Nativity Service 2025
On December 14th 2025, the Sunday service took the form of a nativity in which the whole congregation took part and dressed up to represent the nativity characters. However, there was a modern twist – instead of a large crowd in Bethlehem we had a host of Bolton shoppers and Bolton Wanderers supporters. The story was told by a newspaper reporter who was investigating these strange and amazing happenings.
A reporter came to follow up on rumours of strange goings on in a local village! She found a group of shoppers out for bargains who knew nothing and the same went for rowdy supporters of Bolton Wanderers who only wanted to talk about the match
The reporter rushed to the inn and found the innkeeper and her husband who confirmed that they had only been able to offer the stable to a couple – wife very heavily pregnant – as all their rooms were fully booked. Very bemused, the reporter found the stable with the couple and child who told her that they had both had visits from an angel to tell them that they would have a son called Jesus who would be ‘the light of the world’.
However she came across a group of richly dressed people who said they had “followed a star” and had gifts for a new King’!
A group of local shepherds were on their way back to the fields and when questioned said that they had found a young couple and their new born baby in a stable behind an inn. The reporter asked why they had gone there and they said they had heard angels singing, and telling them to go.
The reporter realised that this was an important event and on her way back to write up the story met a group who were already out on the street telling people of the wonderful news
Christening of Thea Hon
12th October – a day when we remembered those who had lost loved ones in recent times was also a day on which we celebrated hope for the future as baby Thea Hon was baptised. It was a wonderful expression of the integration of our friends from Hong Kong within our church family.
Remembrance Day
St John’s worship for Remembrance Day was especially significant for the amazing display of poppies (knitted) that adorned the church along with other items which remind us of those who were involved in war. We were led by Rev Philip Belli who himself had stories to tell from his more recent time in the navy. Congratulations and thanks to all those who made the service so memorable.
Paintings that Speak to Me
It was Thursday 25th September when we enjoyed another Food for Thought that was based on a series of paintings (well known to many) which held a particular attention for Jim Hodgkinson. He described in detail the contents of the images and gave a great insight into what the purpose or meaning might be for each item. They spoke to him in a particular way but Jim invited us to consider what they might mean to us. We were reminded how important it was to look rather than glance as there is often so much more to see.
Of course the evening began with our usual meal and we thank all those who spend a lot of time and effort in preparing a proper cooked meal. It was clear from the number of people who turned up that this was a night everyone was looking forward to and I don’t think they were disappointed.
An Evening Discovering Hong Kong
Thursday 26th June was a very special Food for Thought. Members of our church family who originate from Hong Kong put on a wonderful Hong Kong evening. This began with a typical meal that they prepared for almost 40 people who were present. It consisted of Prawn Dim Sum with a noodle dish and a rice dish together with spicy dips. Green tea was enjoyed by many. The challenge was to use the chopsticks and this was certainly accomplished by many. After the meal Neil gave a very interesting and amusing talk about Hong Kong. We learned a few cantonese phrases and also discovered words which we use which originate in the cantonese language. We learned about the history of Hong Kong and the Methodist and other Christian churches to be found there. The British influence is well integrated with other traditions and the political situation in recent years explains the large number of people who have moved here from Hong Kong. It was good to see the interest and appreciation of those present and to note how our Hong Kong friends feel a real part of our community.
Carol Service
The carol service on 15th December was based on the traditional 9 lessons and carols. Readers who offered to read the lessons were mostly those who never, or rarely read in our normal services. But their contribution was wonderful, bringing a brilliant insight into the well known stories. The carols were led by Paul on the piano but also accompanied by Kathleen on the violin which brought a new richness to the music. For many, the highlight was the band, consisting largely of the Kasema family. They played and sang several songs, most of which were sufficiently well known for everyone to join in song. The whole service was a refreshing inspiration with which to celebrate Christmas.
Visit of Kearsley Unlimited band
A huge selection of Christmas jumpers and hats was displayed as we gathered to hear the band playing a variety of Christmas music including carols that everyone could sing. Afterwards there was plenty of soup and mince pies to continue the Christmas mood.
Welcome to Rev Robert
On Tuesday 27th August a service of welcome took place for our new minister, Rev Robert Kasema. The service was conducted by Rev Chris Pritchard (Bolton Circuit Superintendant) and Rev Dr James Tebbutt who is about to become the chair of the new North West District. The picture shows James Tebbutt conducting the formal elements of welcome alongside Robert.
There church was full with people attending from across the Methodist Circuit, but there were also many guests representing other denominations in the Horwich area. Singing of traditional hymns was enthusiastic and joyful and we hope this gave a real sense of welcome to Robert and his family.
We look forward to our time in partnership with Robert and wish him and his family well in settling in and developing their ministry with us.
Farewell to Rev. Hilary
Today, July 21st was the last service at St John’s to be conducted by Rev Hilary as our presbyter. We will all miss the way in which she has led and supported us over recent years. She has now earned a very merited “retirement” (known as “standing down” – ordination is for life so she will still be active in all sorts of ways but we hope it will be less stressful than when having the huge responsibilities of active ministry).
To mark the occasion and to say our thanks and farewells, friends from both St John’s and The Triangle met at St John’s on the afternoon of 20th July. there was much cake to be eaten and tea and coffee to be drunk, but also many reminiscences to be shared.
After the last communion service Hilary was presented with a card and gift by the people of St John’s. The service was typical of Hilary’s special gift in leading worship. She spoke of the journey that we are all on, God always being with us, even when we go our separate ways. After the service there was further opportunity over tea or coffee to offer personal thanks for her work with our church family.
We wish Hilary and Les a very happy and fruitful new venture in their lives.
“All in” Nativity
Sunday worship on 10th December last year was a nativity with a difference. The Christmas story was presented as a remembrance of the wonderful events of that time long ago. It was told through the eyes of shepherds, kings, angels and, of course, Mary and Joseph. Everyone who came belonged to a group representing one of the character groups in the story, so everyone was involved (though not expected to do any acting!). You can find out more about the nativity here.