St Michael and All Angels with St Mark, Preston

Farmers' Market

The third Saturday of each month is market day in Ashton on Ribble. For the last 15 years regular farmers’ markets have been held at St Michael’s church in Tulketh Road.

 The markets, which are held in the church hall car park, have become a major event in the local community, offering something for everyone. They provide a really welcome opportunity for people to shop in an environmentally conscious way, buying fresh food from local producers and minimising food miles. The church was a pioneer supporter of FairTrade, and was the first in the whole of Blackburn diocese to be given the coveted ‘Eco-Congregation’ status. The markets extend that commitment, by providing practical support for Lancashire farmers and offering them an opportunity to showcase their produce.

There are fresh vegetables, free-range eggs from local suppliers, fish from Fleetwood, delicious beef and lamb reared on the Cartmel fells, local bread, pies and cakes hand-made in the time-honoured traditional way, and of course plenty of the best cheese in the world – proper Lancashire cheese made just outside Preston in the shadow of Beacon Fell. 

It’s a lively and welcoming market which has become quite a social event as well. Even with COVID shoppers are able to meet, socially distanced, with their friends, and chat happily while choosing their fish or vegetables. Going to the supermarket can be a real strain, but the farmers’ markets are just that bit different – friendly, plenty of chance to have a word with the stallholders, and an opportunity to sample a taste of the produce before you buy.   

Said market organiser, Jacquie Crosby, ‘We thought of this idea some years ago because we wanted to make a lot more of our church. The building is a historic gem in the middle of the community, but we realised that it was under-used and that we could be imaginative in making it a really useful asset to Ashton and to Preston. So we experimented with holding a market, and we’re very pleased with how it has worked’. She added that customers are glad to have the chance to buy such quality produce on their own doorstep, and that supporting local producers is a real plus, especially in these difficult economic times. ‘For a lot of people in the Ashton area it’s now an event to put on the calendar’, she said, ‘but the more the merrier – we warmly welcome new shoppers. There’s plenty of parking and it’s easy to find at the junction of Tulketh Road and Egerton Road’.     

Markets are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9.00am-12.30pm!
 
 

We're having plant stalls in April and May and would welcome plant donations in the week before the market

  Preston Churches News…

welcome to the monthly email of what is happening around the churches of Preston.

With best wishes for a Happy New Year!

• Paul Blackett            A Preston Churches News poster is now available for you to display in your churches! With details of how to sign up and submit articles and events, we hope you will encourage others to receive these monthly bulletins. Let’s inspire each other with good news stories and support each others’ events!

• Kings Church, in partnership with Christians Against Poverty, are starting a new Job Club programme in January. Starting 11th January for 10 weeks on Thursdays at 10am. If you, or anyone you know might benefit from the Steps to Employment Programme then please contact Mark Willett on 07542 736095, jobclub@kingschurchfm.org.uk for information. Poster

• A United Songs of Praise Service is to be held at Christ Church, Victoria Road on Sunday 21st January at 3pm. Contact churchestogetherinfandb@gmail.com for details. Poster
• Warm spaces are once again being set up in our area - see the map at https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space#map

Poster from St Martins Parish Hall - Thursdays 11-4

Poster from Central Methodist Church - M/W/Th/F 10-1

• Job Vacancy - slightly out of the area but you may be interested…

PA to the Area Dean of Blackpool and Vicar of The Trinity Parish Role

We are looking for a gifted, experienced and skilled administrator to come and join The Trinity Parish and Blackpool deanery on a flexible, part-time basis to support our ministry. The purpose of the role is to provide support in the day- to-day administrative and Missional work of the Vicar and Area Dean of Blackpool(Vicar/Area Dean) .

This post is key in enabling growth in the ministry and mission in Blackpool Deanery. In line with the Diocesan Vision, Healthy Churches Transforming Communities

As a faith-based organization and place of Christian worship, our beliefs are foundational to everything we do. The post-holder will be expected to be sympathetic to these beliefs and work actively to support our ministry and vision.

This position requires an exceptional degree of professionalism and the ability to work in an ever-changing environment, where multi-tasking, sound decision making, self-motivation and discretion are essential. Equally the post-holder will need confidence and proven organisational, financial, communication and interpersonal skills.

The role will be predominantly based in the church office of The Trinity Parish,

located at St Mark’s church, Westcliffe Drive, Blackpool, FY3 7HG.

The role is initially scoped for 16 hours a week, over 3 days with a minimum of 12 hours office based and flexible home working. Contract basis, fixed term for 12 months. Renumeration will be paid at the 2023 Living wage foundation rate £10.90 per hour with an increase to £12.00 per hour from 1 April 2024. For full details see www.thetrinityparish.co.uk for the description.

For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Peter Lillicrap at vicar@thetrinityparish.co.uk

Application Deadline Midnight Friday 19th January 2024, Shortlisting 20th January. Interviews 27th, 29th or 30th January.

• The Preston Ribble Methodist Circuit are running the Bereavement Journey Course commencing in January (dates and times on attached poster). This is a series of six sessions with an optional seventh session about faith questions. It will run at Bamber Bridge Methodist Church ( PR5 6ED) commencing on Thursday 18th January, there will be a break in sessions on the 15th February. All sessions will begin at 7.30pm and last for around two hours. The course will be led by Denise Johnson and Felicity Knight.

Booking is essential and places will be limited. Please contact djpastoral@outlook.com 07719200451 or fsknight@hotmail.co.uk to book or request further information. Poster

• Preston Street Pastors are celebrating 15 years of Christian service in the community. December saw a ‘Big Patrol’ with 30 Street Pastors gathering to receive a vote of thanks from the Mayor of Preston, and prayers from Fr David Craven of St Georges Church. A big celebration service is planned for Tuesday evening, 14th May. Details to follow.

If you would like to hear about what Street Pastors are about and what they do, then please contact Paul on 07794 008767 or preston@streetpastors.org.uk. You can sign up for a weekly prayer email here

Press Release

• A big Thankyou from Preston Salvation Army for donations for the food bank and Christmas gifts for struggling families. Your generosity does make a difference to many! Current needs are for tinned meat, tinned fruit and toiletries. Thankyou!

• Online & In Situ Christian Retreats led by Donna Worthington

For bookings, please see the website or contact Donna Worthington: drworthington@live.co.uk  www.christianretreats.live

All retreats cost £20, unless otherwise stated.

JANUARY 2024

(ONLINE) CONTEMPLATION ON DIVINE LOVE | We will explore the beautiful ‘Contemplation To Attain Divine Love’ of a deep disciple of Christ, Saint Ignatius. The retreat will include presentation, discussion, inner work, prayer and quiet reflection.

Saturday 27th January 2024 10am-1pm

FEBRUARY 2024

(IN SITU) INTRO TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION | Explore the contemplative tradition with a particular focus on Fr John Main’s teaching.

Saturday 10th February 11.30am-3pm

At Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall PR55AA. For bookings, please contact the Parish office on 01772 335387 or Email – office@saintgerards.org.uk

(IN SITU) THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING | Explore this incredible mystical text written in the 14th C, a profound guide on prayer.

Thursday 22nd February 10.30am – 4pm (10am Coffee)

Cost £30 (Includes refreshments and lunch)

Venue: Monastery Of Our Lady Of Hyning, Warton, Nr. Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9SE

FOR BOOKINGS, CONTACT BOOKINGS SECRETARY: 01524 732684 hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk

MARCH 2024

(IN SITU) IGNATIAN PRAYER & DISCERNMENT | An Introduction to these helpful Christian approaches.

Tuesday 5th March 11:30am-3pm

Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall PR55AA. For bookings, please contact the Parish office on 01772 335387 or Email – office@saintgerards.org.uk

APRIL 2024

(IN SITU) THE WOMAN WHO ANOINTED JESUS | Imagine a woman walking through the streets to Jesus… She wants to do a brave thing for him before he dies. She carries a bowl of exquisite, expensive perfume in her hands… And Jesus’ responses: ‘She has done a beautiful thing to me’. ‘What she has done will be told in memory of her.’ We will explore this incredible Gospel text through drama, reflection, discussion, prayer etc.

Wednesday 3rd April 2024, 10.30am-4pm (10am Coffee)

Cost £30 (Includes refreshments and lunch)

Venue: Monastery Of Our Lady Of Hyning, Warton, Nr. Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9SE

FOR BOOKINGS: CONTACT BOOKINGS SECRETARY: 01524 732684 hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk

MAY 2024

(IN SITU) THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING | Explore this incredible mystical text written in the 14th C, a profound guide on prayer.

Monday 13th May 11:30am-3pm

At Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall PR55AA. For bookings, please contact the Parish office on 01772 335387 or Email – office@saintgerards.org.uk

JUNE 2024

(IN SITU) JONAH & THE WHALE | A spiritual sea journey into the darkness of the whale & moving towards a pathway of light.

Thursday 6th June 11:30am-3pm

At Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall PR55AA. For bookings, please contact the Parish office on 01772 335387 or Email – office@saintgerards.org.uk

HOLY ISLAND RETREATS (NON-RESIDENTIAL) Mon 10th- Fri 14th June 2024. Our time in this sacred place will include a retreats, spiritual reflection, time to be creative and reflection on Celtic Christianity. Retreat sessions also include (weather permitting!) entering into the beautiful physical spaces of this island of St Aidan and St Cuthbert, which has been called ‘a thin place’, e.g. time on St Cuthbert’s Island – a small island very close to the main island where St Cuthbert used to go to have solitude. We will take time out to soak in and simply ‘be’ in this ancient place of beauty. These retreats always seem to be graced with insight, enjoyment and spiritual depth. Holy Island is a wonderful place to retreat to!
The 5 retreat sessions will take place in St Cuthbert's Centre (and weather permitting, at various places on the island) on Monday evening at 8-9.30pm, then at 10am-12pm and 4-6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There is an optional spiritual direction session available to you, if you wish. You'll need to sort out your own accommodation and meals - this gives you the freedom to stay where you feel comfortable. To express an interest in attending and for further information, please contact: Donna Worthington - drworthington@live.co.uk 
M 07770719198

JULY 2024

(IN SITU) THE FIRE, THE WELL & THE CLOAK | Explore the spirituality of the wonderful Saint Brigid and her compelling symbolism.

Saturday 6th July 11:30am-3pm

At Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall PR55AA. For bookings, please contact the Parish office on 01772 335387 Email – office@saintgerards.org.uk

(IN SITU) THE FIRE, THE WELL & THE CLOAK | Explore the spirituality of the wonderful Saint Brigid and her compelling symbolism.

Tuesday 23rd July 2024, 10.30am – 4pm (10am Coffee)

Cost £30 (Includes refreshments and lunch)

Venue: Monastery Of Our Lady Of Hyning, Warton, Nr. Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9SE

FOR BOOKINGS, CONTACT BOOKINGS SECRETARY: 01524 732684 hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2024

 (In Situ - Ireland) SAINT KEVIN RETREAT AT GLENDALOUGH | THE CAVE, THE BLACKBIRD & THE MONSTER | A Journey with the Christian Contemplative, Saint Kevin. 20th Sept 2024.10:30am-3:30pm. Cost 70 euros

Imagine going deeper on a journey with the 6th century Saint Kevin... Just a few minutes from the stunning Monastic Site of Glendalough, Ireland, is the Brockagh Resource Centre (close to Glendalough Hermitages / St Kevin's Church) and it’s here that the day retreat will take place. We will use presentation, music, stillness, discussion, to explore the compelling spirituality of this famous hermit including the profound image of Saint Kevin’s Cave, which offers us rich ground for considering contemplative silence and why our hearts often yearn for stillness. The unforgettable story of Saint Kevin and the Blackbird will be presented through storytelling and we’ll explore questions such as: How does this story show the relationship between prayer and creation and prayer and spiritual birth? Space for inner soul work will be offered; the startling symbol of the monster of the lough can be an aid to looking at our own shadow sides and how we can bring these gently to light as well as noticing the hidden treasures we may carry. The day will end (weather permitting) with prayer in the sacred place of Glendalough itself, at St Kevin’s well.

Venue: Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh House, Ballard, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, A98D3H1 Please arrive for 10.15am, we'll start promptly at 10.30am. The day finishes at 3.30pm Please bring a packed lunch.

Getting to Brockagh Resource Centre, (which is in Laragh village, very close to Glendalough Monastic Site). Easily reachable by car and public transport. The nearest train station is Rathdrum, then a short taxi ride to Glendalough. For train times see www.irishrail.ie. You may also wish to take the Glendalough Bus www.glendaloughbus.com or local Link bus number 183. 

Local Taxis - Glendalough Cabs John Preston: 0879729452  glendaloughcabs@hotel.com   www.glendaloughcabs.ie

NOVEMBER 2024

(IN SITU) Parcevall Hall, Residential Retreats | Exploring Celtic Christianity – St Hild, St Ia, St Brigid

In beautiful countryside is Parcevall Hall. They say on their website that many have: 'come here to experience peace and tranquillity since the hall opened as a retreat house in 1963'. Parcevall Hall is a unique and special place with lovely gardens, an outdoor terrace, a chapel, comfortable bedrooms etc.

This retreat focuses on 3 inspirational women from Celtic Christianity: Saint Brigid of Kildare, St Hild of Whitby and St Ia of Cornwall. We will explore the intriguing symbolism of Saint Brigid's fire and cloak. St Hild's banishment of harmful snakes will offer us a space to face our fears. St Ia's wonderful ocean journey in a leaf-coracle will help us to creatively explore a journey of surrender, solitude and the wild elemental sea, wind and sky... Our time of retreat will include a rhythm of prayer, retreat sessions, spiritual reflection, time to be creative and relax. The retreat is an opportunity to explore Christian spirituality in a creative and prayerful way. The cost (on request) includes all retreat sessions, an optional spiritual direction session, accommodation and 3 meals a day (vegetarian food). Retreatants stay in the main hall. 

DATES: 2024 Monday 11th November, leaving on Friday 15th November (4 nights) 

To express an interest in attending any of the above and for further information, please contact: Donna Worthington - drworthington@live.co.uk 
M 07770719198

   April 15 and 29

May 13 and 27

June 10 and 24

July 18 and 22

August 12 and 26

September 15 and 23

October 11 and 25

November 11 and 25

December 9 and 23

No child should ever have to go to bed hungry.

Today, far too many do.

We’re stopping hunger in its tracks.