Thackley Methodist Church and Community Centre

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Christmas collections; these have helped the following charities: Christmas Eve Service - Sorted - £117.42 Christmas Day service - Bradford Soup Run - £88.00 Christmas Card - Gambian Schools Trust - £85.20. Christingle Service - NCH - £120.60 Circuit Carol Service - Water Aid - £ 81.82 Additionally, collection boxes for the Children's Society were taken home by those attending the Christingle service. Don't forget that these are due by 14 January 2007. Also, at its meeting in December, the church council agreed a donation of £110 to each of the following: Methodist Auxiliary fund (assisting ill/disabled ministers etc) Methodist Property fund (assisting Methodist churches in emergencies, eg flooding etc) Methodist Church fund for World Mission - supporting communities around the world bringing hope and healing through our partner churches J O Y - Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire - support for Romania The Blenheim Project - s

Well, it's been a busy time of year for all of us. During our advent services, Keith continued his exposition of letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2) with addresses on the churches in Thyatira and Sardis. Gill organised our advent liturgy with families lighting the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Christ. Our afternoon Christingle service was well attended and it was lovely singing our final carol by candle light. In case you're wondering, a Christingle represents various parts of the Christian story: orange - the world cocktail sticks - the 4 gospels or the 4 points of the compass sweets/fruit - the good things that the earth provides red ribbon - reminds us that Jesus died for all of us so that we might be forgiven for all that we do wrong candle - Jesus, God on earth, who spread God's light and love wherever he went. The singing group sang "The twelve days of Christmas" and "Mary's boy child". Keith enlightened us of the Christia

Leading us in worship next Sunday, the second Sunday in Advent, is Rev Keith Hunt Prayer for this week Faith, hope, love Heavenly Father, I am of such litle faith I see your ways, but I do not walk them. I understand your love, but I do not love the same. Help me to keep faith with you. Where the best is the enemy of the good, help me to know your good. Were an absence of conflict is the enemy of peace, help me to pursue your peace. And through all the issues of this day, be my guide. Amen. Please remember in your prayers this week: Nina, Kim, Valerie (Margaret R's sister), Julie, Jean H, Eileen. During December, please pray for the residents of Ballantyne Road. Raffle for Blenheim The church is doing a raffle to benefit Blenheim - two big Teddies are the prizes! Tickets from Jackie D. What's happening this week Monday - Boys Brigade 6.15 pm Tuesday - Tuesday Fellowship 10.00 am, Guides 7.30 pm, Church Council 7.30 pm Wednesday - Ladies Wednesday Group Christmas Dinner at the

THANK YOU to everyone who helped in any way especially those who came and emptied their pockets of money. We made over £800 pounds!

Leading us in worship next Sunday is Rev Keith Hunt (Communion). Prayer for this week A blessing God of the poor, bless us with your compassion. God of the bereaved, bless us with your comfort. God of the humble, bless us with your gentleness. God of the righteous, bless us with your wisdom. God of the merciful, bless us with your forgiveness. God of the pure in heart, bless us with your kindness. God of the peacemakers, bless us with understanding. God of the persecuted, bless us with courage. Amen (Take from Sensing God, published by Inspire) Please remember in your prayers this week: Nina, Kim, Valerie (Margaret R's sistern), Julie, Jean H, and the residents of Jowett Park. Worship leaders training course The training course for prospective worship leaders (as mentioned in Focus) will begin on Wednesday 5 December 2007 ). It will meet at Thackley beginning at 7.30 pm and will comprise about 6 sessions. If you are interested, please could you let Richard know to help with the

We are pleased to hear that Kim is now home and pray for her continuing recovery.

We've heard that our dear friend Kim was admitted to hospital in the early hours of this morning. We ask God to surround her with His loving care and wish her a speedy recovery.

10 am to 12.00 noon Saturday 17 November 2007 Christmas gifts and cards, Fairtrade, toys, tombolas, raffle, face painting, bauble decorating, colouring competition, yummy refreshments and lots more. There's also a stand where you can find information and share your thoughts on the Urban Village Project. See you there.

Caroline from Camberley, Surrey, has contacted us asking us to pray for her husband Maurice, aged 55, who has an agressive brain tumour. We ask for God's blessing on Maurice and Caroline, and pray that He will surround them both with His loving, healing power.

Eric is now back home awaiting tests. We give thanks for the care that he is receiving and continue to ask for God's blessing on him, Alma and the family.

Our dear friend Eric was rushed into the BRI early this morning. We ask God to surround him, Alma and the rest of the family with His loving care and grant them comfort and strength at this anxious time.

Loving Lord We ask your blessing on all who live in Brackendale Avenue. You know their situations; their joys and sorrows; their hopes and fears; their needs and their concerns. May they know that they are in our thoughts and that we care for them. Help us to respond in love to the needs and pressures our modern world places upon them and show us ways in which we can serve and strengthen our community. Amen. (Image by http://www.heartlight.org/ ) ( Prayer mission info )

Leading us in worship next week is Rev Keith Knight Prayer for this week: May the compelling love Christ for life on the earth drive us, as disciples, to hallow the air we breathe the water we drink the food we eat the company we keep the communities we create So that love may permeate whole lives, all life, and the planet itself. Amen (Peter Whittiaker - Chair West Yorkshire District) Please remember inyour prayers this week Valerie (Margaret R's sister), Julie and David (Freda's son). Showtime spectacular Friday/Saturday 2/3 November 2007 at Wrose Methodist Church to raise funds for needy children in Romania. This grand concert has been arranged by local pantomime specialist, Peter Murphy, as a tribute to his late son Simon, who was planning to return to Romania before his untimely death. The concert will include dancers, solo singers, a choir, a magician, ballet, impersonator, a circus act, concertina etc. Christa Ackroyd will be returning to where she appeared in pantomi

A ll age worship for Harvest; C elebrating how good God is to us; R eading of His creation in Genesis; O ffering our gifts of money to India and food for Blenheim; S eeing the injustice of the world through the Bread line sketch ; T aking our concerns to the Lord in prayer; I nstruments held aloft as we prepared to go out with joy C lutching our ACROSTIC prayers. Our sincere thanks to Moira, Lee, Heather and Pat for a wonderful Harvest celebration. Thanks also to our groups for the fantastic window displays.

Leading us in worship next week is Rev Keith Hunt (Communion) Prayer for this week: Accept our thanks, O God, for the life that is within us, For the beauty that surrounds us and for the song of your creation. Help us to make time in our busy lives to enjoy the work of your hands; Flowers in respendent colours, clear bluey skies, clouds heavy with the rain, Gently swaying trees, the babbling of a brook, sunrise and sunset. There is just so much, if only we open our eyes and see. Thank you for giving them to us so freely. May we appreciate and be always mindful of your wonderful creation. Amen. Please remember in your prayers this week: John and Jackie D, Freda's son, David, Joyce, Mabel and Eileen. Position for Circuit Manse Secretary The Circuit is seeking someone to liaise with contractors etc to ensure that manses are kept in good repair. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Keith or Ruth. Smoothless 7.30 pm Saturday 13 October 2007 - performed

Following contact via our Web site, we pray for Beckie and Lynn as they mourn the loss of May on Wednesday evening. May God surround and comfort them with His love at this time.

Prayer for this week Great and wonderful God, we thank you that you are behind and before us, to our left and to our right, above us and below, filling the universe, yet gently within us. We offer ourselves afresh to you this day, asking for your grace to enable us to live in the knowledge of your surrounding love, through times joyful and sad, anxious and peaceful. In your name, Amen Please remember in your prayers this week: Freda and her son, David; David W; Joyce; Nicola and her fiance Luke and his family; all the children as they return to school and various groups within the church. 4 September , 10.00 am - Tuesday morning fellowship - everyone is most welcome. 15 September, 8.30 am Shipley train station - Sponsored walk - hope you have all managed to get some sponsors! If you would like to participate in the walk see Ian K for details. If you don't want to walk, then we would like some help in the kitchen doing the refreshments for our weary walkers! 25 September , 7.30 pm

It's not every treasurer who hands out fivers! Once again, Thackley folk put there all into the treasurer's challenge to make their £5 grow. We had coffee mornings, an open garden with jazz, a bistro meal, a Web, Wikis and Blogs course, quizzes, baking and plant sales, children made sweets, biscuits and prayer cards to sell, and lots more! £95 was given out in £5 notes, and between Easter and July we turned that into a whopping £762.40 (the original £95 has been taken off this amount)! A fantastic result. Well done, to everyone who participated.

The leaders of the Methodist Church have launched a weblog. Revd Martyn Atkins, President of the Conference, and Vice President Ms Ruby Beech will use the weblog to share their thoughts during their year of office - see http://methodist-presandvp.blogspot.com/ . There's also opportunity for you to offer your comments.

We celebrate 3 birthdays in 2 days - today is Kim's birthday and tomorrow Ben becomes a teenager and Olive celebrates her 80th! We wish you and everyone else who has a birthday in August a very Happy Birthday!

Leading us in worship through August: 5th - Stuart Ayrton 12th - Keith Bolton 19th - Brian Gamble 26th - Moira Hunt Flower rota for August/September: 5th - Margaret V 12th - Christine S 19th - Lisa Kn. 26th - Elaine 2nd - Nina Please remember in your prayers: Freda and her son David, all our church family at Thackley and Keith whilst he is in India. August: 7th - 10.00 am Tuesday Fellowship Cuppa and a chat at Christine S's. If you need a lift, contact Kim. 10th - 2-4 pm Olive warmly invites friends at Thackley to share her 80th birthday celebration at home 21st - 10 am Tuesday Fellowship Circuit Communion service at Thackley - Rev Nick Blundell. Everyone is warmly invited to come along to these short, thought provoking, meaningful services held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you need a lift, contact Jackie M. 31st - Welcome service for Rev Freddy Takavarasha - 7.30 pm at Calverley September 1st - 4.00 pm Albert and Ruth have invited all their friends from Thackley to t

Monday 30th - Jigsaw will be looking after children for 5 weeks this summer. Avis asks us to pray the Lord will watch over them and keep them safe. She also would like us to ask a blessing on all her dedicated staff. Tuesday 31st - Chris asks that this may be a summer of peace and tranquillity for all who hold office in our church and who will appreciate this time of leisure. Wednesday 1st - Please pray for the European Methodist Festival. We also wish Katherine a very happy birthday. During August we ask God to bless and refresh all who are on holiday; we particularly pray for our minister, Keith, who is on the second part of his sabbatical in India.

Monday 23rd - Over the next few days, let us pray for all who serve our church in any way – today please remember Chris T, Kim, Lynne and Jackie D. who clean our church so faithfully. Tuesday 24th - Kim would like us to give thanks for all the young people in our church and for all those who work with them and give of their time, Kim, Heather, Lee, Pat, Christ T. Louise, Ian and John. Wednesday 25th - Today, please remember those who provide flowers each week, and those who provide a welcome at the church door, especially Joe. Thursday 26th - Today, let us give thanks for all those who are prepared to read the Bible to us, week by week and for Elaine, as she prepares our Shine magazine and organises those who hire our premises. Friday 27th - Today let us remember our stewards and treasurer by name – Louise, Ian, Ruth, Lynne, Avis, Chris and Jackie and thank God for their faithful service. Saturday 28th - Please ask a blessing on Ruth, as she uses her talents to teach us about

The Ladies Wednesday Group summer fair raised £455 - a wonderful result. Water Aid collection : Boys Brigade, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and church members all took part in saving money in jam jars for Water Aid as a Lent Project. We have now sent Wateraid a cheque for £477. Thank to you all who contributed. Christian Aid: With restricted manpower we managed to collect from 12 roads in the Idle/Thackley area, apparently the only one of the 7 churches in the locality to do so. Around 12% of the homes felt unable to contribute, often because they support the collection at their local church or at Morrisons, by way of the Internet or by gift aided deductions from salary. However, we had a very good response for the average gift in each returned envelope was £2.71 Fact! In all we collected £509.66 which will be increased to £559.64 when Christian Aid recover the tax on gift aided donations. Idle and Thackley folk must be very generous! We add to this total £109.60 donated at our Chris

Monday 16th - Please remember Stanley Waite (Sue’s father-in-law) and his family. He is still very ill and needs the strength and power of your prayers. Tuesday 17th - Wendy asks for our prayers for her friend Christine, whose father is ill with pneumonia. May the family know we are praying for them, and be comforted. Wednesday 18th - Please ask a blessing on the Rainbows, Brownies and leaders as they meet this evening. May they find fun and friendship in abundance in their young lives. Thursday 19th - As our meetings come to a close for the summer, Chris asks us to especially remember our older members who will miss this essential socialisation. Friday 20th - As children break up from school, please ask God to keep them safe this summer. We especially remember those from Thackley Primary, Idle C of E and Immanuel who will be moving on to new schools in September. Saturday 21st - Please ask a blessing on Keith Knight as he prepares to lead us in worship tomorrow. Sunday 22nd - Thi

Monday 9th Andy and Wendy would like to give thanks for all the love and support they have received from members of our congregation in relation to the birth of Megan Tuesday 10th As the Church Council meet tonight, please thank God for the members who serve us in this way. May their deliberations be harmonious and their decisions wise. Wednesday 11th Louise asks us to pray for her friend’s husband, John Stead, who is extremely ill with cancer. May he and his family feel God’s love surrounding them and giving them His peace Thursday 12th Let us take time in our busy lives to pray for ourselves. May we be the people God wants us to be – shining His love and light into the lives of others. Friday 13th As “Sorted” Youth club meet tonight, let us give thanks for the dedicated leaders who seek to bring these young people into a relationship with Christ Saturday 14th Let us ask a blessing on Keith as he prepares to lead us in worship tomorrow Sunday 15th Let us thank God for

Monday 2nd We are asked to pray for the residents of Park Road this month. May they know the presence of the Lord in their community mirrored in our actions at Thackley Church Tuesday 3rd Janet K would like us to pray for Gregory Lynn, who is extremely ill in hospital. His daughter, Gabriela, works with Janet and has asked all the local churches to pray for her father. May the family be comforted by the loving arms of Jesus Wednesday 4th Let us ask God’s healing hands upon Jean K and Olive, two of Your faithful servants May they know the power of our prayers for them, surrounding them with our love and thoughts Thursday 5th As the Methodist Conference opens today, please ask that God will guide and direct all those who participate. Please ask a blessing on Rev. Martyn Atkins as he is inaugurated as the new President of Conference Friday 6th Please ask a blessing on Jackie and John D as they open their garden tomorrow to raise funds for the Church. May the money be sp

Today we were privileged to have our worship led by Andy Milne assisted by members of the Sorted youth church. Andy is a Church Army evangelist who works with young people in the Bradford area and one of the Sorted groups meets on our premises each Friday evening. Andy spoke of how God had planted in him a vision “for teenagers to experience God's love by being part of a Christian community that is totally relevant and real for their lives” and how he and his wife had trudged the streets of Idle and Thackley on wet Friday nights to meet, speak and, more importantly, to listen to young people to find out how they could take the gospel to them. From those small beginnings there are now a number of groups meeting throughout the week in response to the members’ demands for opportunities to discover a deeper relationship with God. Matty shared with us how he had found God and is now teaching others about Him in ways that are meaningful to them; we were warned that ear plugs are someti

We were so sorry to hear of Jean's fall and suspected fracture. Please remember her in your prayers.

Leading us in our worship this morning is Andy Milne. Leading us in worship next Sunday for family service is Rev Keith Hunt. Prayer for this week Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son, our Saviour, by preaching of repentance: lead us to repent according to his preaching and, after his example, constantly to speak the ruth, boldly to rebuke vice, and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. St Pixels For a novel online worship experience, check out St Pixels, the virtual church supported by the Methodist Church. Go to www.stpixels.com and have fun designing your very own avatar worshipper, then enjoy sermons, hymns, prayer, Bible study or conversation with others. Please remember in your prayers All members of our church family and friends known to us w

Monday 25th – Lynne S asks us to pray for her son-in-law as he bravely battles cancer. May God wrap His loving arms around him and his family at this difficult time so that they may find strength and peace in His love. Tuesday 26th – Jean asks for our continuing prayers for her brother Kenneth. His operation scheduled for May was cancelled and he hopes it will go ahead soon. We pray for God’s blessing on Kenneth and his family at this anxious time. Wednesday 27th – today we pray for Jigsaw, the Men’s Forum, the Ladies Wednesday group, Brownies and Rainbows, Karate and Wives’ Group. We welcome them to our premises in God’s love and give thanks for being able to serve our community in this way. Thursday 28th – Maria gives thanks to God for the love and support of her friends and church family at Thackley. Friday 29th – Alma asks us to pray for her friend Valerie who is feeling a bit low at the moment. May she find comfort and strength from our prayers. Saturday 30th – please give t

Leading us in our worship this morning is Rev Keith Hunt. Leading us in worship next Sunday is Andy Milne, Leader of Sorted, the Christian teenager club that meets here every Friday. Prayer for this week Converation requires talking and listening. As I talk to Jesus may I also learn to be still and listen. I picture the gentleness in His eyes and the smile full of love as He gazes on me. I can be totally honest with Jesus and I tell Him of my worries and my cares. I will open up my heart to Him as I tell Him of my fears and my doubts. I will ask Him to help me to place myself fully in His care, to abandon myself to Him, knowing that He always wants what is best for me. Amen. Please remember in your prayers: Olive, Joyce, Neville and Heather. Flower rota: 24 June - Margaret W 1 July - Jean Keighley 8 July - Margaret R 15 July - Audrey D Baking help needed! The Ladies Group Summer Fair will take place on Saturday 30 June 2007, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. Stalls will include bric-a-brac, cak

Loving Lord We ask your blessing on all who live in Park Road. You know their situations; their joys and sorrows; their hopes and fears; their needs and their concerns. May they know that they are in our thoughts and that we care for them. Help us to respond in love to the needs and pressures our modern world places upon them and show us ways in which we can serve and strengthen our community. Amen. (Image by http://www.heartlight.org/ ) ( Prayer mission info )

Monday 18th – today is Ruth and Tony’s wedding anniversary. We thank God for the gift of love and the joy and companionship of marriage. Tuesday 19th – we give thanks for all who meet in our church this morning for the Circuit Tuesday morning worship. We pray for God’s blessing on this new venture. Wednesday 20th – Alma gives thanks to God for the comfort her sister found from our prayers. May we be willing and patient to let God answer prayer in His time and in His way. Thursday 21st – let us give thanks for the work of our church treasurer, Jackie, for all who contribute to the financial upkeep of our church, and for those who are creatively using their gifts to meet our Talents Challenge. May we use our money wisely to further God’s work here in Thackley. Friday 22nd – today we give thanks for those who collect our waste, keeping our streets free from disease. We pray that God will guide us all to minimise waste, to recycle what we can, and to preserve the wonderful world He g

Leading us in our worship this morning is Graham Banks. Leading us in worship next Sunday is Rev Keith Hunt. Prayer for this week For the recent Pray Without Ceasing event, celebrating, affirming and resourcing prayer across the 33 districts of the Methodist Church in Britain, We offer thanks, gracious God. For 22,000 hours of prayer events, hundred of faithful people exploring prayer and seeking to be close to you, We offer thanks, gracious God. For the worldwide church, the body of Christ, in which prayer is never silent, We offer thanks, gracious God. For our young people, who challenged the church and helped us to prayer, We offer thanks, gracious God . Accept this and all our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Please remember in your prayers: Olive, Joyce, Neville and Heather. Congratulations to: Adam and Helen (Elaine's daughter) who are to be married in Florida on 13 June 2007. Talents challenge: Jackie D is gardening and baking, so come and enjoy morning coffee

Monday 11th – we pray for all who meet on our premises today: Jigsaw, Monday Mum’s, Playgroup and Boys’ Brigade. May each person feel welcomed and valued as part of God’s church family. We also pray for Francis who is 10 today – Happy Birthday, Fran. Tuesday 12th – Maria asks for our continuing prayers for her next door neighbour who has cancer. May he know that we are thinking of him and find comfort from our prayers. Wednesday 13th – Elaine asks us to pray for her daughter Helen and her fiancé Adam who are getting married in the US today. We pray for God’s blessing on their marriage and on all who are sharing this joyful occasion with them. Thursday 14th – please pray for Mabel whose move into a new home in Fagley coincided with the death of her brother. May she know how much we care for her and may God be with her as she settles into her new surroundings. Friday 15th – this month we pray for the residents of Park Road; may they know that they are in our thoughts and that we c

Monday 4th – Pat asks us to pray for Bob’s dad on his birthday and for his mum’s continuing improvement. May God surround them with His love and care. Tuesday 5th – we pray for all who meet on our premises on Tuesdays: Jigsaw, Mum’s and Toddlers, Playgroup, Tuesday Fellowship, Karate, Guides, and Card makers/Scrapbookers. We give thanks for their creative play, fun and fellowship. Wednesday 6th – Maria asks that we pray for her daughter who had an operation recently and is waiting to find out what further treatment, if any, is needed. May she and Maria be comforted by our love and concern. Thursday 7th – Louise asks us to pray for Ann Howard and her family. Ann’s brother had an operation for a brain haemorrhage and his recovery is slow. We pray that God will comfort and strengthen them at this difficult time. Friday 8th – we pray for all who meet on our premises today: Jigsaw, Playgroup, Mum’s and Toddlers, Police drop-in and Sorted. We give thanks for their work in our community.

Our own arrangement service for Pentecost was well received with lots of positive words of encouragement for Louise and Ruth. As Louise said in the children's address, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength we need to do the things we sometimes feel we can't do; our own arrangement services provide a wonderful demonstration of this. A big thank you to all who took part; those who provided flowers for the church, those who welcomed us at the door, Fran for reading the call to worship, Louise for tying the first part of the service together, Eric and Alma for leading our prayers of adoration and confession, Ben for playing the piano during the offertory (well done - when are you playing again?), Chris for reading, Ruth for playing the organ/piano and telling us about God's Internet aided by a number of volunteers and a ball of wool, Richard for leading our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession, Verity for operating the laptop/projector, those who served coffee after the ser

Monday 28th - Chris would like us to give thanks for lovely sunny days, fresh green leaves, family and friends and all those people we meet who make us feel good Tuesday 29th - Jaine would like us to give thanks to God that her mother continues to be so well. Wednesday 30th - Elaine and Dave need our prayers as they approach Helen and Adam’s Wedding Day in Florida. Elaine does so much for us – may she feel encircled and blessed with our love. Thursday 31st - Let us give God thanks for the music in our church, and especially for Ruth and Gill, our organists, as they lead our worship so faithfully week by week. Friday 1st – Neville had another scan at the end of May. Jean asks that we continue to uphold her and Neville in our prayers. May they feel God’s loving arms around them. Saturday 2nd – please pray for Keith and all who will be taking part in our Family and Parade service tomorrow. May our worship be a time of fellowship, strengthening the ties that bind us together in God’s lov

Monday 21st - Maria would like us to give thanks for all Church family and friends, and also remember her next door neighbour Harry, who is still very ill Tuesday 22nd - Elaine requests that we ask God to bless Dave, and give thanks for all his love and support for her, Nicola and Helen Wednesday 23rd - Margaret W. asks us to praise and bless God for the miracle he has wrought for David, who is now able to walk with a zimmer Thursday 24th - Christine S asks us to pray for her daughter’s friend Julie, who is experiencing great difficulties at the moment. May Julie feel our care and concern for her through our prayers Friday 25th - Ruth asks us to give thanks for the work of Cliff College, and pray God will bless their festival, the theme of which is “The Spirit-filled Church” Saturday 26th - Sharon asks us to pray for two teenagers, Tom and David, that God will help them and those who play a part in their lives to continue to turn their lives around. Sunday 27th - On this Penteco

Apologies for the lateness of getting these on the blog; however, be assured that the following were in our prayers: Monday 14th - As Christian Aid week starts, please ask a blessing on all who will be collecting, all who willingly give to this good cause, all who carry out God’s work, and all who will receive Tuesday 15th - Jackie M would like us to give thanks for the amount of over £300 which was raised at our recent Daffodil Day for the Marie Curie Charity. May God bless all the nurses who work for Marie Curie, and all the people who benefit from their love and care Wednesday 16th - Please pray for Louise and her family today. It would have been her parents 48th Wedding Anniversary. May they all know God’s comforting arms around them at this time of remembrance, and His peace in their hearts. Thursday 17th - Please continue to pray for Dorothy and Ian Tattersfield, as they face Ian’s illness together. May God be very close to them and give them His peace Friday 18th - Jackie M.

On Sunday we celebrated our Junior Church Anniversary and our service was a true celebration of God's gifts to us. We were privileged to be led by John Froud , singer, song-writer and evangelist, assisted by Rob Dunsire, poet. Many of our children had met John before as he works with 45 or so schools in the Bradford area. Rob has been with us before; you'll see the fruits of his work with us on a previous blog entry . Both are using God's gifts to the full and, through their words and music, we marvelled afresh at the wonder, and glorious gift of God's creation. We thank you both, and feel sure that this will not be your last visit to Thackley! An anniversary celebration wouldn't be complete without presents. To show our youngsters how much they mean to our Church family, Kim and Louise presented each member of our Junior Church a lovely book. It was also a great joy to share our Anniversary service with those who have been baptised at Thackley in recent years. Alth

Monday 7th Many external exams are taking place early this month. Please remember all students at this stressful time, and also pray that the people marking the exams do so with a sense of fairness and responsibility. Tuesday 8th As our Church Council meet this evening, please give thanks for their work and faithfulness on our behalf. Please also keep praying for Gill’s Grandpa, Frank, and ask for the Peace of God for him, which passeth all understanding. Wednesday 9th Please give praise and thanks for the safe arrival of Megan, a new daughter for Andy and Wendy and a little sister for Bethany. May the family know of our love and care for them. Thursday 10th Please pray for Ruth's husband, Tony, who has tennis elbow in both arms and is due for a cortisone injection today. May he know we are praying for him and thinking about him. Also many congratulations and love to Eileen and Kenneth as they celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary!! Friday 11th Margaret R asks us to pray

Monday 30th - Chris would like us to give thanks for Rachel's continuing recovery. May we also give thanks for the renewal of green leaves and flowers with the Spring. We are also asked to pray for Ruth’s boss, Sara, whose mum is going into hospital today for surgery. May they know of our prayers and be comforted by them. Tuesday 1st - This month we are asked to pray for the residents of Thackley View. May they know the love of God through our concerns for them. Wednesday 2nd - Chris asks that we place Jackie D. into God’s hands as she jets off to Canada. May she have a wonderful time with her family and return to us safely Thursday 3rd - Isaac and many others have their KS3 SATS. Please ask God to be with our children throughout this difficult time. Friday 4th - Olive would like us to give thanks for the Own Arrangements Service on 22nd April. Everyone who took part felt uplifted and gladdened by it. Saturday 5th - Please hold before God John Froud and all the children

Did you know that donations made in Christian Aid Week change lives? Here's what your money could buy in El Salvador ... £5 could pay for the monthly tuition fees for a young person to go to school. £12 could pay for the school uniform £90 could pay for the construction of a latrine. Church Council has agreed that John V will organise Christian Aid Week in Thackley, with envelopes in Church and house to house collections. Please give generously.

Monday 23rd - Maria would like us to pray for Sue's (from Playgroup) father-in-law who is extremely ill. Please ask God's blessing on the family. Tuesday 24th - Today John's daughter and family return to New Zealand. Please ask God to grant them a safe journey and ask a blessing on John and his mum, Kathleen. Wednesday 25th - Lisa asks us to pray for those we know who have medical conditions which prevent them from living an active life, and especially for her friend Sue. May they feel Your love and hope in their dark moments. Thursday 26th - Olive would like to give thanks to God for her good neighbours and loving friends. Friday 27th - Please pray for all those who are imprisoned and for those who are the victims of crime and injustice. Saturday 28th - Let us take time to pray for ourselves today. May you help and encourage us to continue spreading Your love throughout the world, and give us Your strength in times of need. Sunday 29th - Ruth asks us to remember all

We have just had news that poor Joyce has taken a tumble and broken her hip. This happened on Saturday, and she had an operation on Sunday. We are praying for a speedy recovery and ask God to bless and comfort Joyce and her daughter, Karen, at this dificult time.

Monday 16th - Lisa asks us to pray for Captain Alison Stark who is undergoing therapy for thyroid cancer. Please ask God to bless her family and the community in which she serves with love. Tuesday 17th - Please keep praying for Ian and Dorothy T as Ian continues his slow path to recovery from cancer. Wednesday 18th - Freda would like us to thank God for loving friends and family, and to pray for those who have to live without any of these, or a church family. Thursday 19th - Lynne S asks us to pray for her daughter, Linda, who is recovering from cancer, and also for her friend Connie, living in a retirement home. May they both feel Your loving presence and know of our care and concern. Friday 20th - Joe would like us to remember Joyce in our prayers. May she live her life in peace with her family surrounding her, and know her many friends here still love and care for her. Saturday 21st - Please ask a blessing on the Daffodil Day run at this church by the Monday Mums for Marie C

Talents challenge - Jackie gave out £5 notes this morning to see if we can make it go further by using our talents. Congratulations to Richard and Judith S who have become grandparents (first time!) to Oran, the baby boy of their daughter Jenny and partner Barry. Our love to them all! Yeoman of the Guard - Gill is appearing in the Bignley Gilbert & Sullivan's production 23-26 April 2007 at Bingley Arts Theatre. Please see Gill if you would like tickets. Junior Church - Many thanks to Wendy for all her help and support with Junior Church. She is taking a break from helping following the birth of Megan. We need someone to take over from Wendy. This involves helping approx one Sunday a month and we don't do Junior Church during school holidays. If you are interested, please see Kim. Junior Church resumes on 22 April. Monday - 9.30 am Monday Mums, 6.30 pm Boys Brigade Tuesday - 10.00 am Tuesday Fellowship, 7.00 pm Card Class, 7.30 pm Guides Wednesday - 6.15 pm Rainbows a

We send our good wishes to our minister, Keith, who we understand is 60 today! A very happy birthday to you.

Wonderful news! Beautiful baby Megan was born at 2.08 pm on Easter Monday, approx 5 weeks before she was expected. Weighing in at 4lb 11oz, she'll be in special care for a few weeks; however, she and mum, Wendy, are doing fine. Andy is still in shock!! We give prayers of thanks for her safe arrival, and ask God to surround them with His love and care. Congratulations and God bless you all.

Monday 9th - Janet asks us to pray for Amanda. Amanda's grandfather and mother both died very suddenly and the family are devastated. Please ask God to surround them with His loving arms and give them peace. Tuesday 10th - Margaret and Keith would like us to give thanks for David's recovery. He is now walking with a zimmerfame, and they thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Wednesday 11th - Jean K asks us to pray for her friend, Julie, who has undergone major surgery recently. May she feel God's healing touch on her. Thursday 12th - Today Gill's grandpa, Frank, is 98 years old. He is now in a care home and Gill would like to thank us for our prayers and ask God to bless him and give him peace. Friday 13th - John V asks us to prayer for Christian Aid - for those in over 50 countries worldwide who receive aid regardless of race, religion, colour or creed. Please also pray for those in this Church who will be supporting Christian Aid week which com

What a wonderful Easter day service we had. Keith provided a thoughtful sermon on the resurrection while the children worked hard to make a beautiful Easter garden. They joined us to remove the negative symbols of suffering and death that we had left at the lenten cross each week of lent, and helped us to decorate the cross with an array of beautiful flowers representing the positive resurrection promise of new life in Christ. How beautiful it looked. We then shared family Holy Communion. We wish you all Easter joy and peace.

Thank you for your reference in last week's prayer diary to my birthday. As mentioned, I spent it in the French Alps skiing with Jonathan, and had a great day (and indeed a great week). I look forward to seeing you all at church soon, now I am back.

Monday 2nd - This month we are asked to pray for the residents of Thackley Avenue - many of whom are known to us. May they all feel the love flowing from our church and be aware of our concerns for them. Tuesday 3rd - Today is Ian K's birthday. he is on the continent ski-ing with Jonny. Let us give thanks for all Ian does for our church, ask God to bless him and his family richley, and bring them back safely. Wednesday 4th - Please pray for David Standhaven who has been in great pain recently. Ask God's blessing on the nurses an doctors who attend him, that they might finally be able to alleviate this pain. May David and his family feel our love and concern. Thursday 5th - On this Maundy Thursday, please support the service of Holly Communion at St Andrew's at 7.30 pm by your presence or your loving prayers. Please also ask a blessing on the North Bradford Churches Walk of Witness tomorrow evening. Friday 6th - Jackie M would like us to give thanks for her sister, Marg

Loving Lord We ask your blessing on all who live in Thackley Avenue. You know their situations; their joys and sorrows; their hopes and fears; their needs and their concerns. May they know that they are in our thoughts and that we care for them. Help us to respond in love to the needs and pressures our modern world places upon them and show us ways in which we can serve and strengthen our community. Amen. (Image by www.heartlight.org ) ( Prayer mission info )

Monday 19th - We are asked to remember Nighstop in our prayers today and give thanks for all those who give a helping hand to other less fortunate than themselves. May these acts of kindness bless both the giver and the taker. Tuesday 20th - Ian and Dorothy T need our prayers. May they be uplifted in the knowledge that God will give them strength to deal with Ian's illness, and that they will be loved and supported by family and friends. Wednesday 21st - Moira and Keith would like us to give thanks to God for His faithfulness regarding their son, Chris, who has settled well in his new job in Edinburgh. Thursday 22nd - Lee and Heather need our prayers and loving support as they deal with family difficulties at this time. Please ask God to grant them His strength, and to bless them with His peace. Friday 23rd - We are asked to give thanks for the leaders of "Sorted", the youth club which meets on our premises. They are extremely grateful on behalf of its young members

Monday 19 March - 7.30 pm You are invited to come and sing King of Kinds the new musical by Darren Garfield. Please meet at St Andrew's for a meeting and first rehearsal. The musical will be performed with a choir from the Headingley circuit on Friday and Saturday 8/9 June. All ages and abilities welcome!! Saturday 24 March - Easter craft morning 9.30 am to 12.00 noon, tickets £5 including refreshments. Elaine is running a craft morning to make and create some wonderful Easter goodies! Sunday 25 March - 10.30 am Keith Bolton, 6.30 pm Circuit United Service at St Andrew's. Thursday 29 March - National children's homes charity concert 7pm at Woodhouse Grove School. Tickets £4.00. Saturday 31 March - Ladies' Wednesday Group Coffee Morning, 10 am to 12.00 noon, tea/coffee and biscuits 50p 9.30 am Church spring clean - We are very fortunate that we have members of our church who take it in turns to regularly clean the church and this is a really big job for one person to do

Loving Lord We ask your blessing on all who live in Thackley Road. You know their situations; their joys and sorrows; their hopes and fears; their needs and their concerns. May they know that they are in our thoughts and that we care for them. Help us to respond in love to the needs and pressures our modern world places upon them and show us ways in which we can serve and strengthen our community. Amen. (Image by www.heartlight.org ) ( Prayer mission info )

Monday 12th - Gill asks us to give thanks for the Monday Mums an the hand of frienship they hold out to all who join them on a Monday morning. Tuesday 13th - Please hold before God Margaret R's granddaughter, Zoe, who needs our prayers during an especially difficult time. Wednesday 14th - Tomorrow is the 4th anniversary of the death of Jean H's son-in-law, Jeffrey. Please ask God to be close to her and her daughter Debbie at this difficult time of remembrance. Thursday 15th - As the members of our Circuit Council meet this evening, please give thanks for the deliberations and actions they do on our behalf, and the faithfulness of their work. Friday 16th - Jean K would like us to give thanks for her family who are always there to help, support and love her. Saturday 17th - Maria asks us to pray for her friend and neighbour, Harry, who has been diagnosed with cancer. May he be given strength and courage to face the time ahead. Sunday 18th - Louise asks us to give thanks to

Well actually, some of us are pretty tired after a very hectic weekend; however, we are ALL very richly blessed! We've had a fantastic Church at home anniversary weekend. We started on Friday night with Keith leading discussions on worship and barriers to worship. Jackie continued this theme on Saturday morning as we looked at elements of worship. We then split into groups - prayer/meditation, music, drama - to plan our Sunday family worship. While all this was going on, Sharon and her team led the children's ceative activities on the theme of growth. We were frantically trying to pull all the elements of the group work together while we were eating our packed lunches and, to be honest, we left with some doubts as to how all the elements were going to fit together. After a free afternoon (free? some of us were shopping/cleaning/washing!) we reassembled for a wonderful chinese banquet (courtesy of the Chinese take away across the road from us) and after dinner entertainment. W

As part of Fairtrade fortnight, we ran a stall during most of last week to spread the word about Fairtrade to the many regular users of our premises, from Brownies, Guides and Boys Brigade to Men's Forum, Karate, Bowling Group, Wives Group, Monday Mums, Jigsaw, Playgroup and Mums and Toddlers. This proved very successful; the general reaction was on of interest and support. More importantly, we sold just under £600 of Fairtrade products. Congratulations and sincere thanks to those who staffed the stall for their commitment to guaranteeing that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.

Monday 5th - Please pray for Jackie D's friend, Hazel, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. May she find strength and courage during the coming weeks. Tuesday 6th - Jean H would like to thank all the church family for their prayerful support for her and Neville - it really has made a difference. Neville will be waiting until June for further action to be taken. Wednesday 7th - Kim would like us to pray for her neighbour, Joyce, who is recovering from a heart attack. May she know the love and concern of those around her. Thursday 8th - On International Women's Day, please bring before God the women of this world who are bringing up children in squalor, hunger and ill health and who are trying to improve their living conditions. We help the when we support projects like Water Aid, Christian Aid and Action Aid. Friday 9th - Please ask a blessing on our Church Family Weekend. May we grow together in love and friendship. Bless all those who will organise and partake in th

Monday 26th - Today marks the start of Fairtrade Fortnight. Thank God that we can now help Third World countries by buying fairly traded goods. Please support the various initiatives across the circuit with your presence and prayers. Tuesday 27th - Please keep Frank, Gill's grandpa in your prayers. He is still in hospital and trying to organise his life in the future. Wednesday 28th - Plase keep Dorothy, Alma's sister, in your prayers. She is very ill. Thursday 1st - This month we are asked to pray for the residents of Thackley Road - those known and unknown to us. May they see us and our church as a light in the community and know we are there for them. Friday 2nd - Today, the World Day of Prayer, please pray especially for the street children in many countries of S America who live without the support of families and in fear of the authorities who should be caring for them. Saturday 3rd - Please remember Keith in your prayers as he prepares to lead us in worship tomorro

Those who attended the Generation Gospel event with Rev Chunky and Rob Dunsire had a fun-filled, inspirational time. Here are the products of the poetry workshop featuring repetition as a poetical device – well done to all you budding poets!: Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Oh Jesus, I’ve forgotten the words (no offence!) I am a witness, said the witness, I was at the sceneI witnessed the smash and oh, what a crash, the worst I’ve ever seen The hearse was reversing; the driver was cursing, when came the awful collision And he wouldn’t have done had the bright winter sun Not obscured the minister’s vision He was giving a lift to a congregational miss And witnessing to her as he went But he got a surprise with the sun in his eyes When his no-claims bonus was suddenly spent I was a witness, I saw it all happen and I know it doesn’t make sense But I must disapprove of the vicar’s last move And be a witness for the defence. I’ve been told to write a poem A poem with eight lines So I thought that I

The Church Council were greatly encouraged by Sharon's letter with news from Sorted: "I thought I might take this opportunity to let you know how the "SORTED" project is progressing with help from our circuit. Andy's funding seems to be on a more secure footing now, but his latest brief was to create a YOUTH CONGREGATION and in order to work towards that, the format of the Friday night Youth Club has been changed. Youngsters now have a time in which they divide into small groups and receive leadership and Christian teaching from a number of teenagers who have been meeting with Andy from the beginning of the project. Each group has an adult to guide them and these leaders are now encouraging the regular attenders to be part of these groups and, on the whole, it's actually working. However, some are not so keen on the new format and the team are coming up against some challenging behaviour. One of the things which is encouraging them to persevere is Thackley