Re-opening Of Our Church After Major Changes

On Sunday, 4th May, our church re-opened after major changes had been carried out to the central worshipping area of the church.

The fixed timber stalls that had lined the side isles of the main part of the church for many years were removed in order to enlarge the overall area.  This has now become a dual purpose area available for both worship and social activities.  The floor had to be levelled and the interior of the church was redecorated in cream and oatmeal finish.  The floor was re-carpeted in an attractive mottled blue and new stackable seats upholstered in Congregational blue material were purchased.  New lampshades were added and additional power points provided.  The whole project was discussed and approved by members and the works were put into motion by our fabric committee member and senior deacon, Mr. Peter Stapleton.

A special service was held for the reopening by our minister, Rev'd Angus McCormick.  The service started with an Introit "O perfect Life, be Thou our full assurance".  All the hymns were chosen by the church members.  These included "Be Still in the presence of the Lord", "Great is thy Faithfulness", "Lord of all Hopefulness, Lord of all Joy", "Saviour, Thy dying love Thou gavest me".  The final hymn was "Sweet is the work, God, my King".  This was followed with the Doxology "How good is the God we adore".  The Bible reading was taken from Ephesians, Chapter 2, verses 20-22.

During the service, Mr. Peter Stapleton gave an account of the refurbishment programme and Miss Vicky Galton read an extract from our church history records.  Mrs. Olive Emery read a poem she had written to mark this special day.  The poem is entitled "The Church's Own Story".  Miss Jenny Galton assisted Mrs. Angela Corbett with the organ music.  

After the service, Mr. John Corbett, the Church Secretary, presented a gift of garden furniture to the minister and his wife as a token of thanks for all the great work they have dedicated to our church over the past years.

Over thirty members and friends enjoyed a celebration luncheon in the new ground floor combined worship and social area.  The floral table decorations were provided and arranged by Mrs. Diana Rainey and the luncheon was cooked and prepared by Mrs. Angela Corbett and Mrs. Pat Stapleton. 

Two sisters Jenny and Vicky Galton were officially welcomed as full members of the church. Jenny is also assistant organist and plays regularly under the supervision of Angela Corbett our head organist. Vicky makes regular contributions to our services doing readings and reviewing Christian books she is reading. These young members are so special to our church and we all welcome them.

The Rev Angus McCormick at a recent service also welcomed Mrs. Rachael Balian as a new members to our church. Rachel has been a regular member of the congregation for some time and we are so delighted that she has joined our membership.

Golden Wedding Thanksgiving Service 

For Patricia and Peter Stapleton

A special service was held on Sunday 1st June to celebrate the golden wedding of Patricia and Peter Stapleton.

Their best man, Mr. John Weedon, read the first Bible reading and their grandson, Adam Stapleton, read the second reading.  The service was conducted by our minister, The Rev'd Angus McCormick, who renewed the vows of the couple.  The church was almost filled to capacity with friends and family  together with regular church attendees.

A buffet lunch was provided by the couple and all church members were invited along to join family and friends.

Peter Stapleton is a senior deacon and he and Pat have attended the church regularly for many years and have undertaken numerous duties within the church over the years. They are both dedicated in supporting church activities including security, church fabric matters, the provision of refreshments and cleaning duties.

Church Anniversary

Sunday 8th June marked the celebration of the Church Anniversary.  A special service was conducted by Rev'd Angus McCormick and the hymns were chosen by the congregation.

Vicky Galton read a delightful poem about the miracle of the blind beggar written by Fay Inchfawn taken from Senior Reciter, published in 1959.  Jenny Galton posed three searching questions on Christian understanding and the congregation were asked for their responses.

Mrs. Olive Emery kindly read a poem that she had personally composed regarding the church's anniversary.  A copy of Olive's poem entitled 'This Anniversary Day' can be found at the end of this article.

After the service members and friends stayed for tea or coffee while the finishing touches were made to a celebration luncheon.  Thirty-four sat down for a lunch consisting of roast turkey, new potatoes, runner beans and carrots, followed by apple strudel and ice cream.

This was a truly happy occasion and demonstrated the wonderful Christian bonding that is present at this church and demonstrates the caring community who reside in the village of Shillington.

Shillington Congregational Church

1825 - 2008

The Church's Own Story

I wasn't the church you see here today

     When first my life began.

I was just a room in somebody's house

Where meetings were held by one man.

As time went by more people came,

The room was soon outgrown

What could they do?  Where could they go?

They needed a church of their own.

The people were poor, and money was scarce,

But Faith and Commitment were strong.

They firmly believed as the Church still does today

That God would help them along.

In 1839 a Union of Churches was formed

With the purpose of buying the land

Where I could be built and have their Church,

Just as they always planned.

Willing hands were ready to help save the cost

In any way the could.

They carried the bricks, the slates and the sand

And the heavy planks of wood.

At first all I had was basic,

But I prospered and I grew.

A porch and schoolroom were added,

Stairs and a balcony too.

The lighting was only by candles,

They gave a very dim light.

Lamps were brought to replace them,

Loving hands kept them clean and bright.

In 1936 electricity came!

What a memorable day.

A touch of a switch and there was light.

The lamps were soon put away.

In this year 2008

Another big change has been made.

The old damp floor that served me so long

Has gone, and a proper floor laid.

The pews at the side have been taken away.

I look so big and bare,

But in May I shall be myself again.

Your Church - God's House of Prayer.

Yes! I've seen many changes

Throughout the years,

And I know I shall see many more,

But the things that won't change are

The Friendship and Love,

And the welcome that waits at my door.

Nothing and no-one can ever change these

For they are part of God's Plan,

That He had for me in that hired room,

Where first my life began.

Written by Mrs. Olive Emery - April 2008

Church News

Originally shown in the Parish News - February 2008

Various events are planned for 2008 and will be advertised at the church.  Everyone is welcome and new faces are always an encouragement that we are reaching out to others in Shillington an the surrounding villages.

Christmas may seem a long way off at the moment, but here is an early notice for you.  This year we have decided to support Diabetes UK with our "Christmas Tree & Festive Display" weekend of 6th & 7th December.  Please make a note on your calendar.

As a fellowship we are always trying new Ideas and 2008 will see us trying new things.  At present we are considering opening our church at times during the week for people to come in for a time of quiet reflection.  If you feel this may appeal to you, we would like to hear from you - contact us via the church letterbox.

As a church we offer various services you may not be aware of.  These include "Marriage Blessings".  We have already, this year, included a marriage blessing in a Sunday morning service and another is planned for later in the year.

You may be aware that this year churches across the country are marking the year as "HOPE 2008". We will be holding various events with the theme of "HOPE" throughout the year, and these will be publicised via the Parish News, Shillington Congregational Church Newsletter and by posters outside the church.