“Begotten, not made.”
That’s what we’ll be learning a little more about tomorrow!
We’ll be reminded that God the Father has eternally been the Father, and God the Son has eternally been the Son. These are crucial truths about God and are often what distinguish the Christian Faith from any other. We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit – of which all three persons have always existed. There never was a time when any of the three persons were not. What a wonderful God we have!
See you tomorrow? Yes? Take your pick: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM…
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Sunday Services
The services and activities on Sunday 2nd 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)
- 3:00 PM Traditional Service of Evening Prayer
- 5:00 PM Treehouse Family Communion (with refreshments)
- 6:00 PM Sanctuary Youth Gathering
- 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: Psalm 2 (Church Bible page 1001) and Acts 13.13-41 (Church Bible page 886). The 11:00 AM order of service is available here.
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With grateful thanks for Mrs Beth Coleman
On Thursday 27th February, Beth went to be with her Lord. She died at home peacefully, aged 84, in the presence of her beloved daughters Liz and Steph. Beth has been a member of Christ Church for many years, attending faithfully at the 11:00 AM service and at midweek services as a member of the Mothers’ Union.
Beth quietly and bravely carried on flourishing with life during the last two years whilst being unwell. Such was her caring nature, she often inquired of others with warmth and concern, despite suffering herself.
Just over a month ago, Beth valiantly attended the Christ Church Ladies Annual Winter Dinner at the Briardene Hotel. That may well have been the final time that many church members had the blessing of seeing her.
As well as being a faithful church member and believer, Beth was a servant here at Christ Church. Until such a time as her illness meant she couldn’t any longer, she faithfully served the guests at The Pilgrim’s Rest on a Thursday morning, and in previous years was a member of the Events Team which Martin ran to help organise concerts and similar events.
Beth always emitted a beautiful smile which was accompanied by a gentle, quiet, sweet and humble nature. Please pray for Liz and Steph, as they grieve the loss of their dear mother, and as they also bring to mind the loss of their dear father Gerald who died in February 2014.
Let us pray…
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for Beth, for your image which we saw displayed in her, for her faith, her warmth, and her service to you. We pray for Liz and Steph and their loved ones. Please surround them with your comforting love – the love which Beth herself so often experienced – and may they grieve in the knowledge that Beth is safe in your heavenly kingdom. Be their strength and their hope at this difficult time. We pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Beth’s saviour, Amen.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party
Pancakes with lots of toppings plus a fun pancake flipping competition – great fun, food, and fellowship. It’s on Tuesday 4th March starting at 5:30 PM. and finishing at 6:30 PM. All are welcome – it’s free – just turn up.
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Prayer for Growth – Tuesday 4th March 7.45pm
After the Pancake Party why not stay and join us to prayer for the church. Each week we watch a short video biography of a Christian leader to inspire us to pray.
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Ash Wednesday Services
On Wednesday 5th March there will be services at 11:15 AM in Church and 7:00 PM in the Chapel. For the 7:00 PM service access will only be possible from 6:45 PM due to the Lighthouse Children’s Group taking place until then.
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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.
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World Day of Prayer
The local meeting of the World Day of Prayer (formerly the Women’s World Day of Prayer) is taking place on Friday 7 March at 2:00 PM at St Peter’s Church Fleetwood. Each year the service is planned by a different country and then the same service is followed throughout the world. This year it is planned by the Cook Islands. All are welcome to attend the meeting.
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Cookhouse
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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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 on Saturday 8th March. This lengthy walk is in memory of Martin Ormond. 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.’
Please wait until the walk is complete before making any donations – just in case (for example) the walk is postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
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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.
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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 3rd 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 4th 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
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party (in the Community Centre)
- 7:45 PM to 8:30 PM – Prayer for Growth in the Community Centre
Wednesday 5th 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
- 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM – Mothers’ Union in Church (followed by refreshments in the Community Centre)
- 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 6th March
- 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM – Clergy Study Day
Friday 7th 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
Saturday 8th March
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
Sunday 9th 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)
- 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
