Page 10 - Moravian Messenger January 2020

'Fingers and Thumbs' get-together
Fulneck
This year's Brethren's Festival began with breakfast at the cafe at No. 54. At the morning service at 10.30am there were five hymns, each introduced by one of the brethren, who explained why he had chosen his particular hymn. It was interesting to hear the reasons for their choices and the singing that morning was consequently enhanced by a shade more zest and high endeavour, as the congregation responded to the brothers' enthusiasm.
This autumn has seen a renewal of the Men's Fellowship activities. By now there have been three afternoon sessions of games playing in the Boys' Brigade building on Wednesdays. Refreshed by tea and biscuits, the men played dominoes, snooker and/or carpet bowls. During the second session, in November, the gentlemen could hear the sweet sound of the M.W.A. ladies downstairs singing a hymn as they held their own autumn meeting.
This year's Christmas Fair was held on 16th November. The stalls were very attractive and there seemed to be more of them this year. Over £725 was raised during a busy Saturday morning.
Gracehill
Gracehill Church is very blessed to have a wonderful organ which dates back to 1829 and a very gifted and dedicated young organist to lead our services 'Sunday by Sunday'. This year
it was decided it was time to have this treasured and very special musical instrument restored in Scotland, so it was a special time for Sr Alison McCullough when she played the organ for the first time at a special service of rededication, not only for the organ, but also for the beautiful new piano that was gifted to the church by Br Anderson and family in memory of his late wife Sr Sally Weir.
The organ refurbishment was made possible by a most generous gift from Miss Margaret Cameron MBE who grew up in the area along with donations and gifts from members and friends and trust funds.
Alongside this Sr Jackie McNeil has produced an interesting little booklet about the history of the organ and the work done
Ockbrook
This Autumn we have had some interesting events at Ockbrook.
Together with the local Methodist Church, we held three talks throughout September and October on the theme of the Climate Crisis, how we got into this situation and what we can do about it. We heard the views of very varied speakers: the chairman of Derby Climate Coalition, a Quaker, a Muslim scholar and a Franciscan friar.
We thank Br Michael Newman for conducting our Harvest Festival service on 15th September.
Our Harvest Supper went very well, with over 60 people enjoying a two-course hot supper.
The Autumn Fair on 12th October proved very popular with local people and profitable for the church.
At Café Church on 20th October we heard the story of Noah and had an apple juice making session. It turns out that
A new venture, held in the home of one of the sisters, has been a meeting called 'Fingers and Thumbs', where ladies met to talk, take refreshment and make and mend things, using needle and thread. Men were invited but none attended.
This autumn's play performed by the Fulneck Amateur Dramatic Society in the Comenius Centre was a very funny and clever production, which was also a world premiere. 'Sherlock Holmes and the Chihuahua of Doom' was written by Peter Oxtoby, a member of the cast. Peter was very ill last year, and it was gratifying to see him back in action so successfully. The play was well received by capacity audiences for six nights.
Sr Maureen Ingham
to it over the years from 1829 along with some really interesting and wonderful anecdotes.
It was appropriate then to celebrate this historic event with an organ recital, when Dr Simon Lindley, one of the finest organists in the UK, and a member of the Moravian Church in Fulneck, spoke to an enthusiastic audience before delivering an evening of classical, moving, jaunty and rousing pieces. Afterwards, during tea in the hall, he enjoyed chatting to everyone.
In September Br (Rev Dr) Bob Cotter presented the church with a beautifully bound copy of his thesis on John Cennick, where he makes use of material in German which has not been used before and throws more light on his relationship with Count Zinzendorf.
In November over 85 members and friends enjoyed a wonderful meal provided by Montgomery's Outside Caterers. The speaker at this 'Table Talk Social Evening' was Rev Harold Good OBE, a retired Methodist Minister who showed slides and spoke movingly about his role in the Decommissioning Talks in Northern Ireland and how we can find ways to move on from the legacy of the troubles here. This was a relaxed enjoyable evening for all, and a surprise for the speaker when he met with someone whom he hadn't seen since his schooldays at Methodist College!
Sr Roberta Gray
Ockbrook apples make delicious juice!
At a special heritage-themed service on 27th October we handed out the booklets 'Settlements of the Moravian Church in Europe' to the congregation which included our local MP, Pauline Latham. Copies will also be given to local libraries and councillors.
Sr Julie Hague
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© Br Joachim Kreusel
© Sr Maureen Ingham
© Sr Roberta Gray
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