We girls painted animals, trees and rivers onto

Brights concrete walls, and Bright was delighted.

From p2: The Valley of 1000 Hills

Being Thankful

THE VALLEY OF 1000 HILLS

Jeni Sutton (20) grew up in Preston and is now

at Sheffield Hallam University studying nutrition
and public health. For ten weeks she volunteered
through the International Citizen Service (ICS),
to work with the South African charity Zoe-Life
which is partnered with a UK Christian relief and
development agency called Tearfund*.

We moan about the government, education, immigration, or recently, having to

boil or buy water. On p6, Margaret Sutton
remembers life without indoor running
water or electricity. Her life has not been
without tragedy, yet her attitude has
always been, not grumbling, but thankful
and quietly prayerful.

Dont Worry

Dont worry about anything; instead, pray

about everything. Its that guy Paul talking again! But what if were in huge debt
or about to lose our home? There are no
easy answers, but worry wont help. Read
p4, about people who are thankful for the
new Preston North CAP Debt Centre. This
initiative is dramatically changing the lives
of local people struggling with debt.

Leaving home comforts

The world is not TV - you cant simply

sit on your sofa with a remote control to
change the scenes you hate. You might
consider emulating two of our younger
church members, who left their home
comforts to make a dierence: Jeni
Sutton on p2 spent her summer in South
Africa supporting children suering
poverty and injustice. And Dan Feeny on
p10, decided to highlight the problem of
human tracking by living in a cage for a
week.

Living in peace

Ultimately, it is not what we do, but who

we are that makes the real dierence.
My aim is to be less grumbly and more
thankful, to worry less and pray more,
to be less critical of others and, as far as
it depends on me, to live in peace with
everyone.
PS: Our Sunday morning service no
longer starts at 10am. So that we have
space for everyone, two identical services
happen, starting at 9.15am and at 11am.
See the back cover for details. And it
goes without saying; whoever you are
you are welcome to join with us.
Enjoy Heart 2015!

Katharine
Cover Photo by GEOFF WILLIAMS
https://www.facebook.com/geo.williams.100/photos_albums
Other supporting images Shutterstock.com

*Tearfund is a UK Christian relief and development agency, founded by George Hoffman. The agency is a founding member of the Disasters Emergency Committee.

e hear about people living in

abject poverty, suffering from
HIV and AIDS, but meeting
those people and sharing life with them
taught me not to feel overwhelmed by
the sheer numbers, because by stepping
out into the unknown we can impact
people in amazing ways. I spent 10
weeks in The Valley of 1000 Hills in
KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, working
with children affected by disease,
poverty and injustice.

After training in Durban, I was sent to Embo

Valley where I joined the project Focus on iThemba
a charity which aims to restore hope to children, some of whom are orphaned
as a result of HIV and AIDS. I stayed in a house hosted by two lovely Gogos
(grandmas), with seven others including two girls from my team. Homes in
auent zones need guards for protection but in our deprived area, there was
no need for armed security. We did hear gun shots at night and I learnt that it
was common for domestic incidents to escalate into extreme violence such as
stabbings.

iThemba means hope in Zulu

iThemba own a large site, which includes a sponsored primary school and a
secondary academy. Also there are three childrens homes in which married
couples care for up to seven children including their own. iThemba works with
four privately owned crches located in the valleys which provide day-care for
children aged 6 months to 5 years, while their parents work, or look for work
or just sit around! The crches charge 150 rand per month (about 8) which
includes two meals a day,
starting with breakfast at 8am.
Those who cant aord to pay
are sometimes allowed to do
work such as gardening for the
crche owners.
We girls helped to feed the
children. We also played with
them. They speak Zulu, but
we taught them basic English
- around 50% of Zulus speak

English uently. The sta were eager to learn from us,

especially rst aid and nutrition. I was shocked because
they had absolutely no idea about healthy eating: it was
a revelation to them that fruit contained vitamins. We
explained general hygiene after we saw them mop up the
childrens accidents in the bathroom then use the same
dirty water to mop the kitchen oor.
Big companies sometimes sponsor a crche in return
for signicant tax breaks so our four crches were all very
dierent depending on who nanced them. One had been
purpose-built by a wealthy sponsor; in this the children
sat on a carpet for their lessons. In another they sat on a
concrete base. Yet another was scruy, covered in bits
and running with ants. It was a battered, wooden hut
which ooded when it rained, ruining the childrens work.
The walls of the hut were held together with thick plastic
laundry bags nailed over the huge cracks and holes.

I nearly cried
A lovely lady named
Bright owns a
dilapidated two room
crche, one built out of
crumbling concrete, the
other room a falling down
wooden hut, built in her
parents garden. The
story goes that a sponsor
had built a beautiful
crche on community
land with the blessing
of the community, for
Brights children. Recently,
a so-called chief of
the community railed
against this building, saying the land could not be used
for a crche but for the community. The community was
in uproar, marching and signing petitions to keep it open,
because the crches are multi-functional, doubling as
halls or churches. All the same, the chief knocked it down
and there was nothing anyone could do. I nearly cried
when Bright told me this story. I couldnt understand the
meanness of the community chief, but Bright said, God is

on my side. I will never stop ghting for my crche until the

day I die. So we girls painted animals, trees and rivers onto
Brights concrete walls, then painted shapes and fruits to
aid learning. And Bright was delighted.

A vital part of our work was to write reports on each of

the crches. Crches that meet government criteria can
be registered to receive nancial assistance. Our reports
were done so the charity could inform their next team of
volunteers, who could in turn help the crches to target
their weak areas, with the aim of satisfying the government.
The government goals are not achievable because some
crche owners are so poor they cant aord to upgrade
their premises to meet the demands of the government,
and so elderly that they cant ll the online forms in without
computer skills.
Im grateful to my parents for their support. I know they
felt very distant when I suered 10 days of dysentery (for
which I got excellent treatment), and when I got a spider
bite on my foot that itched and swelled up like a golf ball
- this healed with antihistamines. My family has attended
Fulwood Free Methodist Church since I was a child, so I
was supported by the church family as I went to South
Africa, and also now, during my rst year at university.
During my gap year I learnt so much about myself. I can
be shy, but I gained condence through meeting new people, and making new friends. I learnt budgeting, (I worked
on the deli in Booths, to fund my trip, and to save for uni). I
learnt to cook, and to get things done. I learnt how to make
the most out dicult situations without moaning. In this
country, even in the tough times, we have so, so much!

Diriye Amey / Shutterstock.com

o everything without
grumbling or arguing,
wrote Paul. But how
can we resist when the media
offers us so much juicy
grumble-fodder?

DEALING WITH

A Preston CAP client told us:

DEBT

ulwood
Free
Methodist
Church
(FFMC) have
Lisa Bell
launched the
Preston North Debt Centre in
partnership with Christians
Against Poverty (CAP). The
centre is managed by church
member Lisa Bell, while
other members are trained to
provide support for clients.
Lisa explains why she decided
to get involved:

Previously I followed a career which

was very much around serving
and helping people and providing
excellent customer service. As a mum
of two children Id been looking for an
exciting challenge, so when I decided
to work with CAP, everything just
seemed to slot into place! I followed
ve days of intense training at CAP
HQ in Bradford. Ongoing support and
continual assessments will help me
stay on track with the task.
Christians Against Poverty has

320 debt centres across the UK. Each

centre is a partnership between CAP
and the local church which enables
help to be free to everyone who
needs it. The Preston North Debt
Centre provides help for people in
the PR2 area, as well as covering
Garstang and Longridge. We oer
CAPs award-winning debt counselling
programme, as well as the CAP Money
Course, a three-week course which
looks at money-management and how
to save and budget successfully.
FFMC is a community hub with so
many exciting things going on and I
love being a part of the people here.
My heart is that people who are not
used to church wont be afraid to
contact us if they are in need, and
the public will grow in condence to
recommend our work to friends and
family.
There are people nearby who
are going without food, some are
depressed, and some feel excluded
from society because they are under
the crippling grip of debt. Who knows
what the future holds? I am led by my
faith and my love for the people of the
community.

CAP DEBT HELP

Christians Against Poverty is a national
debt counselling charity working
through a network of centres based in
local churches. CAP oers hope and a
solution to anyone in debt through its
unique, in-depth Debt Help service.
CAP oers debt counselling, advice
and practical help. People are
empowered to help themselves out
of poverty, to be free from the fear,
oppression and worry caused by
huge debt. CAP teaches clients vital
budgeting skills that will last a lifetime.
The charity operates through a
growing network of UK debt centres,

all opened in partnership with a local

church. CAP began in 1996 when John
Kirkby, armed with a 10 donation,
started to help people in his local
community who were trapped in debt.
The charity is a fast-paced,
growing organisation whose vision
is to answer the national problem of
debt in the UK by having at least one
CAP Debt Centre operating in every
major town and city to enable anyone
to access its life-changing service.

CALL FREE ON

0800 328 0006

Calls from mobiles may be cheaper on 01274 760839

Maxine, Birmingham

Calls from mobiles may be cheaper on 01274 760839

Weighed down by

Weighed down by

0800 328 0006

debt? debt?
Debt caused our
relationship to break
down. CAP was like a
ray of light, and life has gone from strength
to strength
since we when
contacted
them.
CAP
are unsurpassed
it comes

CAP are unsurpassed when it comes

to the debt help they give people across
the country.

Martin Lewis,
Money Saving Expert

Free debt counselling in your area

from an award winning charity

to the debt help they give people across

& Tessa, York
theSteve
country.
Debt caused our
relationship to break
down. CAP was like a
ray of light, and life has gone from strength
to strength since we contacted them.
Steve & Tessa, York

From the moment CAP got involved,

everything changed. We were given a
budget, which meant I could suddenly
do all the things that a parent is meant
to do for their child.
Sarah, Bracknell

The CAP
Money Course
The CAP Money Course is a free
course to help people manage their
money better and learn to budget,
save and spend well. This course
features DVD presentations. CAP
trains volunteers from local churches
to be CAP Money Coaches who
will coach you to work on your own
personal budget.

CAP also operates in Australia, New Zealand and most recently Canada, and is leading the way in helping people from all
walks of life through the Release (from addictions) courses
and Job Clubs.

Martin Lewis,
Money Saving Expert

If you are struggling with debt,

please dont hesitate to get in touch.
A recent
40% of our
From thesurvey
momentshowed
CAP got involved,
everything
changed.
We
were
given
a
clients had either tried, or seriously
budget, which meant I could suddenly
Whatever
the situation you
are facing,
contemplated
ending
it there
all.
do all the things that
a parent
is
meant
is hope. As a charity, we offer a completely
to
do
for
their
child.
Were
here
to
help.
free service to help you lift the burden of
debt. So give us a call today and start your
Sarah, Bracknell
journey towards debt freedom.

Whatever the situation you are facing, there

is hope. As a charity, we offer a completely
free service to help you lift the burden of
debt. So give us a call today and start your
journey towards debt freedom.

facebook.com/CAPuk

@CAPuk

WINNER

facebook.com/CAPuk

debt help

@CAPuk

capdebthelp.org
WINNER

debt help

capdebthelp.org

Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW e [email protected].
t 01274 760720. Registered Charity No: 1097217. Charity Registered in Scotland
No: SC038776. Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales
No: 4655175. CAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Registration No. 413528.

capdebthelp.org

Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW e [email protected].
t 01274 760720. Registered Charity No: 1097217. Charity Registered in Scotland
No: SC038776. Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales
No: 4655175. CAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Registration No. 413528.

debt? d

CALL FREE ON

Calls from
mobiles
may be cheaper on 01274 760839
Maxine,
Birmingham

0800 328 0006

I had six jobs, but

all I was doing was
paying off the interest
on my debts. When I called CAP, the
burden just lifted I knew I was going to
get the support I needed.

Weighed down by

I had six jobs, but

all I was doing was
paying off the interest
on my debts. When I called CAP, the
burden just lifted I knew I was going to
get the support I needed.
CALL FREE ON

debt help

Lifting people out of debt and poverty

SurViviNg tEeNs a Skills For Life course

Wednesdays 6th January 2016 to 10th February 2016
Time: 7.30 - 9.15pm. No cost.

Val Higginbotham is very experienced at running successful parenting courses for anyone who needs support, ideas
and encouragement. Surviving Teens covers topics such as self-esteem, negotiation and communication (or not!). An
excellent DVD reminds the group of the physical, emotional and mental changes that occur during the teenage years.
Dont do it alone!
Parents of primary-aged children take note! Contact the church (details on back cover) to register interest in Vals
spring-time course, so you can be notified of the dates nearer the time.

Change

IS INEVITABLE
By Margaret Sutton

hroughout summer 2015, the people of

Preston were affected by the discovery
of a parasite in
the water system. Many
were upset, even furious,
about having to boil or
buy water, but when I was
a child all our water was
pumped by hand from a
spring beneath the ground
beside our farmhouse,
Swillbrook Grange in
Crown Lane. I vividly
remember that pump!

We bathed in a big tin bath in front of the re, lled

with water that had been heated on the range in the living
room, and with little or no privacy. Before electricity our
home was lit by paran lamps. Coal res heated most
rooms, but a bedroom re
was only lit if someone was
ill. Obviously there were no
radiators, no TVs or computers and no telephone. In 1932
our home got electricity and
water! Immediately, Dad made
a hovers a sort of square
wooden aair that hovered
over an electric light, to keep
little chicks warm beneath it.

day of her funeral. Then, when I was only 7 years old, my

dad died suddenly of congestion of the lung. I remember
the last meal I had with him, in a little caf in Orchard
Street, before a friend
took me by bus to
visit my Grandma in
Sedbergh.
In 1957 I married
Eddie Brewer. Six
years later we moved to Broughton. Tragically, Eddie died
in a car accident in 1966.
Eddie had founded a corn mill where we mixed animal
feed and sold it to farms. After Eddie died I worked at
the corn mill, doing nances. Then when the mill closed I
worked for an egg-packing company in Broughton village,
as a clerk doing calculations. Our extended family went
through some tough times when my sister-in-law, one of
my brothers and myself all lost our spouses in quick succession, but being part of such a
caring group of Christian people
meant we were always loved
and supported.
Eddie had rightly insisted I
learn to drive and at the third
attempt, aged 31, I nally passed
my test. My second husband,
Ted, was a driving instructor who
needed help with his expanding
business, so I started to work
with him as an instructor in my
own right. Many of my clients were women, who I enjoyed
teaching with understanding and patience. Mind you, one
time I did have to apply my brakes sharply, when one of the
learners almost landed the car in a hedge!

... all lost our spouses in

quick succession

We bathed in a big tin

bath in front of the fire

A Very Solid Foundation

In 1914, Jim Parkinson (my dad), began dairy and poultry

farming at Swillbrook Grange. My mum Isabella had moved
from Sedbergh to work on a local farm. My parents had met
each other at Woodplumpton Methodist Church. Back then,
families were fewer, but mostly larger than today. People
worked hard, socialised and did church together. We cared
very much for one another, forming close, lifelong bonds.
Three families in particular, the Etheringtons, the Suttons
and the Parkinsons, all from Woodplumpton parish, have
remained very close through the years, along with other
young people from smaller families who were bonded with
us too. Life back then had a very solid foundation.
I was born in 1929, the fourth of seven children. Dad
bought a Morris car because he couldnt t all four of us
into the sidecar of his motorbike! When I was three, my
sister Maud, who had always been frail, died aged 9 from
a leaking heart valve. My brother John was born on the

Some Things are Constant

In 1975, Silverhill Farm in Fulwood was purchased by members of the Garstang Methodist circuit who had recently
left to form the Free Methodist Movement (See info on
opposite page). Their ongoing commitment to fellowship
and nance enabled Fulwood Free Methodist Church to be
built on this site and the new church opened in 1978 with
42 people from Crown Lane Church, including myself.
Since 1978, this church has only had 4 lead pastors,
Barrie Walton, Ken Leech, Alan Ellershaw and, since 1995,
Andrew Gardner. This has meant much stability within a
fast-changing world. Fulwood Free Methodist Church is not
the countryside church of my younger days, but a growing

congregation in an everexpanding city. I was

here when we planted
Penwortham Free
Methodist Church in 1987.
I have been part of two
major building projects,
and witnessed new ideas
ourishing, such as The
Wednesday Lunchtime
Fellowship which I love,
Cedar House Counselling
Centre and most recently,
Christians Against
Poverty. Hymns used to be sung to a piano or organ;
today we sing the most enduring old hymns, but also
modern songs led by excellent musicians on every type of
instrument.
At heart, Im a people
person. I love to visit
and encourage the older
generation, some battling
with health issues or
confusion. I enjoy caring
for those who are lonely
or losing their sight, unable to read. I am blessed with a
thankful, outgoing nature that has seen me through so
much.
Recently my second husband Ted died. We had
married back in 1973, bringing Teds four children and my
son Edmund together. Now, the children are adults with
their own families, but they continue to care for me. I live
alone, yet never alone. I spend hours quietly meditating
on the Bible, and praying for others. Change is inevitable,
but some things are constant: the love of my family and
friends, my love of Fulwood Free Methodist Church, and
my constant faith and trust in God.

e
s
n
d
d
ay
e
W

Lunch Break

12.00 1.30pm
3 weeks out of 4
o n ly 2 . 5 0

I enjoy caring for

those who are lonely
or losing their sight,
unable to read

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND

TO THE NAME FREE METHODIST?

uring the 18 th century, Church of

England ministers John and Charles Wesley

and their friends formed a club at Oxford
University. This group was very committed to caring
for the sick and poor and visiting
people in prison. They worked so
methodically that they gained
the nickname the Methodists.
After Johns death, the movement
became the Methodist Church.
In the mid-19th century, an
American Methodist minister
called B.T. Roberts determined John Wesley
that seats in church should be free for all people, at
a time when the wealthy paid to sit in the best pews.
Roberts churches were also committed to freedom from
slavery in an era when slavery was a huge issue. This led
to them being known as Free Methodist Churches.

Join us for homemade soup, a fresh warm roll and a glass

of juice followed by a homemade cake and a cup of freshly
brewed coffee or a cup of tea the choice is yours.
We welcome young mums with babes in arms, business folk
on their lunch break, the retired, and students on study days.
Please come in. You will be made welcome.

Wednesday Lunch

Fellowship

12.30 2pm
1 week out of 4
S u g g e s t e d d o n at i o n o f 3 . 5 0

NM

Join us for a two course meal followed by a cuppa and

a short service where we sing a couple of hymns, hear a
short Bible message and pray.
This group is aimed at those who are retired although all
are welcome.
While Lunch Fellowship is usually the 3rd Wednesday
in the month this is not always the case so if you want
to come, please contact Vicky at the church office. She
will send you a free programme in the post.

CAGE

BEYOND THE

18-30s

Group
roup

Toddlers

Tuesdays 10 - 11.30am
(term-time only)

Time for a cuppa and chat while

your little ones play. The over-3s
go into a separate space for a
story-time. Singing together to end
the morning.

Dan Feeny spent one week in a cage to highlight the problem of human
trafficking. Two months on, Dan reflects on some of the outcomes.

This year I decided to put this

feeling of empathy into some sort
of action, so during Lent * my friend
Nate and myself decided to challenge
ourselves to raise awareness of some
of the diculties people face.
Each week we dropped something dierent, seven things in total
- so one week we wore no shoes, one
week we didnt sleep in a bed but on
the oor, and one week we fasted
from all technology, which was tough
but liberating as it is so easy to get
sucked into technology usage. We
were in Copenhagen when we did a
week without showering which resulted in us washing in the hostel sink!
The denial was a brilliant experience

that got me thinking about how I could

raise awareness for other issues.
Then I decided to spend a week
in a tent within a cage to raise awareness for Human Tracking. Id been
talking to my friend Andy about how
Christians can get involved in the ght
against tracking and we considered
how to highlight the issue just for
people at our church. Andy came up
with the idea of living in a cage for
two weeks, and while I didnt think

one week we fasted from

all technology, which was
tough but liberating
Id cope with two, I could probably
manage one! Many people at Fulwood
Free Methodist Church supported me
by helping me to rene the plan, and
it was suggested I should go beyond
the local church by contacting news
agencies. Also, I thought itd be cool
to post video diaries on Facebook.
I was absolutely blown away by
the response I received. My rst
Facebook video gained 2000 views.
I was given articles in the LEP and
on BlogPreston and was interviewed
by Radio Lancashire and the Bee

Radio. Tearfund also featured me on

their twitter account and the story will
feature in the January edition of their
magazine Teartimes. I hadnt expected
any of this and was so grateful for it.
When I was in the cage, many people
dropped by to chat so I was able to
hand out info on a few relevant charities. Some people decided to start
to support these charities. The visitor
numbers were amazing, helping time
to pass more easily than Id expected.
However, it was a challenge to be
conned to one patch of grass and
towards the end of the week I was
getting more than a little restless!
The main thing I learnt through the
week was that, whilst Im denitely an
extrovert, I treasured the time I spent
by myself, with time to simply relax, to
read and to reect.
I would welcome the opportunity
to do something else like this in the
future. Right now Im hoping to start
an abolition group to help think up
ideas for future events. This is a group
supported by the Christian charity
Hope for Justice, that aims to raise
awareness and money for the ght
against tracking. If youd be interested in joining this, contact me using the
details on the back of Heart magazine.

* What is Lent? It is roughly 4 weeks leading up to Easter when some people choose to forgo some meals over 40 days to reflect on the 40 days Jesus fasted from all food in the desert, after
his baptism. Fasting releases time to pray. Also, money that would otherwise be spent on food can be given to charity.

he saying
friends are
the family
you choose
perfectly sums
up our group.
Good families
encourage and understand
each other, are honest and
respect each other, celebrate
together and unite in the face
of difficulty, and this group of
18 - 30s is like a family to me!

Being 18 - 30 brings all kinds of

challenges. Maybe its a new job
and career choices that change
your whole future. Or sometimes its
university and graduation, moving
out of your parents house, getting
a mortgage and handling the everdecreasing bank balance that was
small to begin with. Or perhaps youre
preparing for marriage and children;
or feeling a deep loneliness
because youre not in this
position.
All of this
alongside
the constant
pressure from

the media to t in and to be someone

that society dictates that you should
be a high yer who is well-dressed,
likes a certain type of music, parties at
the weekend, and goes on an annual
holiday to Ibiza.
Every day we have a choice;
either to conform to the patterns of
the world or to be radical and reject
who society says you should be and
instead embrace who you could be.
We meet every week to encourage
one another by
praying about
things that
matter, learning
together and
often ending
up in ts of
laughter. We are
a support network, a study group and,
most importantly, really great friends.
One nal lie that society tells us is
that 18-30s are the missing generation those who dont engage and
dont care. This group contains some
of the funniest, most intelligent and
most caring people that I have ever
met and we would love you to join us.
We understand how scary it can be to
try out any new group, but we are not
closed, and promise to help you feel
relaxed because YOU are welcome.

The 18-30s group is free. We meet most Mondays at 7.30pm in various places, usually
somewhere in the Fulwood area. For more information or to find out how to join, contact Anna
through the general contact details at the back of this magazine.

Cost: 1.50
for 1 adult with up to 3 children.
Includes refreshments.

MP

& BA

B
Y

his might sound like the

start of a game-show,
but here goes! Im Dan,
Im 20, Im at Lancaster Uni
studying Psychology and I like
people! Maybe its how Ive
been brought up, but I have
developed a strong empathy
for others around the world,
especially those less fortunate
than myself.

Music graduate, Anna Kember, explains what being

a part of Fulwood Free Methodist Church 18-30s
group means, and how you can join and share in
the friendship, care and support.

Tuesdays 10.00 11.30am

(most weeks)
For expectant or new mums, a
quiet (ish!) place to relax in our
caf area, make friends, share.
No cost. Donations welcome.

Inspirations
THURSDAYS 12 2.45PM FREE
Those that sew together know each
other. Welcome to Dots wonderful
afternoons of creativity.

10

11

THE
VENUE

INDEPENDENT
LARGE RETAIL
STORE OF THE
YEAR 2015

ho has worked a 60 - 80
hour week for the last
5 years and loves what
he does? Answer: Nigel Cope,
who runs two Christian Resource
Centres (CRC) in Preston and
Lancaster, with his wife Kath,
and five enthusiastic, friendly and
knowledgeable staff.

This year, 35 shops throughout the country

were nominated for the honour of being
Independent Large Retail Store of the Year 2015. The
award went to Nigel and his team. It is an industry award
that is not handed out lightly.
Nigel explains, We met the criteria because of the
wide range of products we sell, a good display, good shop
layout and signage. The assessors were impressed with
the quantity and range of books, cards, CDs and gifts.
The shop may be a business but it is one that puts
people rst. The sta were recognised for their passion in
serving and caring for many people in churches, schools
and other communities across both cities. Nigel says,
Some people come in carrying the weight of the world
on their shoulders, others feel excluded from society and
have even been asked to leave other shops, but we make
time to listen, to help them feel safe and accepted. People
come looking for books or cards to help with bereavement,

Lightfoot
RAMBLERS

WHo

Let

the

DadS ouT?

Were Open from

7.30 9.30 pm

every other week on a Thursday

Find out more about the Christian faith

or as gifts for others who are struggling and we help

them make those sometimes dicult choices.
Beyond the four walls of the resource centre,
the sta run many bookstalls, supporting
events locally and further aeld. The
assessors liked our training programme
for sta, especially for the young folk who
work for us, as we aim to equip each one
for a future in the workplace. We were
acknowledged for the respect that suppliers
give us, as we build good relationships with
them, always maintaining a professional attitude
to business.
The award supports future trading with suppliers, giving
the business more credence. It tells the customers that
they are not just another shop but are reliable and here to
stay! Since the award, Nigel has been approached to stand
on an industry committee that meets in London. He is still
considering this one!
Steve Briars, one of the assessors said, Its not
surprising the shop has been nominated for the award.
It has a lovely blend of professionalism, laughter and a
passion to serve the communities of Preston, Lancaster
and beyond through Christian literature and resources.
Come and browse the shop, located on Fox Street,
Preston Town Centre.

Web: www.prestonchristianresourcecentre.co.uk
email: [email protected] / Tel: 01772 259279

our happy group of adults,

Jforoin
children and a couple of dogs
a monthly walk in the country.

Gather in the Fulwood Free Methodist

church car park on Lightfoot Lane, to
share lifts. For details of times/dates
phone or email the church oce.

INCLUDES FREE TEA, COFFEE AND CAKE

he Venue began on 23rd April 2015. Its a

friendly, relaxed place where anyone can
ask questions about the Christian faith.

Sessions kick o either with a BIG question to discuss,

or a short DVD on a particular subject. There is time to chat
about the subject, and time for questions that lead to lively,
interesting discussions - questions such as What is Faith?,
Who is God?, What is God like? and Is it possible to know
God personally?
The meetings are exible, and the leaders respond to
whatever people want to explore. Most weeks about a
dozen people attend. Sometimes the Alpha-talk DVDs are
shown to help clarify a point. Recent feedback from people
whove attended the Venue:

I feel safe to ask anything.

It is informal and friendly.
Very welcoming.
It doesnt matter if you miss a week.
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian
or want to learn more about the Christian faith please come
along. Or maybe you have friends or family who ask you
questions you could suggest trying out The Venue where
theyre free to ask and explore any question big or small, or
just relax and listen to others. Everyone can come as little
or as often as they choose.
The Venue is fortnightly, 7.30 - 9.30pm on Thursdays.
See Fulwood Free Methodist Church website or phone the
church oce 01772 861597 for info.

Steve Allen heads up this gang of men who bring

their young children or grandchildren to chill out
together! 2 per family includes bacon butties,
tea, coee and biscuits. Come into Fulwood Free
Methodist Church at 10 -11.30am on the following
Saturdays throughout 2016:

January 9th, March 12th, May 14th,

July 2nd, Sept 10th, Nov 26th

FREE VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR

WEDNESDAYS 7.30 - 9.00PM

This new choir is open to everyone

regardless of age, race, religion or
experience especially men! For
information contact co-ordinators Stewart
and Lisa Bell using the contact details on
the back of Heart magazine.

FREE

Stewart and Lisa Bell (Choir co-ordinators)

WHATS ON

Energize (Junior Church)

for 4 11 yr olds, both
morning services

SUNDAYS

IGNITE

MORNING SERVICE
Choose from two identical morning services:
9.15am 10.15am or 11am 12 NOON

Both services are signed in BSL and SSE

by members of the congregation. A hearing
loop is available for the hard of hearing.
Both morning
services include:
Crche for adults with
babies and
Sparks fun for
2 3 yr olds

Services include modern worship, led by singers and musicians on

a variety of instruments and words from the Bible that inspire us.

SPARKS

AFTERNOON SERVICE
3.00 3.45PM
Usually 1st Sunday each month (not January and August)

EVENING SERVICE
6.30 8.00PM

Free refreshments
follow all services

Come to Kick Start!

F R I D A0Yp m

8 .0 0 10 .0

-time

First week
Calling all juni
free
or school bo
Fun, games,
ys and girls,
years 3 6.
crafts, games
and activities
and Bible stor
ies.

ADDRESS

Fulwood FMC
Lightfoot Lane
Fulwood
Preston
PR2 3LT

TELEPHONE
01 7 7 2 8 6 1 59 7

a
gether on
Chill out to ening.
v
Fridayitie
craft or
es such as
tiv
ith
Games, ac
ts of fun w
baking. Lo
rs.
e
ad
le
d
o
go

Anyone is welcom

e!

F R E aEyo! uth club - games,

e than just
nic games,
iMPACT is mor
, sports, electro
fo
,
week. Make
activities od
ch
ort message ea
sh
a
d
an
ip
worsh
lax together.
friends and re

VIS
IS IT OU R W EBSIT E
www.fulwoodfmc.net

for info on our church

for podcsasts listen to our
Sunday messages online
for blogs thoughts and ideas
for you to read

EMAIL

[email protected]

FIND US

C O N TAC T

7-8
For years
nly)
rm time o
e
(t
Y
A
FRID
0pm
6.30 8.0

E
C
A
P
S

ov e r
rs 9 and
For yea
18)
(ag e s 13

W E D N E S DA
Y 6-7pm in te
rm
Subs 50p

Sunday 9.15 or 11am

IGNITE
An informal church
for young people
aged 11 - 16.
Bring your friends
and nd out what
we get up to.
Everyone is very
welcome!

Staff at F ulwood Free Methodist Church are:

Registered Charity No. 514359

Pa s t o r A n d r e w G a r d n e r Pa s t o r I a n C l a r k s o n
Pa s t o r a l C h u r c h W o r k e r S u e C h a s t n e y G e n e r a l S e c r e ta r y V i c k y J o h n s