Mabel Swindley

 

Over the last six months I have been privileged to take Mabel her Holy Communion following on from Debby who had known Mabel throughout her ministry here.  Mabel was a remarkable character, bed ridden for five years and confined to one room in her house she was always cheerful, never complained. She remained alert and attentive to all her many visitors.  I soon learned not to ask how she was for her reply was always "very well thank you how are you? "  Mabel was a good Christian Lady, always asking about her Church and it's people.  She was surrounded on her bed with her small friends - over 30 little fluffy animal characters which she knew all by name.  She wrote a diary every day, what a wonderful legacy for her family.

 

Mabel had a wicked sense of humour, which kept her visitors amused and entertained. All this despite suffering a great deal of pain & discomfort.

 

The funeral service showed the extent to which she was admired and loved. The little chapel at Overdale was full of her relatives and friends -some had travelled from as far as Kent.  - There was a good sprinkling of friends from St Peter’s and St James' Churches and her dear neighbours. Mabel will be missed, and I for one feel richer for having known her. 

 

Sheila.

News from the Social Committee

  
The committee has chosen The Alzheimer's Society (Bolton Branch) as there charity for this year.
 
It has been decided that we will restart Bacon Butties again in September as it was felt that over the summer months that they would not be required.
 
The trips out to Oswaldtwistle Mill, York and the meal at the College were all a great success or at least we have heard of no complaints! If there any other places you would like to visit then please let us know and we can look into the viability of organising these events.
 
A Coffee Morning is to be held on 17th May 2008 at 10am - 12 p.m. in aid of the Alzheimer's Society. Tickets are on sale at the cost of £1 including coffee and biscuits.
There will be a variety of stalls including home made cakes etc so do come along and enjoy good company as well.
 
There will be a Theatre trip on the 23rd May 2008 to see Charlie's Aunt by the Phoenix Theatre group, at St Phillip's Parochial Hall. There will be more details later so please look out for these.
 
Future events
 
A trip to Southport Flower Show
 
BBQ on 31st August 2008 after the morning service in the church garden, snow permitting, with some games and music.
 
Quiz Night 15th November 2008

 

All these future events have still to be finalised so watch this space.
 
Please contact any member of the committee with ideas, or indeed complaints also how we can improve.
 
Social Committee

REFLECTION: -

Truth

 

When Pilate asked “What is truth?” (John 18.38), he asked the eternal and seemingly unanswerable question that the power of state cannot define; for external truth seems to reside outside the sphere of earthly understanding. Maybe the only inkling we perceive of truth in the affairs of the world is when:

 

           “Mercy and truth have met together,                                      righteousness and peace have kissed.

           Truth shall spring out of the earth,                                         and righteousness shall look down                             from heaven.”

           (Psalm 85.10-11)

 

Prayer: Lord, amidst the abundance of knowledge, hypotheses, and variety of choice, I find it is difficult to know what is the truth. Help and guide me to see in you the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Amen.

 

( By kind permission of Reverend Brian Branche, from his book: Reflective Thinking.)

 

FR