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March 2024 Update
A March snapshot of Vision 2026 at Christ Church Chatburn.
3rd March.
Reverend Anne Hardacre led the Holy Communion Service as Reverend Catherine was away. It was spookily very quiet as all the children attended Messy Church in the afternoon. The theme was based on St. John’s Gospel when Jesus overturned the tables in the temple.
3rd March.
Messy Church welcomed our new Vicar of the Benefice Rev. Dr. Judith Clark. Thirty children attended, along with their parents and carers. Lots of fun, learning about Joseph by way of drama and craft activities. The highlight of the afternoon was having fun with the parachute.
5th March.
The Lent course continued with a good attendance learning about the Exodus and Moses. These seasonal groups have flourished at Christ Church. This is very encouraging since it is part of our Action plan to develop ongoing bible study groups.
5th March.
In the evening a PCC meeting was held following a meeting of the Way (Mission and Worship) Forward Group. It was a long evening for some of us.
10th March.
A Mothering Sunday All Age service was held. The theme was based on three Mothers from the Bible. (Holding on and Letting go) Thank you Eileen, Julie and Grace for taking your parts so well.
At our All Age service we see something different each time. A bow and arrow was demonstrated a to signify ‘holding on and letting go’.
The children sang the faith song ‘Be Bold Be Strong’ and primroses were presented to the congregation.
17th March.
The chalice was re introduced since Covid for those wishing to receive it. Small glasses are still available for those not wishing to take the chalice for wine.
21st March.
Teen Cafe met in Church. Our young people are happy to have a safe place to meet and chat with each other.
22nd March.
A Winter Warmer Lunch was provided. I believe there was a new member of staff waiting on. Thank you Roy for stepping in I believe your table service was incredible.
24th March.
A Palm Sunday Service was held with the children processing around church. We must really try to have a procession from outside into church next year. We keep meaning to do it.
25th March.
The children from Chatburn School came into church for their Easter Service before breaking up for the Easter break.
26th March.
Children from Years 4 and 5 came to visit the Easter Experience in Church. Thank You to the volunteers who made this possible. The children appreciated the stations and asked lots of questions. Certainly this experience does inspire our young people in understanding the Easter story.
28th March.
A Benefice Maundy Service was held at St Paul’s Church Low Moor. This is always a well attended and moving service which has been held since Reverend Catherine came into post.
29th March.
A joint service was held at the Methodist Church Chatburn. This was led by Reverend Anne and was very well attended by people of all faiths.
In the afternoon a Benefice service of reflection and music was held at St Mary Magdalene Church Clitheroe, entitled ‘An hour at the foot of the cross’
31st March
Easter Day. A lovely service with an amazing turn out of 20 children who by the way didn’t know that they were going to get an Easter egg. Joanne our Sunday Club Leader had arranged lots of activities and they sang a brilliant faith song. All followed by an Easter Egg Hunt. Daphne as always created a beautiful Garden with an empty tomb under the altar. It will remain there until Easter finishes and there are seven weeks ending with the coming of the 50th day, Pentecost.
Take a walk down our churchyard path and see the wild flower garden which is flourishing. Must be all the rain we have been having.
The next Bishop of Burnley has been announced. He is the Rev. Dr. Joe Kennedy who is currently the Vicar of Oxton St. Saviour in the Diocese of Chester and Rural Dean of Birkenhead with 10 parishes and with different church traditions. Have a look and listen to him talking about his appointment in the video.
Easter Message.
We can find ourselves in a place sometimes where we seem incapable of hearing the good news that the Lord is risen, that life is stronger than death and love stronger than death and love stronger than sin. Yet the Lord never gives up on us and continues to come towards us until our eyes are opened. Even though the Lord may initially have met with resistance, he continues to hold out to us the privilege of proclaiming by our words and our lives the good news of Easter.
I do hope you had a very Happy Easter.
February 2024 Update
Hello everyone, the end of February already, even with the extra day. I can’t believe Easter is nearly upon us, it is very early this year.
The heavy snow which was expected on the 8th February didn’t really materialise, it had more of a slushiness about it. Storm Kathleen has not arrived yet I am pleased to say, but watch this space.
On the 4th February 2024, Reverend Anne preached on the theme ‘Creation and Light’, based on St. John’s Gospel which begins ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’. This is a well known passage which is usually read at Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.
The theme of light continued the following week at the All Age service. Reverend Catherine spoke about the power of light and how it draws you closer to look at it. She referred to car headlights which these days seem much brighter and make night driving more difficult. I’ll vouch for that and there were many nods of agreement in the congregation too.
The Gospel story was about the ‘Transfiguration’ where Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James and John at the top of a high mountain. The earlier Old Testament story was about Elijah being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. In the New Testament Reverend Catherine explained that the emphasis is on light whereas in the Old Testament the emphasis was on fire.
We sang a song from the screen ‘Light of the World You Stepped Down from the Darkness' and of course the ever popular ‘Lord the Light of Your Love is Shining.’
The Sunday Club were very busy, practising their pancake tossing, making Valentine Hearts of Love for Jesus and writing their own prayers. We are very privileged to hear our children read their prayers and that they have the confidence to read them in public. Young disciples in the making every one of them!
Grace led the prayers with her mum, beautifully. The response to ‘Heavenly father Shining Bright was, May we reflect Your love.’ This is exactly what Reverend Catherine was trying to get over in her talk that as we draw closer to God we are able to shine to others as Christian Disciples setting an example, by our words and deeds.
Our Benefice came together for an Ash Wednesday Service at Christ Church on the 14th February 2024. Reverend Dr. Judith explained that this would be the first of a number of benefice services so that people from our four churches could meet and get to know one another.
Reverend Catherine led the service which was a Liturgy for Ash Wednesday, which included the inposition of Ash. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It always falls six and a half weeks before Easter. Ash Wednesday dates back to the 11th century. Yet the tradition of receiving ashes has even earlier roots- to the ancient Hebrew custom of clothing oneself in sackcloth and dusting oneself with ashes as a sign of penance.
The Bible does not explicitly detail this first day of Lent, but there are many instances of this repentant act in the Old Testament, such in the book of Job Chapter 16 verse 15.
‘I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin and have laid my strength in the dust.’
Reverend Dr. Judith preached at the service which was based on St. Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 6.
The main theme was about the selflessness of our giving and sincerity. Judith reminded us that Lent gives us time to pray, reflect and assess where we are going with our lives.
On your Epitaph and how would you wish to be remembered?
We are setting out on this journey of Lent not as isolated individuals, but together, as a church leading us hopefully to the wonderful feast of Easter.
At our Holy Communion Service on 18th February 2024 we welcomed Reverend Dr. Judith Clark again at our Holy Communion Service. Judith led the service and presided.
Reverend Catherine gave the sermon and spoke about Noah and the new covenant between God and his people.
We were reminded about the ‘bow’ or rainbow as we call it today. As we walk our desert journeys and when life is tough we are assured that Christ is with us in those times as well as the good times.
In the Gospel reading we hear about the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan when a voice from the heavens says “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”. This Catherine said was a wonderful thing for God to say about his Son.
Reverend Catherine commented that where she officiates at Baptisms, with the families permission, she always posts a photo on our Church Face book pages. This lets other families know that baptism is not ‘dying out' and is still very much requested. Perhaps at a baptism a few spiritual seeds are sown which may develop later in life.
Lent is a season of shadows we are told and God helps us to follow the right path just as Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness.
Sunday Club took up the theme of Noah and produced some beautiful rainbows.
Oh my, our benefice Lent Course ‘Journey to Freedom’ proved very popular with 20 people attending our first session at Christ Church. All our churches were represented. In this session we looked at the First Sunday of Lent reading, Exodus Chapter 3 verses 1-12 which was about Moses and the ‘Burning Bush’.
The sessions are very informal and an in depth knowledge of the Bible is not required and you don’t have to attend every week. In between the course we are encouraged to read the daily Bible readings and reflections which are written by various people in the Diocese.
Teen Cafe proved popular on the 22nd February 2024 when thirteen younger people attended the evening session. The group was led by Char from St Luke’s Church Blackburn and Vikki. Activities included art, games, music and thinking about how they might have a ‘concert’ in the future. Hot chocolate was the order of the evening. Thank you to all the team your help is most appreciated.
The Winter Warmer lunch on the 23rd February 2024 attracted 30 people which is very encouraging and shows there is a need for this type of community support. As usual there was a choice of soups, sandwiches followed by sticky toffee pudding. This month instead of a quiz we were treated to a sing song which Roy had organised. We sang various memorable songs to his auto harp accompaniment. I personally enjoyed singing the old Seeker’s songs. Happy memories! Thank you Roy you are so musically gifted.
On Sunday the 25th February 2024 we celebrated a Holy Communion service where the theme was around Abraham and how his named changed from Abram and with Jesus foretelling his death and resurrection. Reverend Catherine explained that there is certain victory after those grim circumstances of the cross. God attaches the same promise to you and me in our life of cross-bearing when we should deny ourselves, by becoming a true disciple of Jesus. Continuing to patiently endure trials and difficulty and clinging to God by the faith he provides, which will end in guaranteed victory.
Our Sunday Club spent some time out in the beautiful sunshine rehearsing the song Father Abraham which they treated us to at the end of the service, complete with all the actions. Well done Sunday Club you were brilliant being led by Joanne, Eileen and Julie. We are so blessed to have a wonderful team of helpers and a children’s leader who always inspires our younger people.
Ben and his friend Lucas produced a brilliant March newsletter.
I do hope you have sent in your answers to his Easter competition.
I have.
In the March Newsletter I wrote an article on ‘Hidden Ministry’ I will not repeat it here except to say that we had a very energetic church clean up day during February. Thank you to those who came your help is most appreciated.
New from the Blackburn Diocese this month is the launch of the app called ‘Fruitful’. It is available for everyone to download now from Apple’s Store or via Google Play. It provides a great new digital space, available 24/7, to read the Bible; inspire prayer and encourage response in worship. It is believed that this is the first discipleship app to be launched anywhere in The Church Of England. Download using its full name Fruitful: The Diocese of Blackburn or the QR code which is available from the Blackburn Diocese. The app has been developed by the ‘Making Disciples Team' and will be used to emphasise the work of the Diocesan Vision 2026.
This month sees the second anniversary of the Russia and Ukraine conflict. We pray for the people of Ukraine and for the people of Russia, remembering also the people of Israel and Gazza and peace for the people of every land.
Holy God, the one in whom is all peace,
we pray for peace in your world.
We pray for your mercy for all innocent children, women and men of every land
who are victims of the hatred and violence of fellow human beings.
We pray also for those who choose to make war, that you would transform their hearts to choose peace.
And we pray for ourselves, that you would help us build communities where we can all live in peace.
We pray these things in the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
All that remains to say is “Happy Easter”.
January 2024 Update
A rather belated Happy New Year and what a start. I did say watch out for storms Henk, Isha and Jocelyn, but I didn’t think we would have them all. How wrong can you be! These were closely followed by snow and ice. Thankfully Kathleen has not made an appearance yet!
Our spirits were not down cast at Christ Church as we celebrated Messy Church on the 7th January 2024 enjoying an Epiphany Party led by our very own Joanne. The theme was ‘Follow the Star’.
As usual the children participated in drama at the beginning of the service enacting the visitation of the Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem. The children enjoyed taking part. I really enjoyed seeing the camels trotting around church.
Joanne explained that when we think of the Christmas story the star is a very important part that guides us to Jesus.
Jesus calls us all to be stars and guide people to him so they can meet Jesus too. In other words we are disciples just as Vision 2026 encourages us all to become disciples and spread the good news of Jesus.
Prior to Messy Church in the morning we held a Holy Communion Service, when the Three Wise men complete with their gifts were placed in the crib. Reverend Anne preached on their journey likening it to going to New Zealand (I can vouch for that Anne) and she said we must not be tempted to give up on our journey of faith with Christ, but we need to persevere.
All Age Service on the 14th January 2024 took the theme of ‘Hearing God’s Call’. The Gospel reading was about the story of Samuel being called by God. This was enacted by Roy & Georgie and how well, they did. David was the voice of God calling from afar. Well actually behind the red curtain.
Thank you to them all for bringing the story alive and to Daphne for the costumes and comfy beds! Your snoring Roy was exceptional.
We sang ‘Our God is a Great Big God’ and undertook the actions from the screen.
On Sunday morning the 21st January 2024 it was lovely to welcome the new Vicar of the Benefice Reverend Dr. Judith Clark to our Holy Communion Service. Judith is visiting Christ Church on the 18th February 2024 and then 17th March 2024, in order to get to know us all.
Judith gave a talk on the wedding feast at Cana and gave us all an insight into the miracle. As she opened with ‘Jesus likes a party’ to get our attention. She left us with ‘food’ or rather ‘wine’ for thought. ‘How will we react in our own lives when we have water to wine moments’ Will we stand up to the challenge?
Interestingly Judith highlighted that Jesus ministry started with wine and finished with wine at the Last Supper. All this talk of wine was hard to handle especially as I was about to start Dry January (although later than planned.)
Vikki in her prayers referred to the ordinary becoming the extra-ordinary and that is just what miracles are.
On the 23rd January 2024 the PCC met in Church, as storm Isha hit the north west. Sitting under the spire was very scary to say the least but we all managed to keep focussed and got through the long agenda. Thank you to all those people who braved the horrible night to discuss church affairs you are truly committed.
We were able to get together with our Methodist friends at the Chapel to celebrate the Covenant Service. It was very well attended and the hymn singing was absolutely fantastic, raising the roof.
Reverend Catherine’s sermon was based on the reading from Jeremiah Chapter31 verses 31-34.
This Old Testament reading talks about the new covenant which will be made between God and all people and not just the Jews. It will be written on our hearts. Catherine said that Jesus knows all our names which gives us hope and he holds us in his palm.
On the Friday the 26th January 2024 our Winter Warmer was held. 22 people were treated to soup, sandwich and apple pie. The quiz this time took on the challenge of a musical quiz organised by Roy Porter. He played 25 various songs from hymns to Elvis and Cliff Richard’s summer holiday. It was a very enjoyable occasion. The next lunch is on February 23rd 2024, following which there will be a sing song for a change. Thank you to our resident kitchen staff and waitresses, you do a great job getting every body served and thank you to all who support the event.
The Sunday Service on the 28th January 2024, saw the crib being emptied as we celebrated the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and Candlemas which falls on the 2nd February 2024. Reverend Catherine preached on the theme and explained how the Nunc Dimitis came about ie Simeon taking baby Jesus in his arms and saying:-
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, for mine eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel.”
Reverend Catherine explained that she always says the Nunc Dimitis when praying for someone who is dying.
The Sunday Club made lanterns to represent the Light of Christ and Henry and Ben read prayers. Candles, Holy Communion Wafers and Wine were presented as gifts from the congregation and blessed at the altar.
On February 20th 2024 a 5 week Lent Course will run at Christ Church at 11am, unless you wish to attend a Holy Communion Service at 10am followed by refreshments first. The course is based on the Book of Exodus and called ‘Journey to Freedom’. You will be most welcome and you do not need to attend every session and no deep knowledge of scripture is required.
From the Diocese a new Director of Ministry has been appointed. Reverend Canon Beverley will take up this new post on 1st March. Beverley was previously Dean of Women’s Ministry.
Interviews for the next Bishop of Burnley were held on the 24th and 25th January and we are waiting to see who has been appointed.
On 23rd March 2024 a Pathways to Prayer course will be running at Whalley Abbey. This is an opportunity to explore fresh perspectives on patterns and styles of prayer. The day runs from 9.30am > 1pm at Whalley Abbey and is free. I have done this course and I found it very interesting.
Thy Kingdom Come will again start in May 2024 and this year it will focus on five main ways for churches to take part. Newly commissioned prayer stations with stunning art work will be available.
On the 12th October 2024 a Diocesan Festival of Healing and Renewal will take place at the Cathedral. Since Covid there has been a growing interest and experience of healing ministry in the Diocese.
The Bishop’s Harvest Appeal raised £31,000 for the charity CRESS UK to support in South Sudan.
Diocesan App available on the following links :-
If you would like to stay in touch then the following Diocesan links are also available.
As Bishop Philip said
“Epiphany is a season of great wonder and mystery as Jesus reveals to us his identity as God’s incarnate Son and so points us to his saving work, which will bring the divine plan to its culmination. As Jesus reveals himself to you afresh, may you find rich joy in knowing Him and serving Him.”
AMEN.
What is Vision 2026?
"Healthy Churches Transforming Communities"
We desire to make the Good News about Jesus Christ more widely known, because we believe:
- He is the One who brings "life in all its fullness"
- Healthy church communities have a positive and transformative impact on our society.
We will work together to achieve this by:
Making disciples of Jesus Christ
- Knowing the Scriptures better through reading, teaching, preaching and study
- Praying with greater depth and urgency for the Kingdom of God to come
- Giving generously of our time, talents and money to the cause of Christ
Being witnesses to Jesus Christ
- Sharing the Gospel of salvation with confidence
- Holding regular enquirers courses in as many local churches as possible
- Showing God's love in action through projects that meet a local human need
- Offering thorough and accessible Baptism preparation and follow-up
- Planting or renewing 50 new strategic congregations by 2026
Growing leaders for Jesus Christ
- Supporting and equipping the current leadership for today's context
- Enabling missional leadership in every Christian community
- Liberating lay leadership for greater participation
- Creating the varied patterns of Sunday and weekday worship necessary to welcome all kinds of people, especially the newcomer
Prioritising work among children, young people and schools to raise up a new generation for Christ
The Diocesan Vision Prayer
Heavenly Father, we embrace Your call for us to make disciples, to be witnesses and to grow leaders. Give us eyes to see Your vision, ears to hear the prompting of Your Spirit and courage to follow in the footsteps of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
New Vision Champion for Christ Church.
- My name is Lynn Farrimond and I will be commissioned on the 20th May, 2019 at Accrington Parish Church.
- I am a regular member of the congregation here at Christ Church, having moved to the area seven years ago, from St. Georges, Tyldesley in the Manchester Diocese. I have served in various church roles for over 50 years. Now retired, I am currently a member of the Parochial Church Council here at Christchurch and help out with Children's activities, reading lessons and leading prayers at Sunday Worship amongst other things.
- I see my new role being to gently nudge and encourage our parish and Benefice leaders and the congregation to plan and deliver activities that make disciples of Jesus, be witnesses to Jesus, grow leaders and prioritise work among young people.
- At Christ Church under the guidance of Reverend Catherine, we have formed a Worship and Mission Group so that we can focus on developing our Mission and vision for the church and community here in Chatburn.
- We will all need to work together to develop our action plan using our discipleship to the full.
- Over the years Christ Church has been undertaking discipleship and mission in the community and has established strong and close links in the village, with the school, nursing home and with the Methodist Church. A lot has been achieved so far with people's commitment and dedication over the years.
- We hope to build on this established foundation to enable Christ Church to move forward and become an even more effective church hub in the village and to make sure that our doors remain open in the future. We must also be aware of our commitment to the Diocese and the world-wide church.
- I feel my role is to be an advocate for our vision and mission here in Chatburn, linking with the Vision Champions in our partner churches, ensuring that our local vision is an integral part of the Blackburn Diocese Vision 2026.
- I will not be a high profile figure, but working to support the vision quietly and encouraging people to become disciples and leaders in our Christian community and in line with the Diocese priority for 2019. I hope to keep you informed of our progress over the following months. This is an exciting time in our church life although it is recognised that this can be rather daunting for some people.
- If you have any comments which you would like to make please feel free to do so. I welcome comments that could be fed to the Worship and Mission Group regarding how you see the church helping in our local community and any specific needs, or if you have any feedback on Church Services.
Please give us some