NEWS 2026

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2025

Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our Advent and Christmas Services and activities,

including those who:

led worship, played the keyboard, decorated baubles, decorated the tree and church, took part in the Lessons & Carols, were cast members in the Nativity, attended Church Christmas Lunch and so much more.

There were some large attendances which were an encouragement to us all.

IN OUR PRAYERS

Please remember:

Daz, Christine`s son-in-law.

Margaret, Helen`s mother.

Ruth Thompson in Belong Atherton.

Marjorie Potter

and all in any kind of need.

We remember before God all who are in hospital,

undergoing treatment or awaiting test results.

Be their strength.

We remember those in nursing and residential homes.

Be their companion.

We remember those who have been bereaved.

Be their consolation.

We remember those who are not with us with us in worship,

for whatever reason.

Be their guide back to the way of Christ.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

Our usual January Quiz had a somewhat different theme this year, thanks to Jackie Mafi, our guest speaker last November.

Jackie kindly provided us with a quiz on the theme of sweets,

chocolates and kitchen items.

Alan hosted, there was a decent turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Our speaker in February was local historian, Judith Atkinson,

whose subject was "Walkden in World War II".

Our speaker in March was Shirley Dowson with her subject, "The Mitford Sisters". This had been a much anticipated talk and there was a good turnout. What we didn`t  know was that this was to be Shirley`s last public engagement and so we were honoured to be her last hosts.

CHURCH QUIZ

Our next Church Quiz and Food Afternoon, will be on Saturday April 18th at 3pm. Lee will be quiz master and Carrs Pasties will be supplying the food. Everyone is welcome.

Please book your place with Audrey Chapman.

DEACONS

The Deacons met on Tuesday February 25th at 7pm at the home of Charlotte Harrison.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

This annual event, formerly Women`s World Day of Prayer, was held at Walkden Methodist Church on Friday March 6th at 7pm.

Our Minister attended.

CHURCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

There was a good turnout for our AGM which followed worship on Mothering Sunday.

Reports were heard from:

the Secretary, Treasurer, Pulpit Secretary, Bible Study Group Leader,      the Social Committee, Safeguarding Lead and Minister.

We are encouraged by regularly healthy attendances, increased giving and more opportunities for fellowship and outreach.

We thank God for all He has done and will yet do in our midst.

EASTER EGG SHAPE DECORATION COMPETITION

Following on from our Decorate a Christmas Bauble Competition,

we  encouraged people to buy a Easter Egg shape to decorate and return for judging and subsequent display on Easter Sunday.

The eggs are now on display at the front of church for Eastertide.

Congratulations to our Adult and Child winners.

Thanks to Cathy for this initiative.

EASTER CHICKS AND CREAM EGGS

Our thanks to Bev for making the delightful Easter Chicks containing a Cream Egg, which are available for sale in aid of church funds.

LENT & EASTER SERVICES

Palm Sunday 11am:      Distribution of Palm Crosses

Good Friday  10am:       Short Service at 10am

Good Friday   11am:      Churches Together Walk of Witness                                                      from Waldken Methodist to St Johns

Easter Sunday 6.15am:  Churches Together Sunrise Service                                                      at Blackleach Country Park

Easter Sunday 11am:      Easter Communion

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

The April meeting was held on the 18th at 2pm when Norman Nuttall spoke about a Family at War.

We were educated and entertained with a collection of period memorabilia and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

The May Meeting will welcome back Geoff Scargill with his stories of a retired headmaster.

QUIZ AND PASTY AFTERNOON

On Saturday April 18th we held a very successful Quiz and Pasty event, with our own Lee, as quiz master. The pasties were supplied by Carrs and served by our members with Cathy at the helm.

Thank you to everyone involved.

The amount raised will be posted shortly.

AFTERNOON TEA

An Afternoon Tea will be held on Saturday June 13th at 2.30pm.

We are hoping to have some musical entertainment on the day

and are grateful to our young people who are going to act as waiters and waitresses.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN

It is with regret that we announce the death of Betty Vickers, who passed away on April 19th.

Betty had been a long time member of our church and served for a number of years as a Deacon and more recently as Speaker Secretary for our Third Wednesday Club.

The funeral was held at Agecroft Crematorium on May 1st and was conducted by the Minister.

Betty`s ashes will be interred in our Church Garden following worship on a Sunday to be confirmed.

THIRD WEDNESDAY CLUB

The speaker in May was Geoff Scargill with the topic "I literally never left school". There was a good turnout and his talk was very well received.

The last meeting before the summer break is on June 17th, when we will welcome back Rob Mason with the talk "Do your remember when?"

IN OUR PRAYERS 

We remember Derick, who has had a brief stay in hospital and is now back at Worsley Lodge.

Minister ~ Rev Alan Kennedy 07733153203 01612703296 alanrk1690@gmail.com