by the diocesan safeguarding team taking on place Thursday 15th October at St. David’s Church Fleetwood at the following times:

• 10:00am Basic/Foundation Safeguarding Training
• 12:30pm Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse Training

For more information email Andrew Downes: andrew@fleetwood.church

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.

An event entitled The Bible Changes Lives is taking place on Tuesday 14th October, 7:00 PM at Blackburn Cathedral. It will be an evening with Bishop Graham Tomlin, music from the Cathedral’s Youth Choir, and interviews with people whose lives the Bible has changed. It is free and everyone is welcome. For more information and to book your FREE tickets use 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.

Brickhouse! is on Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall.

Lighthouse! is on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM in the Community Centre Hall.

Cookhouse! is on Fridays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall. Book HERE for the next one taking place on Friday 9th October.

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 11th October can be listened to in advance using this Spotify playlist on this link HERE.

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!

There will be much more to say about that in the coming weeks. For now, put the date in your diary: Monday 7th December at 6:30 PM.

And, put in your diary now…

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…

There is a gathering for an hour each Monday in Church (or as many Mondays as possible) for anyone who would like to be involved. If you’d like to be involved and think you could help, no matter how small, you are most welcome to come along. Bring your skills, ideas, or bring an eagerness to learn.

The coordinators of Closed Case, Open Tomb are Sally Johnson (sally@christchurchthornton.uk) and Angela Roberts. Chat to them for more info (especially if you want to be involved but might find a Monday evening difficult to attend).

p.s. Children are most welcome – and needed – but must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. We always place their safety as our highest priority!

Monday 12th 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
• 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM – Easter Production Prep Meeting in Church
• 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Growth Groupon Mondays

Tuesday 13th 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 Church4:30 PM to 5:30 PM – Brickhouse (children’s group) in the Community Centre
• 7:45 PM to 8:30 PM – Prayer for Growth in the Chapel

Wednesday 14th October

• 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM – ‘Walking Wednesday’ Breakfast 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 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
• 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM – Lighthouse (children’s group) in the Community Centre
• 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Worship Team Rehearsal in Church

Thursday 15th 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 16th October

• 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM – ‘Family Friday’ Breakfast 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 – ‘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
• 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – ‘Cookhouse’ Family Teatime Cookery Class in the Community Centre

Saturday 10th October

• Go for a walk, enjoy the fresh air, then have a rest!