LOOKING BACK – NOVEMBER 2011

As usual, the November 2011 edition of The Messenger began with Revd Gerwyn’s message, and, not surprisingly, he wrote about All Saints’ Day and the Communion of Saints. He concluded by reminding us that “we are not alone in our love of God – we are in it together, along with a pretty impressive line-up of men and women who have shown us that holiness and love for God is possible for all of us.” Maree Aldren chose St Martin, whose feast day is November 11th, for her ‘Saint if the Month’ article. Margaret Hutchinson reported that a total of £904 had been donated by box holders for the Children’s Society. Gaynor Entwistle thank Mothers’ Union members for raising over £400 for the Overseas Fund, and members looked forward to the November meeting when Revd Barbara Jones would be speaking on ‘From Advent to Christmas’. The news from St Mark’s was appropriately autumnal, with a report of the Harvest Festival service and a story about the falling leaves. There was a report on the Fashion Show, hosted by the Social Committee, and presented by Town and Country Fashions from Carnforth. We were able to include a number of pictures (black and white only at that time) showing Janet Thompson, Diane Cross, Kath Lane and Helen Williams on the catwalk! The evening raised £316 for church funds.

Children from the school had been looking at ‘Spirituality and Art’. Revd Gerwyn had visited the school to show the children some of the church’s icons, and the children had come to church to look at the stained glass windows, kneelers, banners, altar clothes and stations of the cross.

The news from Christ Church URC featured an auction of surplus Harvest produce, which raised £37 for Commitment for Life. Margaret Hutchinson wrote about her work as a poppy seller, reminding us why it is so important to remember the sacrifices made by so many in both world wars, and in many other conflicts since. Sue Rothwell, a former teacher at the village school, sent an update on her work at the Heritage International School in Kampala. Pauline Wood reflected on some of the everyday things we take for granted, including water which was in short supply in many parts of the world. The Floral and Horticultural Society advertised its forthcoming Autumn Show at the Community Centre, and Sarah Rix described the work of Bolton-le-Sands Pre-School, Playgroup and Toddlers. Betty Cottam, a regular contributor for many years, described the latest meeting of the Trefoil Guild, when members enjoyed a slide show by Mr and Mrs Mace following their recent trip to China and Cambodia.

Adele Wilkinson wrote about HEAT, one of the church’s 4 groups for young people. Members of this group, for children of high school age, were encouraged to plan their own activities, including football, table tennis, pool and a variety of games before coming to church to join the congregation for the communion. Through its fund raising activities, the group was sponsoring two guide dogs, and was planning more fund raising activities.

And, as a timely reminder, Carnforth Rotary Club announced that Santa’s Sleigh would be arriving in Bolton-le-Sands on December 3rd and 4th – a sign for many that Christmas is about to begin!