PARISH MAGAZINE · PARISH MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2019. 2 ST JAMES THE GREAT WRIGHTINGTON WITH HESKIN ... The invisible God became visible as Jesus and saw through his journey to become

1APRIL -MAY 19 ISSUE

St James the Great Wrightington with Heskin

PARISH MAGAZINE

APRIL/MAY 2019

2 ST JAMES THE GREAT WRIGHTINGTON WITH HESKIN

https://www.stjamesthegreat.net

VICAR Stef Dnistrianskyj 01257 451332 email: stjamesthegreatwhgmail.com

CHURCHWARDENS Anne Sharples 01257 424105 email [email protected]

Geoff Barlow 01257 367765 email [email protected]

ASST. VERGER Syd Johnson 01257 450310

PCC SECRETARY Sue Crawford 01257 453171

ORGANIST Mike Wellby 01695 724358

HALL BOOKINGS Anne Sharples 01257 424105

SUNDAY SCHOOL Rachael Green 07921 854810

ST. JAMES PLAYERS Roger Rowlandson 07703 529392

MOTHERS’ UNION Marie Taylor 01257 424919

GIFT AID Colin Moulton 01257 453073

STEWARDSHIP Margaret Morris 01257 452569

RAINBOWS Sarah O’Neill 07480 350850

BAPTISM SECRETARY Marie Taylor 01257 424919

HESKIN SCHOOL Jayne Carrier 01257 451365

SAFE FROM HARM Sue Crawford 01257 453171

Material for inclusion in the magazine should be emailed to Sue Crawford at:[email protected] the 16th of the month to ensure inclusion in the next month’s issue.

COVER SHOT: Easter Cross

] https://www.facebook.com/StJamesWrightington

Useful Numbers


ST JAMES THE GREAT,WRIGHTINGTON WITH HESKIN

M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T

We, God’s people in the parish of St James The Great, Wrightington with Heskin, seek to proclaim the good news of God’s love by enriching the quality of our worship, by endeavouring to draw more families into the life of our church, and by meeting the pastoral needs of the community.

VISION 2026 PRAYERHeavenly Father,

we embrace Your call for us to make disciples, to be witnesses and to grow leaders. Give us the eyes to see Your vision,

ears to hear the prompting of Your Spirit and courage to follow in the footsteps of Your Son,

our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.


You can get some interesting looks if you say that light is invisible – but it is! We can’t see it.

Oh yes, we can ‘see’ beams of light, we can see the sun moon and stars, we can see each other when the light is ‘shining’ and we can’t when it is dark. But – it is the objects we are seeing, that either give or reflect light, not the light itself. It is the water vapour or dust you can see that is in the path of a beam of light, not the light.

Light’s cousins – radio waves, micro waves, X-rays, we likewise are very familiar with, but are invisible.

So we are used to seeing, or being aware of, the ‘invisible’ in our world.

I’m very familiar with Rossall Beach in Cleveleys. Parking up on the prom, and the dogs rushing straight out to run on the beach. There are always pools in the same places, and no matter how often the tide comes in and out, there are areas of mud that remain areas of mud – and different types of sand in different places. Weird. The best explanation I have found is that it is the legacy of the ancient rotting forests and vegetation under different parts of the beach that account for the varying landscape. The invisible past coming through.

The invisible God became visible as Jesus and saw through his journey to become a crucified criminal, a picture that continues to pervade our world, as it should. We stand with creation on Good Friday and ponder this event afresh every year.

And then the fact of the empty tomb. God invisible again.

Light is real, we live with that. Jesus is risen, we live with that too. As we live a life of faith, a life of trust, we see the effects in it, we see the effects in each other, though it is love in many forms that is the fruit of these promptings. We are witnesses in this way to Jesus’s resurrection and life.

Jesus did many spectacular miracles, but he habitually played down the fantastic, asked to keep it quiet. When the guy who couldn’t walk was brought to Jesus by his pals, hoisting him down through the roof, Jesus healed the invisible first – he forgave his sin, gave him a fresh start. He then told him to get up and walk, to show that the invisible had really happened, and to demonstrate the reality that he was God.

He is alive. The invitation is a permanent one. Come and encounter the risen Jesus.

Come and celebrate the reality of the invisible with us at Easter.

May God bless you richly

Stef

Vicars Easter Message


Mothers’ UnionFebruary’s meeting was a presentation quiz by Fiona Smithson on Historical Objects! What were we to expect? In fact it turned out to be a most interesting evening – one that sometimes stretched our memories, sometimes stretched our imaginations, intrigued or puzzled, but did cause a lot of laughter. When the answers were revealed at the end of the meeting we had all done better than expected. Some answers were knowledgeable ones, some were inspired guesses and some were “just write something down” answers. What did Fiona bring? Each table had 5 members sitting at it and Fiona had 4 boxes – 1 for each table. Each box contained a mixture of items that may have been used by our grandparents . We were given a limited time to inspect and write our answers down and then the boxes moved on to the next table. We had to identify 50 items in all. Sometimes one or two of the items would be instantly recognisable, like the ice cream sandwich maker and a shuttle from the cotton mill. Others were very puzzling like the heavy steel saw-like instrument with big teeth which was paired with an enormous sharp pointed pincer like instrument. Some items would certainly not have passed the present day health and safety regulations! Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable and laughter filled evening.

In March we had Dorothy Broady-Hawkes with an audio visual talk on “Horses for the War”, an insight into the horses brought from all over the world to be trained to “serve” in the Second World War. Horses had been used during the Crimea War and the Boer War and by 1914 there was a shortage of horses to call on for service in the First World War. Horses were taken from private owners, farmers, breweries, and police. Mustangs were brought in from America and horses from Australia as well as Mules from Canada. They were transported by ship to several ports in the UK but the ones that went to Latham were landed at Liverpool then sent by train to Ormskirk and then walked from Ormskirk Station to Latham Hall. A Remount Service was set up at Latham Hall and training began. Each horse bore an identification mark on the right hoof. In France, if they were injured they were taken care of by special hospitals run by the RSPCA and Blue Cross. About 250,000 horses passed through the Remount Service at Latham during the 1914-1918 period.

During March also members attended the World Day of Prayer at The Vale Methodist Church, and before the Lady Day Service at St Mary’s in Eccleston.


Members attended the Funeral of Marjorie Holt at St Anne’s Shevington. Many of you will remember Marjorie coming to speak to Mothers Union on her time in Wigan Police Force and as a store detective at Marks and Spencers. She died on 26th February after being admitted to hospital the previous week. Our prayers go out to her husband and her family.

Our next meeting is on the 9th April when Rev Stef will be speaking about his Indian Adventure and we will be celebrating the 90th Birthday of Wrightington Mothers Union. Everyone is welcome to our meeting that night. 7.30 to 9.30(ish)!

If you want to keep fit but don’t want to go to the gym, come along to our May meeting (14th) and learn how to keep fit sitting down. We will be taught this unique way by Eunice Walsh. Some of us do remember having an evening like this many years ago when Christine was Enrolling Member. It was fun, honestly. Come and join us.

Thursday May 16th is the MU Deanery Festival at St Wilfrid’s Standish.

Details will be in Church soon about our annual outing on the 11th June.

God Bless

Marie

Christian Burial“May the Souls of the Faithful Departed Rest in Peace”9th January Peter Fisher11th January David Johnson 20th February Terry Tasker 21st February Tom Jackson

From the Registers


Sunday School…… Well we can’t thank the children enough for joining us for the wonderful sessions we’ve enjoyed over the last few months. We have started a slightly new routine in that we are running a creche for the Pre-School children for part of the session. This is working really well and gives the older children chance to concentrate on what we are teaching and undertake a craft or activity that they can really get stuck in to without the younger ones distracting them. This also offers the younger children some age appropriate time, often with a story and some play time with playdoh or jigsaws etc. We are thankful for the help we have received so far from adults running the creche sessions and we welcome new helpers for this role where there are gaps in the rota (see Sunday School notice board). We are still following the Roots guidance for our topics, craft and activity ideas. Using this syllabus means our teaching is aligned with the lessons that Rev Stef is giving in Church and as it is tailored to young people there is usually something quirky or fun to help the lesson stick. A few times we have had some quiet reflection time to practise our listening and connecting to our own thoughts and what God might want us to hear. For this we have used cushions and blankets to get comfy. We did however run out of cushions last time so if anyone has any spare cushions they wouldn’t mind donating they’d be gratefully received. We still have ideas regarding creating a prayer space for our older children to continue this reflective practise. Rev Stef has helped with our musical choices for the upcoming family services. We are currently learning two new action songs for the Mothers Day service which I’m sure you will all enjoy very much later this month. The use of the TV for the words and videos for our music is a great help and really engages the kids who are loving coming up with dance moves and actions! There is a challenge facing us in that currently we are short of a dedicated Sunday School laptop that will connect with the TV in the hall and the system in Church. This does not need to be anything fancy or particularly new, so if you have an old laptop with a HDMI connection please contact Rev Stef or Rob Evans and they’ll see if we can make it work for both systems. As we look forward to the next few months we hope that we are able to provide a service that encourages our children to connect with Church, God and our community and that we can inject some joy and happiness along the way. Regards, Jennifer Evans


From our Remembrance Book for April

In Loving Memory of 1st Amy Trafford 1st Stanley Havill 4th Roy Dickinson 7th James Ormesher 7th Kathleen Nelson 8th Doris McLeod 8th John Norris 8th Robert Monk 10th Elizabeth Eyers 12th Ursula Wynne 12th Neville Mantle 13th Dorothy Baxendale 13th Mark Whittle 14th Stuart Thomas Bennett 17th Mark Lawrenson 18th Elsie Baybutt 18th James Baybutt 18th Irene Mawdesley 19th Jean Ball 21st Jean Chapman 21st Allan Peter Fishwick 21st Margaret McKinnon 21st Audrey Morris 22nd Harold Riley 23rd Margaret Christie 23rd Elaine Edwards 23rd William Banks 23rd Alexander Nicoll Murray 25th James Norris 26th Eric Hinton 27th John Johnson 27th Hannah Baybutt


From our Remembrance Book for May

In Loving Memory of

If you would like a name added to the Remembrance Book, please contact the Vicar or Churchwarden

2nd Cicely Parkin 3rd Sharon Woodman 3rd Constance Entwistle 3rd Kenneth Grayson 4th Margaret Schofield 5th Ian Ross 9th John Mawdsley 11th Margaret Rosemary Jones 12th Margaret Woods 12th Gladys Sharples 13th Bernard Smith 13th Christopher Hitchen 14th Ted Lowe 14th George Marsden 15th Albert Eyers 16th Kathleen Havill 16th Dorothy Alldred 16th Chris Heap 17th Mary Dewhurst 18th James Wright 18th Christine Brown 20th Jane Chadwick 21st Pat Mather 21st Agnes Silcock 23rd Harry Clarke 25th Joseph Eaves 25th Alice Hinton

26th Elsie Carr 26th Hilda Doreen Walmsley 28th Reginald Mc Cleod 28th George Thistlethwaite 31st Ellen Stazicker 31st James Trevor Waugh 31st Elizabeth Peet


MARY MAGDALENE’S STORYBY AUDREY FRANCE

He was everything to me. My best friend and my soul mate. I would have given my life for Him. None of us will ever see His like again. Looking back, the three years of His ministry were the best years of my life.

We travelled together with His followers all over the towns and villages in Israel, from Bethany, Bethpage, Capernaum, Cana, Jericho and Jerusalem. All who had heard Him speak came out in their thousands to hear Him. When He did speak he had such an aura of goodness about Him. He had a spellbinding presence which bordered on the mystical .I watched as people were brought to be healed, the sick, the lame and the blind. Their faces showed such faith and He was full so compassion for them all .It was a wonderful time.

There were many occasions when after a full days preaching and teaching He was close to collapse with the exhaustion of its all It was then I made Him stop and I would rest His head on my knee to try and ease the tension and fatigue.

As with everything in life, along with the fame came the notoriety. He did not suffer fools gladly and some of those in authority delighted in trying to trap Him with their questions. Others tried to trick Him into saying things that could be used against Him. I felt a great sense of fear and foreboding when I looked into the eyes of those who hated Him. Where would this all end?

At the beginning of the week that led up to His death, we went up to Jerusalem with Him .He looked just like a King in triumph as we entered the city. Thousands were shouting ‘Hosanna’ and cheering. How ironic that these would be the same people baying for His blood on the following Friday.

As the week unfolded I could feel the mood change from joy to animosity and bitterness.

I remember the disciples pledging their undying loyalty and devotion. What friends they turned out to be! When he was taken away on the Thursday evening, He had been betrayed, denied and abandoned by them all. I watched when he was arrested. I tried to help but I was pushed to the ground like a dog. I was with Him at Pilate’s Palace and witnessed what the soldiers had done to His battered bleeding body.

Was it really necessary to humiliate Him further by placing a crown of thorns on His head and adorn Him with a purple robe that the Romans had worn? He did not deserve that.

My heart broke to see Him. I was there when He was crucified. As long as I live I will never understand Man’s inhumanity to man.I shouted up to Him that I would gladly change places with Him. He just shook His head.


At the end we took down His body and laid it in a friend’s tomb.

What a dreadful end to a life of service. Even in death when He was a threat no more, they refused Him His dignity. The soldiers rolled a huge stone in front of the tomb to placate the Jewish elders, who were afraid that one of us would steal His body. How on earth could we go after the Sabbath to dress His body now with funeral spices?

After the Sabbath was over I was determined to go and prepare His body. How could I move the stone? Would I be able to get someone to help me? When I got there I was horrified to discover that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. The body was gone.

I have never in my life felt such grief and fear mixed in one emotion. I ran wildly all over the grave site to find the body. I spotted a gardener, He seemed like a kind man so I asked Him through my tears if He knew where the body had been taken. Quietly He whispered my name ‘Mary.’

Suddenly the pain and anguish in my heart transformed into sheer joy. He was an alive! He was here right in front of me. I ran off to tell the others but they would not believe me .They said I was a ‘hysterical’ woman! I was furious .Such words of disdain coming from the very people who had abandoned Him!

Over the next few weeks, He appeared to us many times. He told us to deliver His message to all the known worlds. I must have looked afraid and apprehensive. How would that be possible? It was a gigantic task. He said He would send the Holy Spirit as a guide to give us courage and assistance.

Before He finally departed, He took my face in His hands and told me to close my eyes. I saw there as clear as a crystal, future generations ,millions of people praying and worshipping Him, people from countries as yet unknown and undiscovered.

He just said two words, ‘have faith’.

After He had left I never married. How could anyone fill His shoes? I am an old woman now, most of His follower are gone too.

Yet one thing I do know is this, no matter how many tyrants come along in the world to crush our faith, it will never be extinguished. My prayer is that when I am long gone, His light will shine continually in the darkness and He will be remembered for ever. He gave me a glimpse of the future and I know that it will come to pass.


Rainbows……

Rainbows are really enjoying working towards and receiving badges. All the girls have earned their Animal lover badge this term already.

We looked at all the different things we need to be happy and healthy and then looked at animals and what they need. The girls created pictures of their favourite animals doing activities they needed to do to be happy and healthy.

They made a pet to look after and we talked about what they would need to do to care for their pet. We made a tick sheet and the girls took them home to care for them for a week.

We had a visit from a Labrador called Oliver who came into Rainbows to meet the girls and have a little play with them.

We also managed to celebrate Chinese New Year with some tasty treats and we all wrote our names in Mandarin.

As always, we have played some games and sung songs and our huge parachute remains a firm favourite!

Rainbows finished for Easter on 3rd April, returning on 24th April until 5th June. There will be no Rainbows on 29th May as it is half term.

We have 2 leaders leaving in July. If you would like to become a Rainbow Leader or would like more information please contact Sarah O’Neill on 07480 350850.


36 Club January 2019Place No Name Prize1st 50 Rob Evans £502nd 128 Susan Marsh £403rd 111 Christine Gray £304th 19 Brenda Carr £204th 18 Pauline Chick £20

36 Club February 2019Place No Name Prize1st 67 John Burton £752nd 100 Paul Holding £503rd 13 Marjorie Barlow £404th 7 Gerry Mottershead £305th 124 Jim Rowley £20

The Family PurseDate Stewardship Gift Aid S/Orders Loose Plate

6 Jan £173.50 £114.00 £50.87 13 Jan £204,00 £126.55 £59.56 20 Jan £401.00 £103 20 £29.54 27 Jan £271.00 £110.10 £779.50 £27.75 3 Feb £330.00 £75.50 £22.50 10 Feb £379.00 £78.00 £39.31 17 Feb £245.50 £113.50 £22.22 24 Feb £205.50 £106.00 £785.00 £57.57


Heskin School 1952Back Row (Left to Right)

1.Barry Holding 2. ? John Park 3.Michael Baxendale 4 Michael Rowley 5. Ken Green 6 Trevor Stock 7. ? John Park 8. Alan Westhead 9. Peter Rowley 10. David Littlefair

11. Kenneth Norris 12. ? 13. John Baybutt

Middle Row (Left to Right)1.? 2. Bill Lowe 3. Jim Wallbank 4. Chris Davenport 5. John Davenport 6. Ray Wilson 7 Peter

Welch 8 Geoffrey Dean 9. Frank Green 10 Malcolm Robinson 11.Tom Morris 12. Terry Green

Front Row (Left to Right) 1.? 2.? 3. Margaret Taylor 4. Pam Marsden 5.? 6. Barbara Laithwaite 7. Sheila Lowe 8.? 9.Glenys

Brockbank 10 Brenda Wilcock 11. Pat Davies 12. Mary Carr 13. Margery Battersby

Floor (Left to Right) Barbara Christie Geoff Green Valerie Cornwell


Heskin Pemberton’s C of E Primary School Hello from everyone at Heskin Pemberton’s School,

Our children have had a busy couple of months and have been learning how we can help our local and wider community.

In February, we were visited by Michael Jones from the charity, Animal Care. Michael and his wonderful assistant, Buddy, visited each class, teaching the children the importance of looking after all of God’s creatures. We had a fantastic time and we were able to learn a lot about a variety of different animals. Michael and Buddy were overwhelmed with the very generous donations made by our school. The food, toys, bedding and money has already made a big difference to lots of unwanted and abandoned animals.

At the start of March, Miss Dean and two of our pupils travelled to Ewood Park to take part in the Blackburn Diocese Board of Education’s annual Children’s Conference. Along with other children from all over the North West, they found out about the difficulties some people face in getting clean, hygienic water each day and how the charity WaterAid is able to help these people. Miss Dean was full of praise for our pupils who both conducted themselves impeccably throughout the day, making valuable contributions to the conference.

As well as helping local and international charities, our continued contribution to sport has also been recognised this term. The launch of The Lancashire School Games took place in February at Spar’s headquarters in Preston. As part of the official launch Heskin Pemberton’s were given the honour of representing all of the schools in Chorley. I was extremely proud of the behaviour, manners and general conduct of all of our children throughout the whole day. They were a credit to their school, their village and their parents

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the fun and enjoyment we all share at our school and please feel free to visit our website if you would like to know more about Heskin Pemberton’s. www.heskinpembertons.co.uk

Best Wishes,

Alan Brindle Head Teacher


Future Fundraising Events at St James for 2019More details and tickets/prices will be available in church nearer the dates, or please look out for posters for more information.

May Bank Holiday weekend – Scarecrow Festival & Tunley Fun Day on the 5th May.

May 11th Saturday – Afternoon Tea in the Church Hall – Tickets only £8. 2pm – 4pm

May 19th Sunday – Christian Aid Brunch in the Church Hall – after 10.30am service.

June 15th Saturday –Brunch Lunch & Cake day at Alison & Clive’s, 253 Wood Lane

June 29th Saturday – Fun Day – on the Church Field – 11am to 3pm

July 9th Tuesday – Mother’ Union Strawberry Fair – 7.30pm in the Church Hall

Sept 25th Wednesday – Macmillan Coffee Morning at Play and Praise – from 10.30

Oct 6th Harvest Sunday followed by lunch in the Hall & Walk up Harrock Hill

Oct 18th Friday in Church – Chris Bannister (sounds of John Denver)at 7.30 -£10

Nov 5th Tuesday -- Bonfire & Fireworks on the Church Field from 6pm

Nov 23rd Christmas Fair – in the Church Hall from 11am to 2pm

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Christian aid big breakfast

on Sunday 19th May after the 10.30am Service

Why not join us for BRUNCH for a nominal charge

All Proceeds to Christian Aid

*+*+*+*+*+**+*+*+ AFTERNOON TEA

In the Church Hall 2 - 4pm , by ticket only,

Book your place soon, tables of 8 –

£8 per person – all welcome


AcknowledgementsThe PCC would like to thank all those who have kindly made donations to St James Church.£40.00 Christmas 36 club win donated to St James -Anon£10.00 In memory of Diane Oxberry & N.W. Retriever Rescue from C Rider£100.00 In loving memory of David Johnson from Carol, Emma, Nick and Megan£20.00 In loving memory of David Johnson from Pauline and Ron £50.00 In loving memory of Margaret Richardson – Ashes scattered £30.00 In loving memory of a dear mum & grandma Bessie Norris from Margaret, Tom & Stuart£50.00 In loving memory of a dear husband, dad and grandad Allan, from Anne£25.00 In loving memory of Ann Holding from Jean & Maurice£400.00 In loving memory of our dear son Mark Lee Whittle

IN LOVING MEMORY OF TERRY TASKER£50.00 Margaret and family £20.00 Alan & Brenda Carr£20.00 Anne Sharples£20.00 Vicky, Michael & Evelyn Bamber £25.00 J Wane & N Ashe £20.00 Eric & Audrey France£20.00 Sue & Gerry £20.00 Roger & Teri Rowlandson £30.00 Tony & Dorothy Newton£20.00 Carol & Ray £10.00 Doreen Hoddinott£10.00 John & Barbara Oliver£10.00 Jack & Jean

£4.60 At the funeral of Peter Fisher £5.00 At the funeral of Tom Jackson£97.50 At the funeral of David Johnson£25.00 At the Baptism of Max Liam Jackson


FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOWBY AUDREY FRANCE

The city was quiet and still .The snow has been falling all day and now, in the darkness of the wintry night, amid the muffled silence, the only daily rem-nants of the hustle and bustle of people going about their business, were countless series of footprints abandoned and imprinted on the icy ground. Small pieces of evidence lying motionless, like a thousand untold stories of humanity who were now sleeping quietly in their beds preparing for the rigours of the following day.

On the main road, by the school gates, in the darkness, lay the footprints of the school children. A conglomeration of various shapes and sizes reflecting the noise and excitement of little ones who earlier that day had slipped, slid and shrieked with joy on the snow covered pavements. Rapidly built snow-men, half smiling, now frozen in time, temporarily forgotten on the frosty playground, standing like sentinels waiting for the little friends to return to play the next morning.

Round the corner at the railway station could be found three sets of foot-prints approaching the direction of the platform. A testament to the accept-ance of reluctant change within a loving family.

Ronnie and Jill had come to say farewell to their daughter Chloe who was embarking on a year of travel and adventure around the world. Trying so hard to be brave, the parents had waved to their child happily as the train left the station, taking with it their precious cargo. Their smiling faces camouflaged the desperate deep worry inside them, praying that their child would enjoy her independence but would remain safe on the long exciting journey that lay ahead.

On the outskirts of the city, at the local General Hospital, two sets of foot-prints could be discerned on the approach to the entrance of the Maternity Unit. Carrie and Tom had waited so long for this moment. For years they had prayed for child of their own to love. After five years of gruelling IVF treat-ment their dream was about to be realised. They held each other as they gingerly made their way across the snow through the welcoming open doors. Settled in now, they excitedly awaited the arrival of their precious child, nerv-ous too at the prospect of the night that lay ahead. Their lives about to be changed forever.

A covering of frost twinkled and sparkled on the frozen snow down in the heart of the City Centre. Tucked amongst the vibrant brightly lit city sky-scrapers, a young man named Keith could be seen standing on the Victorian bridge overlooking the fast flowing freezing river. He was completely alone.


A trail of his footprints had brought him to the rails, beneath which raged the angry icy unforgiving torrent.

Driven by deep despair, he placed his foot on the first rail and rested on it. As he continued to step slowly upwards to the second rail his hands faltered and he heard a voice calling to him gently.

‘Keith ,before you go any further and make the biggest mistake of your life, come and spend a few moments with me so we can talk. No pressure I promise just a simple chat.’

Keith turned his head towards the voice and he noticed a young man of similar age to himself with his hands outstretched towards him. For some inexplicable reason Keith felt an overwhelming compulsion to take his hands. He stepped down from the rail and began to engage in conversation with the stranger. He told him of his despair and how he could not see any other solution to his problems. He felt a total failure and his family would be better off without him.

The stranger, whose eyes were full of compassion whispered quietly. ‘Do you realise how many of those people who love you will be guilt ridden and devastated if you do this? They will have to live with the terrible thought that they should have done more to help you. That will be a burden they will have to carry for the rest of their lives. Is that fair? Do they deserve that?

For the next few hours Keith and his new friend sat and talked on the bridge. As the night wore on, Keith could feel the crushing weight of his heavy burdens gradually being lifted from his shoulders. He began to see the future more clearly. He held his head in his hands and wept, but they were tears of hope cascading down his face and he felt a deep sense of inner peace that seeped into his very soul, the like of which he had never experienced before in his lifetime. The feeling completely overwhelmed him.

As he lifted his head, he was filled with gratitude and was about to thank his new friend for his words of wisdom and kindness, and for taking the time and trouble to stay with him for so long during the darkness of the night. He was astonished to find that the stranger had gone. Keith searched frantically for him running along both sides of the road and along the bridge but he was nowhere in sight.

Then he had the idea of following the stranger’s footprints in the snow to determine which route he had taken. To Keith’s sheer amazement he discov-ered there was not a trace of any footprint to be found either on the bridge where they had sat and talked or on the roadside. The only footprints to be found were only the imprint of Keith’s trainers.


He stood there for a few moments totally bemused. Then he noticed an object on the rails of the bridge where Keith had stepped up in his moments of despair. It was placed in the centre of his footprint. He examined the object and realised it was a small shiny cross made of olive wood. As he held it in his grasp he felt the same warmth that he had experiences when he had been speaking to the stranger that night. He turned the cross over to examine it and saw a small inscription etched on the back. Tears filled his eyes as he read the words ‘Always Have Faith.’

Keith was mystified as he returned to his home through the snowy city streets. He left a trail of his own footprints in the snow but this time he felt renewed .He was treading the path of hope and his heart was filled with op-timism for the future. He never encountered the young man again but he felt compelled to keep the small cross in his wallet. Its presence sustained him in the weeks and months that followed.

ThanksI’m sure that many of you will want to join me in saying a huge thank you to Pauline Chapman for stepping into the breach during Mike’s absence and playing the organ for us so brilliantly during services and special occasions. We are very lucky to have been able to call upon Pauline, church organists are few and far between. Our best wishes also go to Mike for a speedy recovery safe in the knowledge that we are in Pauline’s capable hands.

Sue Crawford

Electoral RollThank you to everyone who has completed a new Electoral Roll Form. The new Electoral Roll will be on display in church for two weeks before the Annual Parish Meeting on 28th April. Any forms received after the 31st March will be added at the beginning of May.

Sue Crawford

Gladys and Donald Dean would like to thank everyone for their kind words, messages of sympathy and donations on the death of their dearly loved only son, Leslie – Saturday 23rd February 2019.


April 20193 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Parent Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion

7 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion with Sunday School

8 Mon 2.30-7.30pm Lent Study Group9 Tues 2.30pm Heskin School Easter Service in Church 2.30 for 2.45pm 7.30pm MU - 90th Birthday Celebrations Stef Dnistrianskyj - Indian Adventure 10 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Parent & Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion10 Wed 2.00pm Heskin School closes for Easter

14 PALM SUNDAY(Palm crosses will be given out at both services) 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion NO Sunday School 12.00 noon 36 Club Draw

15 Mon 2.30-7.30pm Lent Study Group

17 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Parent & Toddler Group 10th Birthday Party – Teddy Bears Picnic EVERYONE WELCOME 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion

18 Thurs MAUNDY THURSDAY

19 Fri 11.00am LENT REFLECTIONS SERVICE followed by lunch in the church hall and walk to Harrock Hill with the cross (weather permitting).

Diary


21 EASTER SUNDAY (Easter Egg hunt after 10.30am service) 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion no Sunday School 23 Tues 9.00am Heskin School opens

24 Wed 10.30am No Play & Praise Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion

28 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion with Sunday School 12.00 noon APCM in Church Hall

May 20191 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion2 Thur 7.30pm Archdeacons Visitation at St Paul’s Adlington

5 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion with Sunday School TUNLEY FUN DAY and SCARECROW FESTIVAL WEEKEND8 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion

11 Sat 2pm–4.00pm AFTERNOON TEA

12 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Family Service no Sunday School

14 Tues 7.30pm Mothers Union - Eunice Walsh Keep Fit Sitting Down


15 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Parent & Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion16 Thur 7.30pm MU Deanery Festival at St Wilfrid’s Standish

19 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion with Sunday School 12 noon 36 Club Draw 12 noon CHRISTIAN AID BRUNCH in Church Hall

21 Tues 6.00pm PCC Safeguarding Training in Church Hall 6.00pm to 9.00pm

22 Wed 10.30am Play & Praise Parent & Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion

24 Fri 3.30pm Heskin School closes for half term

24 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion no Sunday School 12.15pm Holy Baptism of Emilia Grace Schofield

29 Wed 10.30am No Play & Praise Parent & Toddler Group 5.00pm No Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion30 Thur Ascension Day

June 20192 SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Parish Communion no Sunday School

5 Wed 10.30am No Play & Praise Parent & Toddler Group 5.00pm Rainbows 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion


Stocks Hall Living in Mawdesley, Lancashire, is a place you will be proud to call your home.Independent/Assisted Living Apartments are perfect for retirees who seek to reduce the work that comes from home maintenance.Enjoy the freedom of a fulfilling retirement in a comfortable home pursuing hobbies, reading, visiting friends, and enjoying social and recreational programmes, all without the worries of home maintenance, chores, security or safety!Owners/ Tenants will live their lives with the freedom, privacy and companionship that they deserve - with added peace of mind, provided through assistance with daily activities, if required. Compassionate staff on duty 24hrs when/if you need them.

Be inspired by the concept of Stocks Hall Living. Reassuringly Unique.

Visit: www.stockshallliving.co.ukTelephone: 01704 778178 to arrange a viewing.

Are you or your loved one starting to look into Retirement Living options?Are you looking for a warm, welcoming environment which offers a superb style of living?

CORNER HOUSEWood Lane, Wrightington, Nr. Wigan, WN6 9SE

Restaurant & Bar

Private Function Room available for all your family occasions

Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries and Funerals

Projector also for available for meetings/conferences

Gift Vouchers Available

Tel: 01257 451400www.cornerhousewrightington.co.uk

DECEMBER/JAN 2015:Layout 1 26/11/2015 08:27 Page 14

Do you require support in your own home?Would you like to get out and about more?

Please call Amanda: 01257 696050225 Eaves Lane, Chorley, PR6 0AG

www.independentlivinglancashire.co.uk“We use Independent Living for my wife, the carers are very kind, caring and professional. The office staff deal with our changing requirements and being based locally the manager is able to visit us at short notice if

we need to discuss any changes “Mr H, Lydiate Lane, Eccleston”

Our services• Traveltoappointments,socialevents&companionship• Mealpreparation,medicationprompting,housekeeping&petcare• Overnightcare/24Hours/Livein• Personalcaree.g.washing/bathing• Supportafteranoperation• Holidaycover&respitecare• EndofLifeCare• Andmuchmore...

• Why Trust Independent Living with your care?• CareQualityCommissionRegulated• Establishedcompanywithexperienced&caringstaff• FREEAssessment&clearpricesprovidedoverthephone• Dementia,Parkinsons&cancercarespecialists• BespokeFlexibleService-kindofficestaffwhoknowyou&yourfamily• Wedonotchargeyou“traveltime”

DECEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 ISSUE | 17


GATHURSTGOLF CLUB• Private Hire/Celebrations• Funerals catered for• Conferences/Meetings• Membership (Golf and Social)

• Golf Societies welcomed

Telephone Barbara: 01257 255235Email: [email protected]


SHARROCKS MOWERLANDFOR ALL TYPES OF LAWNMOWERS

AND LAWN TRACTORSCONSULT THE EXPERTS

MOSSY LEA ROAD, WRIGHTINGTON

01257 422710

Turn To Us For Help And Support

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

T & M E WALSH46/48 Preston Road, Standish

01257 421608In your time of need we will take care of all the funeral arrangements.

Call us 24 hours a day. Memorial work undertaken.

Pre-paid funeral plans available.

DECEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 ISSUE | 19


K. & J. GREEN BUTCHERS

Family run butchery for 100 years1912 - 2012

Traditional butchers and cooked meatsTelephone orders welcome

73 Withington Lane, Heskin

01257 451220Cards/Cash/Cheque all accepted

20 | ST. JAMES THE GREAT WRIGHTINGTON WITH HESKIN PARISH MAGAZINE


HESKIN VILLAGESTORE

Lawrence Hunt & Co Ltd(formerly Lillian Harrison & Son Ltd)

Wood Lane Heskin Tel: 01257 451509

o f f l i c e n c e | p o s t o f f i c e | l o t t e r y q ual it y fr e sh fo od r e tail ers

ov er 20 l o c al suppl iers stockedg r eat offers on beers, w ines and spir its

l o c a l d e l i v e r y ava i l a b l e

Thank you for shopping at your local store

Unit A1, Redgate Road, South Lancashire Industrial Estate, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 8DT

Call us today on:01942 719565 or 0800 028 1972 www.versatileliftcompany.co.uk

[email protected]

• Rapidresponse• Competitiverates• Freeno-obligationsurvey• Neworreconditioned• Rentalsfrom£10/week• Optionstosuitallbudgets

Independent supplier • Friendly local service

straight or curved stairlifts

Brian Halliwell Dip F.D M.B.I.E.

Independent Funeral Directors • Monumental Masons

Head Office: Halliwell House, 758/768 Ormskirk Rd, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8BB

T: 01942 222156

A local family run business, R. Banks & Son are one of the largest independent funeral directors in the Wigan area.

www.rbanksandson.co.uk

Branches: Standish 01257 422011, Bryn 01942 271392, Coppull 01257 793880, Tyldesley 01942 887312, Scholes 01942 820526, Leigh 01942 261415, Beech Hill 01942 829200, Upholland 01695 622099, Platt Bridge 01942 863936

FINANCE NOW AVAILABLE

on Funerals & MemorialsSubject to status,

written details on request

24 Hour Service Caring Family Firm

Pre Arrangement Funeral Plans and Memorial Plans available

ESTABLISHED 1921

R BANKS & SON FUNERALS LTD

Founded in 1921 and now with ten funeral homes across the Wigan area the company has established itself by gaining a reputation for excellence, professionalism and sympathetic attitude.


April/May2019 Rotas

If you are unable to undertake your task on the rota, please either exchange with someone else or contact Anne Sharples 01257 424105

Date Sidespersons Readers Stewardship Tea/Coffee

April 75th Sunday of Lent

April 14Palm Sunday

April 21Easter Sunday

April 282nd Sunday of Easter

May 53rd Sunday of Easter

May 124th Sunday of Easter



June 27th Sunday of Easter

June 9Pentecost Whit Sunday

K Mather M Gibson D Gaskell B Berry J & M Burton A Dnistrianskyj M Taylor J Crompton

G Speakman A Lancelotte J Crompton M Green J Fowler & J Ormesher C Pass J Fowler C Pass

M Morris M Morris S Crawford J Robinson P & J Rowley S Crawford P Rowley S Wild

M Rowley B Winstone E Gerrard M Barlow S & M Johnson E Grundy M Walters M Burton

R Rowlandson R Rowlandson D Hoddinott B Carr M Barlow & B Berry M Fox M Rowley M Walters

H Orme M Mason D Gaskell M Walsh J & M Burton J Fowler M Taylor S Crawford

K Mather H Orme J Fowler Christian Aid J Fowler & J Ormesher M Taylor E Gerrard Brunch

G Speakman A Lancelotte M Walters M Green P & J Rowley E Gerrrard P Rowley C Pass

M Morris M Gibson D Hoddinott J Robinson S & M Johnston ASharples J Crompton S Wild

M Rowley M Morris S Crawford M Barlow M Barlow & B Berry A Dnistrianskyj M Rowley M Burton

St James’ the Great, Church Lane, Wrightington with Heskin, Lancashire, WN6 9SN

SUNDAY SERVICES9.00am Holy Communion

10.30am Parish Communion(Including Sunday School during Term time)

WEEKDAYSWednesday 10.30am Play & Praise (Parent & Toddler Group)

Wednesday 5.00pm Rainbows

Wednesday 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion(Including Laying on of Hands on

the last Wednesday of the month)


SUNDAY SERVICES

9.00am Holy Communion10.30am Parish Communion

(including Sunday School during Term time)

WEEKDAYSWednesday 10.30am Play & Praise (Parent and Toddler Group)

Wednesday 5.00pm Rainbows

Wednesday 7.30pm Prayer Book Communion

Documents

PARISH MAGAZINE · PARISH MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2019. 2 ST JAMES THE GREAT WRIGHTINGTON WITH HESKIN ... The invisible God became visible as Jesus and saw through his journey to become