News Stories for all Circuit Churches

What a privilege recently to be a part of Holiday Club at Holmes Chapel. Each day we welcomed up to about 25 children, from the age of 4 upwards. Some children we knew from Explorers, some from Messy Church, a number were our own grandchildren, a number had been last year and others were new to us.

Through the week we explored Luke’s gospel under the title of ‘Diary of a Disciple’. There were stories, sketches, videos, prayers and some very energetic songs with actions.

Games were played enthusiastically especially when the parachute was produced. Of course the children were always ready for a snack and drink mid morning and the adults were supplied with a much needed cuppa!

Read more: Holmes Chapel Holiday Club

The Investiture of Brian Caswell
in the Order of St John of Jerusalem

On Wednesday 17th May, Brian Caswell travelled to London to be formally invested as a Member of Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. The Order is one of seven Orders of Chivalry of the Crown including the better known Order of the Garter and the Order of the Bath but it is the only operational Order of Chivalry of the Crown.

It is also the only Order that has its own buildings, including a Priory Church, in London at Clerkenwell, where the buildings date back to 1144 but the Order itself dates back to the 11th century and the Knights Hospitallers. Brian was able to take two guests so his wife Chris and their long standing family friend, Mavis Harrison, were able to attend the ceremony.

Read more: Brian Caswell's Investiture Ceremony

COVID threw up many challenges and the first was that lack of opportunity to meet together for worship and fellowship. Thus was born our weekly Wednesday Worship session via Zoom.

We had a few technical challenges, mainly around transmitting music, but we soon had a large following of varying ages for this session that lasts about 35 minutes. Please join the session when you can, wherever you are.

Read more: Wednesday Worship by Zoom

Holmes Chapel’s oldest member, Irene Webster, recently celebrated her 100th birthday amongst family, friends and representatives from her church family.

Here she is proudly displaying her card from His Majesty, King Charles.

Irene is sad not to be able to go to church any more but she has lost none of her sparkle and wit.