St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

In case it has escaped your attention the London Olympics will soon be upon us, and as the build-up gathers momentum so too does the interest and sense of anticipation at St Andrew's, the parish church of Dearnley and Smithy Bridge.

One of the highlights of the craft and pottery exhibition by Hilary and Ken Isherwood, to be staged in Church this Saturday morning (July 14) from 10.00am to noon, will be an opportunity for children to create Olympic-style medals.

Adults can turn their hands to the potter's wheel; decorate plant pots or mugs; or have a go at making fridge magnets, but the children will be "going for gold" and they won't want to settle for silver or bronze.

Tickets priced £5 will be available on the door and proceeds will go to our Wider Welcome project which will extend, improve and refurbish our facilities for community use, based upon our existing parish room.

The Rev Sharon Jones, our vicar, used to be a schoolgirl athlete of some repute and in this magnificent summer of sport it was perhaps no surprise to see her latest article in our church magazine, 'The Fisherman', headlined, 'Running the Race'.

The New Testament writer to the Hebrews reminds us of those who have run the race to Jesus before us, enduring all manner of hardships along the way, but have kept the Faith and have crossed the finishing line into the arms of Christ.

Sharon wrote: "It is helpful to be reminded that whether we are sprinters, endurance athletes or strugglers at the back we are cheered on by the saints and faithful folk who have been part of our personal histories and part of the story of the Christian church down the ages.

"Like a relay team, we pass on our faith to the next generation and pray for them to press on with perseverance as faithful followers of Christ."

Having served for 27 years without one, Sharon will soon be taking a three-month sabbatical, starting in September and finishing a few weeks before Christmas.

For six weeks during that time she will be in Namibia, training deacons and preparing them for ordination.

While she is away, the ministry of the church will be in the hands of Canon Roger Hill, Archdeacons David Sharples and Cherry Vann and George Dobbs, with whom the congregation is already familiar.

Our former Reader, Geoff Hurst, meanwhile, has moved on from St Andrew's to be licensed to serve in the parish of St Barnabas, Shore.

Sharon said: "Geoff served St Andrew's faithfully for more than ten years. Christine (his wife) was an excellent church warden, particularly during the interregnum before I arrived.

"I greatly valued their support and friendship during their time with us, as did many others. We wish them every blessing in the years ahead."

Volunteers are needed please to help Claire Cook with Sunday school during the summer holiday period.

Anyone who might be able to assist would be required to help in the parish room during our 10.00am Sunday Eucharist. Please see Claire for further details.

The Mothers' Union met last Monday and enjoyed a Body Shop party.

This coming Sunday we have Eucharist at 8am; Sung Eucharist at 10am; and Holy Baptisms at noon and at 1.00pm.

Parish rota: lay assistants, J Paterson, B Kelly; readers, P Shrigley, J Mills; Intercessions, J Mills; sidespersons, G Kilpatrick, M Sheridan; refreshments, Elizabeth, Gillian J, Sheila.