Here are details of some of the things that are happening over the next few weeks, as well as one or two helpful links elsewhere. Please also check our calendar for all our events.
Autumn Walk
Saturday 5 November • 2pm • Clifton Country Park
Our final Family Event of the year! Meet together for an autumn walk at Clifton Country Park. There is a play area for younger kids and routes you can walk with a buggy or wheelchair.
Meet near the entrance just past the carpark at 2pm.
Remembrance Sunday Joint Service
Sunday 13 November • 10.30am
On Sunday 13 November the service will begin at 10.30am. It will be a joint service with St James and will include the minute’s silence at 11am.
Strengthening our Life Together
Sunday 20 November • After the service • The Vine Community Hub
One of the ways that we feel the Lord has blessed us as a church over the past few years has been to see the increasing diversity within our church with folks joining us from a wide range of different national backgrounds.
We are genuinely delighted by this, not least because I think it reflects something of the Kingdom of God, as well as making us all richer in so many different ways.
But it’s not enough just that we look different – we need to keep on growing together in understanding one another so that everyone can feel that the church is a place where they can offer their gifts as well as receiving from others. And because one of our core values is ‘paying close attention to one another’, we must always be willing to listen to one another.
Because we want to take this seriously, we have sent out invitations to all we had contact details for to come to lunch at the Vine after the morning service on Sunday 20 November.
Thanks to all who have responded. If for any reason you haven’t received an invitation but would love to be part of this discussion, then please let Neil know.
World Cup Socials
Various dates/times • The Vine Community
Those of you who like football will be aware of the football World Cup coming up in November!
We are going to show some of the matches in The Vine as an easy way of spending time together and something you can invite friends and family to. If England get through the group stage, we may show more games but, in light of the way they are playing, this is by no means guaranteed! As a minimum, we will show the following:
- Monday 21 November: England vs Iran. 1pm K.O. Food and drinks from 12.15pm.
- Friday 25 November: England vs USA. 7pm K.O. Food and drinks from 6.15pm.
- Tuesday 29 November: England vs Wales. 7pm K.O. Food and drinks from 6.15pm.
Spaces are limited and so you need to sign-up at the church information point if you want to come (or contact Ian). Cost is £3 per person towards the cost of food and drinks.
Vine Plans
In our service on Sunday 23 October, we talked about the plans that are being formed to change the way we offer community work via the Vine. We began the negotiations to lease the Vine in May 2021, just before we moved into St James for worship. After long negotiations we agreed to pay £20,000 per year rent for the Vine on Cholmondley Road and began work there in November 2021.
The relationship with St James’ congregation and leaders has become a very strong one. One of the things that has become apparent is that we could go into a partnership with them and completely renovate the parish hall next to the church. That would mean we could use these bigger premises to offer all we have at the moment and then do even more. In the lease agreement, we have an opportunity to leave Cholmondley Road in November 2024.
The idea then is that the money we would have paid the landlord will be used to pay for the refurbishment. We will not pay any other rent on the hall for 10 years. We will move all our activities across, be able to run more with St James, have a bigger space, and have a fully modernised hall for our life as a worshipping congregation.
Where we are up to with the plans is that St James are waiting for a Church Share agreement to be signed by the diocese which will then go to Elim’s national leaders. This will guarantee the relationship between the two churches.
This month we were told that Elim agreed to us engaging in this work.
We will be beginning to consult with users of the vine, we will get architect plans drawn up and then quotes for the work. We will keep you informed of progress as we go on. If you have questions then please chat with Neil, Ian or Charlie.
Christmas Events
Candlelit Carol Service
Sunday 11 December • 4pm
Our Candlelit Carol Service will be on Sunday 11 December at 4pm. It will have traditional and modern carols, the story read and a short explanation about why this is brilliant news for everyone. Invite friends, family and work colleagues to come along.
Christmas Day Service
Sunday 25 December • 10.30am
There will be a Christmas Day service at 10.30am – it’s a great time for us to celebrate. It will last around 45 minutes.
New Year’s Day
There will be NO service on New Years’ Day.
Ready to Serve?
If you’ve been part of church for a while and want to know how you can serve others in church, we need to talk! You might want to welcome people as they arrive, play in the worship band, work with children, be involved in the tech side of things, lead a small group, help to clean the church or prepare tea and coffee after services. You might want to be part of the Info Point team. You might have skills and gifts we had no idea about. This is your moment!
Please contact Neil or Ian for a chat together.
Ever wondered about volunteering in Kid’s Church?
Well wonder no more!
Over the 4 week cycle, could you join the team to help lead games and activities or teach the week’s bible message?
If games, crafts and activities are your thing, then perhaps Week 1 is for you. We split into 3 age groups and spend the time having fun and building relationships.
If you prefer a more traditional Sunday School type session, maybe Week 3 is your thing. On a Week 3 we split into 3 age groups, but only up to age 14 (Year 8).
Or if you like a bit of both, Week 2 and Week 4 could fit the bill. If you feel you have a few hours once a month to help us deliver our programme to our church members between the ages of 4-18, then please do come and speak to Morag.
Church Band Jam
Do you sing or play a musical instrument but are not currently serving on the church band rota?
Every now and again, we organise a jam at church for those who are keen to grow in confidence and practice with others in a supportive environment. If you are interested in getting involved, let speak to Ian.
Help Needed
Would you be interested in volunteering at Lifecentre Salford’s Christmas Holiday Clubs?
The Lifecentre Salford would love volunteers to join them at their Holiday Clubs this Christmas on 22 and/or 23 December 2022.
They are holding 9 Christmas Holiday Clubs to provide healthy food and fun activities for children aged 5-11 from families facing food insecurity across Salford.
They are looking for any one who:
- is over 18 years of age
- is patient and ready to have fun
- enjoys working with children
- and is willing and able to travel to a venue in Salford
If you are interested in volunteering at one of our Holiday Clubs we’d love to hear from you. Please watch this short video to find out more.
Scan the code on the video to apply or follow this link to fill in a volunteer application form.
Alternatively you can email them at holidayclubs@lifecentre.org.uk for more information.
All applications must be received by 9 Nov. Applicants must have prior experience of working with children and references will be required. DBS checks and training will be provided on 26 November. Lunch is provided for all volunteers at the holiday clubs.
