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Past Events:


Stewards Barbeque Lunch to welcome our new Minister, Rev Graham Smith and his wife Jean September 2009
A barbeque outside in September could be thought to be risky. On this occasion the sun shone, the sky was blue and everyone ate their lunch in Derek and Joan's garden. Musical entertainment was provided by the Strummers and Grinners Ukelele Group of which Janice, one of our Stewards, is a member.


Farewell Party at St John's On Saturday 18 July 2009 a farewell tea was held in the Church to give thanks and appreciation for the ministry of Rev John Howard-Norman, June and the boys.

Organised by the Stewards and compered by Derek Horner and Paul Cohen, we were entertained to a varied musical programme. This included songs from Graham Smith on guitar; Emily Cohen performed ballet and tap; Ben Scrivener played the Euphonium; Samuel Hodgkinson classical guitar; Paul Curtis on his Flute and Matthew Howard-Norman entertained with his piano playing.
	Rev John cutting an iced cake depicting Rivington Pike.

Icthus continued the musical theme after tea and this was followed by a DVD presentation of 'This is your Life' compiled by Mike and Margaret Parker covering the eight years of Rev John's time here at St John's. Rev John Turner then said a few words and gave Rev John a book by John Wesley - 'His 100 Preachers' adding that there wasn't a Policeman amongst them!
In conclusion Jim Hodgkinson gave a brief resume of Rev John.		John was then presented with a Dartington Glass Vase and a cheque.
Rev John replied and said that he was grateful for the support and love the Church Family had given him and as he was only going to Westhoughton - he would be back. Alastair and Matthew would continue to attend St John's. So ended a truly happy time together!

A Visit to Bill and Ellie's Joan, with her friend Meg, visited Bill and Ellie Miller in North Carolina. They had a wonderful time and Bill and Ellie sent their love to all at St John's and Horwich Moor.

Lake Lure near Bill and Ellie's in North Carolina	Bill, Ellie and Joan with Bald Mountain in the background	Lake Lure


Dragon Boat Racing	Meg outside the Miller's front door	Chimney Rock

The Merchant of Venice

A number of us visited Turton Tower in 2009 for an open air performance of Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'.

		We gathered whilst keeping a watchful eye on the clouds overhead.

The pre-show entertainment helped the evening along. Derek had organised an ample buffet for us, the play was very good, but we did get rather wet ..... actors and audience alike! The show must go on!

Horwich Moor - 140th Anniversary

This was a splendid celebration afternoon, with many past and present friends and visitors, the worship inspiringly led by Rev Phil Mason on the theme of 'Touch'.

The walls resonated with the sound of African drums and song as the children made their entrance to introduce the service. Their Presentation in words, movement and pictures took us on an historical journey through highlights from the one hundred and forty year period, including the founding of the very first Bottom o'th'Moor Sunday School, held in a cottage prior to Horwich Moor being built. Hymns and choruses were well-known and joyously sung by the congregation.

A Faith Tea was served after the service and whilst the delicious food was being enjoyed, it provided valuable time for extended fellowship and an opportunity for everyone to view the children's History Board - a montage of the speical events featured in their Presentation.

Truly a Chapel Birthday to remember.

Kathey Denton and Kerris Milne
J.A.M. Club

CATS Production of 'Godspell'

A number of us went along to see CATS (Children's Amateur Theatre Society) Senior group perform GODSPELL at Theatre church and what a treat it was, the word amazing comes to mind. This musical written by Stephen Schewartz is based on Matthew's gospel told in a contemporary way using wonderful music and dance and was marvellously directed and choreographed by Louise Cohen. The professionalism and enthusiasm of the cast of around 40 young people didn't falter once. The production was colourful, humorous, vibrant but also very moving. It just made you feel you wanted everyone to see it.

Special mention must go to our own Matthew Howard-Norman for his wonderful protrayal of Jesus, and to Jack Fielding and not forgetting Derek Horner, who as usual did a brilliant job with the scenery.

The talant on that stage had to be seen to be believed and I for one cannot wait for their next production.

Congratualtion to Louise, all the cast and her many helpers.

Pat Harrison

I

Palm Sunday 2009

The way Jenny saw the service (Palm Sunday 2009)

One lovely summery day, I (Jenny) was going to go to St John’s Methodist Church. And this is what happened. On Palm Sunday, I had to wake up extremely early because I had to be at the Church for their service for Palm Sunday. After I had finished my breakfast, I was groomed and then my owner led me into my convertible stable. We were on our way to the church.

Once we arrived I had to wait till the boy who was going to ride me finally came. A couple of moments before this, I was allowed to go out and enjoy the sunshine and while I was enjoying the sunshine, some children came to stroke me (even though they didn’t realize I was 30 years old!) After 15 minutes, the service had begun and I would be going in soon! “In 2 minutes,” shouted a smallish woman quietly.

After those 2 minutes I was off! I walked into the church, up one way and down the other. When I came out, I was hoping I was going to go back in. After approximately 30 minutes, I had to trot along the side of my owner back into the church. The minister was thanking all three of my owners and other members of the church for letting me come to this wonderful church.

P.S.I hope I can come back soon.

by my friend Chelsie Rose Evans

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