Churches Archives - Page 24 of 27

February 4, 2015February 4, 2015

Half term Coffee & Craft

Half Term Coffee & Craft

West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding another of their popular half term Coffee and Craft mornings for young families. This is taking place on Monday February 16 from 10.30 to 12.00 and promises fun activities for young families. The session will take place in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane and ALL ARE WELCOME but, sorry, we are unable to accept unaccompanied children. The cost is £2.50 per family.

Further details from Andrew Wilks on 01206 242511.

February 2, 2015May 7, 2015

Winter Bird Walk 2015

Next Saturday 7th February, sees the first guided walk of the year in Hillhouse Wood, lead by Steve Hallam in and around the wood, walkers can expect to see a range of resident woodland and meadow species as well as some winter visitors. Who knows what you might see but, to quote the Essex Wildlife Trust talking about Essex Woodlands:

Our woodlands come alive at dawn – tawny owls hoot to each other, and wrens, blackcaps and warblers fill the air with song. Great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers and jays visit broadleaved and mixed woods, while goldcrests and rare crossbills flit between the trees of conifer forests.

Typical woodland wildlife in Essex includes: Tawny owl, sparrowhawk, great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper, nuthatch, jay, blackcap, garden warbler, nightingale, goldcrest, coal tit, crossbill, firecrest, roe deer, red deer, badger, fox, grey squirrel, red squirrel, wood mouse, dormouse, bluebell, wood sorrel, early-purple orchid, wood anemone, dog’s mercury, primrose, herb-Paris, red campion, oak, ash, beech, field maple, hornbeam, birch, Scots pine, lesser stag beetle

Meeting at the Old Church at 9:30am (weather permitting), you are advised to wear stout footwear and warm clothing and to bring a flask of hot drink.

January 10, 2015January 9, 2015

Trees for Years 2015

Blossom of the Bird Cherry – one of the varieties on offer

Trees for Years 2015

Colchester Borough Council have 2015 free trees and fruit bushes to give away as the popular annual Trees for Years initiative returns for the ninth year in a row.

The free plants are available to Colchester Borough residents, community groups and parish councils. Residents can collect up to three plants per household and up to 15 per community group, school or parish council.

This year’s initiative includes a variety of fruit bushes, decorative shrubs and trees to help create a greener Colchester for all. Species available this year are:

Raspberry Canes
Gooseberry Bush
Acer campestre – Field Maple
Betulapendula – Silver Birch
Cornusalba ‘Siberica’ – Red Stem Dogwood
Cornusstolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ – Yellow Stem Dogwood
Blackcurrant Canes
Forsythia x intermedia ‘Spectabilis’
Prunuspadus – Bird Cherry
Corylusavellana – Hazel Cob Nut

The 2015 bare root trees and fruit bushes will be available on a first come first served basis.

Cultivation guidance will be available so that trees can be selected, taking into account the ultimate size and form of mature trees.

People collecting trees need to bring their own bags to put them in.

Trees must be planted on private property. Postcodes will be recorded to monitor the distribution.

The event, which is funded through sponsorship by officeis takes place on Saturday 7 February, from 10am to 1pm, in the car park of Colchester Borough Council’s offices at Rowan House, in Sheepen Road, Colchester.

January 9, 2015February 15, 2018

Happy time at Christmas

The West Bergholt Methodist Church report that their Christmas celebration events certainly went well and provided a happy time for all involved.

Posada

Mary and Joseph travelled extensively around the villages of West Bergholt and Great Horkesley visiting a wide variety of groups. They visited 10 meetings of the various uniformed organisations throughout November. They then joined all the youngsters from the uniformed organisations at the Gift and Parade service in the West Bergholt Methodist Church on December 7th. Following a lively and enjoyable service, with contributions from the young people which included the construction of a shelter, the gifts were distributed and gratefully received by Colchester Womens Refuge, The Night Shelter and Beacon House. Mary and Joseph continued their travels in December visiting some carol singers

20 groups before returning to the Methodist Church for the Candlelight Carol service on December 21.

Carol Singing Friday 19 December

A hardy band of carol singers were outside the Coop store from 18.15 to 19.30. They entertained shoppers, some of whom joined in with the singers, and Coop staff with a range of popular carols. Thanks to the generosity of the shoppers, and the singers, the sum of £37 was raised for Action for Children. The hot drinks and mince pies enjoyed after the singing were most welcome.

Candlelight Carols Sunday 21 December

The service by candlelight, led by Rev Ruth Ridge, provided a very special Christmas celebration atmosphere with a mix of traditional carols and readings. Many of the congregation were also able to enjoy a chat with coffee and mince pies in the hall after the service.

Coffee and Craft Monday 22 December

This again proved to be a popular morning for families. Thirty-eight children, together with accompanying adults, enjoyed a range of Christmas crafts. There was also time to enjoy a chat and the drinks and cakes proved popular also. We will be looking to provide further Coffee and Craft mornings in the Easter school holidays – look out for our publicity nearer the time.

Thanks to all who supported and worked to make possible the above events and best wishes for the New Year.

December 16, 2014

Christmas Coffee & Craft

Following the popular summer and half term Coffee and Craft mornings, West Bergholt Methodist Church are offering a special Christmas Coffee and Craft morning for young families on Monday December 22 from 10.30 to 12.00. This will take place in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane and ALL ARE WELCOME but, sorry, we are unable to accept unaccompanied children.

With lots of fun activities for the youngsters the charge is just £2.50 per family. To find out more please contact Rev. Ruth Ridge on 01206 242183

December 4, 2014December 4, 2014

Carols, Coffee and Wine at St Mary’s Old Church

Carols, Coffee & Wine at St Mary’s Old Church

The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are hosting their popular annual Carol Service this year on Sunday 21st December starting at 2:30pm. Ideal timing to get the whole family in the spirit for Christmas.

For those keen to look around the Old Church, or to take out or renew membership of the Friends, Rhys Lloyd, treasurer of the Friends of St. Mary’s Old Church will be at the old church on Thursday 4th, 11th and 18th December from 10 – 11 am. He will be serving coffee and wine and would be pleased to welcome you.

November 27, 2014December 4, 2014

Christmas is Coming

Christmas Events 2014

Will you meet Mary and Joseph on their journey this year?

The churches in West Bergholt and Great Horkesley, as part of their Christmas preparations, are supporting Mary and Joseph on their journey around the villages.

They will be visiting the various West Bergholt Guide, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbow packs in the lead up to the Gift and Parade service with the Uniformed organisations on Sunday 7th December at 11.00am. This will take place in the West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road and all are welcome to come to this celebration service.

Mary and Joseph will also be visiting other groups/organisations that are happy to offer them hospitality. Their itinerary is still being finalised but it is already known that among others they will be visiting:-

Bluebell pre-school,
Christmas tree festival at Great Horkesley,
St. Marys for young people’s activities.

This custom of the figures of Mary and Joseph going on a journey in the local community stems from Mexico where it is known as ‘Posada’. As we welcome the figures of Mary and Joseph we are encouraged to remember those who are homeless and outcast today and to reflect on how we might offer hospitality to others this Christmas. These figures of Mary and Joseph are travelling around West Bergholt and Great Horkesley to remind us of that first Christmas journey to Bethlehem. When they arrived no room could be found for them, except in a stable, but hopefully this year they will receive a warm welcome in the groups that they visit and there will be places for them to stay. They are keeping a diary of their travels which will be available at West Bergholt Methodist Church from their Candlelight Carol service at 6.30pm on 21st December onwards. All are welcome to join us on December 21st.

If your group is interested in having a visit from Mary and Joseph and would like to welcome them please contact Andrew Wilks to arrange this (01206 242511; [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]).

West Bergholt Methodist Church, St Mary’s Church West Bergholt and All Saints and St John’s Churches Great Horkesley.

Other Christmas Events not to miss are:

Christmas Coffee Morning 29th November

West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding a special “Christmas Coffee Morning”on Saturday November 29th from 10.00 to 12.00 in the Church Hall, Chapel Lane. Entrance is free and all are welcome. Coffee, tea, biscuits and mince pies will be available. There will be a variety of stalls including Home made cakes and preserves, books, jigsaws, cards and Christmas wrap, bric-a-brac, mystery parcels and novelty gifts.

Wired Christmas Party 5th December

Being held at St Mary’s Church starting at 7:45pm for Youth Group members.

Gift & Parade Service 7th December

The Gift and Parade service at the Methodist Church on Sunday December 7 at 11.00am led by Rev. Ruth Ridge is one of the Posada events. Gifts of toiletries will be distributed after the service to the Colchester Womens Refuge, the Night Shelter and Beacon House. All are welcome to join in, with the youngsters from the uniformed organisations and their families, for this special young peoples service.

Carol Singing at the Coop 19th December

A group from the Methodist and Anglican churches will be Carol Singing outside the Co-op in Chapel Road from 6.15 to 7.30 on Friday evening December 19th. More voices are always welcome so come and join us if you can for all, or just part, of the time – you will be very welcome.There will be coffee and mince pies available afterwards.

Candlelight Carol Service 21st December

On Sunday December 21 there will be a Candlelight Carol service in the Methodist Church at 6.30pm led by Rev. Ruth Ridge, followed by coffee and mince pies in the hall. All are welcome.

Carol Service at The Old Church 21st December

Starting at 2:30pm.

Crib Service 24th December

Being held at St Mary’s Church, starting at 3pm

Christmas Eve Carol Service 24th December

St Mary’s Church starting at 6:30pm.

Christmas Day Service 25th December

St Mary’s Church starting at 9:30am.

October 13, 2014

Light a candle – remembrance

Light a Candle Service

We are coming into the period when, as a nation, we remember loved ones lost in the various conflicts over the years. At this time the West Bergholt Methodist Church is also holding a more general remembrance service. This is an opportunity for all to remember loved ones lost through whatever cause. This will be a short, quiet service led by Rev. Ruth Ridge. A chance to remember and reflect. All are welcome.

Light a candle Service, Thursday November 6th at 7.30 in the West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road.

October 9, 2014

Coffee & Craft Extra at Half Term

West Bergholt Methodist Church are holding another of their popular fun activity mornings for young families during the half-term holiday. The Coffee and Craft session will take place on Monday morning October 27th from 10.30 to 12.00 in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt.

There will be a variety of craft activities and free coffee, tea, squash, biscuits and cakes will be available. There will be an entrance fee to cover the cost of craft materials of £2-50 per family (any number) but please note that, sorry, we are unable to accept unaccompanied children.

For further details call Andrew Wilks on 242511.

September 21, 2014September 19, 2014

Action for Children Result 2014

As last year, the Methodist Church in West Bergholt organised their annual house-to-house collection for “Action for Children” (formerly National Childrens Homes) , the Methodist children’s charity. Last year they nearly reached £1,000 (£934.79 to be precise), and whilst they would have dearly loved to break that barrier this year, once again they missed out by a small amount raising £930.19, which is very similar to last years. This was achieved despite the fact that the shortage of collectors this year meant they were not able to cover as much of the village as they had done in previous years, as one of the organizers commented:

This is a very worthwhile contribution to the important work of Action for Children. Thanks to all who supported and particularly to the small band of collectors. We did not break the £1,000 barrier this year but maybe next year!

Action for Children is a national charity founded over 140 years ago. It is dedicated to supporting and speaking out for the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, for as long as it takes to make a difference in their lives… In short they:

work directly with over 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers (a 20% increase over last year!);
run more than 650 services across the UK; and
tackle issues such as child neglect and abuse.

Their vision is:

For a world where all children and young people have a sense of belonging and are loved and valued. A world where they can break through injustice, deprivation and inequality to fulfil their potential, shape their own destiny and experience the joy of life.