April and May 2019

Parish Review

St. Luke’s Church & Cronton Mission

Bishop Jonathan from Sheffield preached on 10th March

+ serving God and community +

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St Luke’s Farnworth Parish

Churchwardens Barry Ingram 286 Upton Lane 01514232492 George Telfer 8 Wentworth Close 07792412415 Barry Horabin 12 Buckingham Ave 07471350957 Pat Johnson 17 Bridewell Court 07717522878 Mark Argent 07854032188 Lay Chair Barry Ingram 01514232492 Verger George Telfer 01514234640 Project Manager Barry Horabin 01514249887 PCC Secretary Sandra Lacey 07761672030 PCC Treasurer Yvonne Horabin 01514249887 Safeguarding Officer Margaret Campbell 01514246039 Sunday School 1030am in the Bridewell most Sundays Sunday School Leader Lynn Keeling 01514243142 Choir Practice Paul Delaney Wednesday 7-8pm in church Tower Captain Nigel Goulding Bell ringing practice Tuesdays 6.30pm Schools Farnworth C.E. Primary 01514243042 Cronton C.E. Primary 01514243881 Editor Philip Lacey 07710030973 Kebbs Farm Clock Face Road Bold Widnes WA8 3XH Please submit any material, articles or adverts, via email to farnworthreview@yahoo.co.uk with attachments in Word, Arial font 12 Bold.

Deadline for articles noon on 18th of May, July and Sept 2019. The Editor, Clergy and the Churchwardens reserve the right to omit or edit material provided for inclusion in this magazine.

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8

Dear Friends,

I begin my message with lots of good news. Firstly, after

a period of uncertainty for us as a team and also in the

wider Widnes area, I’m delighted to announce the

appointment of Rev Bob Pearson as our new Team

Rector at St Luke’s. The official announcement is:

‘Archdeacon Roger is delighted to announce that the

Rev Robert Lyon Pearson will be the next Priest in

Charge of the East Widnes Team. Bob has been vicar at

St Matthews Highfield in Wigan since 2002 in a church

which has much in common with the ministry at St

Luke's. He has previously served in parishes in

Warrington and Liverpool. In fact, when he comes to join

the people of Widnes he will have been a vicar in the

three Ws of our Diocese, Warrington, Wigan and now

Widnes. He is ashamed to admit that despite living and

serving in three rugby towns he has never been to a

rugby match - but hopes someone will take pity and

invite him along one day. Prior to church ministry, he

worked in Banking and in an international trading

business. He is married to Alison and they have four

adult children, two daughters and two sons; as well as

two grandchildren, Luke and Evelyn – and a lovely

scouse mother-in-law known as Nanna Bez! He enjoys

music and the occasional round of erratic golf. He sends

his love and looks forward to working with you in this

next chapter of your mission journey. He asks you all to

join with him in prayer as he makes plans for a sad

farewell to the people he currently serves and for a

smooth transition to the new ministry with you that he

feels called to.’

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Rev Bob will be installed on Tuesday 25th June by

Bishop Beverley. Similarly, as I write it looks like our

fellow churches in the South Widnes team are poised to

announce their new Team Rector and Area Dean for

Widnes. I know both teams are delighted with these

appointments and this promises to be an exciting new

chapter in the life of the churches in Widnes - please

watch this space for information on licensing services

and new beginnings, information should be available

soon!

In addition to the open space on Wednesdays here at St

Luke’s there is now also a coffee morning too and there

will be no more tripping over the font (we’ve all done it!)

as it moves to a new and more useful location near the

front of church, hopefully this will be completed by the

time you read these words.

On a personal note it has been an absolute pleasure to

be able to support St Luke’s and the wider team over

the last 18 months, thank you for making me so

welcome, and I am confident St Luke’s has lots to look

forward to and enjoy in this new season.

May I wish you every blessing as you move forwards

together. Rev Ian Hopkins Interim Vicar

Ian has provided a sensitive and

reliable priestly ministry according

to the traditions of our church to

support and guide us. PCC and our

congregation will be saddened to

bid him farewell.

10

LENT GROUP

St Luke’s 10.15am Wed April 3rd and 10th in church

PALM SUNDAY April 14

10.30am Morning Prayer with Passion

narrative

HOLY WEEK w/c April 15th

Monday of Holy Week, 10.30am Chrism Service at

Liverpool Cathedral

St Ambrose Monday, Tuesday & Wed 7pm Compline

MAUNDY THURSDAY April 18th

7pm EWT Service of Holy Communion with Foot

Washing

GOOD FRIDAY April 19th

10am to 11.30am Messy church and

Toddler Church

St Ambrose 2pm EWT Last Hour

EASTER SUNDAY April 21st

10.30am Holy Communion

ASCENSION DAY

Thursday May 30th

7pm Holy Communion

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and Toddler Church

@ St Luke’s Church

Good Friday, 19th April

10 – 11.30am

For all the family (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

For further information contact Clare: 07976549410

CRAFT * EASTER CELEBRATION * FOOD

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BISHOPS IN MISSION INIATIVE in WIDNES DEANERY

At Morning worship at St Luke’s on Sunday 10th

March we

were blessed to have Bishop Jonathan, the Bishop of

Huddersfield and a member of his team – Helen join with

us as part of the Bishops in Mission initiative. A very wet

and windy morning outside but the warmth inside was

palpable. There were 85 people in church plus 10 Sunday

school children

It was a sight to behold when the Choir, Rev. Ian, Clare,

server Gill and our four Wardens walked in procession

with the Bishop from the North door up to the altar.

Rev. Ian extended a welcome to Bishop Jonathan on

behalf of St Luke’s. He replied telling us of the warm

welcome the team had received at every event they had

attended during their time in Widnes. He spoke with such

sincerity and joy in his voice it was quite apparent he was

enjoying the visit. Bishop Jonathon conducted the sermon

and served communion. His colleague Helen spoke of

how she became a Christian and how faith had helped her

through various crises in her life. Once again extolling the

same sentiments as the Bishop.

Charlotte a member of our Sunday school was at ease

telling the Bishop of their doings during Sunday school. I

feel sure those of our congregation who were able to talk

with Bishop Jonathan and Helen following the service

were pleased to make their acquaintance.

This was a celebration not to have been missed and I

think Widnes Deanery their Advocates and all involved in

the planning and execution of the Mission can pat

themselves on the back for a job well done.

Pat Johnson. Church Warden

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Flower Rota

April 7 Lent

14 Lent

21 Mrs M Westbury

21 Mrs B Owen (Bold)

May 5 Mrs K Wong

12 Mrs L Race

19 Mr & Mrs A

Humphreys

26 Mrs J Hughes

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'OPEN DOOR'

at church

Every Wednesday 10.30am to 4pm

10.30am to 12noon

COFFEE MORNING - Join us for a cuppa, cake & chat

STITCH and KNIT - Help our ladies to repair an

ancient banner or just bring your sewing & knitting.

1.30pm to 3.30pm

GAMES GALORE - Come and play games - scrabble,

chess, dominos, UNO and many more. Grosvenor

Women's club host and provide refreshments.

ALL are welcome to drop into church for a guided tour,

refreshments, a chat, quiet time or prayer

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Some of the Wednesday afternoon Games Galore ladies

We held our first session

in November with 6

people attending.

The second session saw

2 new members – we

still hover between 8/9

but the noise level in

Cuerdley Chapel is

heightened by the

laughter and chatter you

would think there were twice as many of us. We have

various games but UNO was a new one to most of us so

that was favourite for a few weeks. It also meant we

could play as a group. Then Carol(G) brought along

‘Mexican Train’ once again a new game to most of us so

with ‘L’ plates on we began and very soon we were all

hooked. We do have a selection of board games and we

would love more people to come along and enjoy the fel-

lowship and fun we experience here every Wednesday

afternoon. Alma or Barry spoil us with refreshments

which are appreciated. I guess a vote of thanks to Baz at

this point as he suggested this as a way of using church

space for the community - and here we are Games

Galore. If you are reading this and you find you have a

couple of hours to spare on a Wednesday between 1.30-

3.30pm then come and join us. There is no charge but

we all agreed to pay £2 per week – this is towards ‘the

toilet fund’ well at least that is our name for it!!

Pat Johnson

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Toddler Church 2019

Our Toddler Church family continues to meet on the 2nd

Sunday of the month at St Luke’s Church, 4 – 5pm where

Jack, the puppet dog, continues to help lead the worship.

He especially enjoys story time and singing and playing

the instruments but his favourite part is getting involved

with the craft activities - although he also quite likes

‘toast time’ too - an opportunity for everyone to share

freshly buttered toast and a drink before saying goodbye

till next time.

In April Toddler Church has been invited to come along

and join in with Messy Church on Good Friday, instead of

meeting on its usual 2nd

Sunday of the month (just for

April) with Toddler Church back to its usual time and

date in May.

Messy Church, Good Friday 19th

April 2019, 10am –

11.30am at St Luke’s Church. All families are welcome

to come along and enjoy Easter Celebrations, crafts and

food.

In March we listened to the Bible story about Jesus being

tempted in the desert and how he resisted this

temptation. We thought about the fact that because

Jesus understands what it means to

be tempted he can help us to make

the right choices when we are

tempted. In our craft time we used

brightly coloured wools to thread

through hearts, added stickers and

lots of colour to decorate them, to

remind us ‘Jesus helps us’.

17

And in March we were all very excited to welcome 3 new

families to join us, with two of these families soon to

have a child baptised at St Luke’s too.

In February we listened to the

Bible story telling of when

Jesus went out in a fishing boat

from where he taught the

crowds on the shore. Jesus

then told the fishermen to put

out their nets and they caught

many, many fish. Jesus invited

the fishermen to follow him and

fish for people instead.

Then in our craft time we

decorated fish and with our own

fishing rods we fished and

caught many fish!

18

All enjoying making and catching fish.

Messy Church Leader Clare

ANNUAL MEETINGS SUNDAY APRIL 14th 11.45am

Annual Meeting of Parishioners - Election of Wardens

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Election of PCC members and Reports on

PCC proceedings Safeguarding

Health and Safety Finances

Fabric Cronton Mission

Deanery Synod and closing remarks by Rev Ian

ALL WELCOME

If you would like a copy of the

Annual report for 2018 there will

some in church on April 7th, it

will be on our website

st-luke.co.uk email

sandralacey47@yahoo.co.uk for

an electronic copy

19

SERVICES April and May

Date St. Ambrose St. Luke

7th April 9am HC

10.30am HC 10.30am HC with baptism

3pm Confirmation

Service

14th April

PALM

SUNDAY

8.00am HC

10.30am HC

followed by APCM

10.30am MP followed

by APCM

NO TODDLER CHURCH

21st April

EASTER

DAY

10.30am HC &

Parade

10.30am HC

6 pm HC (BCP)

28th April 9.00am HC

10.30am Family MP 10.30am MP

12.30pm Baptisms

5th May 9am HC

10.30am HC 10.30am HC

12.30pm Baptisms

12th May 8.00am HC

10.30am HC 10.30am MP

4pm Toddler Church

19th May 10.30am HC 10.30am All Age Worship

6 pm HC (BCP)

26th May 9.00am HC

10.30am Family

Morning Prayer

10.30am HC

12.30pm Baptisms

20

St Luke’s Sunday School

First two Sundays of the month and

the fourth. (except August)

10.30am till 11.40am in the

Bridewell adjacent to church

children age 4 to 11.

ALL AGE WORSHIP on third Sunday in church

We have lots of fun learning about God’s Love for us.

Please come and join us.

Contact Lynn

Keeling on

424 3142 for

further details.

Sunday school children showing their wonderful creation

pictures in church after learning about the creation and

Adam and Eve.

21

Open the Book celebrates its

20th

Anniversary this year.

It all began in Bedford when a group of

Christians wanted to take the Bible into their

local Primary School. What began in that one

town has grown into a huge and exciting initiative across

England and Wales. Apparently, some 16,800 storytellers

regularly take Open the Book into 3,099 Primary Schools

and that number is steadily growing.

I lead our Team of Gail Beswick, Barry Ingram, Pat

Johnson, George Telfer and Lynne Taylor when she can

be spared from twin baby grandchildren duties!

These past weeks have told the stories of Samuel and

Eli, of Samuel as King and then wise Solomon. All the

children were involved in our last Open the Book story

and they so enjoyed it: they gasped out loud when

Solomon told the soldier to chop the baby in two… they

were so engaged in the story that they really thought

that the soldier was actually going to do it! For a moment

they forgot just how God had granted Solomon the gift of

wisdom to rule over his people.

22

The children really are delightful and it is such a privilege

for us to be allowed to share the Bible stories in such an

engaging way.

We hope that we are able to Open the Book in Farnworth

C of E School for many years to come!

One last thing….If anyone has a wooden or plastic toy

sword to spare then Open the Book Team would love it…

ours has gone missing!! We had to improvise with a

radiator brush! Wish us luck when we come to improvise

for Jonah’s whale in a few weeks time! One very last

thing!! The Bible Society have commissioned a special

song for OTB, it is sung to the tune of The Skye Boat

Song. We sang it to the children; I hope you can sing

along as you read it.

Open the Book and listen again, hear in the words of old,

God’s love for you, God’s love for me, here in these pages

told. Long, long ago, stories were told, meaning and

wonder sought, listening now, we hear again stories our

ancestors taught. Open the Book etc...... Sue

Our Projects

Unfortunately the Planning

Department at the Diocese decided

more discussion was required on

the installation of toilets and a

kitchenette so no progress yet. The

good news is the font will be

relocated to the front of the church

before Easter.

23

MOTHERS’ UNION

A well attended memorial

service was held on

February 23rd

to celebrate

the life of Eileen Lynn. It

was a chance for friends and

family to say goodbye in

Widnes where she lived until

recently in the church where

she used to worship.

Our meeting on the 13th

Feb

was the Diocesan President

Caroline Collins. Colleen led

the meeting and as I was

unable to be there Colleen

kindly made notes of the meeting. Caroline spoke of her

Christian life and her involvement in the MU. She asked

our members to write down what they like about the MU

and what they wanted the MU to be involved in. She will

gather the thoughts of all members and use the report to

guide her in her role during the next 3 years. She is

excited about the Liverpool mini MU hoping it will spread

worldwide. Caroline had a little box of stones. She uses

them to help her with her prayers which is quite moving.

She stressed the power of prayer and the value of hugs. I

understand she is enthusiastic and is perfect for the job.

Sue gave a vote of thanks wishing her a successful if not

busy term of office.

Our March meeting was full of laughter a perfect break

from a troubled world. Chris was leader and she brought

24

the Family Fortunes game along. Before the game we had

prayers and a reading followed by a brain teaser from Val.

She had 3 silver objects the she said were from the same

family but with what Val called different fathers. They

were passed around and we were all baffled. We jotted on

a paper our ideas of their use. They were all for cracking

open boiled eggs. They all did the same thing (family) but

from different inventors (fathers). Well done Val for

getting all our cogs moving. For family fortunes we were

divided into 2 teams the Whiteheads and Whimperleys.

Two people stood out in front and were asked a question.

The first to buzz with the correct answer took the round.

Chris would say ‘I asked a hundred people’ followed by

the question e.g. name things that can be pickled. The

team took it in turns to answer, if correct they received

points, if wrong it was the dreaded buzzer and the other

team got points if they were correct. Anyone getting the

top answer received a card with a prize on it. These

caused a lot of laughter. Alma won a pole dancing class,

Barbara a tattoo NVQ qualified, Colleen an ice dancing

class, Janet a bungee jump from the new bridge and I won

potato picking in Jersey. All with a disclaimer that the

committee would not be held responsible. There were

funny answers, good answers not on the list, members

forgetting to buzz and random calling out from the wrong

teams. I’m not sure it was water in Chris’s glass. She

claimed Les Dennis didn’t have this trouble taking a gulp

from the glass. The winners were the Whiteheads, well

done. It was a great evening, thank you Chris.

10th

April is care in the community with a rep from Elysium

Healthcare

25

8th

May Update on the work of Christian aid with Helen

Parker-Jervis

22nd

May MU coffee morning 10 -12 in the Bridwell £1 a

ticket. This is a change in the date first given.

Tea rota for April Wendy Collinson & Shelagh Wareing. For

May it is Barbara Kelsall & Lesley Runcorn.

Rita Poole

Hi Everyone

Just a list of what we are really

short of in Foodbank this month.

Tinned fruit

longlife fruit juice

bars of

chocolate

instant rice

instant pasta

dried milk

potted meat or fish paste

(really useful for clients with no cooking or heating

facility).

If you would like to give Easter eggs

please have them to us two weeks or

earlier before Easter to allow us to

distribute them, otherwise chocolate

bars are much appreciated and can

be used year round.

Many thanks again to those of you

who regularly donate.

Lesley Howell

26

News from Cronton

Services in April and May all at 10.30 am

One day spring has arrived, the next we are plunged back

into winter – but spring is just around the corner now and

new life will burst forth. It’s also the time of year when we

have been talking in church about the way of the cross

and the opportunity for a new start every day. We stumble

a lot and yet God our Father is always there to pick us up,

brush us down and point us in the right direction again [a

whole lifetime of learning to walk … in the way of the

Lord].

Innocence – With the money the Drop-In ladies gave us I

bought a couple of Big Books for café church. The story

one Sunday was ‘Let the children come to me… the

kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’. The

children love the book. The photograph shows the fruits of

our discussions about what childlike qualities we keep,

which we lose as we get older – and which ones God

wants us to nurture. Which ones would be on your list?

7th April Café style church - AGM

14th

Morning Prayer – Palm Sunday

starts at the war memorial

21st Easter Sunday Café style church

28th

Holy Communion

5th May Café style church

12th

Morning Prayer

19th

Café style church

26th

Holy Communion - Rogation

27

The topic led neatly into the

next week - how these

qualities manifest

themselves in what we do.

Following in the way of Jesus

– using our hands and feet to

work for his glory – of course

for children, play is work …

one of those things in our

lives that we can put aside

as we grow older – do we

really need to? Do adults

need to ‘play’ too? The

children like to take their

drawings home for their busy

books but some choose to

display theirs on the church

cupboard.

As we started Lent and

contemplated the 40 days in

the wilderness I

acknowledged that I rarely

speak about the Devil and evil

but we really need to

include the topic – perhaps

more than I do. What do you

think? Ever-present

temptation to make poor or

bad choices is a lifelong

threat or risk depending on

28

And so we found ourselves discussing

the way of the Cross … and courage.

We have restarted our Bible study group,

in the Parish Office on Hampton Drive;

Wednesdays at 7.00pm. We are reading

the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book

– Reconciliation [SPCK 2018]

The Archbishop of Canterbury has

identified three priorities for his ministry:

reconciliation; prayer; and…the renewal of religious life,

and evangelism and witness. [I think that’s five, or am I

nitpicking?].

Reconciliation is the theme of his 2019 Lent study book.

Reconciliation – needed since Adam and Eve – is one of

humankind’s ‘greatest needs and toughest challenges.’

Justin Welby says that ‘reconciliation is the Gospel. It is

at the heart of the entire story of God and his people’. He

includes the excluded or abandoned in this; he describes

reconciliation as ‘the journey into otherness: into the

otherness of God and the otherness of our neighbours’.

It’s early days in our study and yet there are already

powerful sentences that provide life-giving food for

thought.

‘the Cross was the consequence of Christ speaking,

acting and living as he did in order to reconcile us with

God and with one another; the Cross makes possible a

new life of community in Christ’.

Talking about the way of the Cross with young children

means reflecting their life experiences of course and

talking about being kind, caring, sharing may seem

difficult, however, they never fail to amaze.

29

Already Jude had thought about giving up his sweets

during Lent so that he can raise money for his friend in

Cronton nursery class [they both started in September

2018] – and I just have to include this here. I am

donating too… once I can get back into my Just giving

account. [Why are they keeping me out?!]

Story - James; 3, Jude; 3 and Leon; 4, met in nursery in

September 2018 and have been best of friends since.

James was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease

(ILD) at 12 months old by the respiratory team in

Alder Hey. ILD is a group of rare paediatric lung

diseases which all have no cure due to lack of

knowledge and research on the condition.

Jude came up with the most wonderful idea of giving up

sweets until Easter (which is hard for any three

year old) to raise funds to help children who have poorly

lungs just like James. Leon and James have also now

joined onto Jude's kind idea and our three musketeers

are giving up their sweets in return for your donations

and support!

chILD Foundation is a non profit organisation whose

mission is to provide support and hope to the children

and the families of those who suffer with the life

altering disease. Without lung transplantation the

prognosis for some of the children affected by ILD is

poor, many having high morbidity and high mortality

rates. Please help our little super heroes raise money

for a crucial research to improve and save the lives of

children affected by ILD. Go to Samantha Reilly’s page

https://www.justgiving.com/OurSuperHeros if you wish

to donate too.

30

Baptism at St Luke’s church

As a Reader, I am so privileged

to assist at with the pre-Baptism

visits and then the actual

services at St Luke’s.

Very often I have known the

baby’s parents when they

themselves were pupils in my

classes when I taught at

Farnworth CE School…it is al-

ways so lovely to catch up with

them and find out how they are

doing in their careers and family lives. Sometimes I visit

families where children are currently at Farnworth CE

School, as was the case with Willow, who you see in this

photograph. She sees me when I go in with the Open the

Book Team and when I visited her baby sister Dottie she

This year, for Palm Sunday, we have decided to start our

service at the war memorial in Coronation Gardens so

that we can walk up to church together with our palm

crosses. Will we be waving them? It probably depends on

the weather, much like our Rogation service which we

will celebrate by beating the bounds of the school field [it

is after all a ‘boundary’ and little legs get tired]

Whatever we are doing – we will walk in the light [one of

my favourite hymns – has that given you an ear-worm for

the day?]

Lesley, LML Cronton

31

was full of smiles and ready with

her Bible to test me on my

knowledge of Old Testament

stories! She helped Rev’d Ian

when he baptised Dottie but

beforehand we had a little chat

about her role. Thank you to her

mummy Cat, for sending me this

lovely photograph.

I feel very blessed to have this

special relationship with Baptism

families. Sue

A special Welcome to our newly Baptised little ones and

their families.

32

CONFIRMATION 2019

We have two Y6 children

preparing for Confirmation

by Bishop Paul at 3pm on

April 7th

at St Ambrose

Church. Please do come

along and support them on

this big occasion.

I have so enjoyed

Conformation Club and our ‘conversations’ over the past

weeks. They are both very well grounded and mature

young ‘gentleman’ whose knowledge of Scripture is really

very good. It has been lovely to get to know them better

and to see their faith growing week by week. They have

also been attending our 10.30am services; this has been

a great opportunity for the congregation members to get

to know them too. We must thank Barry Ingram and Alma

Marshall who keep church open for us on Wednesday

after school and provide us with drinks and bicuits….Kian

likes his carton of juice but Alma now knows that Samuel

loves a cup of tea with two sugars! Please do pray for

them in the weeks leading up to their Confirmation. Sue

Father of love and power, it is your will to establish

everything in Christ and to draw us into his all-embracing

love. Strengthen Kian and Samuel in their confirmation

promises, build them into the kingdom of your Son,

and seal them with the Spirit of your love. Amen

33

Meets every Wed 10:30-2pm. The Sanctuary

St Ambrose Church Halton View Road, Widnes

The Sanctuary meets every Wednesday so come and join

us each week for a free ‘cuppa’ and a snack.

If you enjoy chatting with people in your community, or

even if you just need a place to hang out, then we are

here for you. There will be on occasion’s speakers

looking at subjects surrounding health and wellbeing and

it’s a place to meet friends in our local community and to

share our stories.

We also have MIND workers available if you need to talk

to someone about any Mental health needs.

Contact contact David Steadman 07551399631

dwandc.steadman@virginmedia.com

Crafts if you Crafts if you

wish to do themwish to do them

Great board Great board Games for those Games for those

who like themwho like them

Conversations Conversations

and storiesand stories

Free tea, Free tea, coffee, and hot coffee, and hot

chocolatechocolate

Cake and Cake and

TeacakesTeacakes

34

Treasurers Report Year ended 31st

December 2018

In the last magazine I gave estimates of the receipts and

expenses on the General fund for the year, which didn’t

paint a happy picture. There are a few items to be

confirmed for the final figures for that year, but the end

result is still a large deficit of £22,495 The receipts have

increased in 2018 by £3233 (excluding the legacy last

year) and the expenses have only risen by £477, even

allowing for the £1500+ increase in the parish share, it is

at least a step in the right direction. Every charity is

suffering this year, as people are watching the pennies

more closely than ever. Sadly, we have lost quite a few

of our regular givers due to bereavement, and the

younger generation are not as committed to giving on a

regular basis as previous generations. We will be

exploring the possibility of having a contactless pay

point in the church, for payment with a bank card.

Unfortunately, we are struggling with the broadband

required for this due to the walls of the church being too

thick. It only works at present in the vestry. This

hopefully, once installed, will increase the giving from

the younger generation who no longer carry cash. I am

hoping that once Reverend Bob, our new Team Rector

arrives, people will start to increase their giving again.

Please do so if you are able. I am at a loss to know the

way forward at the moment, I feel that every plea for an

increase in giving falls on stony ground. At this rate the

monies in the investment funds will only last a further

5-6 years. If you know of any new ideas for raising funds,

or can help in any other way, please let us know. Thank

you for your continued support. Yvonne Horabin

35

BRIDEWELL BOOKINGS The Bridewell is available for

use by small groups. Charges are £20 for first 2 hours

and £5 per hour thereafter. Booking forms are available

from Barry Ingram. 0151 423 2492

SALE OF BOOKS DVDS CDS TALKING BOOKS on tape

First Saturday each month 11am to 3pm Refs on sale

“A Smile”

A smile costs nothing, but gives so much

It enriches those who receive, without

making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes

lasts forever.

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without

it, and none so poor

But that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates

happiness in the home,

fosters goodwill in business, and is the countersign of

friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged,

sunshine to the sad

And it is nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot

be bought or stole,

for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is

given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile, give them

one of yours.

as none needs a smile as much as he who has no more

to give.

36

Parish Registers

Holy Baptism Date Name

3 February Sonny James Bragg

Cassidy Ella Pope

Georgina Nanson

24 February Dottie Belle Greason

Elizabeth Rachel Tague

Alfie William Kelly

3 March Darcy Mae Jane Allinson

Noah Alexander Slater

24 March Oscar William Knibb

Arthur James O'Hanlon

Maisie Kathryn Johnson

Funerals Date Name Age

Widnes crem 8 February Olive Blanche Baines 86

St Luke & crem 8 February Joseph Kenneth (Ken) Green 78

Widnes crem 13 February Freda Corcoran 82

St Luke & crem 18 February Pauline Ann Parker 72

St Luke's & crem 21 February June Tipton 82

Widnes crem 5 March Ruth Helms 86

St Luke's & crem 11 March Kenneth Gibbins 84

Springwood Crem 18 March James Edward Minney 78

St Luke's & crem 19 March Shirley Annette Barker 63

St Luke's & cemetery

26 March David Ronald Jones

67

Memorial service 23 February Eileen Lynn

Burial Ashes 7 February David Hutchinson

20 March Olive & Sydney Baines

37

Weddings Date Names

9 February Laura Brownbill & Mark Rushton

16 February Kayleigh Grogan & Matthew Lawton

2 March David Woods & Sharon Joinson

16 March Thomas Fearns & Darryl Sillery

Aladdin’s Cave

Second Saturday

each month in the

Bridewell

9.30am to 12.30

Sale of good quality nearly new & used clothing,

household goods & bric-a-brac. Please take donations

to Bridewell on the Friday before the sale. If you would

like items to be picked up please ring 01514203695

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday June 29th, 1pm to 4pm

@ Farnworth CE School

38

Daily Bible Readings

I appreciate that some people have taken the ‘bull by the

horns’ and accepted this challenge to read through the

Bible in Chronological Order in just one year. That is no

mean feat. I think it is fair to say that we have all

struggled a bit with The Book of Job until that is we got

to the last couple of chapters and then it all seemed to

drop into place and make sense! I wonder what the next

couple of months will reveal? Sue

April

1st

- Numbers 14-15;

Psalm 90

2nd

- Numbers 16-17

3rd

- Numbers 18-20

4th

- Numbers 21-22

5th

- Numbers 23-25

6th

- Numbers 26-27

7th

- Numbers 28-30

8th

- Numbers 31-32

9th

- Numbers 33-34

10th

- Numbers 35-36

11th

- Deuteronomy 1-2

12th

- Deuteronomy 3-4

13th

- Deuteronomy 5-7

14th

- Deuteronomy 8-10

15th

- Deuteronomy 11-13

16th

- Deuteronomy 14-16

17th

- Deuteronomy 17-20

18th

- Deuteronomy 21-23

19th

- Deuteronomy 24-27

May

1st

- Judges 4-5

2nd

Judges 6-7

3rd

- Judges 6-7

4th

- Judges 8-9

5th

- Judges 10-12

6th

- Judges 13-15

7th

- Judges 16-18

8th

- Judges 19-21

9th

- Ruth 1-4

10th

- 1 Samuel 1-3

11th

- 1 Samuel 4-8

12th

- 1 Samuel 9-12

13th

- 1 Samuel 13-14

14th

- 1 Samuel 15-17

15th

- 1 Samuel 18-20;

Psalm 11, 59

16th

- 1 Samuel 21-24

17th

Psalm 7, 27, 31, 34, 52

18th

Psalm 56, 120, 140-142

19th

- 1 Samuel 25-27

39

April

20th

- Deuteronomy 28-29

21st

- Deuteronomy 30-31

22nd

- Deuteronomy 32-34;

Psalm 91

23rd

- Joshua 1-4

24th

- Joshua 5-8

25th

- Joshua 9-11

26th

- Joshua 12-15

27th

- Joshua 16-18

28th

- Joshua 19-21

29th

- Joshua 22-24

30th

- Judges 1-2

31st

- Judges 3-4

May

20th

- Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63

21st

1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm

18

22nd

- Psalm 121, 123-125,

128-130

23rd

- 2 Samuel 1-4

24th

- Psalm 6, 8-10, 14, 16,

19, 21

25th

- 1 Chronicles 1-2

26th

- Psalm 43-45, 49, 84-

85, 87

27th

- 1 Chronicles 3-5

28th

- Psalm 73, 77-78

29th

- 1 Chronicles 6

30th

- Psalm 81, 88, 92-93

Wednesday

services

APRIL and MAY

St Luke St Ambrose

3rd April Holy Communion

10th April Morning Prayer Holy Communion

17th April Holy Communion

24th April Morning Prayer Holy Communion

1st May Holy Communion

8th May Morning Prayer Holy Communion

15th May Holy Communion

22nd May Morning Prayer Holy Communion

29th May Holy Communion

40

Farnworth CE School Y5 visit St Luke’s

Please see below a letter that I sent to Mrs Stillings after

this visit.

‘I would like to congratulate the Y5 children who came

up to St Luke's Church on Wednesday to take part in our

Service of Holy Communion with Children. I was in the

vestry when they arrived and was completely taken by

surprise when I walked into church and found them all

sitting in the pews, ready and waiting for the service to

begin. There wasn't a sound. They must have crept in

quieter than our church mouse! We don't usually sing a

hymn at our midweek service but the children began by

singing, 'The Lord is my shepherd'. Our regular

congregation members loved it and they were really

impressed by their acapella singing in two parts.

The children who read the Bible passage and led us in

our prayers did so really well...thank you to them.

Everyone was completely engaged with the service and

the responses they made were loud and clear. I was so

proud of them and I know that Miss Thomas, Ms

McKevitt, Mrs Goodwin, Mrs Parr and other parent

helpers were too. Before they left they enjoyed a drink

and biscuit and then they spent a few minutes having a

wander around our beautiful, historic church.

Perhaps we have some budding ministers among them?

There were so many of them keen to climb up into

the pulpit! Please congratulate them on their

exemplary behaviour and respect for our other

congregation members and the building; we loved having

them join us and I hope that they too enjoyed the service.

We would welcome them back any time. Sue Smither

41

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For Free estimates please call:

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Turfing

42

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44

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MOTS MOTS

46

47

FOOT CARE THERAPIST

Carol Griffiths M.A.F.H.P.

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Domiciliary Visits

12 Alder Avenue,

Widnes Telephone

Cheshire Surgery: 0151 423 2651

WA8 6QG Mobile: 07802 426050

Mobile Beauty Services At Home

Nails, Waxing, Spray Tans, Facials & More

Please contact Hayley:

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Website: www.allaboutbeauty.me

Special offer: 25% discount on your first

treatment

48

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49

50

For further information please contact us on

0151 424 3338

or visit us online at

www.abbeyfieldwidnes.webeden.co.uk

Widnes Society

Where older people find care in housing

LITTLEMORE HOUSE | 59 CORONERS LANE | WIDNES | WA8 9JB

Abbeyfield provides residential accommodation for older, single people

who seek companionship and security, with

24 hour assistance and all meals provided.

Curren

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51

We deal with all accountancy and taxation matters associated with limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, employees,

as well as people in receipt of pensions and investment income etc.

If you would like friendly, confidential, and yet very professional

advice please contact either Ray Musker or John Garrett.

23 Farnworth Street, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 9LH

Telephone: 0151423 5434 Facsimile: 0151 495 2994

E-Mail:janet@musker-garrett.co.uk

Cheshire Music Services All enquiries acknowledged

Your First Lesson is Free

for PIANO KEYBOARD and ORGAN

Telephone 01744 616430

For Home visits or studio lessons at the Ring O’Bells

Hotel, Farnworth

All ages and abilities welcome.

52

East Widnes Team

Interim Vicar Reverend Ian Hopkins

please contact Ian via the Team Administrator

Team Vicar Reverend Lyn McIver

07791650911

Local Missional Leader Lesley Wright

07803148233

Lay reader Sue Smither 07962012916

Lay reader Clare Liptrott 07976549410

www.st-luke.co.uk

Team Administrator Lesley Howell

Please contact Lesley

to arrange an

appointment to meet

at St Luke’s church or

St Ambrose church.

07399784219

eastwidnesteam.2942@gmail.com

Contact Us tab on our website st-luke.co.uk

Wedding and Baptism

Please contact Team Administrator Lesley

Funeral

Please make arrangements with a Funeral

Director who will then contact our Team

Administrator