United Benefice of
St. Matthew, Haslington, St. Michael & All Angels Crewe Green, Christ Church Wheelock

Dear friends in Christ,

I hope you're all keeping well and enjoying the last of the beautiful autumn colours. November is now upon us, bringing opportunities across our three churches to come together in worship, remembrance and fellowship. As we look ahead towards Advent and Christmas, there is much to share and plenty to look forward to.

Please find YWOW for Remembrance Sunday and our latest church notices below.

St Matthew's Autumn Fair and Hot Pot Lunch – This Saturday, 7th November, 11.00 am–2.00 pm

Our Autumn Fair and Hot Pot Lunch is tomorrow! Do come along to St Matthew's Church Hall this Saturday for some delicious food, good company and an opportunity to support our church. Whether you're coming for lunch, a browse or simply a chat, we'd love to see you.

A big thank you to everyone who has been busy preparing for the day. It will be a lovely occasion for our church and wider community.

Remembrance Sunday – 8th November

This Sunday, we gather to remember those who have given their lives in war, to pray for all who continue to suffer because of war and conflict, and to seek God's peace for our troubled world.

• St Matthew's, Haslington: Holy Communion at 9.30 am, including an Act of Remembrance. Arleine will represent St Matthew's as she leads the service at Haslington War Memorial at 10.50 am, supported by Christine and St Matthew's Choir.

• Christ Church, Wheelock: Our Act of Remembrance will begin at the War Memorial at 10.50 am, followed by our Remembrance Sunday service in church.

• St Michael & All Angels, Crewe Green: Our Remembrance Sunday service will begin in church at 10.50 am.

Thank you to everyone helping to prepare and lead these important acts of remembrance. At a time when peace seems so fragile in many parts of our world, our prayers for peace and reconciliation are much needed.

Prayer Breakfast – Saturday 14th November, 10.00 am

Our next Prayer Breakfast will be held in St Matthew's Church Hall. It's a lovely opportunity to come together in prayer and fellowship, please put it in your diary

Everyone is very welcome, whether you're a regular or joining us for the first time.

St Michael & All Angels Christmas Fair – Saturday 14th November, 11.00 am–2.00 pm

Christmas is beginning to appear on the horizon, via Advent, of course! Do come along to St Michael & All Angels, Crewe Green, for our Christmas Fair. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some early festive cheer, catch up with friends and support the life of the church.

We'd love to see you there.

St Matthew's Service of Remembrance – Sunday 15th November, 3.30 pm

Our annual Service of Remembrance offers a gentle and meaningful opportunity to remember loved ones who have died, to give thanks for their lives and to find comfort and hope in God's love.

This year, we will be remembering particularly those who have died during the last two years. If you would like someone remembered by name during the service, please give their name to Vicar Jane.

Grief doesn't follow a timetable, and the love we hold for those we have lost remains with us. Everyone is warmly welcome, whether your loss is recent or many years ago.

Advent Course – Walking with Angels

Our four-session Advent Course, Walking with Angels, begins on Thursday 19th November at 7.00 pm, at Christ Church, Wheelock.

Throughout the Bible, angels appear at significant moments, bringing messages of hope, reassurance and God's presence. During Advent, we'll explore what these encounters might teach us about faith, trust and recognising God at work in our own lives.

These evenings will be relaxed and welcoming, with opportunities for reflection, conversation and fellowship. You don't need any previous experience of an Advent course, just a willingness to come along and share the journey.

Please note that we won't meet on Thursday 3rd December, as Christ Church will be hosting a Brass Band Concert that evening. Everyone is warmly invited to the concert too!

St Matthew's Christmas Pantomime Raffle – Saturday 5th December

Donation books are now available in St Matthew's Church for anyone who would like to contribute. The raffle will take place at Soup and Carols on Saturday 5th December.

Thank you to everyone supporting this festive fundraising event.

Christ Church – Lighting of the Remembrance Tree, Sunday 13th December, 4.30 pm

Christmas can be a particularly poignant time when we are missing someone we love. Our Lighting of the Remembrance Tree offers a special opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us, to give thanks for their lives and to find hope and comfort together.

If you would like a loved one remembered, please give their name to Liz Morris.

Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this time of remembrance, reflection and hope.

As we move through November, with its themes of remembrance, gratitude and hope, I'm reminded how important our church communities are. Whether through worship, practical help, friendship or simply being there for one another, we share something precious in our life together.

Thank you for all that you do, often quietly and without recognition, to make our churches places where people can find welcome, friendship and the love of Christ.

I hope you have a lovely weekend and, if you can, find a little time for rest and refreshment too.

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May God bless you and those you love.

With every blessing,

Vicar Jane

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1st Sunday      St Matthew's        9:30am:  Holy Communion     (live streamed)

                        Christ Church      10:45am: Family Service         (live streamed)

                        St Michael's        11:00am:  Morning Prayer

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2nd Sunday    St Matthew's         9:30am:  Morning Prayer       (live streamed)

                       Christ Church      10:45am:  Morning Prayer       (live streamed)

                       St Michael's        11:00am:  Holy Communion

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3rd Sunday     St Matthew's        9:30am:  Holy Communion     (live streamed)

                       Christ Church     10:45am:  Family Communion  (live streamed)

                       St Michael's       11:00am:  Morning Prayer

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4th Sunday     St Matthew's       9:30am:  Morning Prayer        (live streamed)

                       Christ Church    10:45am:  Morning Prayer        (live streamed)

                       St Michael's      11:00am:  Holy Communion

                       Christ Church      4:30pm:  Evensong               (live streamed)          

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5th Sunday         10:30am: Joint Benefice Service

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​​Wednesday Holy Communion takes place at St Matthew's (BCP) at 10:45am

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