SEPTEMBER 2002
Chorley Armature Dramatics Group	The armature dramatics group are performing their rendition of “Murder at the Manor” It seems it was a sell out. The Chapel supported the event on Friday 13^th! Well, what a show. It was great. Such talent, support and participation. Every night sold out I think. It was a privilege and joy to be there. A ‘who done it’ with more than a few twists in its tail. Great performances by everyone who took part. Great 1930 style intermission with food and the cast mingling with the audience. Many of the audience were in 1930 dress! Amazing story line! More like a performance expected of national players group than a local armature group! Wonderful! Well done. Don’t miss the next events by this talented group.
Thanksgiving Celebration. 29^th 4:30 – 5:00 Tea and Cakes for all. 5:00 - 5:30/40 A “real” Thanksgiving. Followed by a time to meet, chat, food, games and a time to enjoy time together.	The members of the Chapel really wanted to recapture the spirit of the original “Feast of Tabernacles”. This was the celebration of celebrations in the year. It was the basis for our harvest festival. A book on Hebrew and ancient festivals states:- The third great festival of the Jewish people was the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast began after sunset on the fourteenth of the Jewish month Tishri, which is comparable to our (September) – October. It was their Thanksgiving Day for the ingathering of the fruit of the summer, especially grain, raisins, figs, and olives. The feast lasted for seven days, yet they always observed the eighth day as a day of holy convocations (?) During this feast the Jews erected tabernacles or booths, made out of the branches of palm trees or reeds, upon the rooftops of their homes or in the courtyard. This commemorated the days when they dwelt in tents in the wilderness. For a whole week, they lived out-of-doors in these booths, o tent houses. It is from these booths that the feast received its name. Boughs were plaited together to make the sides and the roof. The front was left open to the weather. They tried to make these little booths as beautiful as possible. This was the most joyous of the feasts (Deut 16 13-16). All cares were laid aside for this time of celebrating the generosity of God. People came from all over the land. As they entered the city they marched to the temple in procession, carrying baskets of grain and fruit, singing verses from the Psalms as they wound their way to the temple. All the gifts were placed by the side of the alter as they worshipped God silently. There was much singing and the music of harps, cymbals, and trumpets, for it was a joyous thanksgiving for the mercies past and present. We hope to have a wonderful family time together afterwards. Have a look at these posters:- Thanksgiving Leaflet A5 What a wonderful evening, around 50 people met and enjoyed fellowship and friendship before the Thanksgiving Service. We appreciated the Chorley folk who came and it was a real treat to catch up with them and hear some to their reminiscing about events at the Chapel in earlier days. We were so encouraged by a contingent from Highley St Mary’s that really made the evening. We had a great Thanksgiving party after that was intended to finish around 6:30. The Children were having such fun that their games went on until well after 7, with present from the Chapel for all who took part, including some of the ‘older’ children! We continue to pray for the favour and blessing on the village of Chorley and that those who enjoyed their time with us will spread the word. Thanks to ALL who helped, brought gifts, and tidied up after. A wonderful evening of praise and worship lead by Amy Williams from St Mary’s Highley along with a group of young folk form there youth team. I shared the message on Sowing and Reaping. A man reaps what he sows! Galatians 6 v 7. What are you sowing? What are you reaping?
Chapel Car Park Refurbishment.	The car park opposite the Chapel is being refurbished, with the help of our friends from Willowdene Farm. This should improve the appearance and amenity value of the area. It is being done in preparation for a wedding later this year. It is hoped that it will be finished in time for the Bonfire nigh event! Work started 27^th September. Praise God.