Church News – July & August 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I’m writing to you all this month from the floor of Highgate House where In-Service Training is taking place. I meant from the floor literally as I’ve plugged my laptop in and the wire isn’t long enough to reach the table!  During this time away we’ve been discussing a number of big things and are currently discussing the matter of the Future Provision of Ministry in the British Province. But that is a huge topic and one that we’re only starting the process in addressing so instead I want to focus my thoughts on the session we had on Neurodiversity.

The two sessions were led by Jude Morrow who is himself Autistic and has ADHD. He has, after years working in social care, set up a company that trains businesses and charities about how to be as inclusive as possible to people who have some form of Neurodivergence. Jude was raised a Catholic and attended a strict Catholic School and the way the church handed him left a profound effect that led him away from a belief in God. Jude conducted some research using the extensive reach of his organisation and discovered that a high percentage of people who are Neurodivergent have been put off God and the Church because of their experience. On the plus side though, it also showed that many of those would consider going back to church if the church became a more inclusive and accepting space. Jude talked about how being invited to lead a talk to us led him to rediscover an interest in Faith and that he felt his Faith being restored by the interactions he had had with our church.

It was an excellent couple of sessions that had challenge and comfort in equal measures. I want to share with you the theme that Jude used for his talks. Every brain is a reflection of Divine Creativity and not a problem to be solved.

As many of you know, and those who don’t might have worked out, I am someone who is Neurodivergent. (Note, we were encouraged not to use the term neurodiverse as we’re all neurodiverse because that just means, different brains). The exact nature of my neurodivergence is something I’m still working on learning about. It is clear to me, however, that my brain functions in an often unique way and equally there are many ways it doesn’t function as I would like. But I took great comfort from Jude’s theme and the churches commitment to be an inclusive space that welcomes and embraces all levels of neurodivergence.  We are one body, made of many parts and some parts need extra help but those same parts offer something different and that can be wonderful and an asset to the church and world. We just struggle to fit in any place that requires us to be “normal” or to conform what peoples ideals would be.

So, to those reading this, bear with me. I’m learning but we can learn together. And if you’re reading this and you too feel different, like you struggle to fit in, like you’re an outsider, if you’ve ever been told you’re not behaving well or you need to become something you’re not, remember this… you are a child of God and God doesn’t make mistakes and loves all that they made.

God bless, James

NEWS

At the time of writing this, Br Peter had his open heart surgery yesterday and today he is sitting up and feeling OK.  Your prayers are requested for his healing.  I know we all wish him a speedy and full recovery. 

The highlight of July must be the Summer Fayre which, this year, will be held on 19th of the month.  Please pray for good weather so we can spread out in our wonderful garden.  We need donations of bric-a-brac, tombola prizes, and bottles of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus home made cakes etc.  Please do what you can to make this event extra-special.

We also want to wish Br Bob and Sr Christine Storey a wonderful Diamond Wedding Anniversary.  60 years of marriage is a marvellous achievement.  It is hoped that everyone attending the celebration on Saturday, 5th July, makes it a memorable event for them.

Looking at the back page, I need to emphasise that the Holy Communion Service in August will be on the FIRST Sunday of the month and will be led by Br Bob Hopcroft. 

Br James Woolford and his family are spending August moving into their new home in Fairfield we wish them a peaceful and uneventful move and look forward to welcoming him properly into the Lancashire District.

Please let Sr Gillian have your Hymn choices SOON for the Songs of Praise Service to be held on 10th August.  It will be with us before we know it!!

Just a housekeeping note: Sue Selby no longer has a land line at her home. This old number has been quoted on this Webpage in the past. If you wish to contact her, would you please phone her mobile: 07772 705 364. Her email address is also changed to sue.selby49@outlook.com

Peace be with you ( Jn 20:24-31, 14:5,11:16)

Through absence,

Through doubt,

Through questions

And fears,

Through locked doors

And longing

Jesus comes.

His risen presence

Bringing blessing,

Hope and healing,

Restoration

And His precious,

Faith-affirming

Gift of peace.

By Daphne Kitching

WHAT’S ON DURING JULY AND AUGUST

Tuesday	1st July	Prayer Watch Bible Study on Zoom	1 – 9 p.m. 7 p.m.
SUNDAY	6th July	MORNING WORSHIP led by Br Martin Smith	11 a.m.
Wednesday	9th July	M.W.A. in the Schoolroom	1.15 p.m.
SUNDAY	13th July	MORNING WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION led by Sr Kathryn Woolford	11 a.m.
SATURDAY	19th July	SUMMER FAYRE	From 2.30 p.m.
SUNDAY	20th July	MORNING WORSHIP led by Sr Kerry Cain	11 a.m.
SUNDAY	27th July	PARADE AND YOUTH SERVICE led by Br James Woolford with the scattering of Br Peter Marshall’s ashes	11 a.m.
SUNDAY	3rd August	MORNING WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION led by Br Bob Hopcroft	11 a.m.
SUNDAY	10th August	SONGS OF PRAISE led by Sr Gillian Taylor	11 a.m.
SUNDAY	17th August	MORNING WORSHIP WITH LOVEFEAST led by Sr Gillian Taylor	11 a.m.
SUNDAY	24th August	MORNING WORSHIP led by Sr Glenys Marshall	11 a.m.
SUNDAY	31st August	MORNING WORSHIP led by Sr Jackie Marsland	11 a.m.