SUNDAY SERVICES IN CHURCH 10:30am (unless otherwise stated)
28th April Morning Worship and God's Squad
5th May All Age Service
12th May Holy Communion and God's Squad
19th May 9.00am BCP Holy Communion / 10.30am All Age Holy Communion
26th May Morning Worship, APCM and God's Squad
Please join us for refreshments after the 10:30am service
GIVING AT ST LEONARD'S
Giving expresses our love for God and responds to God’s generosity to us. It is part of our worship week by week. A plea to those who regularly pay cash into the plate or use envelopes: would you consider changing to Standing Orders? This would streamline our cash handling; I'm sure you all know that banks are making life more difficult (and expensive) when it comes to handling cash. Standing Orders are completely under your control, and could be weekly or monthly - please speak to Moira. Alternatively: there is a digital giving device at the back of church for card/contactless giving. Please use on your way in or out of church. It is simple to use, and a quick cost-effective method for us to collect your offertory giving. We are charged for depositing cash, and our nearest bank branches are now Bury or Rochdale. The offertory plate will continue to be passed in church, but if you are able, please use the digital device instead. You may also give online at: www.middletonparishchurch.org.uk
APCM: our Annual Parochial Church Meeting is taking place during the service on Sunday 26th May. Church Officials will be elected (election forms are now available at the back of Church); if you want to join the PCC, propose/second a prospective member/Churchwarden or vote at the APCM on various matters which may arise, you must be a member of St Leonard's Electoral Roll. Speak to Moira if you want to join/check if you are a member.
CONFIRMATION: This year, our Confirmation service will take place on Sunday 2nd June at 3.00pm at All Saints, Rhodes. If you are an adult, ot a young person in year 7 or above, who is interested in being confirmed, please speak to Alison, David or one of the ministry team.
SAFEGUARDING
If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact our Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinators Ann Connell and Sarah Jennings. Safeguarding@middletonparishchurch.org.uk
PARENTS/GUARDIANS!
C of E Secondary Schools require ‘points’ to enable your child to attend that school. Regularly attending our God’s Squad helps to accumulate those points but to make sure sufficient weeks are covered there will be a registration sheet at the entrance of church every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday. Please ensure your child is booked in.
BRENTWOOD DAY CENTRE
Brentwood (Middleton Day Centre, 115 Long Street M24 6DL, 0161 655 4062).
Brentwood does a lot more than offer food to those in need within our community, but it is an essential and much-needed part of all that they do. They are so grateful for everything we donate to them; please continue to help with: cereals; coffee; tins of corned beef and potatoes;carrots, peas, beans, tuna, tomatoes, soups - anything to make a basic meal. And now that winter is here: clothing, hats, scarves, jumpers, socks, gloves, and blankets, quilts, bedding and toiletries. Also needed: empty plastic carrier bags to pack the above for folk to take away.
We have leaflets and newsletters in church about Brentwood, please take one, or go online: https://brentwooddaycentre.co.uk
Please leave items on the bench as you come into Church (during office hours if you can't make Sunday)
WRIGGLE ROOM: attention all parents with wriggly children! In the baptistery area (left hand corner as you face the back of Church) there is an area for quiet play so that you as a parent can still enjoy the service. This 'room' is available most Sundays.
KEEP THE DATE: Saturday 4 May 2024 at 2.00pm
Internationally-renowned organist Jonathan Scott in concert at St Leonard's; tickets £10. This is the launch of the celebrations for St Leonard's 500th Anniversary in its present form, and will be followed by a series of events throughout this year. Please make a note of the date and tell other people too!
500th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2024: We now have a sheet with all the dates for this year's events, so you know what is coming up and when. Please take one from the back of Church, and take another to give to friends, neighbours etc.
SANCTUARY DAY: a spa day for the soul; an opportunity for rest and refreshment. Saturday 18 May, 10.00am to 4.00pm (refreshments from 9.30am) Led by the Ven Stewart Fyfe, Archdeacon of West Cumbria. We have really appreciated Stewart's ministry over the last couple of years, and look forward to welcoming him again. Lunch will be provided; there is no charge, but please book your place for catering purposes by e-mailing office@middletonparishchurch.org.uk or contact Alison on 07446 289965. See posters for further information, plus leaflets at the back of Church.
WORD FOR THE DAY: the latest issue (May-July) is now available at the back of Church; please take a copy.
CHURCH OPENING: the Church is now open to visitors (and guides are on hand) on Fridays, 1.00pm to 4.00pm until September (with the exception of Friday 3rd May - concert rehearsal).