The Open Door Project at St Bartholomew's, Thurstaston

An update as at December 2008

The purpose of the Open Door Project is to:

- create a new common entrance so that all attendees (including wheelchair users) can gain unassisted access into the church;

- provide toilet facilities suitable for all attendees;

- provide an area where small groups can meet away from the body of the church;

- provide a small kitchen so that light refreshments can be prepared;

Despite the current financial difficulties, progress is being made. Revised plans have been submitted and full details can be found here.

Please continue to give this important project your full support.

ITPAS

The Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity Society is active in the Parish. For more information go to their website at:

http://www.itpas.org.uk/

and see a video prepared by ITPAS about some current local issues here.

The Mothers' Union

Details here.

The Evening Mothers' Union

Can't get to the day-time meetings?  Details of the Evening Mothers' Union here.

Flowers

Remember the birthday or anniversary of a loved one and share the joy of flowers with the congregation of St Bartholomew's, Thurstaston.

Parish Boundaries

Do you live in the Parish? See our boundaries here. This is a large pdf file and you will need to have Adobe Reader to see it.

Shopping

A large number of retailers including Mothercare, Marks and Spencer, Thorntons, Waterstones, HMV, Asda, Next, Saga etc. will donate between 5% and 12% to the Mothers Union if you buy online. Go to www.buy.at/mothersunion

Sainsbury's Active Kids Vouchers

The Rector's new Guide Unit has registered for this scheme, so if you shop in Sainsbury's and don't usually give the vouchers to anybody else, please collect them and pass them to the Rector. Many thanks for your support.

Important News from your PCC

Please do read the important news from the PCC here.

Book Reading Group

Fourth Monday of Each Month 7.45-9.15 p.m. at the Rectory.

Anyone is welcome to join this small group. You need to purchase the book in advance (let the Rector know if you are struggling to do so) and, each month in advance of the session, read the specified chapter oor chapters. At the meeting we informally share what we have read - which bits did we find helpful, challenging, disagree with……

It would be helpful to the Rector to know how many people to expect on the first evening, so please let her know if you intend to come. From January 2010 we will be studying 'The Happiness Secret' by J.John (ISBN: 978 0 340 954386). There is more information in a flyer at the back of eack church.

From the Treasurer

Chris Eden, the Treasurer, has created a website where the current report and other information can be found. To see it go to www.irbywirral.co.uk.

Prayers at St Chad's

St Chad's is open for prayer each Thursday from 2.00 p.m. The Oasis Prayer Group meets on the third Thursday in the month at 2.00 p.m. All are welcome. Please pass on prayer requests to Leslie 648 5590 or Sue 648 1022.

Sunday School at St Chad's

Children from age 2½ can attend. There are activity bags available for children nder the age of 2½. In case you feel the need to remove your child from the service, please note that there is also a box of toys and cushions in the foyer.

Diary Dates

Saturday 16th January Evening Mothers' Union Breakfast Bring and Buy 9.30-11.30 a.m. at St Chad's

Saturday 23rd January Men's breakfast at Maluca Café, Irby village 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Saturday 23rd January Archdeacon Donald is to be the next Bishop of Peterborough. There will be a formal service of farewell at 3 p.m. on 23rd January at Chester Cathedral. No tickets are being issued for this service, just a general encouragement to come!

Monday 25th January The Parish of St Bartholomew Thurstaston and St Chad Irby, and The Rotary Club of North Wirral present a Burn's Supper at the Heatherlands, Thurstaston Road, 6.30 p.m. for 7 p.m. Dress informal with a touch of tartan. An evening of good food, fellowship, poetry and music. Tickets: £15.00 available from Archie Peat (648 4587) or Pat Hulme (648 1827).

Sunday 31st January 6.30 p.m. St Bartholomew's Thurstaston Choral Evensong led by the Renaissance Music Group Director: Morris Davies.

Introit 'Hide not thy face' - Richard Farrant d 1581
Preces, responses - Smith
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis - Robert Ramsey d 1644
Anthem O splendor gloriae - John Taverner c1490-1545

Thursday 4th February Mothers' Union at St Chad's 2.15 p.m. AGM plus 'Preparing for Lent' Revd Ian Morris

Friday 5th February St Michael and All Angels Newton 7.30 p.m. Deanery Leader Commissiong Service. All welcome.