April 2020April 2020April 2020April 2020
Volume 56 No 656 Volume 56 No 656 Volume 56 No 656 Volume 56 No 656
The Parish Magazine of St Mary SandbachThe Parish Magazine of St Mary SandbachThe Parish Magazine of St Mary SandbachThe Parish Magazine of St Mary Sandbach
CHALLENGE
1
Changing World
AAAA s I compile this months magazine, the world is changing day
by day and there is much uncertainty. We need to listen to
advice from the Government and the NHS and ensure we look after
ourselves and our loved ones.
As social creatures it is extremely difficult for us to be isolated in
our homes, especially for those who live on their own. The PCC
have been looking at ways to help you, which are detailed below.
I'm sure the Government advice will change (keep an eye on the
Government, NHS and Church of England websites) so the latest
advice and information about St Mary's will be on the website or
Facebook:
www.sandbachchurch.co.uk
www.gov.uk
www.nhs.uk
www.churchofengland.org
Church Services
At the time of writing there are no church services. However, the
list of Sunday and Wednesday readings for April are listed in the
following pages. Some music was recorded in Church on Mother's
Day which you can listen to via the website or Facebook.
BBC Radio 4 has a Sunday Service at 8 am each week and you
can catch-up with it on the BBC website. The Archbishop of
Canterbury lead the worship for Mothering Sunday.
Pewsheets
We will still produce the weekly pewsheet. It will be available on
the web-site. Deliveries through your door will resume as soon as
circumstances permit.
2
Magazine
The magazine will still be produced monthly and will be available
on the web-site or by email and, when permitted, in church or
delivered to your door.
Requests for help
There are a number of us who are keen to help anyone who is in
need. Anything from shopping, collecting prescriptions or just to
have a chat. Please do not hesitate in contacting one of the
following:
Anne and Kevin Birch 01270 760778
Heather and John Bottomley 01270 768744
At this time be thoughtful of each other and discover ways of
keeping in contact whilst we cannot meet up - telephone, text, email,
facetime, WhatsApp etc. If you need any technical help them please
ring Heather or John, or your children and grandchildren!
Contact details
If you would like to be on the list for the emailing of the Pewsheet or
Magazine then please send your email to:
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Church Opening
The Church is now closed until further notice.
3
April 2020
HOLY WEEK Wednesday 1st AprilWednesday 1st AprilWednesday 1st AprilWednesday 1st April Daniel 3. 14-20, 24-25, 28
John 8. 31-42
Sunday 5th AprilSunday 5th AprilSunday 5th AprilSunday 5th April Psalm 118. 1-2, 19-29
Palm SundayPalm SundayPalm SundayPalm Sunday Matthew 21. 1-11
Wednesday 8th AprilWednesday 8th AprilWednesday 8th AprilWednesday 8th April Isaiah 49. 1-7
1 Corinthians 1. 18-31
Thursday 9th AprilThursday 9th AprilThursday 9th AprilThursday 9th April Exodus 12. 1-14
Maundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday Psalm 116. 1, 10-17
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
John 13. 1-17, 31b-35
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Friday 10th AprilFriday 10th AprilFriday 10th AprilFriday 10th April Hebrews 4. 14-16; 5. 7-9
Good FridayGood FridayGood FridayGood Friday John 18. 1-19, 42
Sunday 12th AprilSunday 12th AprilSunday 12th AprilSunday 12th April Acts 10. 34-43
Easter DayEaster DayEaster DayEaster Day Psalm 118. 1-2, 14-24
John 20. 1-18
Wednesday 15th AprilWednesday 15th AprilWednesday 15th AprilWednesday 15th April Acts 2. 36-41 John 20. 11-18
Sunday 19th AprilSunday 19th AprilSunday 19th AprilSunday 19th April Acts 4. 13-21
Easter 2Easter 2Easter 2Easter 2 Psalm 118. 1-4, 14-21
Mark 16. 9-15
Lord of all life and power,
who through the mighty resurrection of your Son
overcame the old order of sin and death
to make all things new in him:
grant that we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
may reign with him in glory;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be praise and honour, glory and might,
now and in all eternity. Amen
Lord of all life and power,
who through the mighty resurrection of your Son
overcame the old order of sin and death
to make all things new in him:
grant that we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
may reign with him in glory;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be praise and honour, glory and might,
now and in all eternity. Amen
5
Sunday 26th AprilSunday 26th AprilSunday 26th AprilSunday 26th April Acts 2. 14a, 36-41
Easter 3Easter 3Easter 3Easter 3 Psalm 116. 1-3, 10-17
1 Peter 1. 17-23
Almighty Father,
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life
and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
Wednesday 29th AprilWednesday 29th AprilWednesday 29th AprilWednesday 29th April Acts 8. 1b-8
3 John 2-8
Wednesday 15th AprilWednesday 15th AprilWednesday 15th AprilWednesday 15th April Acts 9. 13-end
John 3. 7-15
Thanks and Kindness
TTTT here are some good things to report. We have had many
comments on how wonderful it is that the Church is open
more often where people can pray and explore the wonderful
building.
Martyn was cleaning the church paths last Thursday, as he
does every week, when he was approached by a passing
gentleman. He was asked, "Do you get paid for the work?".
Martyn replied, "Only in kind". (Usually a cuppa from Thursday
Teas - but not that day). Five minutes later the gentleman
returned and gave Martyn half a dozen eggs for his hard work.
6
GGGG od proved His love on the
Cross. When Christ hung, and
bled, and died, it was God saying to
the world, ‘I love you.’ (Billy Graham).
God showed His love for us, when Jesus dealt with the problem
of our sin on the cross. ‘He himself bore our sins in His body on
the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by
His wounds you have been healed’ (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus died in
our place to bear our sin and guilt, to pay the full penalty for our
sin and to set us free from death.
In the 75th anniversary year of the liberation of the Auschwitz
Concentration Camp, it’s appropriate to remember the story of Fr
Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest imprisoned in Auschwitz. On
31st July 1941 a prisoner escaped from the camp and in response
the authorities selected ten men to die in the starvation bunker.
One of the men, Francis Gajinisdek, cried, ‘My poor wife and my
children. They’ll never see me again!’
Then Kolbe stepped forward and said, ‘I’m a Catholic priest. I
don’t have a wife and children and I am willing to die instead of
this man.’ He followed the other nine into the bunker.
Remarkably he got the prisoners praying and singing hymns and
transformed the atmosphere in the bunker. He was the last
person to die and after two weeks he was given a lethal injection
and died at the age of 47.
Jesus’ death was even more amazing than this, because He didn’t
simply die for one man, but for every individual in the world. If
you or I had been the only person in the world, Jesus Christ
would still have died in our place. ‘ Hallelujah, what a Saviour’!!
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Prayers - Corona epidemic.
For those who are ill….For those who are ill….For those who are ill….For those who are ill….
Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain,
that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there
to hold them safe.
Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
ln their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the
cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the whole community...For the whole community...For the whole community...For the whole community...
Lord, help us not to be people of fear, but people of courage.
Help us not to be people who only protect our own safety,
but to be people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
Help us not to be people of greed, but people of generosity.
We are your people Lord God, giving and loving,
wherever we are, whatever it costs, for as long as it takes,
wherever you call us. Amen.
Lord God our Shield and our Defender, _
guide and protect my neighbours in this time of health emergency;
them from all harm
may your love and care ever grow in this place.
this in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
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A prayer for the world….A prayer for the world….A prayer for the world….A prayer for the world….
God of love and hope,
you made the world and care for all creation,
but the world feels strange right now.
The news is full of stories about Coronavirus.
Some people are worried that they might get ill,
others are anxious for their family and friends.
Be with them and help them to find peace.
We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists,
and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help
those who are ill.
Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us.
Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe. Amen.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble
Therefore, we will not fear. The Lord Almighty is with us.”
Food Bank
TTTT he Food Bank is in need of donations for the food bank. The
Co-op on the Hill and the Nationwide are still collecting for
us and the Wesley Centre will be open on a Monday afternoon
between 2pm and 4pm for donations.
At the moment we especially need:
meat products like stewed meat products like stewed meat products like stewed meat products like stewed
steak, meatballs, etc, but also steak, meatballs, etc, but also steak, meatballs, etc, but also steak, meatballs, etc, but also
tinned corned beef and ham.tinned corned beef and ham.tinned corned beef and ham.tinned corned beef and ham.
uht milk, long life fruit juice, uht milk, long life fruit juice, uht milk, long life fruit juice, uht milk, long life fruit juice,
toilet rolls.toilet rolls.toilet rolls.toilet rolls.
Thanks, and stay safe.
9
Who moved the stone?
‘‘‘‘ When they looked up, they
saw that the stone, which was
very large, had been rolled
away.’ Mark 16:4
Frank Morrison was an
investigative journalist who
was a sceptic when it came to
religion. He decided to write a
book to disprove the claims of
Christ, specifically focussed on
the last week of His life.
However, when he came to
consider the evidence for
himself, he was drawn
reluctantly to a different
outcome than he had
imagined. He found that the
evidence proved the story to
be true, including the fact that
Jesus not only died but rose
again. In the end he wrote a
different kind of book called
‘Who Moved the Stone?’ with
the first chapter entitled, ‘The
book that refused
to be written.’
The veracity of
the Christian faith
is grounded on
historical fact. Not
only was Jesus a real person, a
figure of history, but His death
was real, and so was His
resurrection. Examine the
evidence for yourself. Read
the gospel accounts openly
and honestly and see what
happens. The truth is there for
anyone willing to consider the
facts.
Easter reminds us that our
faith rests on solid ground. It is
why we celebrate Easter
Sunday with such gusto. The
Resurrection proves that Jesus
was who He said He was (the
Son of God) and that He did
what He set out to do (save us
from our sin). But more than
that, it reminds us that He can
deliver what He promised and
help us today because He is
alive for evermore.
Jesus is not a figure of
history, locked away in the
past. No, He is a risen Saviour
who is alive today and who
invites each of us
to receive the gift
of salvation, and
to live a new life
in fellowship
with Him.
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1st April – Fooling Around
IIII was about six when I began
to enjoy April Fool’s Day. My
older brother was very clever at
appropriate hoaxes, not only
deceiving me but also mum and
dad. On the whole my childish
efforts were
encouraged. The
day was full of
laughs, even at
school, where the
teachers would try to
trick us and all day
long no one quite
believed anything
they were told. So it went on,
year after year, though I think it
all seems as a bit unsophisticated
for the modern generation.
You couldn’t say that, though,
about probably the most famous
April Fool’s effort of all time. In
the 1960’s BBC TV broadcast a
feature on the spaghetti farms of
Italy. Even those of us who
bought our spaghetti in the
supermarket from the pasta
shelves began to wonder if we’d
been wrong. Italian farmers
explained their work and the
progress of the spaghetti plants
was carefully filmed, from
planting to reaping. And all in
the BBC’s most serious
documentary manner. It took a
while to appreciate that this was
Aunty playing games. Whatever
next!
The odd thing is
that no one is quite
sure of the origin of
this very British
tradition. Most
attribute it to changes
in Britain’s calendar
in the 1700s, when
New Year’s Day
moved from March 25th to
January 1st. Not surprisingly, the
change caused a lot of confusion
and mistakes around the start of
April. Others look further back,
to the ancient Roman feast of
Hilaria, when the goddess
Cybele was celebrated with
pranks and jokes around the
spring equinox, 25th March.
Either way a touch of hilarity at
the end of Lent does not seem
amiss. Go to Greece, where the
resurrection of Jesus is celebrated
with fireworks and parties to see
how it might work.
11
Passion Week
TTTT he events of Easter took place over a
week, traditionally called
Passion Week.
It began on Palm Sunday.
After all his teaching and
healing, Jesus had built a
following. On the Sunday
before he was to die, Jesus and
his followers arrived at
Jerusalem. The city was
crowded. Jewish people were
arriving from to celebrate
Passover. This commemorates
how they had escaped from
slavery in Egypt nearly 1,500
year earlier.
Jesus rode into the city on a
young donkey. He was greeted
like a conquering hero.
Cheering crowds waved palm
branches in tribute. He was
hailed as the Messiah who had
come to re-establish a Jewish
kingdom.
The next day they returned to
Jerusalem. Jesus went to the
temple, the epicentre of the
Jewish faith, and confronted
money-changers and merchants
who were ripping off the people.
He
overturned
their tables
and accused
them of being
thieves. The
religious
authorities
were alarmed and feared how he
was stirring up the crowds.
On the Tuesday, they
challenged Jesus, questioning his
authority. He answered by
challenging and condemning
their hypocrisy. Later that day
Jesus spoke to his disciples about
future times. He warned them
about fake religious leaders; the
coming destruction of Jerusalem;
wars, earthquakes and famines;
and how his followers would face
persecution.
By midweek the Jewish
religious leaders and elders were
so angry with Jesus that they
began plotting to arrest and kill
him. One of Jesus’ disciples,
Judas, went to the chief priests
and agreed to betray him to
them.
Jesus and the 12 disciples
gathered on the Thursday
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God grant me the serenity to accept the things I God grant me the serenity to accept the things I God grant me the serenity to accept the things I God grant me the serenity to accept the things I
cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I
can, and the wisdom to know the differencecan, and the wisdom to know the differencecan, and the wisdom to know the differencecan, and the wisdom to know the difference
evening to celebrate the Passover
meal. This is known as the Last
Supper. During the evening,
Jesus initiated a ritual still
marked by Christians – Holy
Communion – which
commemorates his death. Jesus
broke bread and shared it and a
cup of wine with his disciples.
Judas then left to meet the
other plotters. Jesus continued to
teach the others and then went
outside into an olive grove to
pray. He even prayed for all
future believers. He agonised
over what was to come but chose
the way of obedience. The Bible
book, Luke, records him
praying, ‘Father if you are
willing, take this cup from me;
yet not my will but yours be
done’. Minutes later Judas
arrived with soldiers and the
chief priests and Jesus was
arrested.
Pray for your neighbours – lift them to the Lord!
Thank Him for all that they have done for you!
Claim for your friends the promise of His Word;
In intercession we find strength anew.
Ask of the Lord, and surely you’ll receive
Seek now His will, and surely you will find
Knock at His door, and truly we believe
In intercession we see God is kind.
Come to the Lord, for He is always there!
Our worries, cares, and our concerns we bring;
O waste no time, just come to Him in prayer
In intercession we find God the King!
By Nigel Beeton
13
Stained Glass Windows
YYYY ou may remember I mentioned that Richard Vickery, a local
historian who spoke at the History Society about the Bradwall
Reformatory School and the Latham Family, did some research on
the Stained Glass Windows dedicated to various members of the
family.
He has extended his research to all the windows in St Mary's
Church. He has been
able to identify most of
the artists and who the
windows were dedicated
to. Also, with the help of
David Ashworth, he has
identified the passages
from the bible that the
art work represents.
He is proposing to
produce a detailed
document about all the
windows which can be
made into a book. We
also propose to produce
a small information
plaque underneath each
windows for visitors.
This will only be possible with a grant from NLHF but we have
already demonstrated that "A wider range of people will be
involved in heritage", which is the one pre-requisites of any
successful bid.
Why not take a look at the windows from your home using the
link on the web-site to a virtual tour of the inside of the Church.
14
Christian Aid Week
CCCC hristian Aid Week is the most important fundraiser, but this
year, sadly, door-to-door collections will not take place.
We and our partners already have experience of limiting the
spread of infection during the Ebola crisis and will build on this
experience to continue to stand together with communities living in
poverty during this period. If infection rates start to develop as they
are in Europe, then people in poorer countries will be hit even
harder. Many are already living with reduced health resilience
because of extreme poverty or in overcrowded humanitarian camps
which do not have the healthcare infrastructure needed to combat
widespread disease.
We will be working on the ground to help prepare communities to
limit the impact of Covid-19. Please pray for this vital work and
support us by making an on-line donation at caweek.org caweek.org caweek.org caweek.org (or
Deborah Darnes, 16 Park House Drive, Sandbach, could bank your
donation)
We are praying for all those affected by this new virus, both in
Britain and overseas, for all working on the frontline and for
wisdom for our leaders.
During this challenging time, we all need to take seriously the
science and advice being offered, remaining calm but vigilant.
15
How much do you make?
AAAA group of friends were
comparing notes regarding
their earnings. One said, “I’m an
engineer and I make £40,000 a
year.” Another said he trained
as an accountant and he now
makes £50.000 a year as an
auditor. A young lady in the
group was rather quiet and, after
listening while the group
compared notes, she said,” I’m a
teacher and if you want to know
what I make, I am happy to tell
you.”
They all listened carefully. She
said, “I make my students work
harder than they ever imagined
they could. I make average
students feel like they have
achieved something really great
and I make the really bright
students feel like they have had a
slap in the face if they do not do
their very best. I make students
sit through 40 minutes of study in
absolute silence. I can make
parents tremble in fear when I
see them to report progress.”
The members of the group
listened intently. She went on,
“And let me tell you this. I
make all my young people
question; I make them criticise, I
make them apologise and mean
it. I make them write and I
make them read, read, read and
then I make them spell difficult
words over and over again, until
they will never misspell those
words again. I make them rise to
a level where they experience
music and art and find joy in the
performance of others. I make
them appreciate that their lives
can be full of kindness and
culture, so that they can take
pride in themselves and their
accomplishments. I make them
understand that they should aim
to be the best they can be and if
someone ever tries to judge them
by the money they make, they
should pay
them no
attention. So,
in a nutshell,
my aim is to
make a
difference.”
16
Joseph of Arimathea's Easter
TTTT his poem, which might be fitting for the Easter magazine, was
written by W H Vanstone, who was my vicar in my teens and
later a great friend when he was a residentiary Canon of Chester
Cathedral and I was a vicar in this Diocese.
The poem was printed as an epilogue to his book ‘Farewell in
Christ.’ He had first written it at the time of severe illness which he
feared would bring an end to his working life and possibly to life
itself.
David Ashworth
‘He's gone,’ says Joseph, and, with Plate's leave
Eases the nails and lowers him from the Tree,
Wraps him in reverent and tender thoughts
And lays him in the cave called Memory.
That cave is deeply hewn in Joseph’s heart:
All that's within will always be his own:
In memory's cave the treasure of his past
Is safe for ever, walled and sealed by stone.
'He’s safe,' says Joseph, 'safe in this cool place
And no one now can take my Lord away.
In years to come I'll still see his dear face
As clearly as I've seen it on this day.’
’He’s gone!’ cries Joseph at the empty tomb:
But Mary says, ’He’s left a word for you:
He cannot rest content to be your past,
So he has risen to be your future too.’
17
St Mary’s Events
Saturday 6th JuneSaturday 6th JuneSaturday 6th JuneSaturday 6th June Music and Music and Music and Music and
PuddingsPuddingsPuddingsPuddings
Saturday 28th JuneSaturday 28th JuneSaturday 28th JuneSaturday 28th June Summer LunchSummer LunchSummer LunchSummer Lunch
Saturday 12th September CeilidhSaturday 12th September CeilidhSaturday 12th September CeilidhSaturday 12th September Ceilidh
Saturday 7th NovemberSaturday 7th NovemberSaturday 7th NovemberSaturday 7th November Autumn FairAutumn FairAutumn FairAutumn Fair
Sunday 6th DecemberSunday 6th DecemberSunday 6th DecemberSunday 6th December Christmas LunchChristmas LunchChristmas LunchChristmas Lunch
Come along and bring your friends to these events.
Put the dates in your diary. Tickets will be advertised in the
magazine and pew sheet.
If you would like to organise an event then please get in touch
with one of the Social Committee members or Churchwarden.
All events are subject to change.All events are subject to change.All events are subject to change.All events are subject to change.
Experience is something you don’t get until just after Experience is something you don’t get until just after Experience is something you don’t get until just after Experience is something you don’t get until just after
you need ityou need ityou need ityou need it
18
Is your favourite here?
BBBB ibleGateway is a web-based
platform and they have
listed the most viewed or
searched for Bible verses for
2019. Psalm 23, proved to be
demonstrating the Psalm's
popularity among Christians but
perhaps also among those who
hear the Psalm at funerals or
other events within the Church.
Indeed, if you added up all the
usage percentages, Psalm 23
would be the most popular Bible
passage of 2019 on this largely
web-based platform.
However, if we only give one
mention to Psalm 23, then the
most popular verses are:
1111. John 3:16: For God so loved
the world that he gave his one
and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.
2222. Jer 29:11: For I know the plans
I have for you,” declares the
LORD, “plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.
3333. Phil 4:13: I can do all this
through him who gives me
strength.
4444. Ps 23:4: Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I will
fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they
comfort me. (Ps 23.6 was 7th, Ps
23.5 was 8th, Ps 23.1 was 9th &
Ps 23.3 was 10th)
5555. Rom 8:28: And we know that
in all things God works for the
good of those who love him,
who have been called according
to his purpose.
6666. Rom 12:2: Do not conform to
the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what
God’s will is - his good, pleasing
and perfect will.
7777. Matt 6:33: But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given
to you as well.
8888. Isa 41:10: So do not fear, for I
am with you; do not be
dismayed, for I am your God. I
will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my
19
A hymn parody for all gardeners All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
But what we never mention, though gardeners know it’s true,
Is when he made the goodies, he made the baddies too.
All things spray and swattable, disasters great and small,
All things paraquatable, the Lord God made them all.
The greenfly on the roses, the maggots in the peas,
Manure that fills our noses he also gave us these.
The fungus on the goose-gogs, the club root on the greens,
The slugs that eat the lettuce and chew the aubergines.
The drought that kills the fuchsias, the frost that nips the buds,
The rain that drowns the seedlings, the blight that hits the spuds.
The midges and mosquitoes, the nettles and the weeds,
The pigeons in the green stuff, the sparrows on the seeds.
The fly that gets the carrots, the wasp
that eats the plums,
How black the gardeners' outlook,
though green may be their thumbs.
But still we gardeners labour, midst
vegetables and flowers,
And pray that what hits neighbours will
somehow bypass ours.
righteous right hand.
9999. Phil 4:6: Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God.
10101010. John 14:6: Jesus answered, “I
am the way and the truth and the
life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.
20
Unable to worship together
TTTT he Mothering Sunday Service on Radio 4 with the Archbishop
of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was led by his chaplain, the Revd
Prebendary Dr Isabelle Hamley. She had this message:
"Through generations Christians have been unable to meet
together, for various reasons, to share our faith and prayers. One
way is through saying the The Apostles' Creed, which reminds us of
the faith of the universal church."
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
21
From the Archives
T his month, in the upper photograph, we are on Crewe Road
looking across the roundabout to the Phanthong Thai
restaurant. But in the lower image we are back to 1978, before the
town bypass was constructed in 1986. Here on the old Crewe Rd we
see shops such as; Cooke’s garage, the Leicester bank, the Leather
shop, Paul Anthony’s the hairdresser and Evans the grocer.
Stephen Minshull
22
Tuneful Places
Cwm Rhondda - sung to: Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
You don't get more "tuneful places" than the Welsh Valleys, and
in the Rhondda Valley, which is the translation of Cwm Rhondda.
The composer, John Hughes (b. Dowlais, Glamorganshire, 1873;
d. Llantwit Fardre, 1932) received little formal education; at age
twelve he was already working as a door boy at a local mining
company in Llantwit Fardre. He eventually became an official in
the traffic department of the Great Western Railway.
Much of his energy was devoted to the Salem Baptist Church in
Pontypridd, where he served as both deacon and precentor.
Hughes composed two anthems, a number of Sunday school
marches, and a few hymn tunes, Cwm Rhondda was composed in
1905 Baptist Cymanfa Ganu (song festival) in Capel Rhondda,
Pontypridd.
The Rhondda is
actually two valleys – the
larger Rhondda Fawr
(mawr large) and the
smaller Rhondda Fach
(bach small). It is most
noted for its historical
coal-mining industry,
which peaked between
1840 and 1925.
23
HHHH eads bowed in prayer, the
congregation at our Church listened
in complete silence to the Vicar as he
said, 'Now let us pray in the words that
Jesus taught us.' A little girl's voice could
be heard throughout the hushed
congregation as she said, "Daddy, I didn't know Jesus had a
tortoise.".
PPPP uzzled by his first lesson on evolution, young Johnny arrived home from school and said, "Mum is it really true that I am a
descendant of apes, monkeys and gorillas." She replied, "I don't
really know darling, I never knew any of your father's family."
WWWW hat do you call a chocolate bunny that was out in the sun
too long? A runny bunny.
WWWW hile driving in the countryside, a family caught up to an old
farmer and his horse-drawn cart. The farmer obviously had
a sense of humour, because attached to the back of the carriage was
a hand printed sign: ‘Ecologically efficient vehicle: Runs on oats
and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.’
AAAA mother and son were washing dishes while the father and
daughter were watching TV in the family room. Suddenly,
there was an almighty crash of breaking dishes, then complete
silence. The girl looked at her dad and said, “It was Mum.”
“How do you know?” asked her father in amazement.
“She didn’t say anything.”
24
CHURCH OFFICIALS
Vicar Please contact the Churchwardens 760778
Reader Joan Plowman 768079
Churchwardens Anne Birch 760778
Sacristan Andrew Wood
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) OFFICERS
PCC Secretary Aileen Higgs 760149
Treasurer Roger Cooke 762118
Covenants Aileen Higgs 760149
and Gift Aid [email protected]
OTHER CONTACTS Organist and Kevin Birch 760778
Choir Master [email protected]
Music Group Heather Bottomley 768744
and Web Editor [email protected]
Bells Steven Stoker 07456
[email protected] 418888
Church Flowers Sheenagh Ashworth 529187
Church Hall Sylvia Watkins 767386
Baptisms and Weddings
Please Contact the Churchwardens.
ChallengeChallengeChallengeChallenge is edited by John Bottomley. If you or your organisation
has any events or information that needs publicising, please
telephone 01270 768744 or e-mail: [email protected]
Articles must be received by Sunday 19th April
More information is also available on the web-site: www.sandbachchurch.co.uk
Sheenagh Ashworth 529187
