Hey everyone! Boom! Remember, the Lord Jesus is alive. He is ‘preeminent’ as we heard last week – supreme before all others. What better thing can we do then but come on Sunday and worship Him? See you Sunday? I hope so!

This coming Sunday we’re thinking about what it means to model godly character. Not something that comes naturally or easily! However, we have the example (of Jesus) and the power (the Holy Spirit) to have godly character and to increase in godliness. Our natural desires are crucified with Christ and since we live by the Spirit we’re called to keep in step with the Spirit (read more about that in Galatians 5:22-25).

Read on below for all sorts of interesting things, some new, some you’ll already know about, and some it’s good to be reminded of. 

Oh, did I mention? Jesus came out of the womb. He ended up in a tomb. But then…


Jesus was alive! And that’s the reason we are church and come to ‘the Church.’ Our crucified Saviour who died for our sins is also our resurrected Saviour who defeated sin, death, and Satan and even now is praying for us at the right hand of his Father. He’s also preparing room for us in his Father’s house – where there are many rooms.

Speaking of which…Brickhouse launches on Tuesday! Read on below for more info…

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This Sunday’s Services

The services and activities on Sunday 19th April 2026 are:

• 9:00 AM – Traditional Service
• 11:00 AM – Contemporary Service
• 5:00 PM –  Treehouse Family Worship

There are refreshments in the Community Centre Hall after the 9:00 AM, 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 and HERE or find them in your own Bible at home: Galatians 5:13-26 & Matthew 7:12-20.

Our live stream on Sunday at 11:00 AM can be viewed on our YouTube channel HERE. The 11:00 AM order of service is available HERE.

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Our current teaching series

This Sunday is the second in our series on the theme of Modelling Jesus in Everyday Life – the six ‘M’s…

• Introduction: The Big Picture
• Modelling Godly Character
• Making Good Work
• Ministering Grace and Love
• Moulding Culture
• Being a Mouthpiece for Truth and Justice
• Being a Messenger of the Gospel

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BRICKHOUSE!

Launching on Tuesday 21st April from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Book places HERE. 

A LEGO based midweek after-school family activity club on a Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. For families with primary-age kids (children must be accompanied by their parents and guardians at all times). Taking place in the Community Centre Hall, children and their grown-ups will get to build some cool creations from LEGO bricks based on a special Bible theme for that week. There will be snacks too. It is going to be AWESOME!

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Food Hygiene Training

We want to offer the best we can, in the best way we can, with the best training we can get. We do our best to honour the best – our Lord God. It’s time for all our volunteers and staff who handle food in the kitchen to renew their Food Hygiene Level 2 Training. This is compulsory to ensure we adhere to the statutory requirements for us to handle food safely. There is no charge for anyone to complete the training as this has been paid for already in advance. All it requires is to set aside some time and be in front of a computer to watch the videos and answer the questions.

Those who operate in a supervisory role or are significantly involved in food preparation and handling will need to complete Food Hygiene Level 3 (rather than Level 2). You’ll be informed about this.

In the coming weeks, I will be sending links by email to all those who are needed to undertake the Level 2 and Level 3 training. The links will provide the login details to access the training through a provider called High Speed Training. Once you have completed the training a certificate will be sent by post to provide evidence you have done the training. For any further information please do speak to Lauren Platt or Janette Grey.

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Alpha

Exciting news – Alpha has started again. It’s not too late to join. It’s on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall over the course of twelve weeks. Book using this link HERE.

What is Alpha? Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith. 

Who’s it for? Alpha is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. 

How does it work? Alpha is eleven sessions with a day away in the middle. Each session includes a short talk and a discussion at the end where you can share your thoughts. At any point, if you think Alpha isn’t for you, that’s not a problem. There’s no pressure, no follow up and no charge. 

How much is it? There’s no charge to do Alpha. There’s usually some complimentary delicious cakes too!

When is it? On Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM in the Community Centre Hall. Book for the whole course using this link HERE.

Who runs it? Derek Walmsley, Chris Fallone, Carolyn Walmsley.

What are the topics? Below is typically what is covered at Alpha…

• Is there more to life than this?
• Who is Jesus?
• Why did Jesus die?
• How can I have faith?
• Why and how do I pray?
• Why and how should I read the Bible?
• How does God guide us?
• Who is the Holy Spirit?
• What does the Holy Spirit Do?
• How can I be filled with the Spirit?
• How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
• How can I resist evil?
• Why and how should I tell others?
• Does God heal today?
• What about the Church?

How do I book? Book using this link HERE and then just turn up on Thursday at 7:30 PM! There’s no need to book for each week – just book once and that’s you booked in for the sebsequent sessions. 

If I need more info? Do speak to Derek, Carolyn, Chris, or email me (Damian).

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Finance, Personnel and Grants Manager

Expressions of interest are welcome for a new employed role of Finance, Personnel and Grants Manager on-site here at Christ Church Thornton. The part-time post of 25 hours per week will be a significantly important staff member role, pivotal to the support of the leadership of Christ Church and the delivery of its vision. The role will include things such as inputting data into financial systems, preparing and paying invoices, preparing budgets, financial reporting, preparing staff contracts, appraisals, tracking annual leave, sickness pay and preparing grant applications.

A committed Christian with a heart for the mission and values of the church will thrive in this role. In due course the role will be formally advertised along with a job description and person specification. In the meantime expressions of interest are welcome by email to damian@christchurchthornton.uk 

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Worship song playlist

This week’s worship songs for our 11:00 AM service on the 19th April can be listended to advance using this link HERE. It’s a Spotify playlist. Listening to and singing along to worship songs can be so uplifting and spiritually refreshing. It’s yet another way to worship all through the week. The songs are great to play in the car and at home and will help you be familiar with what we sing each Sunday. When you click on the link it will open up for you the Spotify website or app on your mobile or laptop. If you already have Spotify you can listen straightaway. If you don’t, then the Spotify app is free to download following the instructions that come up.

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Gold Award

Congratulations to a further 15 children and young people over the last few years who have received their Gold Award at Treehouse (taking the total to 24 children). This means they have attended Church at least 44 times in the run-up to their Gold Award! As a special thank you to them and to say well done, myself along with members of the children and youth leaders team plan to take them for a day out to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The date provisionally pencilled in for this is Saturday 2nd May 2026, leaving Church at 9:30 AM and returning at 6:30 PM. Help from parents at this day will be appreciated.Please can the parents of the children and young people who would like to go email damian@christchurchthornton.uk to let me know whether this date will work. This Gold Award trip is for those who have received their Gold Award since the last trip in November 2023.

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A Big Day Out in Blackpool

In 2026 The Diocese of Blackburn celebrates its 100th anniversary! As part of a year of celebrations and special events, there will be a big day out on Saturday 16th May 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM. The day will take place in the centre of Blackpool; a place that has played such an important role in the history of the Diocese. There will be activities for children of all ages with games, crafts and stories. There will be sessions for teenagers and grown-ups from sport workshops to live music and more. In the afternoon, there will be a giant hog roast lunch at 1:00 PM before all coming together for an open air celebration service on St. John’s Square outside the Winter Gardens at 2:00 PM.

The Diocese of Blackburn would love as many people as possible to join in for this special day together. All the information you might need can be found on this link HERE. 

Booking is required! Why not start thinking about who you can invite, how you can share transport and what things you might book for.

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All for Jesus Seminars

Embracing the diocesan 2026 theme of All for Jesus, I am running a series of 45-minute seminars in the coming months to look at some interesting and sometimes controversial subjects.

• 005 | Tuesday 21st April | Should we pray to Mary? Book HERE.
• 006 | Tuesday 28th April | Are our loves ones looking down on us?
• 007 | Tuesday 5th May | Is it okay for Christians to gamble?
• 008 | Tuesday 12th May | Do Mormons and JW’s believe in the same God we do?
• 009 | Tuesday 19th May | Is purgatory real?
• 010 | Tuesday 26th May | Is it okay to go shopping on a Sunday?
• 011 | Tuesday 2nd June | Is the Church building a temple, a sacred space, or ordinary?

Future topics will include:

• What happens when we die?
• How can we have free will if God plans and knows everything?
• Should we pray to the saints?
• Will there be animals in heaven?

All the seminars will take place on a Tuesday lunchtime from 12:00 PM to 12:45 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 21st April.

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Coming soon!

During the year we’ll be holding two special events (both on a Saturday) where we’ll be joined by a presenter from Walk Through the Bible. One of the events will be an interactive and engaging teaching event that uncovers the Big Picture of the Old Testament – Genesis to Malachi – and the second event will cover the Big Picture of the New Testament – Matthew to Revelation.

Each event will be really fun as well as an encouraging way to consolidate prior Bible knowledge and help fill in gaps. An experienced presenter will lead each event with five one-hour sessions on each of the two dates. 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.

The dates are: Saturday 11th July 2026 and Saturday 3rd October 2026. The first event is ‘Walk Through the Old Testament.’ To watch a promotional video introducing what happens in the event click HERE.



The cost is £16 per person per event. Details of how to book for Saturday 11th July are below…



You can scan the QR code or use this link HERE. The QR code and link takes 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.

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Seminar for Parents – preparing yourself for the arrival of a teenager

Being a parent is precious and yet demanding. How can we best prioritise the spiritual needs of our children? How do we model worshipping God on a Sunday when our children’s sporting events are on a Sunday? How do we say “yes” to a birthday party and “yes” to Church at the same time? How do we encourage our children to follow Jesus in a world where following Jesus doesn’t seem to be a thing? How do we help our children foster important friendships and yet at the same time foster a friendship with Jesus? And what about mobile phones, snap chat, social media, sleepovers?! 

On Saturday 25th April, Damian and Lauren will be sharing some of their parenting experience for parents and guardians. Not because they’re the experts but because they’ve trodden the path twice already and know how important it is to think these issues through and support one another. The seminar is from 10:00 AM until 12noon in the Community Centre Hall. The event is free. Just turn up.

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Side Aisle Support (SAS!)

On a Friday morning from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon, Sally Johnson is stationed in the side aisle of Church with a table, some chairs and a smile. This is to provide support for benefits (eligibility and applications) and similar things. Sally can help with signposting people as well as form-filling. Do drop-in to speak to Sally if this might be useful.

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Lighthouse

Our midweek children’s club ‘Lighthouse’ is on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM. The next Lighthouse is on Wednesday 22nd April. This is for children of primary school age. Lighthouse is a weekly term-time Bible-based club for children, with snacks, songs, teaching, and craft. Parents are welcome to stay for coffee in the Chapel.

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Playhouse

Playhouse is our brilliant hour each morning (Monday to Thursday) for babies, toddlers and pre-school children with their adults/parents/carers. Each time there is a Christian story and songtime led by Lauren and ‘Banjo Bob.’ There’s toast and drinks for everyone. It takes place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday to Thursday in the Community Centre Hall.

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Good Grief Support Group – finding hope whilst journeying through loss. 

The first season of running Good Grief has come to an end with a view to resuming it again later in the year, around September time, for anyone who will find it useful. 

In the meantime, please know our pastoral care team are willing to provide a listening ear, prayer and support where possible. Please get in touch with me if needed.

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Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Our 2026 APCM will be on the evening of Thursday 14th May (Ascension Day) 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 2025. 

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 and three places for a three-year term on the Deanery Synod. Nomination forms are available to download here (the forms are fillable forms which can be typed into): 

• A nomination Form for Election to the PCC can be downloaded using this link HERE.
• A nomination form Election to the Deanery Synod 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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Opportunities to Service

On Saturday 9th May 2026 at a wedding at 2:00 PM at Christ Church, some help is needed to make hot drinks in the Hall after the service and to oversee the distribution of some scones and muffins. If you can help, please do get in touch.

On Tuesday 2nd June 2026, at 7:30 PM, Christ Church is the venue for the Primary Visitation – which is when Bishop Philip will install Churchwardens from the deaneries of Blackpool, Poulton, Kirkham, Lancaster and Morecambe. If you can help with the catering and other practical elements, please do get in touch. We will need musicians and welcomers in addition to help with catering. 

On Saturday 13th June 2026, Christ Church is the venue for the Christ Church Blackburn whole-church awayday. If you can help with the catering and other practical elements, please do get in touch.

On Saturday 27th June 2026, Christ Church is the venue for the St. John’s Whittle-le-Woods and Clayton Brook Community Church PCC Vision awayday. If you can help with the catering and other practical elements, please do get in touch.

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Confirmation Classes

For those looking to be confirmed by Bishop Philip on Sunday 31st May, preparation classes are taking place from 7:15 PM to 8:45 PM on:

• Wednesday 22nd April
• Wednesday 29th April
• Wednesday 6th May
• Wednesday 13th May
• Wednesday 20th May (confirmation rehearsal)

The venues will vary from week to week, however for the first class it will be in the Community Centre Hall. Please email Damian to indicate if you would like to be confirmed. The preparation classes are a necessary step to being confirmed. However if you cannot attend them all because of illness or prior commitments, do let Damian know to see what alternatives are possible.

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Accommodation needed

As a church we all sorts of links with Norcross Cricket Club through the involvement of church members. As such, we’ve been asked if anyone might be willing to help. They are seeking accommodation for an an overseas amateur cricketer. Mr Adi Datkhile will join them from Australia at the end of April or early May and stay until mid-September.

Back home in Australia, Adi works as a Mechanical Project Engineer at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and he will be returning to that job when he goes back to Oz. With both an engineering degree and a Masters, Adi he is a bright young man, very polite, but also a talented cricketer, and will assist with coaching the junior players throughout his stay.

Norcross Cricket Club carefully selected Adi from several candidates interested in playing for their club, as finding someone who genuinely reflects their team’s values and standards within the community was a top priority. 

If you have a spare room in your household that might be suitable until mid-September, please do get in touch with the Norcross Cricket Club Chair, Mr Ian Davies. He can be emailed at: slowerball@outlook.com

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2026 Treehouse Weekend Away

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. 

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Celebration of the Centenary of the Diocese of Blackburn

2026 is the Centenary Year of the Cathedral and Diocese of Blackburn. A year of celebration will culminate on Thursday November 12th, the exact date when the Diocese was formed out of the Diocese of Manchester one hundred years ago.

On that day representatives of the Diocese together with friends and partners will gather in Blackburn Cathedral for a celebration of the Eucharist commencing at 7:00 PM.  

Bishop Philip asks you to save the date in your diaries. A formal invitation will come from the Cathedral in the early part of the Summer.

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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 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.

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Diary of Activities and Services

Monday 20th April

• 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 1:00 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
• 7:45 PM to 9:30 PM – Growth Group in the Community Centre

Tuesday 21st April

• 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 12:45 PM – All for Jesus Seminar & Lunch in the Community Centre
• 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM – Quiet Hour in Church
• 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 Community Centre

Wednesday 22nd April

• 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 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 11:00 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
• 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM – Lighthouse (children’s group) in the Community Centre
• 7:15 PM to 8:45 Pm – Confirmation Preparation Class in the Community Centre
• 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM – Worship Team Rehearsal in Church

Thursday 23rd April

• 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 1:00 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 in the Community Centre

Friday 24th April

• 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 Chapel
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon – 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)
• 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Move & Chat in the Community Centre

Saturday 25th April

• 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Seminar for Parents – ‘preparing yourself for the arrival of a teenager’ in the Community Centre
• 2:00 PM – Marriage of Sean Turbitt and Debbie Brooks 

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