Thackley Methodist Church and Community Centre

Christmas is loud, isn’t it? So much expectation. So many voices. Telling us how to celebrate, what to wear, what to eat and drink, what to watch and what to buy. Instead, this Christmas we’re inviting everyone to hush the noise. To listen for the love song that the angels bring, this and every year. They sang it for the first time more than 2,000 years ago, on the midnight clear. They’re just waiting for us to join in. We want to share that same song of love by crafting angels, adding a tag with a message of love, and distributing them across Thackley in the week before Christmas.  We hope that they will bring joy to those who make them, and bring a smile to the faces of those who see them and take them home this Christmas. How you can help We would love as many people as possible to get involved by creating angels, using your preferred crafting method eg knitting, crochet, felting, sewing etc, and adding a tag with a message of love. There are links to a few patterns below, but f...

We care for creation and all God's gifts The universe is an expression of God’s loving, creative nature. We are currently in a climate emergency requiring urgent action, but the good news is that by learning about God’s love for creation and our place within it, we can learn to take care of the world we live in. The Methodist Church has set an aspirational target of becoming a net zero carbon emissions Church by 2030. We have already made good progress to reduce our carbon emissions by: Switching to LED lighting and smart switches to avoid lights being left on accidentally. Installing recycle bins, and recycling printer cartridges. Moving winter worship into the Community Hall.As an example, last year’s Advent worship cost an average of £56 each Sunday to heat the main church. The heating had to come on at 4.00 am and even by 10.30 am the church didn't feel overly warm. During January, it cost an average of £15 to heat the community hall. It doesn't need to come on until 8 ...

OUT OF THE ORDINARY: GOD IN US Bible readings Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—  on them light has shined. You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lo...