Bowdon Church News

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BOWDON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, A CHARITABLE BODY REGISTERED IN ENGLAND AND WALES WITH THE CHARITY COMMISSION—REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1133830; REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS: BOWDON PARISH CENTRE, STAMFORD ROAD, BOWDON, ALTRINCHAM, WA14 2TR.

No 709 April 2019

Vicar Revd Ian Rumsey 0161 928 2468 Ian@BowdonChurch.org

Curate Revd Jess PiperJess@BowdonChurch.org

ReaderJohn Fenton John@BowdonChurch.org

Reader EmeritusAlan Marriott 0161 928 9045

Parish Development Julia Dow Julia@BowdonChurch.org Kirsten Wood Kirsten@BowdonChurch.orgChurchwardens Alec Bonson 0161 980 4055Liz Cross 0161 928 0211Patricia Arrowsmith 0161 928 1506Susan Redford 0161 929 1219Parish Recorder (Donations) Kate Stross 0161 929 6283 ParishRecorder@BowdonChurch.org Director of Music Michael Dow Music@BowdonChurch.orgOrganist and Associate Music Director Roger Bryan Organist@BowdonChurch.org

Parish and Lettings Administrator Kay Holt Admin@BowdonChurch.org 0161 929 1537Bell Ringers David White (Tower Captain) 07785 270495BellRingers@BowdonChurch.orgBCN Editor Hilary Gartside 07548 164 595Hilary@BowdonChurch.org BCN Proofreading Roger BryanSt Mary’s, Stamford Road, Bowdon, WA14 2TR

St Luke’s, Vicarage Lane, Bowdon, WA14 3BN

Parish Office: 0161 929 1537

We are currently in the church season of Lent which is the time when Christians prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Many of us might be observing Lenten fasts; for some this will involve giving something up, for example chocolate, or in my case snacks between meals - something I really enjoy despite others telling me it will ruin my meal, although it never does! Other people will have taken something up, such as reading the Bible daily or doing something extra to help others. But why do we do this? Why do we make life harder for ourselves by adding extra pressure or activities to our busy lives?

For me it is a way of drawing nearer to God. When I want my normal snacks I try to think of God, instead, and pray. I look towards Easter and

remember what Jesus did for me when he gave his life on the cross. I remember how much he loves me and wants me to turn to him to experience his love. Jesus wants everyone to come to him. He does not exclude anyone, no matter what has happened in their past or whatever they are struggling with now. This is not because we deserve his love but because he chooses to love every one of us. Jesus himself told us “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away,” John 6 v 37.

If you want to learn more about God’s love and forgiveness, then please do join us in Bowdon Parish at any of the many services that will be held in Holy Week as we remember the events leading up to Easter Day.

Patricia Arrowsmith, Churchwarden

The meaning of Easter

East Window , St Mary’s (Photo: Tim Gartside)

On 28th December 2018, we at Bowdon Church School suddenly and unexpectedly lost our beloved Mr. Hamblett. He was an engaging and popular teacher, known to all for his funny ties, silly socks and infectious humour. He loved the children, saw the best in them and challenged them to be adventurous in all aspects of their lives.

Over the fourteen years that Steve Hamblett, or Mr. H. as he liked to be known, taught at Bowdon Church School, he made a huge impact. As a cricket and hockey coach he was a master of encouragement. He knew exactly how to bring on the least confident and most nervous new player. Mr. H. was also a great champion of the outdoors, developing the pond, the gardening club and the whole outdoor environment of school. Fittingly, we are installing an outdoor classroom, bird boxes and sensory garden in his memory - his legacy will live on.

Steve’s other love was scouting and adventuring. He led numerous residential trips for the children, encouraging them to achieve wonderful things and sending them home carrying themselves a little taller. He was a superb example to all, challenging himself with running, hiking, climbing and cycling feats. He never put off the things that he aspired to achieve and was our very own Action Man.

As a colleague, Steve was kind and generous with his time, supporting everyone in school and out. It is impossible to sum up how much he will be missed and how much we loved him. We can’t fill the Mr. H.-sized hole that is in our school, but are thankful to have had the opportunity to know and work with him, and pledge to continue the encouragement of outdoor adventures - just as he would expect.

Steve Hamblett (1966 – 2018) - dad, teacher, scout leader and adventurer

You are warmly invited to experience the story of Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection

from the grave through word, image, reflection and music.

Sunday 14 April, Palm Sunday

8.00 am St Mary’s: Holy Communion 9.20 am St Luke’s: Holy Communion and Children’s Church 10.45 am St Mary’s: Holy Communion 10.45 am Parish Centre: Zone2 and Kids’ Church 6.30 pm St Mary’s: Choral Evensong Sumsion in G Gibbons Hosanna to the son of David

Monday 15 April 7.00 pm St Mary’s: Evening Prayer

Tuesday 16 April 7.00 pm St Mary’s: Stations of the Cross

Wednesday 17 April 11.30 am St Mary’s: Holy Communion 7.00 pm St Mary’s: Christian Meditation

Thursday 18 April, Maundy Thursday 8.00 pm St Mary’s: Holy Communion

Friday 19 April, Good Friday 9.30 am St Luke’s: Meditations on the Cross of Christ 10.45 am Zone2 All Age Service followed by fish and chips lunch in Parish Centre 2.00 pm St Mary’s: Good Friday Service of Devotion

Saturday 20 April, Easter Eve 8.00 pm St Mary’s: Easter Eve Service

Sunday 21 April, Easter Day 8.00 am St Mary’s: Holy Communion 9.20 am St Luke’s: All Age Holy Communion 10.45 am Easter Day Communion, St Mary’s with Zone2. The choir will sing motets by Foster, Bach and Pitoni. 6.30 pm St Mary’s: Evening Prayer

Holy Week Services

Sharon Hudson, Head Teacher

Forthcoming Church EventsSt Luke’s Coffee CabinMondays, 10.30 am – 12 noonDrop in for coffee or tea and a toasted teacake or croissant for £1.Run by Bowdon Cares. St Luke’s ChurchContact: the Parish Centre 0161 929 1537Please note that the Coffee Cabin will be closed on 22 April.

Ladies’ Continental BreakfastSaturday 27 April, 9 – 10.30 am“‘You want me to do what?!’ The story of how I came to be ordained in the Church of England”, a talk by Jess PiperBowdon Parish Centre. All ladies welcome.Contact: Sue Coles lcb@bowdonchurch.org

Afternoon Tea and ConversationPlease note that there will be no meeting in April. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 21 May.

Lunch ClubWednesdays, 12.30 pm.Please note that there will be no lunch club on 17 and 24 April.

Kingdom Club 201915 – 18 April9.30 am – 12.30 pmBookings close on 5 April.Please contact kingdomclub@bowdonchurch.org

Youth AlphaNow running at Bowdon Church School as part of Go4th Sunday on fourth Sunday of every month. This highly successful and popular programme is ideal for young people aged between 11 and 16. Do come along - Krispy Kreme Donuts on offer too!

Christianity ExploredThis seven session course, which began on 17 March, meets each week in the Parish Centre on Sunday afternoons, 1 – 3 pm. You are still welcome to join the course. For further details please speak to Ian, Jess, Colleen Rumsey, Helen Oakley, Mike Duncombe orTim Borthwick, or call Colleen on 0161 928 2468.

Passiontide Devotion This year we are introducing a devotional service of choral music, readings, reflections and hymns suitable for Passiontide. Do join us on this special evening.Sunday 7 April, 6.30pm, St Mary’s Church

Each week we pray for people living in the Parish

Wk/begin We pray for: 7 Apr Brick Kiln Row, Edale Close, Priory Court, Priory Street14 Apr Primrose Cottages, Primrose Bank, Huxley Terrace, Vale View21 Apr Vale Road, Ledward Lane, Ashworth Close, Apsley Close, Apsley Grove28 Apr St John’s Road, Albert Square5 May Park Road, Bucklow View

Designed by Ben Dean. Printed by Chapel Press, Stockport 0161 406 9495

Additional Information for Sundays in April - May

7 Apr 1st Sunday, 5th of Lent Passion Sunday

10.45 am St Mary’s Oblations: Cell Groups

6.30 pm Meditation on the Cross: Music and readings for Passion Sunday

14 Apr 2nd Sunday, Palm Sunday

21 Apr 3rd Sunday, Easter Day

28 Apr 4th Sunday, 2nd of Easter

10.45 am Go4th at Bowdon Church School (No Zone2 in Parish Centre)

5 May 1st Sunday, 3rd of Easter

10.45 am St Mary’s Oblations: Afternoon Tea and Conversation

Regular Weekday ServicesSt Mary’s

8.30 am

11.30 am

7.00 pm

Morning Prayer

Holy Communion (BCP)

Silent Meditation

Every weekday

Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday

1.30 pm First Steps, Parish Centre Every Thursday

St Luke’s

7.00 am Morning Prayer Every Tuesday

BCP: Book of Common Prayer (1662) CW: Common Worship (2000) SW: Service of the Word (2000)

Regular Sunday Worship(purple boxes)

St Mary’s 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)

9.30 am Matins (BCP)

10.45 am

Holy Communion (CW)

Holy Communion (BCP)

Choral Matins (BCP)

6.30 pm

Evensong (BCP)

Choral Evensong (BCP)

Sacred Space

Parish Centre

10.45 amZone2 (SW) and Kids’ Church

Zone2 at BCS

St Luke’s

9.20 am

Holy Communion (CW)Kids’ Church

All Age Worship

Eugene Halliday Association“Respons-a-bility”, a talk by Margaret LittlerSunday 14 April, 2.15 pmSt Luke’s ChurchEntrance £6.00 including refreshments

Voluntary Transport Drivers We are currently short of drivers owing to health reasons and family commitments. Please do volunteer to help if you can. Drivers are reimbursed for fuel expenses. If you feel able to volunteer, even occasionally, for this essential and rewarding activity, please contact Kaye Gardner on 0161 928 1158

The Pavilion Project Well done to the Pavilion Project students who raised over £700 for Comic Relief from their three mile sponsored walk and from the sale of dog treats, which they had made, outside the Co-op. The walk has helped the group, who have learning difficulties and disabilities, to keep fit and give something back to the community. Many thanks to the local community for all their support.

Renewal of Electoral Roll 2019Closing date is 14 April.

Noticeboard

Parish Study Day at The Chapel in the Fields

Baptisms: We welcome into God’s familyClara Alice Coles, Annabelle Sophia Batsford Funerals: We commend to GodBrian Seatree, John Parsons, Susan Lucas, Brian Whitworth,Carolyn Derbyshire, Richard Machin

Registers

Sierra Leone is the world’s most dangerous place to become a mother. Every day ten women die giving birth. In Sawula district the community struggle with a clinic that has no electricity and only two delivery beds.

Jebbeh is heavily pregnant but as her baby grows, it’s not joy that fills her heart, but fear. When Jebbeh’s sister Fatmata went into labour, there were so few ambulances that Fatmata had no choice but to walk for three hours under the baking sun to the nearest hospital. The journey was long and with every step Fatmata struggled to keep walking. Jebbeh

told us: ‘My sister was crying out with hunger. She died at the side of the road. She never gave birth.’ Jebbeh fears she may be next: ‘I’m afraid. I pray, when that day comes, God will help me to deliver safely, so that I can have a bouncing baby and that I’ll be healthy.’

This Christian Aid Week, together, we can make childbirth safer for mums and babies. Through our gifts and prayers, we can help give the world’s poorest mothers a chance to live. We will make a house to house collection in Bowdon in Christian Aid Week, aiming to visit all the homes in the parish. The money we raise benefits people of every faith and of none: it is our Christian response to the needs of women like Jebbeh.

Please respond generously to Christian Aid week, by volunteering to help us collect or by giving generously. You are also warmly invited to join us at the Big Brekkie we will be holding at Bowdon Parish Centre on 12 May at 12.30. Thank you!

Kate Stross –Christian Aid Parish Coordinator

Christian Aid Week: ‘All mums should live’

The study group (Photo: Mike Duncombe)

The Chapel in the Fields is a small sanctuary in the Dunham Massey countryside, with beautiful stained glass windows, creating a real sense of peace with its beauty and simplicity.

Into this setting a small eclectic group of people from Bowdon Parish - St Mary’s, St Luke’s and Zone2 - joined together at the beginning of February for a study day entitled ‘Encounters with Jesus’. Ably lead by Jess Piper, we looked at the different kinds of encounters people had with Jesus that are recorded in the Gospels. We particularly reflected upon three stories in John’s Gospel: the calling by Jesus of Philip and Nathanael to follow him, Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman and the death and the raising of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. We also took time for quiet personal reflection.

Our faith journeys are all different. There are those who jump in feet first, those unsure of what it means to follow Jesus, those who ask a lot of questions and stay on the periphery. It was a wonderful day and a delightful setting where we shared stories, ate lunch together, explored encounters with Jesus and asked ‘who is this Jesus to me?’

I’d encourage anyone from the parish to join in the next study day. Watch this space for future events.

Debi Green

Annual Parochial Church MeetingThe Annual Meeting of Parishioners will be held

on Monday 29 April at 7.30 pm in Bowdon Parish Centre. It is open to anyone who is on the electoral roll of St Mary’s, or who is a registered voter in the parish of Bowdon. At this meeting the churchwardens for 2019-20 will be elected.

It is immediately followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, which can be

attended by anyone on St Mary’s electoral roll. Members of the PCC will be elected and sidespeople appointed for the coming year.

Coffee MorningSaturday 27 April, 10 – 12 noon

at St Luke’s Church, Vicarage Lane, Bowdon.Raising money for The Hideaway and Action for

Children. Organised by St Luke’s and Bowdon Vale Methodist Church.

Stalls include cakes, tombola, raffle, home produce, white elephant and Name the Teddy. All welcome

Entrance £1, includes a drink. Children free.