Christ Church, Longridge - Methodist/URC

Harvest Festival Service: September 16th

(Also includes the sacrament of Baptism) The theme for this year is Fire and Water – reflecting the two banners already up in the church. It would be nice to have the window sills decorated (as in previous years) and so if there are any willing volunteers, here is your chance to display your talents. One side of the church will represent Fire – the other side Water – three window sills for each. How you create your display is entirely your choice – so come on, get your thinking caps on and let your creative juices start flowing! Could let me know which window sill you’d like to do, thank you – Helen.

By helen, ago

A Charles Wesley Songs of Praise

A celebration in song of the three-hundredth birthday of probably the world’s greatest hymn writer. Christ Church, Longridge. Sunday September 16th at 6.30pm. Come and celebrate this landmark in the history of the Methodist Church and Christianity as a whole. Charles Wesley was born on December 18th 1707 and died in London on March 29th 1788. Celebrations are going on all this year – nationally, in districts, in circuits and in individual churches. Christ Church, Longridge is to have its own celebration on Sunday September 16th at 6.30 pm. We shall sing many of the favourite Wesley hymns and the service will also feature some of his poetry. If you wish to be involved in choosing the hymns to be sung then you can indicate your choices on the slip available in the church foyer – or you can just Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The August Ramble – Crooklands & Peasey Beck

The walk this month found us in the pleasant rolling countryside on the Lancashire-Cumbria border and we were promised good weather, scenery and a glimpse of our industrial heritage. Starting from the site of the Westmorland Agricultural Show, near Crooklands, we quickly arrived at the Kendal canal and headed north. At this point, the canal has been drained in places, but this doesn’t detract from its beauty. After a while, we arrived at the impressive portals of the 378 yards long Hincaster Tunnel, which we were informed, was designed by a John Fletcher and was built between 1816-1817, using four million bricks and at the time was the biggest brick built structure north of the Mersey. The barges were pulled through the tunnel by chains or “legged”. The horses were taken around by a path which we used and after Read more…

By The Editor, ago

Coffee Mornings

I would like to thank all those who have contributed so generously, during the year at Friday coffee mornings, Sunday morning coffee and on NCH Sunday, in order that the church has been able to forward this year, a total of £500 to the National Children’s Home. On behalf of all the vulnerable children and Young People who will benefit from your kindness, a very big THANK YOU. — Mel

By The Editor, ago

The June Ramble – Led by Jim & Janet Sommerville

Only five walkers and two spaniels assembled in the car park at Cartmel Racecourse, which was hosting a large dog show at the time, and set off on the road to Grange over Sands until a stile leading uphill towards Grange Golf course. Clambering over another stile, the ramblers followed markers up through the course to another stile and onto Fell End part of Hampsfield Fell. The walk continued along the Fell until the Hospice was reached, the highest part on a limestone pavement. The Hospice (a stone built shelter with an observation platform on the roof) has an open door facing due East and an ancient Greek Inscription on its lintel which possibly stated “Greet the dawn”, and the poem below was inside the building: – Lunch was taken at this point and afterwards the ramble continued following a Read more…

By The Editor, ago

Pentecost Washout

Our weather forecasters didn’t get it quite right. There wasn’t a total deluge on Pentecost Sunday here in Longridge as had been predicted but at least, we were warned that outdoor activities might not be possible. Sadly therefore we were unable to put up the marquee and enjoy ‘Picnic in the Park’. A few brave souls ate their sandwiches in Christ Church Hall and wrestled with Carol’s origami symbols of a dove and a flame which were later used to illustrate the service. A few more joined us and we thoroughly enjoyed singing choruses ably led by Bernard Hunt on the guitar and then had a short service for Pentecost. Though few in numbers we represented all four of the Longridge churches and were able to give thanks that, whatever our differences, we are one in the Spirit.

By carolspencer, ago

Ordination and Induction of Helen Higgin-Botham

It’s almost here. June 30th at 2.30 pm will see people from all over the country descending on Christ Church for Helen’s Ordination and Induction. It should be a really exciting day and we pray, the beginning of a new and exciting period in the life of our church. Helen tells me that she will not be coming in like a whirlwind to change everything but June 30th will be quite a day as we expect every square inch of the church to be filled. There will be quite a lot of jobs to be done before and during the day. On June 28th and 29th we are looking for people to help give the church a thorough Spring Clean and set out all the furniture etc. If you can help in any way please come along any time between Read more…

By The Editor, ago

From the Manse: Summer 2007

“Dear Friends, Sometimes church life feels like a helter-skelter.  We are rushing at a tremendous pace round and round — from Harvest to Remembrance, then on to Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and Anniversary.  All this and all the ‘routine’ activities as well.  So much happens in our church and Churches Together in Longridge that it’s almost impossible to review everything at the AGM any more but you will find some of the Annual Reports in the latest edition of the Messenger. A helter-skelter however, is not like a roundabout.  You don’t just go round and round, faster and faster, but you start at the top and go down and down until you hit the ground – often with quite a bump.  There is a danger that church life could have the same effect on us.  Instead of Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The May Ramble – Pendle Hill

After a number of level walks, Jim decided that we must be in need of a little toughening up and so led us to the top of Pendle Hill, that well known landmass clearly seen to the east of Longridge. Such a vantage point needed a very clear day and that is just what we got. Warm, sunny and clear. Starting from the car park in the pretty village of Barley, our party, a good turnout of eleven, headed out of the village, through fields, heading for the easier but longer southerly ascent. Having passed the waterworks, we started the steady climb up Boar Clough, the path getting steeper. At this point, some of the party were introduced to the advantages of walking poles. We stopped for a lunch break in a lovely narrow valley by a stream and afterwards Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The April Ramble – Capernwray and the River Keer

For this months walk, we had a new leader. Veronica was in charge, a case of, “Chic power”. Starting from Carnforth, we entered the Lancaster Canal and headed north under a hot sun, clear in all directions. To the west, the splendid sight of Warton Crag came into view and as we walked along the tow path, we passed some impressive conversions of farm buildings on the other bank. Eventually, we arrived at a point where the canal met the river Keer. Here is to be found a interesting aqueduct, designed by John Rennie. Leaving the canal at this point, we now followed the river Keer, walking through fields, passing under a imposing railway viaduct, to Upper Keer Bridge. Crossing a road hear, we now followed the right bank of the river and eventually arrived at the Pine Lake Resort. Read more…

By The Editor, ago