Messy Church Explored “Mothers and Others” in March

We explored ‘our mothers’ love for us and being part of a family.  Everyone had lots of fun exploring a mother’s love and what they do to look after us.

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Children had chance to make Mother’s Day cards, broaches, cup cosies and paper doll families.   They also role-played being mums: bathing and caring for baby dolls and doing the washing up as they thought about how hard our mums work looking after us. 

In the Celebration, Valerie helped children to think about the sacrifices mothers make for their children and their never-ending love.  Children were in fine voice as they sang songs and played instruments led by Karen and her helpers.

By Helen Priestman

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Time Travelling Pantomime was a hit

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WOW!  What a fun time was had.  Superbly written by our own Chris Garrattley and his Daughter Becky Vanden and masterfully produced by the one and only Karen Garrattley, it was a delight. A cast of 36, ranging from 7 years to 82 years in age, over 80 costumes with most of the cast  tackling 3 or 4 parts each. It certainly was a project! The story of 7 time travellers from a Museum in London ( including 2 very glamorous Dames), finding themselves whisked from the Jurassic period, to a pirate ship, to Egypt, Arabia,  Camelot, wild west America and a 70’s nightclub; finishing in a witches coven. It certainly was an adventure, with of course the usual audience participation, chase scenes and all the fun of a pantomime. It was very well received and financially rewarding.

It has got to be said however, that one of the biggest joys, was the comradeship of the cast and crew. Both the adults and the children put their all into it and the love and fellowship grew from week to week during both the rehearsals and show week. It was amazing. Rev. Valerie said a prayer  before each performance and it certainly made everyone feel we were well blessed. It was so appreciated by everyone, especially our two Muslim cast members, who felt very much it being the one God watching over us. Quoted below are a selection of cast and parent comments on Facebook:

“Seriously, what a Church,  what an amazing bunch of people. Going to miss you guys so much”

Asu Latham

“We love you Ashton-on-Mersey URC Pantomime Family. Thank you for unforgettable memories”

Jillian Morgan

“I can‘t express the happiness, joy and amazing memories Jess and I have from the last 6 months. You are truly all so very special to us now and will always be a special part of our lives”

Jess and Vicky Gresty

I think you will agree God was working with us. Amen.

By Patricia Joyce

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Room for God – A Poem

In my room I see my bed,

A comforting place to rest my head,

God is comforting, there for me

And always there when there is no glee.

I see a mirror not there to judge,

To bully, to hate, to hold a grudge

God is there, a loving soul,

A heart to love a heart to hold.

From hate, from fear from war that I can see

God is there to stop them

To help to save to help and rescue me

I see the window on the wall

I see the birds the trees I see them all

God is there to show my future

He loves he cares and has good humour

I see my charger on the wall

There to save me when I stall

God is here standing tall

To pick me up when I fall

God is everywhere here and there

Always to love you

Always to care

A poem by Charlie Heaven (aged 11)

[Grandson of Norma Morris – adherent of A-o-M URC]

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Edited by Becky Vanden