Monthly Newsletters – January

January News 2025

All Saints & All Souls Sunday
On All Saints Sunday, Fr. Peter was privileged to share in the moving service of remembrance in the old church at Pilling.  In the sermon, we were reminded of some beautiful words of the late Queen that: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”  It is a reminder, that the journey through grief is part of life.  It also reminds us, that love doesn’t end in death, but continues in the precious memories of loved ones which we share.  During the service, people were invited to light a candle in memory of a loved one.
Meanwhile, at St. James’ Stalmine, Rev. Dyllis led the service to remember our loved ones who have died and to give thanks in our hearts for their lives.
For the loss we feel and the pain within,
For the memories we treasure and the love we shared;
For all they were and still are in our hearts,
We will remember them.

Similar services also took place at Hambleton, Out Rawcliffe and Preesall.

On the following weekend, our Parishes led community services of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Services of Remembrance
On remembrance Sunday at Hambleton, Rev Maureen led a beautiful and poignant All Age Service of Remembrance. The family of the Church was joined by children from Hambleton Primary Academy who read the poem “Flanders Fields”.  The congregation also included Brownies and Rainbows; Molly, the Gala Queen, and some of her retinue. We also welcomed members of village organisations who presented their wreaths at the altar.  Brian and Pippa lit candles in memory of those from the village who died whilst fighting for their country and Joshua and Ethan beautifully read prayers of intercession.


Autumn Fair
S. Oswald’s recently held their Autumn Fair.  The hall was full of people enjoying the variety of stalls and also delicious refreshments.  There were a number of local craft stalls selling beautiful handmade items and there were great refreshments on offer!  It was a perfect way to start your Christmas shopping!  Both church and community came together to enjoy a lovely autumnal afternoon.

Thank You for the Music!
Early in November we were thrilled to present a braille hymn book to a member of our congregation at St. Oswald’s. Barry could take an active part in the regular service but was unable to sing the hymns.  We contacted RNIB and they have been able to transcribe nearly one hundred of Barry’s favourite hymns.  It was a very emotional moment when we presented Barry with his new book.  He has a lovely singing voice and we are delighted he can now fully participate in worship!

Christmas tree Festival
In mid-November our Parish Church at Pilling looked fantastic, decorated with a wide variety of Christmas trees from all sorts of groups in our village for the village Christmas Tree Festival.  The church looked wonderfully festive, whilst in the church hall there were refreshments and an array of brilliant craft stalls. A wonderful start to the Christmas celebrations.

Lighting of Stalmine Village Christmas Tree
From the long procession of glowing lanterns wending their way from Stalmine Village Hall to St. James’ church, to the dazzling smiles of people of all ages, eagerly anticipating the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, there was every sign that a glittering evening was unfolding!  Throughout the drizzly December daylight hours, there had been much speculation about the feasibility of an outside evening event. Miraculously, as darkness descended, the rain retreated, enabling the lantern procession and the ‘Switch-On’ to go ahead as planned. The gleaming instruments of Wyre Brass Band provided jubilant notes to familiar carols and Sara led the family-friendly service before handing over to Lois to turn the darkness surrounding the towering evergreen into sparkling light.  Inside the church, seasonal music welcomed the crowds and the aroma of mulled wine drifted through the air as they tucked into bacon barm cakes and sausage sandwiches. Christmas crafting for the young ones provided more glamour and glitz as biscuits and tree decorations were decorated. Animated chit chat, laughter and happy voices resonated throughout.  There was, of course, a most special visitor! Santa, with help from his very tall elf, welcomed all the little ones in his shimmering grotto and listened attentively as they shared their hopes and dreams for Christmas. Without doubt, it was a brilliant night, for the whole village community.

Confirmation 2024
Inside the packed church of Blessed Virgin Mary Hambleton, Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster confirmed twenty youngsters and adults.  In a joyful and spirit filled service, the candidates were presented for confirmation. Together, they articulated their decision to follow Christ before being called by name to receive the sacrament.  The newly confirmed enjoyed a congratulatory round of applause from the congregation and then shared the peace before receiving Holy Communion.
At the end of the service, Bishop Jill commissioned all the candidates to go out into the world and serve God.  All received a special candle to mark this momentous day and exciting new chapter in their faith journey.
Thank you to all who prepared the candidates for confirmation.
Thank you to all the clergy who supported and contributed to the day.
Thank you to Hambleton for hosting this wonderful occasion.
Thank you ALL, for being part of the day.

Hambleton Toy service
The Toy Service at Hambleton was fun filled, for all ages yet with a serious message as the congregation thought about preparing for the arrival of a special King.  Linda read out a letter we had received from Buckingham Palace telling us that King Charles would be paying us a visit.  Of course this isn’t true but it led everyone into thinking about how they would prepare not only the church but their hearts for the arrival of a much more important King at Christmas and putting God at the centre of it all.  The Advent candle was lit by Luca, members of the congregation read a dramatised reading from Luke ‘s gospel and Daisy, Pippa, Poppy, and Ellie led the prayers.  Many people so generously donated toys which will be sent to Fylde Coast Women’s Aid.  Thank you everyone!

Ding dong merrily on high!
On the second Sunday of Advent, Stalmine Village Hall was filled to capacity for the much-anticipated Community Carols & Toy Service led by Pam.  Rev Naomi led some special all age themed activities.  Pilling Jubilee Silver Band were in sparkling form and played many wonderful favourites.  The Over Wyre Community Choir were in fine voice and shared some lovely musical pieces.  Blackpool’s Women’s Refuge will benefit from the many generous toy donations given at the service.  Mince pies and a glass of wine were enjoyed by all at the end.
Following the service, more than sixty parishioners shared a delicious lunch with family and friends, thanks to Brenda Murphy, and kind donations of wonderful puddings from St. James’ talented baking team!  A day to remember? Absolutely!