Ministers’ Letter for the Season of Easter : April – May
Dear Friends in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Lord.
By the time you read this letter, our Missional Partnership will have shared in two deeply joyful and significant moments at Westbury Gardens URC: the induction of Noma into ministry among us, and the celebration of marriage between me and Florence. These occasions have been filled with love, fellowship, and a profound sense of God’s presence.
Together: Noma, Florence, and I, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your prayers, your presence, and your generous support have been a great encouragement to us. You have truly made us feel that we belong to a caring and faithful family, and for this we give thanks to God. We have no regret in being part of this wonderful community, and we pray that God will richly bless you all.
As we enter the Easter season, we are reminded of the hope that is at the very heart of our faith. The resurrection of Christ is not only a past event but a present reality that continues to bring light into our lives. As it is written:
“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25–26)
Easter assures us that no situation is beyond God’s power to renew, and no darkness can overcome His light. May the love and light of the risen Christ be your portion, bringing you peace, strength, and renewed hope in all that lies ahead.
There is a simple story told of a small village that endured a long, harsh winter. The people grew weary, wondering if spring would ever come. One morning, a child noticed a single flower pushing through the frozen ground. Though small, it was enough to remind the whole village that life was returning. Soon, the fields were filled with colour again. In much the same way, the resurrection of Christ is that first sign of new life; assuring us that God’s promises are always unfolding, even when we cannot yet see the full picture.
As a missional partnership, we believe that God has greater days ahead for us. We look forward with anticipation, especially as we prepare to welcome the General Assembly Moderator of the URC in June. This visit reminds us that we are part of something far bigger than ourselves, the global Church, united in Christ across nations and cultures.
In this spirit, we are excited to introduce a new annual initiative: Mission Weekend. This will be a time to explore and celebrate the life of the Church in different parts of the world, through learning, exhibition, and fellowship. Our first event will take place on Saturday 13th June at Trinity Great Harwood, with a special focus on Cameroon. We warmly invite you all to come, participate, and share in this enriching experience.
We also give thanks for the recent Missional Partnership Steering Group away day, which was marked by meaningful conversations, shared vision, and a renewed sense of purpose. We move forward with confidence, trusting in God’s guidance and provision.
As we journey together through this Easter season and beyond, may we continue to grow in faith, in unity, and in love; bearing witness to the risen Christ in all that we do.
With every blessing,
Your friend and minister,
Rev. Gilbert Esambe
Ministers’ Update to the Missional Partnership
Dear Friends,
Following our recent Missional Partnership Steering Group away day, the ministers felt it would be helpful to share a little more about how we work and how certain decisions, particularly around preaching plans and ministerial responsibilities are made. We recognise that some aspects of our ministry may not always be visible, and we hope this update brings greater clarity and understanding.
When preparing the preaching plan for the year, there are several important factors we prayerfully and carefully consider. Firstly, each minister is entitled to five weeks of annual leave, which must be scheduled in advance. In addition, we work around commitments within the wider Church, such as Ministers’ School, Education for Ministry (EM) retreats, and attendance at the General Assembly. These are significant gatherings, and we are encouraged to keep the Sundays around them free, as they are both enriching and demanding.
Once these commitments are identified, usually marked clearly on the preaching plan, we then seek, as much as possible, to distribute ourselves fairly and equitably across all the churches in the partnership. We also aim to rotate responsibility for major Christian festivals such as Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas, so that each congregation shares in these important moments over time.
We therefore ask that when you receive a preaching plan, you do so with the understanding that much thought, care, and prayer has gone into it, always with the wellbeing of the whole partnership in mind. Of course, there are times when unforeseen circumstances arise, and changes become necessary.
We also want to emphasise something very important: we are here because you are here. We are at your service, for everyone. Ministers are not assigned to individuals or groups. We are called to serve the whole Church. So, if you ever feel the need for support, a conversation, or simply someone to journey alongside you, please do not hesitate to approach or contact us. We are approachable, we are friendly, and we are here for you.
We are equally committed to supporting our elders and working alongside them in ministry. Together, we share in the calling to care, lead, and nurture the life of the Church.
As a partnership, we also value our ecumenical relationships. This is why we actively engage with friends from other denominations, recognising that the Church of Christ is wider than our own setting, and that we are enriched by walking together.
We are mindful too of the important sacraments and pastoral rites such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals which are part of our calling as ministers. However, there are occasions when families request that someone with a close personal connection leads these services. In such cases, our absence does not mean a lack of care or commitment. Wherever possible, we seek to be present in support and solidarity, because we believe that pastoral presence is at the heart of ministry.
Above all, we want you to know that we love and value you all, and we are grateful to be serving alongside you in this missional partnership. We felt it was important to share this insight into our work, so that there may be greater understanding and openness between us.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and fellowship.
With every blessing,
Gilbert Esambe on behalf of the Ministers of the Partnership
News of our Church Family
You will be pleased to know that Mal has now had his operation and whilst there have been some further interventions he is now truly on the road to recovery. We therefore send Mal and Lorraine our heartfelt love and support at what has been and still continues to be a very difficult time for them both and we continue to hold them both in our prayers. We are looking forward to seeing Mal back in action and give thanks for all that Lorraine has and is continuing to do for us in our Missional Partnership.
Sheila, Harry Rawcliffe’s wife, was recently, urgently, taken into hospital but we believe now she is beginning to recover. This has been a tremendous shock to all the family and we are holding them all in our prayers for a full recovery and a return home as soon as possible.
We are also sorry to say that Barbara Jordison has recently had to spent time in hospital but is now living in a ‘Home’ with Ian who recently moved there. Unfortunately, Ian has now had a severe heart attack and is now in hospital. We hold them both in our prayers and send them our love and best wishes.
Brenda is not feeling well and therefore is not able to attend church at the moment. We look forward to seeing her when she is better and are holding her too in our prayers.
We are pleased to say that Barbara and Jonathan Tustin are now proud grandparents to Elijah. We send congratulations to them and to their daughter Amy now a proud mother.
Rev’d Noma Marambi’s Induction as a Missional Partnership Minister 21st March
We are delighted to say that Noma’s induction was a great occasion for celebration when the Rev’d Clare Downing, NW Synod Moderator, inducted her to serve the Lancashire East Missional Partnership Churches (LEMP) as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. This great occasion was held at Westbury Gardens when the church was full for this special occasion. The service was also available on Zoom * for others who were not able to attend in person to use. Music was provided by the Eric Haworth Trio (Eric, Ian and Neil members at North Blackburn) and was very much appreciated.
The Rev’d Mike Aspinall, on behalf of the LEMP churches, presented Noma with a bible of her choice as a gift from us all. We send our congratulations love and best
wishes to Noma and her family and are looking forward to working with her as we go forward in our mission in East Lancashire together. This special occasion was
rounded off by us all enjoying afternoon tea and a time of fellowship together, meeting friends and others as we celebrated and gave thanks for Noma becoming our minister.
Gilbert and Florence’s Wedding Ceremony 27th March
This was another great occasion with us all being delighted to celebrate Gilbert and Florence’s wedding at our church which was full to overflowing with friends and family and church members from across our Missional Partnership, and the world, coming together to show their love and support for Gilbert and Florence. What an uplifting and joyous occasion which was a truly international celebration with friends and family from Cameroon, Belgium, and other European countries, Canada, America, Ireland and many places within the UK. Those not able to be at the service were able to join on Zoom.
This joyous occasion followed the Cameroon/African ways of marking and celebrating weddings and therefore included singing, dancing and lots of upbeat music which we
all enjoyed. We sang Shine Jesus Shine, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Love Divine, To God be the Glory and O Happy Day. Music was provided by the Eric Haworth Trio.
We also had African drums played as Florence and Gilbert danced down the aisle making a collection for charity. This special occasion included the opportunity to take communion and to listen to encouraging words of wisdom from those who were leading worship which included the Rev Clare Downing, (NW Synod Moderator),
Rev. Dr Aboseh Ngwana (Minister, Staple Hill Methodist Church, Bristol), Rev. Edward Sakwe (Circuit Minister, Hinckley Methodist Circuit), Rev. Felix Dim (Minister,
Crumpsall Methodist Church, Manchester), Rev. Stephen Mbu (Divine Land Ministries of Jesus Christ, Waterford, Ireland), Rev. Daleen Ten Cate (URC Missional Partnership Mentor NW Synod), Rev. Noma Marambi (Minister, LEMP, NW Synod) and Rev. Mike Aspinall (Convenor, LEMP, NW Synod).
The church was beautifully decorated with white flowers displayed in front of the communion table and around the church. Gilbert entered to a special song sung beautifully by Kim Carr followed by Florence looking radiant wearing a white satin wedding dress and long train accompanied by her bridesmaid, 6 beautiful young
flower girls all dressed in white and 4 smartly dressed young page boys. It was a wonderful sight.
The happy couple were presented with a Holy Bible as a gift from the Missional Partnership and was accompanied by the following statement being read out to them:
‘Receive this Holy Bible as a gift from the congregation and Missional Partnership churches and build your home upon its eternal and divine wisdom. Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it. May the Word of God be a lamp to your feet and a light for your path’
After the ceremony there was food and refreshments available to those not going to
the official reception and an opportunity to enjoy a time of fellowship together. A reception was held at the Mylahore Glass Marquee in the grounds of Stanley House Hotel.
On the following day Gilbert and Florence had arranged for a Barbeque to be held at Westbury Gardens URC for those who would be travelling home later that day. This
too was a joyful occasion which many of the guests were pleased to come to so they could spend a joyful time together, eating lovely food and enjoying dancing and fellowship before departing.
Children’s Holiday Club over the Easter holiday at Westbury Gardens.
Carrie, Cally’s daughter, her husband and friends from the local community are again running an Easter Holiday club for local children that is called ‘Cally’s Khaos Crew Spring Crafts Activities’ on 31st March, 2nd April, 7th April and 9th April 11.30 am to
2 pm with the support and agreement our church which is in memory of her dad. Also, Carrie and her family (with our agreement), will be creating/improving the garden
close to the church front entrance which will include a bench in memory of Cally.
We at Westbury Gardens are delighted to be able to support and encourage them in this community work in memory of Cally who did so much to help others through the Food Club he created and ran, with our support, from our church.
Community Harmony Project
As you may know Aftab and Fozia have been instrumental in creating the ‘Community Harmony’ Project which they run each week in the centre of Blackburn for asylum seekers and refugees living in Blackburn. As Lent and Ramadan were happening at
the same time this year, they took the opportunity to hold 4 Ramadan Iftar and Lenten Suppers (breaking the fast) for those of the Blackburn Asylum seeking/ refugee community which included Christians and Muslims opening the fast together. There were more than 80 people taking part which was a lovely and positive occasion. In addition to this the Community Harmony Project put together and sent out 30 food parcels to those in need. Community Harmony will also be holding an Easter Party to celebrate Easter.
We are very pleased to say that we at Westbury Gardens have been able to support this good work through a community grant that we obtained for such work from our
NW Synod as we see this as part of our outreach mission as a local church.
Zoom
This is a way of being able to join in, online via the Internet, with occasions being held
at Westbury Gardens and is a facility that is now available at Westbury Gardens thanks to the hard work done by Andrew Parkinson.
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Minister’s Letter – December 2025 / January 2026
Dear friends,
As we step into the season of Advent and prepare our hearts once more for the coming of Christ, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the life and witness of our churches across Lancashire East Missional Partnership this past year. In every congregation, in every committee, in every act of kindness, I have seen signs of God at work through you.
At our recent URC Extra ordinary General Assembly, the Church Life Review invited us into a season of honest reflection and renewed commitment. It reminded us that the Church is always being shaped and reshaped by the Spirit, called not simply to preserve what has been, but to imagine what could be. I was struck by its emphasis on courage: the courage to celebrate the faithfulness that already exists among us, and the courage to acknowledge where God is nudging us toward new ways of being Church.
As I look around our partnership, I see that courage lived out in very real ways. I have seen it in your willingness to try new forms of worship; in the hospitality you have offered to neighbours, community groups, and those seeking connection; in the perseverance shown by elders, volunteers, treasurers, and countless others who quietly hold our churches together. Each of these contributions, small or large, visible, or unseen has helped weave the fabric of our shared ministry.
So let me say quite simply and sincerely: THANK YOU. Thank you for your faithfulness, your generosity, your patience, and your hope. Thank you for every extra mile walked, every difficult conversation approached with grace, every prayer whispered on behalf of our partnership and its mission. You have made this year richer and more vibrant than you may realise.
As we approach the end of 2025, Advent invites us to pause, to breathe, and to lift our eyes to the light that shines in the darkness. And as we prepare to enter 2026, we are reminded that we do not journey alone. Christ walks ahead of us, the Spirit moves among us, and God’s love surrounds us with a faithfulness that does not fail.
My prayer is that this Christmas will bring you rest where you are weary, joy where you feel stretched thin, and peace where the year has left you anxious. And as the New Year unfolds, may you step into it with renewed courage — trusting that God has good things yet in store for our congregations and for the communities we serve.
May the light of Christ guide your path, and may the coming year be filled with grace, hope, and unexpected blessings.
With every blessing,
Your friend and Minister
Gilbert Esambe
COMMUNITY MINISTER’S LETTER DECEMBER 2025 – JANUARY 2026
Dear Friends
It is hard to believe that this is our 11th Christmas in Blackburn and is in actual fact our penultimate one. I say penultimate because for the first time in 30 years ministry Lorraine and I are going away for Christmas and then in 2027 I will have retired.
We have many fond memories as well as challenges including the Manse fire in 2016 spending 17 weeks in Foxfield’s during which many church members provided us with welcome evening meals and lots of other support including prayers.
Then in 2023 I was diagnosed with my brain tumour and needing emergency bowl surgery and again members of the church and colleagues rallied round to offer much needed support and prayer.
During our time here we have seen many changes especially with the merger of Revidge Fold and Trinity earlier this year and by the time you read this North Blackburn URC will have celebrated their first Christmas Fair together in aid of their nominated charity for the year ‘The Bethany Girls School in Tanzania’.
In the New Year work will commence on redeveloping the Church buildings as a multi-purpose church area which will also give us opportunities to enhance the worship and mission of the church. We have also been exploring new ways of worshipping and mission opportunities at Westbury Gardens.
As we get closer to the year-end we can look back on so many exciting times and look forward to a New Year in furthering God’s kingdom in the two communities where I carry out my role as your ‘Community Minister’ and how that might pan out during the last eighteen months of my time here.
Also, hopefully we will finally welcome Noma and family to be part of our missional partnership.
It only remains for me to wish you all a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year and to thank you all for the continued support you have given to Lorraine and I during the past twelve months and we hope that as we celebrate the Christmas story together we can all go back to the first one and once again receive Jesus God’s precious son given to us over 2000 years ago, the greatest gift we will ever receive, unwrap it and share it with all those around you this Christmas and beyond.
Yours in Christ,
Mal
News of our Church Family
We send our congratulations to Ian and Barbara for having recently celebrated their 65th (Blue Sapphire) Wedding Anniversary what a wonderful achievement and example to the rest of us. Everyone sends congratulations and best wishes as you continue in your loving relationship – Well Done!
It was good to see Bill and Barbara Bateman at a recent First Monday session where we learnt a lot about the Ffestiniog Railway from Neville. Our thoughts and prayers are with them both as Bill is waiting for some hospital treatment.
As we are now entering the winter months, we all need to keep warm. As you know every Monday morning, we have our Community Café and Art and Craft group where everyone has tea/coffee and toast etc with lots of chatting and laughter as we share time together in a warm and friendly atmosphere. If you would like to come, please do because we will be pleased to see you there 10.30 – 12.30
Blackburn with Darwen Community Volunteer Awards 2025
The Town’s Community Volunteer Awards have been taking place over a good number of years recognising the importance of volunteering to the life of the town.
Garth Hodgkinson, CEO Community CVS, said the essence of Life is to serve others and to do good. He went on to say that the Awards recognise what thousands of volunteers do each year in Blackburn with Darwen which is a vital part of the life of the Borough.
This year’s awards were held in Blackburn Rovers Premier Suite where 200+ people gathered to celebrate and mark the achievements of many different volunteer groups across the Borough. The host for the evening was Graham Liver, a well-known local radio personality.
As we all know, many within our local churches do lots of good work day by day to help other people and it is important to recognise this in our local communities which is what these community awards do. We therefore want to say well done to the ‘Community Harmony’ Project in Blackburn which aims to provide meaningful, practical and emotional support to refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and other minority communities. The group has built a thriving and inclusive network that reaches over 25 nationalities and 4 different faith groups working to reduce isolation, build confidence and promote peaceful community cohesion. This important community group was started and is nurtured week by week by Fozia and Aftab Mughal and they were awarded the ‘PEACE’ group award.
On the same evening Derek Estill received a ‘Special Recognition’ award for his service to Blackburn with Darwen through doing work to helping develop an inclusive community in and around East Blackburn, and wider afield, in many ways including by helping to build up good Interfaith relations.
Derek commented that the work he does in and through the Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum, which he has been a member of for 25 years, previously serving as the Chair and currently as the Secretary, is important in a diverse community like Blackburn with Darwen and that all it takes is a little sensitivity and appreciation for one another.
Fozia, Aftab and Derek are members at Westbury Gardens URC.
Congratulations and well done to them!
Social Events
Looking back, we all enjoyed a lunch and quiz on 1st November which raised £120 for Commitment for Life (Christian Aid).
Built on that success we are now planning another quiz which will be a Christmas Quiz. This will be held on 13th December at 1 pm with a light lunch, Christmas raffle followed by a Christmas Quiz cost £5 each. Half the proceeds of the afternoon will go to church funds and half to the church’s chosen Christmas charity.
We have had good feedback about the Reindeer Drive we held last year. However, because we can’t fit another of these this year we will arrange another Beetle/Reindeer Drive in the Spring of next year so watch this space for more information!!
Christmas Carol Singing at Linden House
This will be held on 11th December at 2pm when a group of us from Westbury Gardens will go to Linden House, which is not far from Westbury Gardens, to sing Carols. We are planning to do this so that we sing with those living in Linden House rather than singing to them so that we all sing together. This we hope will build on our last visit to them which we understand they enjoyed.
Bible Study
This is going well with us meeting each week on a Wednesday evening at North Blackburn URC. There are about 15 in the group and at the moment we are following an Advent theme particularly thinking about women at the Nativity.
These sessions are proving to be both informative and enjoyable and helping us to build our confidence when speaking to others about our faith which we all feel is so important as we go forward doing our best to live the life of Jesus today and every day.
If you would like to join in and find out a little more about these sessions please speak to Gilbert, Mal, Derek, Margaret or Neville.
Community Activities
As reported in the last newsletter Carrie Charnley (Cally’s daughter) held successful Summer and Autumn holiday club sessions for young children and parents from our surrounding community with our support and help in our Church and we understand that she might be able to do something similar in the Spring 2026. We have told her and others in her group about the Lantern Service and hope that she and some of the mums and children may come to this Carol Service on the 18th December. As you know all the Judo children, young people and families come and always enjoy it. This will start at 7pm with drinks and light refreshments – including mince pies!! following the Carol service.
Everyone is welcome so if you would like to come put it in your diary, we will be delighted to see you there.
Church Life Review
You will be aware that our national church is conducting a thorough review of our church’s structure/organisation/funding recognising that change is needed.
A special General Assembly in November this year has now agreed the actions that will help our churches locally, regionally and nationally to be better able to take on the changes that are needed.
To help this to be done a central fund will be established which each Synod will contribute funds to. This new fund will be used to help churches work in new ways to establish local mission by supporting/helping them to access the expertise they may need whilst they continue doing the work that they are already doing. This may need to be done locally or regionally to get specialist expertise, or to employ someone locally to relieve churches of some of the burdens they currently carry.
This initiative is necessary and a very important and central part of us being able to continue following our local mission in ways that God is calling us to do.
More information will become available in the coming weeks and months so please watch this space for more information.
PILGRIMAGES IN 2026
TO HOLY ISLAND, LINDISFARNE and IONA COMMUNITY
Hi folks,
During 2026 on behalf of our Lancashire East Missional Partnership and working with McCabe Pilgrimages I will be organising two Pilgrimages/Retreats to Holy Island, Lindisfarne from 21st – 24th April and Iona from 3rd – 7th July and you are all invited to join Lorraine and I on these trips along with members from our Partnership Churches.
Brochures giving details of cost and tour information are available in your church or by contacting me direct on [email protected] or on 07825662203 and I will be happy to send you the details.
We do hope you will be able to join us on either or both.
A warm welcome awaits you.
Yours in Christ,
Mal Breeze, Community Minister 6
21st October 1966
0n 11th November we remembered all those who lost their lives in various wars and having lived in Wales for 17 years, I was aware of a disaster in 1966 remembered there every year. A retired colleague of mine shared the following reflection on Facebook which I’d like to share with you.
On this day in 1966, 144 people were killed when a coal tip above the village of Aberfan, was engulfed in slurry from a waterlogged coal tip. It demolished houses and the local school, killing 116 children.
Enquiries and committees had met and discussed the disaster, and as a result, the remaining tips in the South Wales valleys are checked for safety at regular intervals.
In the face of such tragedy, all that can be said, has been said, and maybe a silent thought and prayer for the families and community is the best comfort and respect we can offer. Some thoughts for prayers.
The Families and community of Aberfan, those who came to help, the on duty people, police and medics who were responsible for the care and dignity of the little ones, the local doctors and staff.
The Ministers and clergy who were faced with giving help and comfort to families. All who were injured or harmed by the disaster. God be with them as they are remembered.
Mal Breeze,
Community Minister *******************************************************
Minister’s Letter – August/September 2025
Dear friends,
As summer moves on and we begin to look toward autumn, I want to take a moment to give thanks for all that has been happening across our churches in East Lancashire Missional Partnership, and to share a word of encouragement as we look ahead.
Firstly, we rejoice in the wonderful news that we have collectively welcomed a new minister: Reverend Nomaqhawe Marambi to work alongside us. This is a genuine answer to prayer and a sign that God continues to lead and provide. We look forward to all that this new chapter will bring for our shared ministry.
At the same time, we continue as a missional partnership to brainstorm and explore the possibility of recruiting for the role of Family Worker, someone who can help us nurture and support the children and families in our communities. Please keep this in your prayers.
Most of our churches have been busy and faithful in ministry. Whether through Messy Church, Eco Church, Warm Hubs, or countless acts of kindness and hospitality, the love of Christ is being made visible in beautiful and practical ways. Thank you to everyone who is giving their time, energy, and hearts to these ministries.
In July, I had the privilege of attending the URC 2025 General Assembly. It was uplifting to witness churches being recognised for the impact they are making in their communities. We were also introduced to the 2025-2026 General Assembly Moderator, Catriona Wheeler who was inducted into office. Another high point of the General Assembly was the election of the Revd Neil Thorogood as GA Moderator for 2026–2027, a reminder of the strength and hope that runs through our wider church family.
As we head into August and September, whether you are taking time to rest or beginning to plan for the autumn, I encourage you to remain hopeful and prayerful. God is at work, often in quiet ways, but always faithfully. God is extremely interested in what we see through our “spiritual eyes.” If we have a vision for victory in our lives, we can rise to a new level. But if our gaze is on the ground instead of on the possibilities, we risk moving in the wrong direction and missing all the wonderful things God wants to do in and through us. Let us focus our minds for success. May we continually think positive thoughts of victory, of abundance, of favour, of hope. Let us choose to live with an attitude that expects good things to happen to us. Start your day with favour and set your mind in the right direction, then go out expecting the favour of God. With God you have good things coming. May the Holy Spirit refill
you and show you all the good things God has in store for you. Sow seeds of love, truth, and service, trusting that in God’s time, they will bear fruit.
With every blessing,
Your friend and Minister, Revd Gilbert
COMMUNITY MINISTERS LETTER – AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2025
Dear friends,
As I write this letter it doesn’t feel much like summer as it’s dank and raining, having said that the sun is trying to shine through yes that round orange thing in the sky. However some of the gardens around still look beautiful and there are amazing colours as you drive through countryside as I have done several times in recent weeks.
However, we still have a lot to be thankful for and much to be happy about as Jesus’ teaches us in His Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 which we know as the Beatitudes.
Some time ago I led a Bible Study on the Beatitudes and I used the following anonymous reading entitled ‘The smaller Beatitudes and several people were taken with this reading so I offer it to you as my letter to you to think about during the next few months and beyond.
Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves;
they will have no end of fun.
Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill;
they will be saved a lot of bother.
Blessed are those who know how to relax without looking for excuses;
they are on the way to becoming wise.
Blessed are those who know when to be quiet and listen;
they will learn a lot of new things.
Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously;
they will be valued by those around them.
Happy are you if you can take small things seriously and face serious things calmly;
You will go far in life.
Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown;
You will walk on the sunny side of the street.
Happy are you if you can be kind in understanding the attitudes of others;
You may be taken for a fool, but this is the price of charity.
Happy are you if you know when to hold your tongue and smile;
the Gospel has begun to seep into your heart.
Blessed are they who think before acting and pray before thinking;
they avoid many blunders.
Blessed are those who recognise the Lord is in all whom they meet;
the light of truth shines in their lives: they have found true wisdom.
Whatever you do during the rest of the summer I pray that you will find good weather and a time to be still and know God, reflect on these beatitudes and find a space where you can recharge your batteries ready for the next stage of the journey which Jesus has planned for each one of us and our churches taking comfort in knowing that he will be with us every step of the way guiding us and taking care of our every need.
Shalom
From your friend and Community Minister.
Mal
Summer Holiday Club
The Summer Holiday Club being run by Cally’s daughter Carrie, in his memory, is now well underway. On the first day approximately 30 people (Children 5-11 years of age and adult carers of parents) attended all of whom enjoyed spending time doing painting, drawing, playing with toys, doing craft activities etc and sharing light refreshments. We as Westbury Gardens URC are so pleased to tell you that this important community work that is reaching out to children and young families in our neighbourhood is doing good work. Those coming to the holiday club are clearly enjoying it and are looking forward to more fun and games as it continues to run for 2 sessions a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays 11.00 pm – 12 noon with half an hour lunch break then from 12.30 to 1.30 pm) throughout August.
We at Westbury Gardens Church send Carrie, and her friends who are helping, our congratulations. We are very pleased to be able to help/support this important activity in Cally’s memory.
Judo at Westbury Gardens
The Judo Club held at Westbury Gardens, twice a week, has been doing this for about 25 years. Originally Judo was part of BEACH Sporting Club which was created by our church to help run a number of local youth football teams in response to local need. Whilst the Judo Club is now a separate entity, known as Club 62, we are pleased to recall that Judo was originally part of Beach Sporting Club and therefore part of our church and I know that they still feel that connection.
Under the guidance and enthusiasm of Joe Burns the Judo sessions have become a thriving separate club attracting lots of children and adults to Judo sessions twice a week, and at other times too. We therefore send our congratulations to Joe and all who help to run the Judo sessions so successfully over the last 25 years.
It is good to remember that we as a church have been, and are still, actively supporting the good work that the Judo Club does in so many ways for young and older people from our neighbourhood, and wider afield.
Lancashire East Missional Partnership (LEMP)
New Minister for our Missional Partnership
Great news! Our Missional Partnership has now got another Minister to work amongst us as the Rev’d Nomaqhawe Marambi (Rev’d Noma) has now accepted our ‘Call’ to become a minister working in our Missional Partnership alongside the Rev’d Gilbert and Mal Breeze our community minister. She will be living in a Manse in Blackburn where Adam used to live. Over coming weeks, she will be working towards coming to be with us and as she has 2 school aged children it will be important to her, and her family, that they arrange their schooling to start in the new school year at the beginning September. It is therefore expected that she will be with us from September onwards so an Induction service is being arranged during September. At present it is thought that this will take place at Great Harwood Methodist/URC on 20th September. More details and confirmation of the date will follow. We are looking forward to welcoming Rev’d Noma, and her family, as they come to be us.
Church Life Review
Our recent Missional Partnership meeting heard from Tim Hopley, Synod Clerk, and Elizabeth Hall who are both on our national church’s Church Life Review committee, about some of the work that is going on to address how we can best take our Church forward recognising that things are changing and we all need to do things differently. The Church Life Review is thinking hard about how best to help the local churches cope with the changes that are coming by providing, through the various Synods, help that our church congregations may need as they respond to the changing situations in their own churches. This will include help with employing people, managing financial needs and finding ways for this to happen across all 13 of our Synods. At present each Synod has their own ways of working so the review is looking to find new ways that take account of this by streamlining these ways to be more cost effective.
We in the North West Synod will be discussing this at a special meeting in October and will therefore be able to report more in our subsequent Newsletters. Clearly this is important work and we pray that new ways of working across the whole Church will help us all to respond to local needs as we each address changing situations in our own churches.
Way Forward
As you will remember we are thinking hard about the Way Forward for us as a church. The thinking so far following a meeting of the Elders, Gilbert and Mal is as follows –
- Support the South East Blackburn (SEB) Children’s Summer holiday club, 29th July twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-12 noon – 12.30-1.30 pm starting on 29th July until the 21st August for children 5 – 11 years of age.
All agreed that we want to support SEB doing this good work as much as we can to make sure that all who come (young and older) feel welcome and appreciate the holiday club.
We have therefore secured a Synod grant of £150 to help pay for food and materials as needed and will work with and support the members of the SEB Holiday Club team.
- Sheila relayed information to us about a church she knew of which has provided hot chocolate drinks to local children as they passed the church on their way home from school. This had been appreciated by the children and helped to build up the church community connections and get to know the children. It was thought we may like to consider doing something similar in our local community.
- Services – It was agreed that we need to build up our use of new music during services, perhaps using videos to introduce us to new songs/hymns. It was also thought doing this would help us develop new services that appeal to a wider age range of people. Both Gilbert and Mal use videos when leading Worship/Prayers etc on Zoom and they may be able to help us investigate/use this idea further.
It was agreed that it might help our congregation get used to new tunes if these were played before the service so they are more easily remembered when used in a service. It was also agreed that we should encourage those leading worship to feel they have freedom to change the Order of Service that we currently use to help promote/develop new and different types of service.
It was also agreed to consider holding services at different times during the week that may suit people better than a Sunday morning and we will encourage the use of more contemplative worship and music from time to time.
- We agreed to re-introduce bringing the Bible in at the beginning of a service to signal that worship is about to start and conversations should stop and take it out again at the end of the service to show that we are taking the word of God out into the community.
- It was agreed to stop giving out verbal notices at the beginning of services and instead give out written notices after the service so they don’t distract us from the service and will be more easily remembered.
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