“The only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father”
Tomorrow we continue our journey through the Nicene Creed (remember this year is its 1700th anniversary). We’ll be looking at the Son of God – the ONLY Son, who is eternally begottenof the Father. Begotten, not made.
Sounds great doesn’t it – but what does it mean? Come along tomorrow to find out more!
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Sunday Services
The services and activities on Sunday 16th February 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: Proverbs 8.22-31 (Church Bible page 533). The 11:00 AM order of service is available here.
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Mr Stephen Parker
It is with sadness and shock to share the news that Mr Stephen Parker died yesterday. His death was unexpected and sudden. Stephen was known by many of us at Christ Church as ‘Coventry Stephen.’
We will miss Stephen’s smile, humour, and fastidious enthusiasm about all things football, especially his beloved, ‘The Sky Blues’ – Coventry City. Never did we see Stephen not wearing a Coventry City football shirt, often accompanied by a matching scarf and hat.
Stephen thoroughly enjoyed his routine of coming to Christ Church most days of the week, starting off in The Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel,having an enjoyable morning, before heading into the Community Centre Hall for lunch. Sometimes he would come back again in the afternoon, especially on a Thursday when he loved to play pool at Bat & Chat – often for the whole afternoon.
Stephen would often bring in his precious bag a football programme or newspaper cutting from years gone by, and would love to show this to his many friends he made at The Pilgrim’s Rest. More recently he enjoyed bringing his portable radio with him to bring some music and to boost the atmosphere.
In just ten days’ time Stephen was due to celebrate his 60th birthday. Plans were underway, made by his excellent caring neighbours and friends, to mark the occasion whilst he would have been visiting Church and the Community Centre that day.
In the last year or two that Stephen has been coming to Christ Church he has brought joy to many people. He had a wonderful sense of humour, he loved football banter, and he enjoyed interacting – including during sermons – and especially during the Pantivity last December. He made a very witty comment during that which made us all chuckle!
After a little while of coming to the midweek activities, Stephen was invited to come to worship on a Sunday at the 11:00 AM service. The experience was all new to Stephen. He wasn’t quite sure what to do and whether he was ready to take holy communion. Supported by very caring friends, in his own time he came to a decision of feeling he was ready to start receiving holy communion. From there we saw his faith go from strength to strength, with him readily confessing his belief in Jesus.
It’s his belief in Jesus which is the comfort we now have. It gives us the assurance that Stephen is with his Lord and Saviour whom he trusted for eternal life.
“Heavenly Father, we thank you for Stephen. We especially thank you for friends, fellowship, food, and football – all of which were important to Stephen. We will miss him. Father, we thank you for the faith he placed in you. We are confident of where Stephen is, with you, your Son, and your Spirit. Please comfort all those who knew, cared for, and loved Stephen. Comfort all who mourn with your tender love and care. Amen.”
Very appropriately, today, Coventry City scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to earn them a win in their battle of the Championship play-off hopefuls at Sheffield Wednesday.
“Up the Blues!” is what Stephen would have said to us tomorrow.
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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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An evening at Singleton Lodge
Have you ever tussled with the subjects of science and faith? Are they compatible, at odds with each other, or complementary? On Thursday 27th February at 6:30 PM at Singleton Lodge, Rev Andrew Sach will be speaking on the subject of “How is Christian faith still relevant in this modern scientific world?” This evening includes an evening meal and drinks and is ideal to invite a friend. For more details and to book click on this link here.
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Funeral of Martin Ormond
The funeral of Martin Ormond will be on Friday 28th February. Following a service at Lytham Crematorium which family members will attend, all are welcome to All Hallows Church Bispham for a Thanksgiving Service at 11:30 AM. This will be followed by a Reception at the Village Hotel (Heron’s Reach), East Park Drive, Blackpool, to which everyone is welcome. It is expected the service at All Hallows will be very well attended, therefore to help everyone at All Hallows in their preparations, you are asked to put your name on a sign-up sheet to indicate you intend to come to the Thanksgiving Service. You are also asked to indicate if you would like to come to the Village Hotel for the Reception in order that the necessary catering can be arranged.
The sign-up sheet will be in the Hall after every service this coming Sunday after which the numbers will be submitted to the family.
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Diocesan Clergy Study Day
Christ Church Thornton are hosting one of the Clergy Study Days for the Diocese. It is on Thursday 6th March, starting at 9:00 AM. Our excellent facilities means we are a popular choice for clergy to visit and enjoy a day of study, fellowship and hospitality. All of the usual activities which take place in the Church and the Community Centre will not be taking place that day, with the exception of the Meadows Books which will be open during the hours of the Clergy Study Day.
Those attending the day will be enjoying tea and coffee on arrival, other drinks breaks, a hot lunch, worship and study. The day provides yet another excellent opportunity for church members to serve the Lord. Volunteers will be welcome who can contribute just an hour or two, or for the whole day (approximately 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM).
If you can help, please send me (Damian) an email.
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Cookhouse
The next ‘Cookhouse’ will be on Friday 7th March.
Please book here for ‘Cookhouse’ family teatime cookery class on Friday 7th 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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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. Please note that last week’s email said February.
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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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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 17th February
- 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 18th February
- 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 19th February
- 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
- 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM – Mothers’ Union Communion Service
- 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Worship Team Rehearsal in Church
Thursday 20th February
- 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 21st February
- 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
- 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Move & Chat in the Community Centre
Saturday 22nd February
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
Sunday 23rd February
- 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)
- 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
