Royton (formerly Westwood and Salem), Lancashire - April 2025

We have a lot to catch the province up on as our last update was the beginning of September so here we go … on Sunday 29th September, our neighbours from Trinity Methodists joined us for our Harvest Festival service, led by Br Gubi, who also led a service to remember loved ones on Wednesday 6th November. Sr Janine Parkin held a coffee morning at her home on Saturday 5th October in memory of her Mum, Sr Christine Coutts. A total of £1,014 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support. A Beetle & Bingo Night was held on Friday 18th October and once again proved very enjoyable and raised £144.50 for Church funds. This year's Christmas Fair took place on Saturday 30th November and was a great success. The various stalls were laden with goodies, prizes were won, tasty lunches were served, and everyone had a good time. A grand total of £1,466.15 was raised for Church funds. On Saturday 7th December, the ladies within church decided to set a target to bake 75 mince pies, as this year is the 75th anniversary of the MWA, but 85 were baked and £92.80 was raised for MWA projects from their sale. A Moravian Biscuit bake is planned for Easter.

The Christmas services were all well attended and went well. Sr Lisa Howarth led our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on 8th December. Our Christingle Service on 22th December was led by Sr Janine Parkin. It was lovely to see so many people, especially the children, who all enjoyed the lighting of the Christingles and singing the traditional carols. 'While Shepherds Watched', sung to Jackson's tune, to close the service, was especially memorable and moving.

Sr Lisa Howarth took the service on Christmas Day, using a mixture of traditional and modern carols, which made for a very interesting and thought-provoking service. On Sunday 2nd February we joined our neighbours from Trinity Methodists for a service of Holy Communion, which was led by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Gondongwe. He spoke passionately on the theme of trusting in God in difficult times. May anyone who is going through a difficult time be reminded that God is with you, even when what you're going through seems impossible. God makes it possible.

Sr Hannah Coope