St Andrew's, Dearnley

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

We are currently gearing up for arguably our biggest fund-raiser of the year at St Andrew's, the parish church of Dearnley and Smithy Bridge -our annual Autumn Fair which will be held in church on Saturday, November 17 between 11.00am and 1.00pm.

Anyone wishing to help or to take charge of a stall is asked to make it known in church as soon as possible. We are needing, as always on these occasions, donations of bottles, chocolates, tombola items etc.

May we ask that chocolates be handed to Janice as soon as possible and that home-baked items for the confectionery stall are handed in on the day.

Your support for this event is earnestly requested.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 11, we have a Eucharist at 8.00am and Sung Eucharist at 10.00am which will include the Act of Remembrance at 11.00am.

The parish rota is as follows: lay assistants, J Paterson, B Kelly; readers, G Barlow, S Topham; Intercessions, J Mills; sidespersons, V Lucy, P Webster; refreshments, Carolyn, Pat, Margaret.

Also on that Sunday we will have a Fairtrade stall in the parish room. The list for the ordering of Fairtrade Christmas cards is now closed.

There was a good turn-out at the last meeting of the Mothers' Union when members were given a demonstration in the arranging of winter flowers.

You don't have to be a member to attend the monthly MU meetings; non-members will always be made very welcome.

Projects to be undertaken by the MU include the provision of Christmas presents for homeless and vulnerable women and the making of 'quiet bags', a drawstring bag containing soft toys and a book, to help to keep toddlers occupied during the service.

Dates for your diary:

Saturday, December 1, Family Fun Night with Faith Supper, 6.00pm onwards. Activities will include beetle drive, board games and a mini quiz. Tickets at £5 available from Sheila on 07946269840.

Saturday, December 8, Advent Quiet Afternoon, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm; an opportunity through prayer, worship and talks to stand back from the pressures of December and to reflect on the gift and promise of Advent and put Christmas preparations into a wider perspective. Please speak to Canon Roger Hill if you would like to know more.

Saturday, December 15, from 10.00am, coffee morning with mince pies.

The November issue of 'The Fisherman', our monthly church magazine, is now in circulation, priced at 50p which includes the glossy, 16-page Manchester Diocesan monthly called 'Crux'.

'The Fisherman' is packed with information about St Andrew's and its activities and reflects on the many strands of church life, including in this issue a letter from the Rev Andrew Heslop, the chaplain at Springhill Hospice.

He is trying to develop a team of Chaplaincy Volunteers to offer support and companionship to patients and their families and is looking for people with a caring nature and an ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with patience and tolerance required as key elements.

Anyone who would like to know more or visit the hospice for an informal chat is asked to contact the Rev Heslop on 01706 649920.