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Christmas
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December 2017

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Rev. Paul Sumsion,
The Vicarage,
Bolton Road,
Hawkshaw,
Bury,
BL8 4JN
01204 888 060.

Emmanuel Church, Emmanuel Church St Mary,
Holcombe, Centre Hawkshaw,

Ramsbottom, & Bury,
Bury, Greater Manchester.
Canon Lewis Hall,
Greater Manchester. Longsight Road, BL8 4JN
BL8 4NB Holcombe Brook,
Ramsbottom,
Bury,

Greater Manchester.
BL8 4DB

SMALL GRANTS Do you know anyone struggling to meet
AVAILABLE essential needs? Help may be available.
Visit this website for further information.
http://www.bbrtrust.co.uk or contact
Rev. Paul Sumsion 01204 888060

Notice Sheets

If you have any announcements for inclusion in the leaflet which is given out at services each
Sunday:

Contact: Stuart Wilkinson, 0161 298 9009, Email: [email protected]

Editorial: Stephen Newhouse - [email protected]. 01706 412657
Copy to can be handed to Stephen Newhouse, Michael Burton at Holcombe, Alex Percy

Emmanuel Church Centre or to Margaret Yates at Hawkshaw, or can be handed in at any service
by the

10th of the month prior to publication.

Note: The editor would be grateful for copy by e mail, or on disc, but typed or hand written
contributions are always welcome.

All correspondence will be assumed for publication unless you specify otherwise. Contributions may
be edited. Ideas and opinions expressed in contributions are not necessarily those of the editor.

2

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Dear Friends,
Christmas is Amazing! It brings us close to the amazing truth, that God cares

for you, for me, for his world. He cares enough to do something about our
situation, to recognise our need for direction, for rescue and for hope.

Christmas is about a Birth. Born into a humble family, Jesus didn’t have an
easy start. No silver spoon in his mouth; within a short time he and his family are
soon fleeing an evil ruler, becoming refugees before returning to grow up and turn
the world around.

Christmas is time to Choose, Come Closer and Celebrate! Are we willing to
discover more? to take our parts in the greatest story ever told? to walk with Jesus
as he offers each of us a fresh start? If so, it’s time to Celebrate God coming down
to earth, close to us, bringing peace to our hearts and lives… what might that
include? a mince pie? a turkey, a present? but definitely time to praise God
together!

I’m looking forward to seeing you all as we gather to worship in this season and
to welcome you to discover more of Jesus in 2018.

With my prayers for a Christ filled Christmas!
God Bless
Paul

3

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

What about
the first
Christmas?

How did the early Christians celebrate Festival, it would make sense for the Romans
Christmas? The simple answer is: they didn’t! to take a census. Also at Passover, many
lambs would be sacrificed at the Temple in
Christmas was first celebrated as late as Jerusalem. ‘He is believed to have been
336, during the reign of Emperor Constantine. conceived on the 25th March, upon which day
The first Christians didn’t celebrate Jesus’ also He suffered.’ (Augustine).
birth or any other birthdays, regarding them
as pagan customs to be avoided. However, the The date of
resurrection was central to their faith and they Christmas may
celebrated this event every Sunday. also have been
chosen because
By the 4th century however, many the Roman
Christian groups winter solstice
observed Christ's and midwinter
birthday, festivals took
although on place at this time.
different days. 'Saturnalia'
So, in 345, Pope honoured the god
Julius I officially Saturn and 'Dies
fixed the date of Natalis Solis
Christmas as Invicti',
25th December. (‘birthday of the
Why was this unconquered sun’), celebrated the sun god
date chosen? Mithra. Here we also see the Christian church
‘redeeming’ a pagan festival, by investing it
Early with new Christian meaning.
Christian This Christmas, let’s not forget that we
tradition said that celebrate a real gift in real time for everyone:
the Jesus’ birth was announced to Mary on ‘Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!’
25th March (the Annunciation), nine months (2 Cor. 9:15).
before 25th December. As time went on, the
Annunciation became more associated with
Mary than Jesus’ birth. It was also believed to
be the day on which Jesus died (14th Nisan in
the Jewish calendar).

In the setting of Passover, as Jews from all
over the Empire travelled to Jerusalem for the

4 A pessimist is someone who, when opportunity knocks, complains about the noise.

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Christ became what we are that He might make us what he is. - Athanasius 5

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Christmas 2017

The constant refrain of Christmas, in carols ● Finally, you can enjoy Your Christmas
and readings, is that God is with us. In Journey, a series of short reflections
whatever situation you find yourself this throughout December and into early
Christmas, God is with you – you need only January 2018, introduced by Archbishop
turn to Him and ask to know His presence.’ Justin Welby. The reflections have been
So says the Archbishop of Canterbury, in written by people who are new to faith
introducing this year’s Christmas campaign and to help us all grow in our love of God.
by the Church of England. There is lots to You can receive the messages as texts,
enjoy throughout December, as this year’s emails, on social media and also in a
campaign has three key elements: booklet (Church House Publishing). The
booklets would be ideal for Christians to
● Firstly, there are three videos that tell the give to those attending Advent and
story of the joy of going to your local Christmas services. So, as December
church at Christmas, which are being begins, why not sign up and get your
released throughout December on friends and family to join the Your
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Christmas Journey reflections, by texting
YouTube. GodWithUs to 88802.

● There is also help in finding a church near
you, where you can find a Christmas
service or event taking place in one of the
16,500 Church of England churches. Find
out more at
https://www.facebook.com/notes/church-
of-england/the-new-a-church-near-you.

The Bible for https://www.biblesociety
dyslexics .org.uk/products/bibles/d
yslexiafriendly
The Bible Society has just released Luke’s,
Mark’s and John’s Gospels as well as
Romans in a dyslexia-friendly format. (£4.99
each). It uses thick cream-coloured paper,
clear fonts and wide-spacing, as opposed to
the almost transparent paper and dense text
found in many Bibles. Would this make a
good Christmas present for someone you
know? Details at:

6 It is easier to suffer in silence if you think someone is watching.

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Emmanuel Standards were said
Holcombe to be rising and all
School is good groups of pupils
with outstanding currently in the
features school, including
disadvantaged
pupils, were making
good progress.

Behaviour

“Pupils are extremely
polite and friendly towards
adults and each other.
Standards of behaviour are
exemplary. This is a happy
school where pupils are
safe and well cared for”.

In it’s Report issued at the beginning of Sue Wardle (appointed
November Ofsted judged Emmanuel headteacher in April 2016)
Holcombe School to be “good with said: “We are absolutely delighted with the
outstanding features”. It also reported that the outcome of our Ofsted Inspection”.
headteacher’s strong and effective leadership Elaine Allum, Chair of Governors said: “I
has been behind the marked improvements am immensely proud of this achievement
made since the last inspection. which is due to the incredibly hard work by
the whole staff team and Governors.”
Inspectors reported: “The headteacher has
demonstrated a determined resolve to rapidly There are longer reports in the Bury Times
drive improvements. Her inspirational dated - 2nd November and The Rossendale
leadership and clear sense of purpose has Freepress dated 24th February. The full
developed an effective staff team. Ably Ofsted report can be viewed at:
supported by the deputy headteacher and
committed governors, the headteacher has https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-
established a culture where high expectations reports/find-inspection-
of all aspects of the school’s work is the report/provider/ELS/105338
norm. The school is well placed to continue to
improve.”

Happiness is more than a grin on one’s face, it is the glory in one’s heart. - R. Parlette 7

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Wiped
out

Just got home and
found all the windows
and doors open and everything has gone.
What kind of sick twisted person does that to
someone’s Advent calendar?

Christmas
presents

Catching her in
the act, I
confronted our
three-year-old
granddaughter.
‘Are you
opening your
little sister’s presents?’ I demanded. ‘No,’
she innocently replied, ‘I'm just helping her
learn to share.’

Christmas cards

Each Tuesday from A friend of ours waited until the last minute
9.00am to 9.30am to send Christmas cards. She knew she had
Short time of prayer . 49 people on her list, so she rushed into a
shop and bought a package of 50 cards
Quite informal. without really looking at them. Still in a big
Relaxed! hurry, she addressed the 49 and signed them
without reading the message inside.
No pressure!
On Christmas Day when things had
The Parish Leadership Team have started a quietened down somewhat, she happened to
weekly prayer meeting at come across the one leftover card and finally
read the message she had sent to 49 of her
Emmanuel Church Centre. friends. Much to her dismay, it read like this:
This card is just to say a little gift is on the
Everyone is invited. way. Suddenly she realised that 49 of her
friends were expecting a gift from her.
(Note: none on 26th December or

2nd January).

8 Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. (G.K. Chesterton)

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Wednesday Children should
read the Bible
Soup Lunch &
Reflections Presenter of Radio 4's 'In Our time',
Melvyn Bragg has
Join us at encouraged schools to
St. Mary, Hawkshaw reintroduce Bible
on 6th and 13th December readings so that
children
at 12noon. aren't
All welcome deprived of
the depth of
Advent Cafe language in the
at St. Mary, words. He said
Hawkshaw he thinks it's a disgrace that
Thursdays children don't get to read the Bible in school.
7th and 14th December
The broadcaster and author is an atheist,
9.45am to 11.30am. but he said: "They say it's too complicated;
what are they talking about?" He called
These will follow the School those who were daunted by the book
Advent Services in church at "Wimps, terrible people". Regarding the
difficulty in reading the Bible, he said: "We
9.10am. have to work a bit harder and that's also
There will be a stall of good".

Freetrade gifts. He added that Shakespeare is getting
more and more popular and that it is nearly
always heard in the original language.
Melvyn Bragg described the Bible as
"equally powerful". He continued: "I think it
is a great deprivation. What have we thrown
away? One of the greatest pieces of art,
work, whatever way you want to put it. It's
awful. As for being too difficult - really?
Honestly, we should be too good for that".

Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival,
Melvyn Bragg was giving a talk on William
Tyndale, the man who lost his life in 1536
for translating the Bible into English so
people could read it without having to learn
Latin

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses. 9

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Jesus’ birth

There are four accounts of Jesus’ life in the that was where Joseph’s ancestors lived, and
Bible, but only two of them describe events he needed to register there in a census.
before He was 30. They are called the Gospel
of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, and they Matthew’s version of this story stresses the
were written about 30 to 40 years after Jesus’ fact that Jesus’ mission had no national
death. It may have been that the eyewitnesses boundaries. He records a visit by foreign
were dying out, and it became important to academics (‘wise men’), who were drawn to
record how Jesus was born. The authors the place through their study of sciences and
researched the recollections of those who astrology. Luke’s gospel continually stresses
knew and followed Jesus. Jesus’ care for marginalised people, and it is
appropriate that he records Jesus being visited
The writers also knew the Jewish by local riff-raff (shepherds, guided to Jesus’
scriptures (known to Christians as the Old birthplace by a vision of angels).
Testament). The scriptures had led the Jews to
expect a unique leader called the Messiah or In Matthew’s version, tragedy
Christ (the words mean the same – ‘The overshadowed these events. Herod the Great
Anointed One’). The writings foresaw that had been installed in Jerusalem as ‘King of
this Christ would be associated with the the Jews’ by the governing Roman
ancestral line of the greatest king in Israel’s authorities. He heard rumours of the birth of a
history, David; with David’s birthplace, rival, and tried to eliminate the threat by
Bethlehem; and with a virgin whose first child having male children in Bethlehem murdered.
would be named Emmanuel (which means However, his soldiers arrived too late to harm
‘God is with us’). Jesus’ family home, Jesus, whose family had fled to Egypt.
however, was Nazareth, which was 70 miles
away, and his parents were known to be Christians remember these events with
named Joseph and Mary. great celebration at Christmas. Many fables
and traditions have accumulated around the
By bringing these facts together, Luke bare facts known about Jesus’ birth.
created an account in which the young Mary,
engaged to Joseph but not yet married, was You can find answers to questions about
visited in Nazareth by Gabriel, an angel. Christianity at www.christianity.org.uk.
Gabriel told her that she had been chosen by Christianity.org.uk is the website of the
God to give birth to a son. The baby would be Christian Enquiry Agency, an agency of
conceived through a unique act of God. Churches Together in England
Through this child, God would live among
His people in an unprecedented way. She was
to call Him Jesus (which means, ‘God saves
us’). Mary was spared the disgrace associated
with being pregnant and unmarried at that
time because Joseph acted in a compassionate
way. She gave birth in Bethlehem because

10 My main aim in life is to be on the devil’s most wanted list. (Leonard Ravenhill)

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

The Beveridge
Report –
75 years on

We take it for granted that all children will Social security benefits meant people in need
receive secondary education, people who are could be cared for from the cradle to the
ill will be treated under a national health grave. Temple had himself published a vision
service and we will all be paid a State pension for post-war Britain, called “Christianity and
when we retire. Indeed, we regard these the Social Order”. Temple, Beveridge and the
benefits as routine, perhaps not realising this economic historian R H Tawney had been at
has not always been the case. university together and shared both Christian
idealism and the urge to make it work.
Turn the clock back to World War 2. The
British people accepted their wartime This month is the 75th anniversary of
deprivation with a strong sense of unity and Beveridge’s Report. The Welfare State is now
purpose in the face of a common enemy. At woven into the fabric of British Society. Like
the same time, it was recognised that long- all reforms, it needs regular attention to
standing inequalities should be rectified when ensure the original vision hasn’t been
times improved. The British Government, obscured over time. Today’s Universal Credit
which was then a coalition of political parties, is a step in the right direction, though its
commissioned Sir William Beveridge to clumsy roll-out needs rapid modification if
investigate the best way of helping people on the intended recipients are to be paid on time.
low incomes.
Christians may want to reflect on the
Giant evils Welfare State. Is it a right or a privilege to be
beneficiaries? Do we take it for granted as our
The resultant Beveridge Report identified due, or are we grateful for what we receive?
five ‘Giant Evils’ of Want, Disease,
Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness. It proposed
that in return for all people of working age
paying a weekly contribution, benefits should
be available to those who were sick,
unemployed, retired or widowed.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, William
Temple, said “this is the first time anybody
has set out to embody the whole spirit of the
Christian ethic in an Act of Parliament”, for at
the war’s end the Beveridge Report began to
be implemented. The 1944 Education Act was
followed in 1948 by the founding of the NHS.

History repeats itself, that’s one of the things that’s wrong with history. - Clarence Darrow 11

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Earn cash for us when you shop online Midweek
services
Free and simple to use, just register at
easyfundraising.org.uk 1st Tuesday
(5th Dec.) 7.30pm.
Over 2000 retailers - Amazon, Boden,
John Lewis, 32 Moorway, Hawkshaw
£269 has been raised since setting up
1st Tuesday
the scheme, but we only have (5th Dec.) 10 - 11am.

12 members we need more. Emmanuel Church Centre
2nd Thursday
If you become a member and use
“easysearch” the Parish gets 0.5p (14th Dec.) 2.00pm

for each search you do!

Visit:
http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk

and search for:
The Parish of Holcombe and
Hawkshaw.

Another way of Emmanuel Church Centre
supporting is by 3rd Tuesday

“Textgiving” (19th Dec.) 10am - 12noon.

Simply text HOHA21 Each Tuesday
followed by the amount, 9.00 to 9.30am
(£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or
£10) to 70070 and we Emmanuel Church Centre
receive the full amount See page 8 for details
and the call is free to you.

12

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Many people both give and receive gifts at Christmas.
Some are accepted with delight, surprise- most with pleasure,
and most of those who wrapped such gifts, even if it was
hard work struggling with bulky shapes and sticky cellotape,
are pleased to have dispensed such giving.

Yet, the greatest of all gifts is the Gift of Faith, personified in Jesus.

We find it easy to express at celebrations when they centre around a tiny baby,
newly born. The crib scene is beautiful to display with small models or, more imagi-
natively, through a Nativity presentation re-enacted with people in characters from
history, as revealed in the New Testament.

The Easter message however, is often portrayed with visual images of a spring-
time theme with rabbits and lambs and Easter eggs.

Perhaps in the run up to prepare for Christmas a little time in Advent might be
spent reflecting on what the deeper significance holds for us - the other half of the
story.

It is that of the Supreme Gift of the sacrifice made for us all by
Jesus - the man, when he gave His life as an atonement for our sins.
Not only that, His Resurrection and the promise of Eternal Life followed.

That makes our Christian Faith worth celebrating as a heartening Gift worth un-
wrapping and contemplating.

Amen.

13

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

S Emmanuel Church Centre
E
R Sunday 3rd December The First Sunday of Advent
V
I 9.30am Holy Communion
C Theme: Patriarchs
E (1 Corinthians 1 v3-9; Mark 13: 24-end).
S Rev’d Paul Sumsion

Sunday 10th December The Second Sunday after Advent

9.30am Sunday Morning Worship
Theme: Prophets
(Matthew 5 v11-12, v17-20).
Rev’d Paul Sumsion & Ethel Houghton.

Thursday 14th December

2.00pm Holy Communion Rev’d Paul Sumsion.

Sunday 17th December The Third Sunday after Advent

D 9.30am Family Carol Service
E Theme: John the Baptist
C (John 1v6-8,v19-28; Mark 1v1-8).
E Rev’d Paul Sumsion & Rev’d Robert Airey.
M
B Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve
E
R 9.30am Sunday Morning Worship Theme: Mary
(Luke 1 v26-38). Rev’d Paul Sumsion.
14
Monday 25th December Christmas Day

9.30am Holy Communion
Theme: Jesus the Messiah
(Isaiah 9 v2 - 7; Luke 2 v8 - 20).
T.B.A.

Sunday 31st December The First Sunday of Christmas

9.30am Family Communion
Theme: Hurried, spread, treasured, returned
(Galatians 4 v4 - 7; Luke 2 v15 - 21).
Rev’d Robert Airey.

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Passage and
Prayer

The idea is to take a few moments out during each
day to meet with God.

Keep these pages for the month and refer to each
day. Read a passage of scripture and spend a little
while thinking on what God might be saying to you
through it. Then pray for whatever is on your heart
and mind, but perhaps include these things happen-

ing around the parish.
Each month, a new sheet will be included

in the magazine.

15

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017
16

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017
17

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017
18

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Emmanuel, Holcombe S
E
Sunday 3rd December The First Sunday of Advent R
V
8.00am Holy Communion 1662, Theme: Patriarchs I
11.00am (1 Corinthians 1 v3-9; Mark 13: 24-end), C
E
Rev’d Robert Airey. S

Family Service, Theme: Patriarchs

(1 Corinthians 1 v3-9). Rev’d Paul Sumsion.

Sunday 10th December The Second Sunday after Advent

11.00am Holy Communion 1662, Theme: Prophets
(Hebrews. 11 v8-16, v32-40; Matthew 5 v11-12, v17-20),

Rev’d Robert Airey.

4.00pm Messy Church - Making Christingles
5.00pm Christingle Service

Sunday 17th December The Third Sunday after Advent

11.00am Family Service, Theme: John the Baptist

(Mark 1v1-8). Rev’d Paul Sumsion & Rev’d Robert Airey. D
E
6.30pm Carol Service C
E
Rev’d Paul Sumsion. M
B
Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve E
R
11.00am Holy Communion CW, Theme: Mary
(Rom. 16 v25-end; Luke 1 v26-38),
2.30pm Rev’d Paul Sumsion.
11.30pm
Crib Service - (Mother’s Union), Rev’d Robert Airey
Holy Communion CW,
(Hebrews 1 v1 - 12; John 1 v1 - 14), Rev’d Robert Airey.

Monday 25th December Christmas Day

10.00am Family Communion Theme: Jesus the Messiah
(Luke 2 v8 - 20), Rev’d Robert Airey.

Sunday 31st December The First Sunday of Christmas

9.30am Family Service

Theme: Hurried, spread, treasured, returned

(Luke 2 v15 - 21). Rev’d Robert Airey.

19

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

S St. Mary, Hawkshaw
E
R Sunday 3rd December The First Sunday of Advent
V
I 10.45am Family Communion, Theme: Patriarchs
C (1 Corinthians 1 v3-96)
E Family Service Team & Rev’d Robert Airey.
S
6.30pm Prayer & Praise Sue Byrom

Sunday 10th December The Second Sunday after Advent

10.45am Morning Worship with groups Theme: Prophets
(Hebrews. 11 v8-16, v32-40; Matthew 5 v11-12, v17-20)
Rev’d Paul Sumsion & Ethel Houghton

6.30pm Holy Communion CW
Rev’d Vic Fletcher & Richard Byrom.

Sunday 17th December The Third Sunday after Advent

D 10.45am Holy Communion with groups, Theme: John the Baptist
E (John 1:6-8,19-28; Mark 1v1-8)
C Rev’d Vic Fletcher & Richard Byrom.
E
M 6.30pm Evening Worship, Jane Fletcher & Michael Booth.
B
E Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve
R
10.45am Morning Worship, Theme: Mary
(Luke 1 v26-38)
Rev’d Vic Fletcher & Michael Booth.

6.30pm Carol Service, Rev’d Paul Sumsion

Monday 25th December Christmas Day

9.30am Family Communion Theme: Jesus the Messiah
(Luke 2 v8 - 20), Rev’d Paul Sumsion.

Sunday 31st December The First Sunday of Christmas

9.30am Family Service
Theme: Hurried, spread, treasured, returned
(Luke 2 v15 - 21). Ethel Houghton & Richard Byrom.

20

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Diary -
December

Afternoon Fellowship Prayer
Canon Lewis Hall, 2pm Meetings
Details: Alex Percy 01204 888603
Usually 2nd and 4th Mondays Reflective prayers for the Parish:
Tuesday 5th Dec. 10 - 11am E.C.C.
The Cellar Youth Group Parish prayer meeting:
None during school holidays. Tuesday 5th Dec. 7.30pm. 32 Moorway.
(Years 7 & 8) in the Cellar,
(Hawkshaw Church) Holy Communion
at 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Thursdays Thursday 14th Dec. 2.00pm E.C.C.

'Excell' youth group Quiet Morning
None during school holidays. Tuesday 19th Dec. 10am - 12noon E.C.C.
Short Prayer Meeting
Years 9 + 10 (Hawkshaw Church) Each Tuesday 9 - 9.30am. E.C.C.
Mondays 7.30pm till 9.00pm
Singing Practice Hawkshaw
Choir - Thursdays In church before service 10am.
Emmanuel Church, Holcombe - 7.30pm.
Travellers (Adult & Toddler)
Drop-in - Mondays Canon Lewis Hall. Canon Lewis Hall - Every Wednesday
10am - 12 noon each week. 1.30pm to 3.00pm in term time.

Explorers after School in Hawkshaw Please check your copy of the Weekly Notices
Church on Thursdays. and/or with the particular person responsible,
Details from Penny Hanley 07870 578 632 as events and times can and do change.

Al t

Mothers’ Union - Contact: Romey Simpson.
Usually 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month at
2.00 p.m. in Emmanuel Church Centre.

See website and especially Google Calendar for full list.

21

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017
22

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Santa or Jesus?

I was out shopping in the precinct the other
day, and as I was walking around I noticed
some man sitting in a chair. He was wearing a
red suit with white trim and he had a white
beard. I think his name was…um…oh, yeah,
Father Christmas

Well, I got to thinking: lots of people think
Christmas is all about Father Christmas,

But who is Christmas really about?
It's about the birth of Jesus Christ. It is in
the name Christmas . So I thought today we
should compare Father Christmas to Jesus
See who’s better. I made a list of some
things to think about:

1. First, you have to wait in, but you can (Suggestion: Make a score card by
speak to Jesus anywhere, anytime. drawing a line down the middle of a piece of
poster board.
2. Father Christmas comes once a year,
but Jesus is always with us. Put "Santa" on the left side and "Jesus" on
the right. Then for each category that Jesus
3. Father Christmas fills your stockings "wins", put a mark on the right side under his
with gifts, but Jesus gives us the name. Santa, of course won't "win" any, so
greatest gift of all Eternal Life. the score card will show Jesus, 6: Santa,
zero.")
4. Father Christmas leaves us for a year
but Jesus never leaves us. Santa doesn't compare to Jesus
"On his robe and on his thigh he has this
Well, it looks to me like Jesus beats Santa name written:
in every way Even though Father Christmas is King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
very important we should make sure that Revelation 19:16 (KJV)
Jesus is more important to us In fact, Jesus
should be more important to us than anything
else.

Let’s pray about that: Heavenly Father,
thank you for sending us Jesus. Although he
came to earth as a little baby, he became our
saviour and our loving friend. We thank you
in his holy name. Amen.

23

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Hall Things Bright It has been a very good year. The garden
was finished and officially opened back in

and Beautiful May and since then it has been great to see
people making good use of the area. We

Update for have added a boules pitch, hoopla game, two
December. more benches, many, many more plants, trees
and shrubs. It will be good to see whether, as
all the planting matures, all the hard work and

dedication from so many people will result in

a beautiful, continuously colourful and

fruitful garden next year, I do hope so.

Barbara Newhouse.

Thank you to everyone who came along to "The best way to garden is to put on
the recent working party where we continued a wide-brimmed straw hat and some
with preparing the garden for winter. Also old clothes. And with a hoe in one hand
thanks to Barbara Atkin for providing the and a cold drink in the other, tell
refreshments. somebody else where to dig."
- Texas Bix Bender,
Quite a number of donated trees and
perennials were planted. Dahlia and Begonia Don't Throw in the Trowel
tubers were removed and replaced with tulip
bulbs which will hopefully give a good show
next spring.

The Christmas tree was erected and
hopefully will be left alone by the vandals
who tore down the cross. Thankfully they
had not damaged the electric connection, so
the lights are working and look great.

There will not be a working party in
December or January as the ground and
general weather conditions will probably
make it difficult to achieve anything. Please
do not let this stop volunteers going down to
tend the garden at any time, help is always
welcome in any way you wish, be it weeding,
clearing, mending, staking or just enjoying
the space.

24 Money doesn’t talk – it goes without saying!

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Christmas: Do you like
World’s oldest singing Carols?
fake tree
Tuesday 19th
Did you know December.
that it is a family
in Wiltshire, the Singing in the Precinct
Parkers, who at Holcombe Brook, at
claim to own the
world’s oldest 6.15pm.
artificial
Christmas tree? It
was bought in
1886, and is still
put up every year.

Then with our friends at
Valley Court and back for
mulled wine and Carols

around the
Christmas Tree at
Emmanuel Church Centre.

All are
welcome.

What goes red white red white red white? Santa rolling down a hill. 25

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Whole School Pantomime Trip - Christmas Fair - Friday 1st December.
5th December 10am. Infant Nativity - Tuesday 12th December
Christmas Fair
Saturday 9th December 11.30am. 2:00pm & 6:00pm in school
Carol Service and Nativity - Tuesday Christmas Dinner - Thursday 14th Dec
12th December 6.30pm. Pantomime Trip Friday 15th Dec

SCHOOL CLOSES SCHOOL CLOSES
WEDNESDAY 20th DECEMBER TUESDAY 19th DECEMBER 2:30pm

Carol Service

All pupils in Class 3 and Class 4 will
be involved in our Annual Carol Service
which will be held in Emmanuel Church
on Wednesday 13th December at 7pm..
Each class will be performing, along
with our musicians and other items.

Facebook Kindness

Thank the Lord for Facebook. Otherwise Constant kindness can accomplish
I'd have to call 674 people today to tell much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness
them I just went Christmas shopping. causes misunderstanding, mistrust and
hostility to evaporate. - Albert Schweitzer

10am until 12 noon
every Monday,
(except the odd Bank Holiday)

at Canon Lewis Hall, Longsight Road, and
welcomes anyone and everyone, who wants a “bit
of company, a cup of coffee and a chat”.

26 How will Christmas dinner be different after Brexit? No Brussels.

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Only six out the Lord’s name in vain’; ‘I am the Lord your
God, you shall have no other God before me'
and 'Remember to keep the Sabbath day.’

of ten? Fewer than a third of Britons said that people
should not worship idols, (defined in the

Premier Christian Media has reported that survey as statues or symbols). But the survey
a new poll has revealed that only six of the found Christians are split on whether they
original Ten Commandments are still seen by still consider this to be an important
most British
people as commandment,
important with 43 per cent
principles to saying it is and
live by. The 44 per cent
findings also saying it is not.
ring true of Meanwhile,
Christians in the only one in five
country. The non-religious
Commandments people, (20 per
that most cent) say it is
British people, still an
Christian and important rule.
non-Christian,
think are still Graham
important to Nicholls said
live by are, this part of the
‘You shall not report raised a concern for him. He said:
kill’ and ‘You shall not steal.’ Ninety-three “Christians seem almost as confused about
per cent of respondents said they are still the relevance of the commandments relating
important. ‘You shall not bear false witness’, to our worship of God as non-Christians.
and ‘You shall not commit adultery’ There is sadness, but not surprise, that 80 per
followed as other commandments important cent of non-Christians think it’s OK to
to the 1,680 adults interviewed. Graham worship idols, but the big shock is that more
Nicholls, director of Christian charity than half of Christians also don’t think this is
Affinity, thinks this is something to an essential commandment. I think it shows
celebrate. He said: “It shows that what God that Christianity can easily become just a set
says corresponds with what most of us know of social protocols for being nice to each
is right, especially when it comes to how we other that we agree by consensus, and not, at
treat one another. To the confounding of its heart, submission to God and putting him
scientific materialists, we still have a sense of first.”
right and wrong. If we believe God’s ways The report stated that overall, Christians
are good ways, then in our best moments we are more likely than the general population as
know deep down that the Ten a whole to think any given Commandment
Commandments set a pattern for life that is remains important.
essentially good.”

However, the four commandments that

British people care about the least are: ‘You

shall not worship idols’; ‘You shall not use

Q: What did Mrs. Claus say to Santa when she looked in the sky? A: "Looks like rain, 27

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

A good read Jesus through the
Old Testament -
Hark! The biogra- transform your Bible
phy of Christmas understanding

By Paul Kerensa, Lion Hudson, £7.99 By Graeme Goldsworthy, BRF, £7.99

In this delightful sleigh ride through An outstanding new work from a renowned
Christmas history, Paul Kerensa answers the Old Testament scholar, this book will appeal
festive questions you never thought to ask… to anyone who wants to deepen their
Did Cromwell knowledge and
help shape the understanding
mince pie? Was of the Bible
St Nicholas the and increase
first to use an their
automatic door? confidence in
Which classic interpreting the
Christmas text with
crooners were wisdom and
inspired by a integrity.
Hollywood heat
wave? And did ‘The
King Herod purpose of this
really have a wife called Doris? Whether you book,’ says the
mull on wine or enjoy the biggest turkey, the writer, ‘is to help Bible readers to appreciate
biggest tree or the biggest credit card bill, the structure of God’s revelation so that the
unwrap your story through our twelve dates New Testament’s way of linking Jesus to the
of Christmas past. From Roman revelry to Old Testament is not a mystery.’
singing Bing, via Santa, Scrooge and a
snoozing saviour, this timeless tale is perfect The writing is crisp and clear, the insights
trivia fodder for the Christmas dinner table. sophisticated but accessible and the
illustrations illuminating. Goldsworthy takes
the reader on a profound and knowledgeable
journey through every part of the Old
Testament, showing how the New Testament
should guide our interpretation of the Old at
every turn, and demonstrating Jesus’ role as
‘the fulfiller of all God’s promises’.

28 How do you know when Santa's in the room? You can sense his presents.

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

On keeping warm in
church

The Rectory remark that it will soon be time for the
St. James the Least heating to be turned on. But all are studiously
My dear Nephew Darren, ignored. I live in an arctic 17th century
It was delightful to have a family from Rectory, and am hardened to it.
your church visiting ours last week, but
perhaps if it happens again, you may suggest But when members of the congregation
a certain dress code to them. That the man start arriving bearing travelling rugs and
arrived without wearing a tie was probably flasks of hot tea, I begin to realise that the
forgivable, but I do think you should have time approaches to fire the boilers up. Then
warned them about the temperature. Your on the Sunday when Colonel Richards lights
church building may be warmer than a up his primus stove next to him on the pew, I
nursing home, but the only time that hot air is know it is appropriate to announce that next
blown over the heads of our congregation, is Sunday the church will be heated – although
when the archdeacon preaches. ‘heated’ is rather more an aspiration than a
Thus, by early December, our reality.
congregation knows to come to church
equipped with overcoats, scarves, gloves and Should any of our congregation be
thermal socks. And the Verger’s regular tempted to pay a visit to your own church, I
disappearance into the side chapel during will tell them to dress for a Mediterranean
Services isn’t on urgent ecclesiastical August – although the men will certainly
business, but to warm himself up with wear a tie. One does have standards to
copious swigs from his hip flask. maintain.
So, your poor visitors suffered from the
cold. In fact, by the time of the sermon, were Your loving uncle,
they to have been laid horizontally, they
would have been indistinguishable from the
marble effigies of the Earls of Stowe lying in
state in the north aisle. As they limped out at
the end of the Service, totally numb, my offer
of a sherry at the Rectory was more medicinal
than social.
December is almost always the month
when I gracefully concede defeat regarding
the church boiler. True, the congregation has
been dropping hints to me since Harvest
about the autumnal nip in the air, or of the
flowers keeping well in church because it is
cool there, or even the slightly more pointed

What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic 29

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

Rector:
Rev. Paul Sumsion,
The Vicarage,
Bolton Road ,
Hawkshaw, Bury ,
BL8 4JN
01204 888 060.

Associate Minister: Associate Minister:

Rev. Robert Airey Rev. Vic. Fletcher
01706 224743. 01204 882750.

Readers: Mr. Michael Burton 01706 822664.
01204 883110.
Mr. Richard Byrom 01204 884648.
01254 704758.
Mr. Michael Booth 01204 882750.
01204 884648.
Mrs. Ethel Houghton 01706 822664.
Mrs. Jane Fletcher

Church Warden: Mr.. Michael Booth

Mr. Michael Burton

Deputy Wardens:

Emmanuel: Colin Gaskell and Derrrick Latham.

Emmanuel Church Centre: Gwen Barnes, Jo Venn.

St. Mary, Hawkshaw: Ray Houghton and Ross Manning.

Hon. P.C.C. Secretary: Yvonne Taylor,
(P.C.C. Minute Secretary: Mrs. Claire Baggoley).

Hon. Treasurer: Mr. David Lomax .
Assistants to Treasurer: Jenny Burton and Judith Horrocks.

Gift Aid Secretary: (Deputy)
Electoral Roll Officer: Sheila Partridge, (Assistant Hawkshaw: Margaret Yates).
Child Protection Officer: Elaine Allum, (Assistant: Rev. Robert Airey).
Standing Committee: Rector, Churchwardens, P.C.C. Secretary and Treasurer.

Other members to be decided by the P.C.C.
Finance Team: Treasurer, Assistant Treasurers and Gift Aid Secretary.

Booking Secretary: Emmanuel Church Centre & Canon Lewis Hall:

Mrs. Pauline Clare, 01204 885950.
Mrs Christine Reynolds
01204 783364.

Emmanuel Church Centre: (not always manned) 07554 195157.
07870 578632
Booking Secretary: St. Mary, Hawkshaw
Penny Hanley

30

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017
31

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw - December 2017

2nd December
Saturday

Reception with mince pies
and mulled wine

7.00pm for 7.30pm

Words and Music for Christmas.

Entertainment for the Christmas period.
A Parish Event

Everyone welcome

£4.00

Canon Lewis Hall /
Emmanuel Church Centre.

Tickets: at each Worship Centre.

Soup
Company

There will be a get together called A simple meal of bread and
“Chatterbox Café” meeting at the soup in good company!
Emmanuel Church Centre on three 12.30pm to 2pm
remaining Friday mornings during
Advent: 14th December
Canon Lewis Hall Longsight
1st, 8th and 15th December.
This is aimed at all age groups and Road, BL8 4DB
will be open from 9am to 12 noon.
There will be a book stall, craft gifts Our monthly Communion Service
and Christmas ideas. Something for follows at 2pm; all are welcome to
everyone. We hope that Mums, Dads
and Grandparents will call when they stay if they wish.
drop off their children at school. This is
our Advent Mission this year.

32