Colton Methodist Church

It barely seems a few months since I reported on last years Harvest Festival yet the time has come round again. The leaves are falling from the trees and the berries are ready for the birds - and us. Yes there's been more rain again this year with extremes of weather all over the country, last week seeing a freak hailstorm so heavy with sufficient hail falling that in some parts of England there were drifts 2-3 feet deep isolating cars and people.

But despite our hardships we should be thankful as many people around the world are in a far more parlous state. Not just localised flooding but whole countries flooded; last year's harvests of rice and cassava etc washed out or even ruined because of drought but all leading to starvation being a natural state of affairs; their health is at risk. In some countries this is made worse by whole tribes and local residents being driven from their homes. Sometimes this is as a result of war, in others there is what is described as 'ethnic cleansing' by various agencies. Truly, despite our unseasonal weather changes and record rain falls and the current financial climate we have much to be thankful for and truly God does provide.

On the evening of Saturday October 4^th members of the Church gathered for a Harvest Supper and Social. It was a lovely meal and a good time was had by all. Thank you to the ladies who spent their time preparing the meal; to the willing coterie of people who joined in the task of washing/drying up afterwards; and to all the people who contributed to the evening entertainment. All the skills, whether in preparing meals, willingness to turn to washing up etc or entertaining with words, song or music are all parts of God's wondrous gifts. Thanks you to you all.

October 5^th saw a full church at Colton Methodist Church for the Harvest Thanksgiving Service which was led by Rev. Joyce Nicholson on the subject of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. The Uniformed Groups were well represented boosting the numbers of Junior Church and they were all actively involved in the service; it was wonderful to see such eager participation. The attached photograph shows the display of all the donations received from the congregation.

The financial contribution was forwarded to MRDF (Methodist Relief Development Fund) and the produce was received by Mrs Mary Curl on behalf of St Gemma's Hospice. A sincere thank you from St Gemma's and all the Stewards for your generous donations.

November 2^nd was World Church

Sunday and Mrs Janice Ebenso visited the church to give a short presentation, during the service, on the work of the Leprosy Mission. Further Information can be found by visiting their website www.leprosymission.org The presentation was very well received and our thanks are extended to Mrs Ebenso.

Uniformed Groups Fun Day This too place in the grounds of Manston Church. It was a beautiful day for the event and Colton manned two stalls, Chinese Lantern making and Can-a-Cub-alley. There were other stalls catering for all kinds of crafts and interests. A truly good time was had by all the 'kids'. (Their emphasis and one wonders if that means the leaders too?)

During October saw the Beavers 'going to camp'. The excited Beavers arrived at the Cub Hut to see what camping was all about. They visited the Explorer's field and saw a rope swing under preparation; they saw tents and where they cooked. Next came the Scouts field where they were shown how to put up and take down a tent. They had a talk about Safety with Fires and what wood was best. After lunch there was a walk on the Moors and then fun in the Explorers field then Tea for 20 Beavers, 20 Cubs and Leaders. The day ended with a sing-a-long around a proper campfire. Very tired they went home, happy and fully of what they had done, leaving Very Tired Leaders. A good time for all. Our Thanks to all the Leaders - without your willing time and effort these boys and girls wouldn't learn about and enjoy the wonders of the outdoors and about what working in teams and groups can produce.

Colton Choir is busy rehearsing for a performance at Christchurch, Halton on Tuesday evening, 25^th November and then what next?

Colton Church Fayre Saturday 29^th November 10.00 am - 2.00pm. Work is now underway preparing for the Fayre. Have you got any items of Jewellery no longer being worn, books that you've read? Toys in good condition that are no longer played with? Then please have a sort out and consider donating to the Church.

Why not come along to the Fayre? Have a look around, maybe find that missing something, take your child/grandchild to see Santa, who has agreed to take time out from Christmas preparations to drop in for a visit, and why not have a tea or coffee while you are there?

December Services