United Benefice of
St. Matthew, Haslington, St. Michael & All Angels Crewe Green, Christ Church Wheelock

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we continue the wonderful celebration of Easter, please find attached YWOW for the Sixth Sunday of Easter — Rogation Sunday.

Rogationtide is a time of traditional rural observance in which we pray for the work and wellbeing of farmers and growers, for our rural communities, and for all who labour to bring us food.

There will be an outdoor service for St Matthew’s at 9.30 am at Church Farm, Park Road (past St Matthew’s Church Hall, at the top of the road on the left-hand side). Thanks to everyone who is working hard to make this happen, to all involved with the service and to Pat Leech for welcoming us. Please bring a chair! If the weather is poor the service will be held in the church hall. There will be refreshments afterwards in the Church Hall, so please do stay.

At St Michael & All Angels there will be a shortened service of Holy Communion, followed by outdoor observances in the copse, or to be held inside if the weather is poor.

This Sunday we will also have Café Church at 4.00 pm in St Matthew’s Church Hall, with the theme of Easter. Everyone is very welcome.

Christian Aid week runs from 10th May to 16th May. If you'd like to give on line, please us this link to the United Benefice giving page, United Benefice Christian Aid

From the 14th May to 24th May, (Ascension Day to Pentecost), we're invited to pray "Thy Kingdom Come" as part of a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. Traditionally, we think of 5 people, every day.  You might like to try praying only using your hands. Sit with your hands open as if holding one of the five people. Take time to rest in God’s presence in silence. When you are ready simply offer them up to God by slowly lifting your hands upwards. Waiting again until you are ready to release them into God’s hands. Then close your hands together and after a short while place them on your knees. Repeat with each of your five

There will be a Prayer Breakfast on Saturday 16th May at 10.00 am in the Church Hall. All are very welcome to come and share in this wonderful time of fellowship, food, and prayer and huge thanks to everyone involved in preparing and serving our breakfast, and in setting up and clearing away.

We look forward to a disco to raise funds for the renovation of St Matthew’s Church Hall on Friday 22nd May at 6.30 pm, (doors open at 6.00pm). Your first drink and snack are included in the ticket price. Tickets are £10, available from Arleine and Viv, and everyone is very welcome. A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising this event.

On Sunday 24th May, the Feast of Pentecost, St Matthew’s will be celebrating with All Age Worship, as we seek to know afresh the joy and wonder of the coming of God’s Holy Spirit. This service has been designed by Chris Betts, St Matthew’s OWL (Occasional Worship Leader). Everyone is warmly welcome as we celebrate the birthday of the Church.

Please note that on Sunday 31st May there will be a United Benefice Service of Holy Communion at Christ Church, Wheelock, at 10.30 am. There will be no services at St Matthew’s, Haslington, or at St Michael & All Angels, Crewe Green.

As St Matthew's looks forward to becoming a Pilgrim church, we are all invited to join with Archbishop Stephen, Bishop Mark and Christians of all ages, at Chester Cathedral, on Tuesday 2nd June, at 19.00 for an Evening Celebration of Everyday Pilgrimage.

Churchwardens, along with all PCC officers — Treasurers and PCC Secretaries — are vital to the wellbeing and good functioning of our churches. We are very grateful to all who have served in these roles, and to those who continue to serve across our benefice.

Christ Church will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday 17th May, after the morning service.

As we continue through this Easter season, may we be strengthened in faith, encouraged in hope, and renewed in love, as we follow Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

With every blessing,
Jane

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1st Sunday      St Matthew's        9:30am:  Holy Communion     (live streamed)

                        Christ Church      10:45am: Family Service         (live streamed)

                        St Michael's        11:00am:  Morning Prayer

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2nd Sunday    St Matthew's         9:30am:  Morning Prayer       (live streamed)

                       Christ Church      10:45am:  Morning Prayer       (live streamed)

                       St Michael's        11:00am:  Holy Communion

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3rd Sunday     St Matthew's        9:30am:  Holy Communion     (live streamed)

                       Christ Church     10:45am:  Family Communion  (live streamed)

                       St Michael's       11:00am:  Morning Prayer

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4th Sunday     St Matthew's       9:30am:  Morning Prayer        (live streamed)

                       Christ Church    10:45am:  Morning Prayer        (live streamed)

                       St Michael's      11:00am:  Holy Communion

                       Christ Church      4:30pm:  Evensong               (live streamed)          

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5th Sunday         10:30am: Joint Benefice Service

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​​Wednesday Holy Communion takes place at St Matthew's (BCP) at 10:45am

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