Richard's Retirement Present

Richard's (mechanical) clock in his new home

Richard's Retirement

A goodbye card from the children

Richard's presents.  Presented by Eloka, Mavis and with the wardens

Visiting Clergy, our own newly licenced ALMs and our Reader in training

Cutting the cake made by Eileen

Richard's last Thursday Service

Scouting continued as normal after the service

Inaugural Service

The Inaugural Service of the Chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council was held today for Councillor Mrs Enid Firth, with her Consort, Councillor Bill Cullen

Confirmation

Congratulations to all those from the Medlock Head Team confirmed at St John the Baptist last night by Bishop Mark

Ordination of Stephen Nolan at Bolton Parish Church

 

Cuba DVD and Promise Auction

Canon Richard showed his DVD of his holiday in Cuba which was again up to his very high standard, with a continuous voice-over to the pictures.  It seems the tour company assumed they would all like to visit every Hemingway related site possible, but was none the less enjoyable for that.  The country looked fascinating with the selection of very old American cars contrasting with the beautiful countryside.

After a faith meal, we settled down to the promise auction which raised a commendable £341 towards church funds.  Thanks to all those who made promises of services to be provided, and to all those who made bids on the items, not everyone could win.

Fr Richard in his Canon robes

Father Richard to be made Canon

Father Richard has been given the honour of becoming an Honorary Canon of Manchester Cathedral.  He said he did not understand why, but the congregation are well aware that his work in the Parish and the Diocese has been recognised.  From now on he will be known as the Rev'd Canon Richard Hawkins.  The installation service will be in September at the Cathedral.  Congratulations from us all.

Medlock head Confirmation 2012

Congratulations to all this year's candidates

Father Richard's Birthday

The great repast provided through faith

The beautiful cake made by Eileen Whitehead to celebrate Richard's 60th birthday

Faith BBQ and Slides

Nearly 40 people enjoyed the BBQ.  We all enjoyed Fr Richard's pictures from Canada.  Many poignant memories were brought back by some of Fr Richard's pictures of the French and Belgian War Graves.  We had a further opportunity to see the slide show from the recent children's production of "Crikey Moses".

Parish Chairman's Inauguration

Bill Cullen and Enid Firth with Richard after Bill's Inauguration Service as Chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council

Jackie says Farewell

Jackie with her Ordination Stole, presented by the Congregation,  following its blessing by Father Richard

Jackie receives her farewell card from Sunday School

Jackie receives cards from MC4K

Licensing of Wardens at Heywood

Infant and adult Baptism at St John, Hey Pictures posted with consent

Father Richard believes adult Baptism should be memorable

Chocolate Raffle and Fondue

Yes, we know it is Lent, but we have had special dispensation from Father Richard. Apparently, theologically speaking, Sundays are not part of the 40 days of Lent, so the Chocolate Raffle and Fondue event will be held in the Church hall after the 9.30 am service this Sunday, 7th March.

Licensing of Paul Monk

Tonight at Holy Trinity Church Waterhead, Bishop Mark licensed Revd Paul Monk as Team vicar in the Medlock Head Team, with responsiblity for St Barnabas Clarksfield and Holy Trinity Waterhead. With Bishop Mark, Revd Paul and Father Richard are the Church Wardens from the team, together with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County, Mrs Ann Sykes, and The Mayor and The Mayoress of Oldham

We all pray for a successful ministry for Paul, and welcome him and his family into ours.

Curry Night

On Saturday we held a curry night in the Church Hall. The excellent curry from a local restaurant was accompanied by slides from India with Indian music. After we had eaten we were entertained by one of Father Richard's super slide shows with commentary, so athough he was in Madagascar on holiday he was with us in spirit. True to the theme of the evening the slide show was of Father Richard's trip to Rajastan. There was a good number of people for the event as can be seen, with additional enertainment for the younger people. Many thanks to those who organised the event and to those who came. A thouroughly enjoyable evening of fellowship that also raised some money for the vestry roof fund.

Today Enid and Jim who were not able to come to St John's last week, were confirmed by Bishop Stephen of Hulme at St Chad's Church, in the Benefice of Saddleworth. Bishop Stephen is famous for ensuring everyone remembers their Baptismal promises by liberally dousing the entire congregation with Baptismal water.

It is certain that Enid and Jim had a memorable experience, with Enid being asked to bring the wine to the Altar as the Confirmation was combined with first Communion. Father Richard is as proud as ever.