The Church in Preston: February - May 2022

Lent is just round the corner (Spring is coming!!) Easter will be a little later than usual this year: 17^th April. 

We’re aiming for the March mailing to be towards the end of the month again; please let me have details of major events by Sunday 20th March.   

Blessings 

Ken    

Main news 

1. Fairtrade Fortnight (21 Feb - 6 March) – see below & attached
2. Sat 5 March, 10am-12noon: Traidcraft Big Brew – see below & attached 

3. Tues 8 March, 7.30pm: Concert for Church on the Streets, @Central Methodist  

4. Sat 19 March, 7.30pm: “Come & Sing” Stainer’s Crucifixion, Preston Orpheus Choir – see below & attached 

5. each Tuesday 7.45-8.30am: ‘Praying for Preston’ on Zoom, all welcome. [See below for ‘trypraying’ contact] 

6. Feb 2022: Call out for volunteers – see below & attached 

7. Mondays & Wednesdays: Community Café & Wellbeing Hub, West Preston Methodist Church – see below 

8. Save the date - Thurs 26 May: “With Faith in Mind - Partners working for better mental health” – see below & attached 

9. Online Retreats – see below 

Details    

1, Fairtrade Fortnight (21 Feb - 6 March) – see attached
What does the Lord require of us: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God’  Micah 6:8.  

Impossible choices  
The climate crisis in South Sudan is polluting fragile water sources, killing crops and destroying homes. Combined with years of conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s forcing mums to make impossible choices for their children.  Dirty water, or none at all? A morsel of food for each, or a bigger portion for one? School fees, or materials to rebuild the family home?  

Fairtrade is part of the solution. Through your choices as you shop you could help families in South Sudan and around the world stand strong with more boreholes, farming support and the chance to earn a decent living.  

Please highlight Fairtrade this Fairtrade Fortnight (21 Feb-6 March) in your church services. Contact fairpreston@gmail.com for prayers and readings on Fairtrade or for info about using Fairtrade products at your church and in your community outreach with a Fairtrade stall. [Ann Garsed] 

2. Sat 5 March, 10am-12noon: Traidcraft Big Brew – see attached

Join us for a cuppa at Fulwood Methodist Church, Watling Street Road, PR2 8EA on Saturday 5th March from 10am-12noon. Enjoy coffee and cake while supporting producers round the world facing increasing problems from climate change and unfair trade. Raffle, refreshments and activities. Fairtrade stall. Raise a cup, raise money and raise awareness. All welcome - bring a friend. 

There's also lots more happening online - just go to the Fairtrade Foundation website    [Ann Garsed] 

3. Tuesday 8 March, 7.30pm: Concert for Church on the Streets, @Central Methodist  

The Church on the Streets are holding a concert by the South Ribble Concert Band at 7.30pm at Central Methodist on Tuesday 8th March.  This Concert is to raise awareness about work with the homeless/street sleepers in Preston. Tickets are £5.00 and available HERE Please come and give your support. [Andrew R. Pratt]  

4. Sat 19 March, 7.30pm: “Come & Sing” Stainer’s Crucifixion – see attached 

Preston Orpheus Choir have a “Come & Sing” Stainer’s Crucifixion on Saturday 19^th March at St Leonard’s, Marshals Brow, Penwortham. Workshop at 2.30pm, performance at 7pm.  Full details on the attached poster.  [Mick Gardner] 

5. each Tuesday 7.45 - 8.30am: Praying for Preston (on Zoom) 

The Preston Churches continue to meet each Tuesday on Zoom to pray for the City and the surrounding area.  Each week has a different theme and it’s a very relaxed time, just sharing our prayers.  All are welcome, for more details contact Andrew Pratt

6. Feb 2022: Call out for volunteers - see attached

St Matthews Work Club wants to find at least two or three reliable, committed and skilled volunteers to help re-establish our service after the pandemic.   We are looking for people who can offer 3 hours each week (12.30 to 3.30pm on Mondays), full details on the attached sheet.  Wait to hear from you or from someone you know! Email - Greg Smith

7. Mondays & Wednesdays: Community Café & Wellbeing Hub, West Preston Methodist Church 

@Home Community Café and Wellbeing Hub – Open every week Monday and Wednesday 10.30 – 2.00pm for coffee/cake/soup (all made on site).  Lots of activities to help with isolation and loneliness.  Check our Facebook page for details  [Wendy Foot, Church Inclusion Worker, 07756 631368] 

8. Save the date - Thurs 26 May: “With Faith in Mind - Partners working for better mental health” – see attached 

Churches Together in Lancashire will be hosting a day at Whalley Abbey to help church and other faith representatives explore how local churches can help address issues of poor mental health and well-being in their community. 

The day will include: 

· Keynote speakers from the Health, Faith and Voluntary Sector 

· A range of workshops exploring on different aspects of this agenda 

· Showcases celebrating some of the excellent practice in local churches 

We’re seeking individual churches who want to get involved in social action and partner with other organisations, but don't know how / where to start. We envisage one person from each interested church....  Contact: Mike Hart or Peter Lumsden

9. Online Retreats with Donna Worthington  

Tues 8, 15, 22 + 29 Mar at 7pm: DREAMS COURSE (4 Weeks) 

Sat 2 April  2-5pm: THE CAVE, THE BLACKBIRD & THE MONSTER (Or Mon 4 April 10am–1pm) 

Wed 13 April 6-9pm: IGNATIAN TRAINING for individuals & groups - training in Ignatian imaginative guided prayer.   

Retreats cost £20 per session. For bookings, please see the website https://christianretreats.live or contact Donna Worthington