ST. MARGARET'S NEWS
FebruaryNews
12th February 2021

Summer Sunday Fun!
01 Jan 2020
It's been great to welcome children and families back into church on a Sunday afternoon for the past four weeks. The 16th, 23rd & 30th of August, as well as the 6th of September, saw the Junior Church team hosting up to 7 families a week, for 30 mins of fun and worship together. We've made crafts, joined in bible stories and action songs, praised and prayed! We're taking a break now, to allow space for children to start back at school safely - but watch this space for more from Junior Church in the next month or so!

Floodlights - in memory and celebration
31 Aug 2020
This month, the church floodlights are lit in memory and celebratoin of the following:
2nd Sept - "Shining for Zak's 30th birthday," sponsored by Derek and Eunice GLover
3rd Sept - "In loving memory of Dennis on his birthday," sponsored by Liz Herbert
17th Sept - "In loving memory of Mum, Eileen Cole, for her birthday," sponsored by Carol Keen.
21st Sept - "For my mother, Elizabeth Welbourne," sponsored by Miss Zeta Welbourne
If you would like the lights dedicated for a special occasion or memorial, please let us know.

Together in Unity
01 Aug 2020
This week, the Archbishop of Canterbury launched the 'Together in Unity' appeal - a chance to give genrously to the church around the world as it reaches out to support communities devasted by coronavirus. To find out more, including how to give, then follow this link: https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/about/anglican-communion-fund/coronavirus-appeal

A breath of fresh air!
01 Aug 2020
The sun shone (thank goodness!) on our outdoor service today. It really was a breath of fresh air to be able to welcome double the number of people we are able to safely accomodate in church at the moment - and to see both old faces and new amongst those gathered. Lockdown recordings by the choir - put together by the magic of technology - added something extra special to the occasion. Watch out for news of our next outdoor service, later this summer.

Princesses and Dragons
19 Jul 2020
We had dragons and princesses in church on Sunday, to help us celebrate the feast day of our patron saint, St. Margaret of Antioch. We're not sure if she really did get eaten by and then escape from the belly of a dragon, but we do think her complete trust in God is something we can all be inspired by! It's been great to see a few families back in church over the last few weeks - and look forward to welcoming more soon!

Junior Church get crafty for Horsforth works of Art
05 Jul 2020
Members of our Junior Church have been getting crafty as part of the the Horsforth Works of Art week... creating jungle-themed masks, puppets and door hangers! There is Art on display both online and around Horsforth all week (4th-11th July) - check out the Walk of Art Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/HorsforthWalkOfArt/

Normal? service resumes!
04 Jul 2020
On Sunday, we had our first service in church together since lockdown began! This was of course for a limited number of people, and with strict social distancing measures in place. We also live-streamed on Facebook, and will continue to operate a mixed-economy, worshipping together online and in church, right through the summer. We want everyone to be able to worship in the way in which you feel safest and are most comfortable. If you do want to join us in church one Sunday, then find out how here: https://www.stmargaretshorsforth.org.uk/copy-of-attending-church

A big birthday...
04 Jul 2020
As part of our Sunday worship this week, we marked the NHS's 72nd birthday, thanking God for all those who work to look after the nation's health. The church was decorated with knitted hearts, by way of tribute to all of those who serve us in the NHS; members of our church family who work for the NHS took part in the service; and we clapped together to show our appreciation to them and all who have gone above and beyond to care for the nation in recent months.

Open for prayer
04 Jul 2020
We have now been open for prayer on a Thursday for two weeks, with a steady trickle of visitors. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the special atmosphere of church - to reflect, pray, or just sit quietly. We are able to welcome up to four individuals at a time, and have everything in place to ensure your safety when you are with us. If you would like to arrange a visit, then everything you need to know is here: https://www.stmargaretshorsforth.org.uk/copy-of-attending-church

Bible studies
04 Jul 2020
We are just coming to the end of our series of bible studies on "Faith in the time of Coronavirus". Watch this space though - after a short break, we will be back with something new! We will be using Zoom, so you can join through your computer, tablet, smart phone or landline. If you would like more details, contact the church office email address.

Sing your heart out!
30 May 2020
Check out the latest tab we've added to our website...
https://www.stmargaretshorsforth.org.uk/favourite-hymns
Lyric videos of 20 of the church's favourite hymns - as voted for by you! A whole selection of great classics, that'll lift anyone's spirtis!

Knitted hearts
31 May 2020
We are still asking people to knit and crochet hearts for us - these will be hung in church when the building reopens, in memory of those who have lost their lives to Coronavirus, and in tribute to all those who risk their own safety working on the front line to care for others. Do get in touch and let us know if you have made any hearts, so that we can arrange for their collection in the next few weeks.

Parish Giving Scheme
30 Mar 2020
A new system for giving to church direct from your bank account was launched in the Diocese this January. We have benefitted enormously from people giving in this way during the lockdown. If you are interested in supporting the church with a regular donation through the parish giving scheme, then please do get in touch with us. Further details can be found here: https://www.parishgivingscheme.org.uk/for-donors/