23 church members had a fabulous day out today for the Treehouse Gold Award trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. We set off from Cleveleys at 9:30 AM by tram and returned to Cleveleys by tram at 7:30 PM. Huge congratulations to William, Toby, Summer, Ruby, Isabelle, Olivia, Alexa, Kamran, Lucas, Zaria and Hallie for each achieving their Bronze, Silver and Gold Award.
The children and their Mums, Dads and family members made some very special memories.
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SUNDAY SERVICES
The services and activities on Sunday 5th November are:
- 9:00 AM Traditional (Book of Common Prayer) Service of Holy Communion (with refreshments afterwards)
- 10:00 AM Meadows Books open (until 10:45 AM)
- 10:00 AM Core Catechism Classes (until 10:45 AM)
- 11:00 AM Contemporary Service of Holy Communion LIVE streamed (with refreshments afterwards)
- 12:15 PM Meadows Books’ open (until 12:45 PM)
- 3:00 PM Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)
- 5:00 PM Treehouse Informal Family Service of Holy Communion (with refreshments)
- 6:00 PM Meadows Books open (until 6:15 PM)
- 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting for the Persecuted Church
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WATCHING ONLINE
If you’re unable to attend due to health and mobility, our livestream can be viewed on our YouTube channel HERE and our Facebook channel HERE.
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BIBLE READINGS
Our focus in the Sunday morning services is on the Bible reading, Matthew 24.1–14 (Church Bible page 829). You can read it online HERE.
At Treehouse we have our monthly Treehouse Communion Service.
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ORDER OF SERVICE
For the 11:00 AM service is available HERE.
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YE MERRY MEADOWS CAROLLERS
Use your voice to glorify God this Christmas! The voice is a gift from God and can bring delight to God and joy to his people. Do you like singing Christmas Carols? If so, come along and be part of the ‘Ye Merry Meadows Carollers’ who will sing at events over Christmas, such as at Rest Homes, the Tree-lighting service, and some of the services at Church. You don’t need to have any previous experience or training – this will be a group of carol singers, not an award-winning choir. It will be great fun, not taken too seriously but at the same time seeking to bring joy and gladness as we sing of our Saviour’s birth.
Gatherings to rehearse and enjoy being together, complete with hot chocolate and cake, will be on the following dates in Church from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM.
- Friday 10th November
- Friday 17th November
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THIS SUNDAY: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
You are invited to join an evening of prayer to mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday 5 November between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM in the Community Centre. We will be listening to a live event which includes stories from Nigeria, Nicaragua and imprisoned believers and have the opportunity to pray together for Christians who courageously risk everything to follow Jesus. Please come and join us – you don’t need to pray aloud.
There will be members of other Churches joining us and refreshments will be served on arrival. If you can’t attend but like to watch the event please register on line at opendoorsuk.org/idop
If you require further information please contact Martin.
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HALF-TERM: SOME ACTIVITIES PAUSED
Various activities were paused for half term and resume this week, next week or later:
Tuesday Night Growth Group resumes this week on 7th November 7:45 PM – 9:00 PM.
Playhouse @ Thornton Cleveleys Football Club resumes this week 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Tuesday 7th November. Please do continue to pray for the activities in Burn Naze as we seen new people come along each week.
Flourish Women’s Bible Study will resume next week on Tuesday 14th November, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at Chris Hartley’s house. The group will be looking at a selection of Psalms in the run up to Christmas.
Move & Chat is paused until Friday 1st December.
Family Teatime Cookery Classes will resume the next week on Friday 10th November 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Book for classes HERE.
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CORE CATECHISM CLASSES
Getting to grips with why we believe what we believe!
Core Catechism Classes have started!
Core Catechism Classes run in-between the Sunday morning services from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, enabling people attending from either morning congregation to come. They run in the Community Centre Hall with tea and coffee available on arrival.
Topics will include: Church History, Creation, Creeds, 39 Articles, Bible Overview, Heresies, Baptism, Holy Communion, The Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Reliability of the Bible.
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CHORAL EVENSONG
We’ll be welcoming the Chapel Choir of Rossall School for Choral Evensong on Monday 13th November at 7:00 PM in Church.
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ARTS AND CRAFTS FAYRE Do join us for our next Arts and Crafts Fayre on Saturday 25th November from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Hall. To book a table or for more information please speak to Jean Grimshaw.
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ADVENT CONCERT
We’re looking forward to hosting an Advent Concert on Thursday 30th November at 7:30 PM. We’ll be hosting once again Christian singer-songwriters Yvonne Lyon, Gareth Davies-Jones and David Lyon as they bring you an evening of live acoustic seasonal music.
Please book tickets in advance, costing £7.50 adult, £4.00 child. Click HERE to book.
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CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Come along to the Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM on Sunday 3rd December in the Car Park. With carols around the outdoor tree, lovely mince pies and hot chocolate, this annual event is a fun occasion for all ages, and the tree lighting is a moment of excitement for children (and adults!) Wrap up warm!
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CHRISTMAS PAN-TIVITY: HERALD OF HEROD
The one who is born to be king, in Bethlehem of Judea? “Oh no he isn’t!” says Herod. “Oh yes he is!” The Three peculiar Magi have appeared in the Royal Palace, talking of the birth of a potential rival King! The cruel King Herod is keen to unravel this mystery. For Harry the humble Herald, this is the chance of a lifetime… to embark upon an epic quest and be noticed by the King!
Join us 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM on Monday 4th December for our Panto-Nativity (Pantivity) presented by 4Front Theatre. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come and join the fun!
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CAROL SERVICES & TREEHOUSE NATIVITY Join us to sing your favourite carols at one of our Carol Services and the Treehouse Nativity on Sunday 17th December:
- 10:00 AM Traditional Carols and Communion
- 5:00 PM Treehouse Nativity
- 6:00 PM Mince Pies and Mulled Wine
- 7:00 PM Contemporary Service of Lessons and Carols
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PLAYHOUSE BABY AND TODDLER POP-UP NATIVITY The week before Christmas, Playhouse will be hosting the Playhouse Baby and Toddler Pop-Up Nativity! Come dressed up as a nativity character of your choice, whether that’s an angel, a cow, a wise person, or even Gary the Christmas Gorilla! Bring the babies and toddlers dressed up as well.
The Nativity will involve babies, toddlers, mums, dads, grandparents and carers. It’s a fully interactive experience and lots of fun! The Nativity will run:
- Monday 18th December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
- Tuesday 19th December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
- Tuesday 19th December 2:00 PM at TCFC on Gamble Road
- Wednesday 20th December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
- Thursday 21st December 10:00 AM at Christ Church
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CHRISTINGLE
An orange, some red ribbon, sweets on sticks and a glow stick. Somehow it all points to the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. Come and join us for our Christingle service at 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December.
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CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY DINNER 2023
Delicious Food,Friendship, and Joy
We are looking forward to hosting a joy filled afternoon on Monday 25th December from 1:00 PM onwards in the Community Centre Hall. The meal is for anyone who might benefit from having company on Christmas Day. Enjoy a proper Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, followed of course by pudding, cake, and cheese and biscuits! There will be a quiz and live music.
There is no charge for any of the food or the activities. God gave the generous gift of Jesus at the first Christmas. We believe in sharing the generous love of God with anyone who would like to receive it.
Booking is essential. Please sign up HERE.
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CALLING ALL CHRIST CHURCH LADIES
Ladies, please come and help to lighten the dark winter months with an evening of Celebration, Friendship and Fun at the Briardene Hotel, Kelso Avenue, Cleveleys, on Wednesday, 24th January 2024. We can promise you an evening of good food, good fellowship and good conversation – what could be better than that on a cold winters’ evening? Menus and all details are available from our Churchwarden, Judith and the cost of this delightful evening is £30 including all gratuities.
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VOLUNTEERS WANTED: THE CHOSEN SCREENINGS
The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of those who knew Him. There are currently 24 episodes (3 seasons) of varying length normally between 30-60 minutes, all of which are available to watch for free at watch.thechosen.tv
Starting in January we plan to screen the Chosen (starting at season 1, episode 1) on Wednesday evenings in term time from 6pm. Coming to watch The Chosen is a great follow-up for those who have attended Alpha this term, and others are also welcome to join in.
Andrew is looking for a keen volunteer or team of volunteers who could take charge of running the screenings of The Chosen episodes. You would need to welcome guests, play the video, and co-ordinate refreshments. Email andrew@christchurchthornton.uk or speak to Andrew to find out more.
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FIRST AID TRAINING
Christ Church is hosting First Aid Training on the evening of Friday 26th April 2024 (Time TBC). This two hour training session covers basic first aid and is recommended to be refreshed every year. The session is open to anybody who wants to book and costs £26 per person (including £1 booking fee). The session is limited to 16 people, but we can arrange addition sessions if we fill up.
BOOK HERE.
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FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL
A few church members are planning to go on a McCabe Pilgrimage. It’s a cruise and stay starting from Athens, and sailing around the Greek islands, following in the footsteps of St.Paul
It takes place 3-13th October 2024 costs from £2999. It has some interesting guest speakers, including Paul Jones ( Manfred Mann) and Pam Rhodes (Songs of Praise). For more information please get in touch or speak to Ann Hearnshaw who can put you in touch with McCabe Travel to obtain a brochure.
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TREEHOUSE WEEKEND AWAY
We’re very pleased to announce the third Treehouse Weekend Away, which take place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2024. It will be at Thornleigh Christian Hotel at Grange-over-Sands. We hope to have all the accommodation at the Hotel in use just for the Treehouse congregation, with many families enjoying a weekend away growing in faith through worship, prayer, Bible teaching, alongside great food, walks out, and fun times together. A letter with more information will be available in due course. For now, keep those dates free if you’re interested in going.
For members of other congregations, a three-day stay at Thornleigh Hotel is also being planned for 2024. More details to follow when they are available.
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AUTUMN, ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
We have been planning our worship, special activities and events for Autumn, Advent and Christmas. For a preview of what’s taking place, please click HERE (updated 4th November). Printed leaflets will be made available and will be distributed in Church, the Community Centre and to homes around the Parish.
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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
- Text message – simply text SUNDAY to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message which will be added to your mobile phone bill
- 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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SERVING IN CHURCH
There’s always lots of opportunities to get involved in the mission and ministry of the church and all our activities throughout the week, on evenings, and on Sundays are dependent on volunteers to operate. Volunteers help to set up and tidy up, provide refreshments, assist with (and in many cases run) activities, and keep our churchyard mowed and tidy.
Serving on a team is also a great way to get to know other members of the church family. If you don’t currently serve on a team at church and would like to, please do contact Damian or Andrew for a chat about where you might best fit.
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DIARY OF ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Below is a comprehensive list of all that’s taking place in the week ahead. You can also visit out online diary on the church website HERE.
Monday 6th November
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – 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)
- 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre and Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bowl & Chat in the Community Centre
- 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Monday night Growth Group in the Community Centre
Tuesday 7th November
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Craft & Chat in Church
- 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 PM to 1:00 PM – Lunch in the Community Centre
- 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) at Thornton Cleveleys Football Club on Gamble Road
- 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM – KICK Academy at Thornton Cleveleys Football Club on Gamble Road
- 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM – Tuesday night Growth Group in the Community Centre
Wednesday 8th November
- 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Fridaymen volunteers in the Churchyard and Church
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM – Wednesday morning Growth Group in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – 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)
- 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM – Traditional (BCP) service of Holy Communion in Church
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Lunches for Seniors in the Community Centre
- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM – Alpha in the Community Centre and Church
- 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM – Lighthouse in the Community Centre
- 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Musical Worship Team Rehearsal in Church
Thursday 9th November
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Playhouse (parent, baby and toddlers) in the Community Centre
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – 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)
- 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM – Lyrics and Lunch in the Community Centre and Church
- 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Bat & Chat in the Community Centre
- 7:30 PM – Deanery Synod at St. John’s Little Thornton
Friday 10th November
- 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Fridaymen volunteers in the Churchyard and Church
- 9:00 AM to 9:25 AM – Morning Prayer in Church
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Craft & Chat in Church
- 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)
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Pilgrim’s Rest in the Chapel
- 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Family Teatime Cookery Classes in the Community Centre
Saturday 11th November
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – The Meadows Bookshop and Giftshop
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Alpha Day (not) Away in the Community Centre and Church
- 10:40 AM to 12:15 PM – CCFC (11-a-side men’s football team) vs Kay Street Baptist Church at Valley Leadership Academy, Fearns Moss, Stackheads, Bacup, OL13 OTG.
Not sure what to come to? Not sure if a service or activity is suited to you or not? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask.
Schpot n e erroz inn r weakqly newz – dew lettuce no sow we kan corectt vem!
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With blessings,
Damian & Andrew