Hello everyone!

This will be the last weekly news for a month – therefore please do read on and take note of any dates of when things are. Your next weekly news email will be on Friday 14th August.

This past week I’ve been at the Diocese of Blackburn Centenary Conference, with over 350 leaders from across the Church of England in Lancashire. It was a wonderful week.

The conference was streamed to the Fruitful App. Just open up the App, select ‘conference’ on the bottom menu, and then select ‘live’ at the top right. Select ‘past live sessions’ and it will take to all the recordings that are available. Alternatively you can use the YouTube links below:

• Main Session One, Monday 6th July 4:00 PM, keynote by Bishop Philip available HERE
• Main Session Two, Monday 6th July 7:30 PM, keynote by Debbie Lewer available HERE
• Main Session Three, Tuesday 7th July 10:45 AM, keynote by David Moffitt available HERE
• Main Session Four, Wednesday 8th July 10:45 AM, keynote by Andy Meeson available HERE
• Main Session Five, Thursday 9th July 10:45 AM, keynote by Bishop Esther Prior available HERE

A specially commissioned centenary hymn was written for the conference by Gareth Davies-Jones (you’ll recognise his name from the concerts he has performed at Christ Church Thornton). The hymn is called ‘All for Jesus’ and is an inspiring reflection of God’s work across Lancashire. You can watch the hymn being introduced and taught in the ‘Main Session One’ link above. It’s also available to listen to HERE as a separate video. In the coming weeks we be introducing it to our services of worship at Christ Church!

There were also concerts from Gareth Davies-Jones and Matt Britton, available HERE and HERE.

Tomorrow in our services we continue our 8-week journey through The Bible Course. We’re on week 5! The theme is Exile – The Story of Loss. We pick up the story after Israel experienced a dark period of division, defeat and deportation. However, God raised up prophets who promised that the best was yet to come. 

On a Sunday, the theme of the week is introduced during the sermon in the services. Then, come back again during the week to one of the five midweek opportunities. Don’t like going out in the evening? That’s fine, choose from one of the three daytime groups. Working during the day? We understand, for you there’s two evening groups to choose from.

Here’s the full list:

• Monday at 7:30 PM (in the Community Centre Hall)
• Tuesday at 2:30 PM (at 99 Church Road)
• Wednesday at 10:00 AM (in Church)
• Thursday at 7:30 PM (in the Community Centre Hall)
• Friday at 10:00 AM (in the Community Centre Hall

Coming up tomorrow on Sunday 12th July is our youth BBQ in the Vicarage Garden. Good news – angels were sent during the week and the front garden has converted from being a meadow to a lawn! Taking place from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, young people who are already or who are about to be of High School & Sixth Form age will gather for burgers, water fights and other crazy games!

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 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 and 11:00 AM 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 King 25 and Luke 4:1-15.

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 28th June can be listened to in advance using this Spotify playlist on this link HERE.

Thank you to all those who came today to part one of Walk Through the Bible. Today was all about the Old Testament. Part two will cover the big picture of the New Testament – Matthew to Revelation. It will take place on Saturday 3rd October 2026. Just like today, the next event will be a fun and encouraging way to consolidate prior Bible knowledge and help fill in gaps. An experienced presenter will lead the event with five one-hour sessions. The presenter will set up the room to explain the Biblical geography and how it impacts the story. There will be a specifically designed Workbook, accompanied by a PowerPoint, containing maps, charts and book summaries.

Use this link HERE to book for the next event. It will take you to the Walk Through the Bible website. Scroll down the list of events at different churches to find the Christ Church Thornton event and buy tickets from there. For any questions, further info or booking issues please speak to Chris Fallone.

Sometimes we all need a break. That time is almost upon us. The biblical principle of resting from our labours is important to embrace. Our summer recess is taking place over the last two weeks of July and the first week of August. This means from Monday 20th July many of the usual midweek activities and services run by Christ Church Thornton will not be taking place. Most things that usually take place in the Chapel, Church, Community Centre, Bookshop or Food Pantry will not be taking place. With the exception of The Bible Course and one or two other things – check with the leader of the activity you usually attend. All Sunday services continue as normal. Everything will resume on Monday 10th August.

The Keswick Convention is an inspiring thing to attend and be part of. Not everyone can manage to get there or stay over. Therefore, on Friday 7th August we’re creating at Keswick at Home experience at Christ Church in the Community Centre Hall. (Note this event is an exception to the summer recess).

We’ll be watching the Evening Celebration live on the big screen, hoping to create that big tent experience. We will be eating fish and chips (a popular delicacy at Keswick) and then tuning in to the teaching, the music and the atmosphere of the last day of the Convention on our big screen. Come along and experience the fun, fellowship, celebration and brilliant Bibe teaching.

It’s on Friday 7th August from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, starting with fish and chips and then tuning into the livestream. Booking is required for catering purposes. Book HERE before 12noon on Wednesday 5th August to secure your place.

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.

The booking link is now live HERE. 

‘Thank you’ to all the amazing Fridaymen and women who so faithfully serve Christ Church and the wider parish through their maintenance of the buildings and grounds – expecially the maintenance of the Churchyard.

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 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.

• On Sunday 6th December helpers are needed to prepare 100+ hot chocolate drinks and mince pies for the 5:00 PM Tree Lighting Service.
• On Monday 7th December we will be holding a Pantivity in Church (a Pantomime Nativity – “oh yes we are”!) – welcomers, popcorn and drinks team needed! Accommodation hosts for the actors is also needed.
• On Friday 25th December, we will once again be hosting a Christmas Day Community Dinner from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
• On Tuesday 13th April 2027, we be hosting a Diocesan Clergy Study Day.

If you can help with the catering, accommodation and other practical elements for any of the above, please do get in touch.

Monday 13th July

• 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 – 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
• 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM – The Bible Course on Mondays

Tuesday 14th July

• 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 – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – Craft & Chat in Church
• 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
• 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM – The Bible Course on Tuesdays
• 4:30 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 15th July

• 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 – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – The Bible Course 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
• 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM – Mothers’ Union in the Church and Community Centre
• 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 16th July

• 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 – 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 – The Bible Course on Thursdays
• 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM – Alpha in the Community Centre

Friday 17th July

• 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 11:30 AM – The Bible Course on Fridays
• 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 – Food Pantry available (emergency food support)
• 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Move & Chat in the Community Centre

With the summer recess taking place, it’s time for me to drift off for a few weeks and enjoy some time away to rest with family and friends. I’ll be away from Friday 17th July and back on Sunday 9th August. Praying you will have a peace-filled and Christ-centred summer.