News
A "Messyversary" - Celebrating our
TWENTIETH 'Messy Church' Afternoon
at St Hildeburgh's
TWENTIETH 'Messy Church' Afternoon
at St Hildeburgh's
We had another wonderful "Messy Church" afternoon at St Hildeburgh's on Saturday, 13th July (2019) - enjoyed by young and old alike. It was particularly great to welcome a number of people coming along to St Hildeburgh's for the very first time. The day was something of a milestone for our church, as this was our TWENTIETH Messy Church afternoon. Given this, we were all in "party mood", with games, competitions, joyful worship, a picnic - and LOTS of fun: Both indoors and outside. To mark the occasion, our churchwarden Jane had made a wonderful "Messyversary" cake - which we all enjoyed. Many and sincere thanks to all who worked so hard to make the day such a success.
July 2019's Confirmation Service at St Hildeburgh's
We had a well attended service of 'confirmation' at St Hildeburgh's on Thursday, 11th July (2019), with Bishop John presiding. Pictured (below) with Bishop John and our Vicar, Rev Paul, are those who were confirmed in the faith during the service. Congratulations!
May's "All Age Communion, Blessing & Baptism"
It was wonderful to welcome a great many worshippers to a full church last Sunday for our morning worship. We had lots of youngsters, new worshippers and a Baptismal family with us. As the sun shone down brightly outside, we sang lively worship songs, prayed and took Communion - or received a blessing - at this our all-age, monthly Communion & Blessing service. The highlight of the service was the Holy Baptism of little Billy at the hands of Rev Paul: Welcome to Christ's Hoylake family, Billy!
Joyful Easter Worship … and an ENORMOUS Easter Egg
It was wonderful to celebrate the Easter ‘Good News’ of Jesus’s resurrection with a bumper congregation on Easter Day: We felt really blessed!
Besides raising the roof with enthusiastic singing of Easter hymns, our young folk had a busy and fun time at their activity tables, and during the service we all renewed our baptism vows (an Easter tradition) before taking our Easter Holy Communion.
The highlight of the service had to be the sudden appearance of an ENORMOUS Easter Egg … out of which ‘hatched’ our vicar, Rev Paul – much to the delight of our youngsters!
Besides raising the roof with enthusiastic singing of Easter hymns, our young folk had a busy and fun time at their activity tables, and during the service we all renewed our baptism vows (an Easter tradition) before taking our Easter Holy Communion.
The highlight of the service had to be the sudden appearance of an ENORMOUS Easter Egg … out of which ‘hatched’ our vicar, Rev Paul – much to the delight of our youngsters!
Our Latest Contributions to Wirral Foodbank
A big ‘Thank You’ from The Wirral Foodbank to our folk from St Hildeburgh’s! Our most recent delivery to the Foodbank amounted to just over 32kg of food.
This will enable the Foodbank to continue to help people in crisis within the community.
At the moment the Foodbank would particularly welcome donations of:
This will enable the Foodbank to continue to help people in crisis within the community.
At the moment the Foodbank would particularly welcome donations of:
- household cleaning products
- toilet rolls
- toiletries
WOW! Our Harvest ‘Messy Church’ in October
Our Harvest ‘Messy Church’ (13th October 2018), was a wonderful occasion – we felt really blessed. Fitting for the Harvest theme, we had a “bumper crop” of folk coming along – well over 120 people - with many coming along to St Hildeburgh’s for the very first time.
The afternoon began with games and other fun activities in the church centre – including face painting for the youngsters. Next came craft, making and painting, all with a harvest theme, and celebrating God’s creation and the fruits of His creation. As usual, the children made their own ‘Messy Puds’, and the St Hildeburgh’s ‘Voyagers’ group (which meets on Sunday mornings) had a special table this time, which was very popular.
Then we went into the church, where Rev Paul and Peter from our Ministry Team led us in a time of worship – with prayers, a thought-provoking drama-based talk on the ‘Parable of the Sower’, and lively songs led by Catherine O’Neil Edwards, our local school’s former head teacher.
The afternoon was rounded off by a hot meal for all – young and older alike – of good old hot dogs, chips and beans – and those delicious ‘Messy Puds’!
Annual Lifeboat Service:
On Sunday 16th September 2018, St Hildeburgh’s hosted the annual Lifeboat Service for Hoylake and West Kirby Lifeboats. This service takes place at St Hildeburgh’s every September, and it is an opportunity for the local community to ask God’s blessing upon our lifeboat crews and their support staff.
Following the service in church, the lifeboat personnel and the local community were welcomed to a “Hog Roast” in the gardens of Hoylake Vicarage. Our thanks to Rev Paul Rossiter (Vicar of Hoylake & Chaplain to Hoylake & West Kirby lifeboats) and Rev Gillian Rossiter (Vicar of St John’s Church, Meols) for their generous hospitality.
Pictured Below: Some of the crew and support staff of Hoylake & West Kirby lifeboats, Councillor Geoffrey Watt and Mrs Watt (Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral), and Rev Paul Rossiter, Vicar:
Following the service in church, the lifeboat personnel and the local community were welcomed to a “Hog Roast” in the gardens of Hoylake Vicarage. Our thanks to Rev Paul Rossiter (Vicar of Hoylake & Chaplain to Hoylake & West Kirby lifeboats) and Rev Gillian Rossiter (Vicar of St John’s Church, Meols) for their generous hospitality.
Pictured Below: Some of the crew and support staff of Hoylake & West Kirby lifeboats, Councillor Geoffrey Watt and Mrs Watt (Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral), and Rev Paul Rossiter, Vicar:
An Outdoor Spectacular:
July's "Messy Church"
July's "Messy Church"
It was great to welcome a good crowd of folk of ALL ages, as we met up in our church grounds for July's "Messy Church" at St Hildeburgh’s : Children, grannies, grandads, carers, parents, aunties, uncles … and even "BRONTE" the pony! It was wonderful to welcome a number of people joining us for the first time at St Hildeburgh’s: Welcome to Jesus’s family in Hoylake!!
We had decided to hold this Messy Church afternoon in our church grounds - to make the most of the sunny weather we had been having. The theme for the day was “Saving God’s Wonderful World” and outdoor activities included: “Bug spotting”, water games, nest building, competitions, bird spotting … and more!
Following the activities in the church grounds, everyone went into the church itself for a short time of worship. We sang a couple of really lively songs, listened to a short thought-provoking talk, and ended with a prayer. After this, we all trooped back into the church grounds, where everyone joined in a picnic provided FREE to all, a time of fellowship, a good chat, and to make some new friends.
We had decided to hold this Messy Church afternoon in our church grounds - to make the most of the sunny weather we had been having. The theme for the day was “Saving God’s Wonderful World” and outdoor activities included: “Bug spotting”, water games, nest building, competitions, bird spotting … and more!
Following the activities in the church grounds, everyone went into the church itself for a short time of worship. We sang a couple of really lively songs, listened to a short thought-provoking talk, and ended with a prayer. After this, we all trooped back into the church grounds, where everyone joined in a picnic provided FREE to all, a time of fellowship, a good chat, and to make some new friends.
(For more info about our regular "Messy Church" days,
check out the special MESSY CHURCH PAGE of this website.)
check out the special MESSY CHURCH PAGE of this website.)
Word Searches, a Special Prayer and Spuds for the Vicar:
Sunday 8 July (2018) at St Hildeburgh's
Sunday 8 July (2018) at St Hildeburgh's
Our church youngsters had been busy at St Hildeburgh's during our 10.00am service on Sunday, 8th July (2018). At the end of our worship, they told our Vicar, Rev Paul and the whole congregation, what they had been doing.
As well as having fun playing word search games, they had written a special prayer which they read to us. Rev Paul was delighted to be presented with a bag of lovely new potatoes grown by our youngsters! Well done!
As well as having fun playing word search games, they had written a special prayer which they read to us. Rev Paul was delighted to be presented with a bag of lovely new potatoes grown by our youngsters! Well done!
Enjoying Cake … for a Good Cause!
As part of St Hildeburgh’s mission to the wider community, our church has a number of charities and good causes it raises money for throughout the year. These good causes are local, national and international. St Hildeburgh’s supports (among others) the homeless in Wirral, our local church school (Hoylake Holy Trinity Primary School), Hoylake lifeboat, and those in desperate need in developing countries around the world. The funds for these good causes are raised by a range of activities, but one of the most enjoyable is surely our regular sale of homemade cakes.
Pictured Below: Our churchwarden Jane oversees a brisk trade in tasty cakes at St Hildeburgh’s Church Centre after our 10.00 am service on Sunday, 20 May 2018:
Pictured Below: Our churchwarden Jane oversees a brisk trade in tasty cakes at St Hildeburgh’s Church Centre after our 10.00 am service on Sunday, 20 May 2018:
A Visit from the Church Mouse:
A Joyful Easter Day at St Hildeburgh's
(Sunday, 1 April 2018)
A Joyful Easter Day at St Hildeburgh's
(Sunday, 1 April 2018)
St Hildeburgh’s had a surprise visitor on Easter Day – the Church Mouse! The mouse told us that way back in history, his ancestors had lived in the tomb in Jerusalem where Jesus’s body was laid to rest after his crucifixion. He told us how his mousey ancestor witnessed all that went on two thousand years ago, and how Jesus was raised from the dead – bringing new life to ALL who seek to follow Christ’s life-giving teachings.
It was great to have a full church with many young folk and their families and carers with us at the service. Many of the youngsters had brought the “Lent Mice” that they had made at our Lent “Messy Church” to meet their distant (and rather larger) mousey cousin!
It was great to have a full church with many young folk and their families and carers with us at the service. Many of the youngsters had brought the “Lent Mice” that they had made at our Lent “Messy Church” to meet their distant (and rather larger) mousey cousin!
Palm Crosses, a Baptism and a Four-Legged Friend: Palm Sunday's Family Praise
We had an exciting service of Family Praise on Palm Sunday (25 March 2018). It was wonderful to have a full church with many families and lots of youngsters coming along.
We sang lively worship songs, listened to Bible readings telling of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem as the people waved palm branches to honour him, and Rev Paul (Vicar) went around the church with a microphone, so that our youngsters could tell us what they wanted everyone to pray about. Everyone was given a palm cross which we held up as Rev Paul said a blessing.
The service was particularly special for two of those with us: Hannah, who was baptised during the service – many congratulations to her; and a certain four-legged friend who came into church playing the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem on.
We sang lively worship songs, listened to Bible readings telling of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem as the people waved palm branches to honour him, and Rev Paul (Vicar) went around the church with a microphone, so that our youngsters could tell us what they wanted everyone to pray about. Everyone was given a palm cross which we held up as Rev Paul said a blessing.
The service was particularly special for two of those with us: Hannah, who was baptised during the service – many congratulations to her; and a certain four-legged friend who came into church playing the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem on.
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“Messy Church” … and the BEAN STALK!
No, we’re not planning a pantomime at St Hildeburgh’s! We were sent this photograph by one of our “Messy Church” families who came along to St Hildeburgh’s Messy Church last month (“Love Life! Live Lent”), February 2017. One of the activities that the children enjoyed doing on the day was planting bean seeds. As we planted them, we were thinking about the new life Jesus gives us, and growing up in Christ. Pictured, just a few weeks later is one of the planted seeds. WOW! |
After the “Big Freeze”: Thawing out with Bacon Butties and a Cuppa at St Hildeburgh’s
After the recent snow and bitter cold, Hoylake folk needed warming up this week - and what better way than with a Bacon Butty! St Hildeburgh’s weekly “Bacon Butty Drop In” last Tuesday morning was bustling (6 March 2018). We all tucked into bacon butties (or toast) with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
With so many dropping in to enjoy something warming and a good chat, it got pretty busy and steaming in the kitchen too! Rev Paul, Vicar of Hoylake, dished up the bacon and our churchwardens, Jane and Nancy (along with our other regular helpers) got the toast ship shape.
Why not come along next Tuesday?
St Hildeburgh’s “Bacon Butty” morning is open to all from the local community. It takes place every Tuesday, between 10.30am and midday, in the Church Centre (behind the church on Stanley Road, Hoylake). There’s NO CHARGE (but any donations are welcome).
Hot food, a cuppa and good company … what could be better!
After the recent snow and bitter cold, Hoylake folk needed warming up this week - and what better way than with a Bacon Butty! St Hildeburgh’s weekly “Bacon Butty Drop In” last Tuesday morning was bustling (6 March 2018). We all tucked into bacon butties (or toast) with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
With so many dropping in to enjoy something warming and a good chat, it got pretty busy and steaming in the kitchen too! Rev Paul, Vicar of Hoylake, dished up the bacon and our churchwardens, Jane and Nancy (along with our other regular helpers) got the toast ship shape.
Why not come along next Tuesday?
St Hildeburgh’s “Bacon Butty” morning is open to all from the local community. It takes place every Tuesday, between 10.30am and midday, in the Church Centre (behind the church on Stanley Road, Hoylake). There’s NO CHARGE (but any donations are welcome).
Hot food, a cuppa and good company … what could be better!
Lively Wednesday Worship for Some of the Youngest Members of our Church Family
St Hildeburgh’s has a very popular and growing “Mums & Tots” group that gets together on Wednesday mornings during school term time. The group is for mums, dads, carers and their young children.
Everyone gets together in our Church Centre (behind the church on Stanley Road, Hoylake) at 10.00am. In the centre there are lots of games, toys and exciting activities. Members of our Ministry Team are on hand to help out and refreshments are provided.
Every other Wednesday at about 11.15, everyone goes along into the church itself, where Rev Paul (Vicar), leads the children in a short and lively time of worship - with songs, stories, prayers and a blessing for all.
St Hildeburgh’s has a very popular and growing “Mums & Tots” group that gets together on Wednesday mornings during school term time. The group is for mums, dads, carers and their young children.
Everyone gets together in our Church Centre (behind the church on Stanley Road, Hoylake) at 10.00am. In the centre there are lots of games, toys and exciting activities. Members of our Ministry Team are on hand to help out and refreshments are provided.
Every other Wednesday at about 11.15, everyone goes along into the church itself, where Rev Paul (Vicar), leads the children in a short and lively time of worship - with songs, stories, prayers and a blessing for all.
Many Voices Coming Together as One - January's "Family Praise" at St Hildeburgh's
We had an exciting and fun packed service of “Family Praise” on Sunday 28 January (2018) at St Hildeburgh's. It was wonderful to have so many children and their parents and carers with us - with many families connected with our church school of Hoylake Holy Trinity Primary at the service. The children from the school got everyone singing with a lively action-based song.
Using different coloured liquids, Peter from our Ministry Team gave a talk that focussed on how all sorts of different people from different backgrounds can come together as one. This was the theme of our prayers also – in which everyone joined in together: Many voices making one voice. Oh, and of course, with it being our end of month service, the silly birthday hats made an appearance. Happy Birthday to Madison, Carron and Ray!
Why not come along to our NEXT “Family Praise” service? "Family Praise" takes place on the last Sunday in every month at 10.00am. The services are a mix of lively worship songs, children’s activities, prayers, readings and fun. All are very welcome!
Using different coloured liquids, Peter from our Ministry Team gave a talk that focussed on how all sorts of different people from different backgrounds can come together as one. This was the theme of our prayers also – in which everyone joined in together: Many voices making one voice. Oh, and of course, with it being our end of month service, the silly birthday hats made an appearance. Happy Birthday to Madison, Carron and Ray!
Why not come along to our NEXT “Family Praise” service? "Family Praise" takes place on the last Sunday in every month at 10.00am. The services are a mix of lively worship songs, children’s activities, prayers, readings and fun. All are very welcome!
St Hildeburgh's Ministry at Clatterbridge Hospital's Meadowbank Assessment Unit
Although it was our regular monthly meeting day at Clatterbridge Hospital's Meadowbank Assessment Unit, the Christmas and New Year activities had led to some "crossed wires" as to the new year’s dates! However, a quick rearrangement of the lounge seating and gathering of residents and our service in the Unit was able to begin!
Rev. Paul (Vicar, St Hildeburgh's) opened the service with an inclusive prayer and Jill (St Hildeburgh's Pastoral Worker)then read the "Parable of the Leaven" (also known as the "Parable of the Yeast") from the Bible's Gospel of St Luke. In this parable, Jesus asks to what can He compare Heaven? It is like, He says, a woman who puts yeast into flour so it will rise. The point being that The Kingdom of God will increase and grow from small beginnings.
Rev. Paul then read a reflection, in which one of the crowd, listening to Jesus's parable, is sceptical and wonders what Jesus is trying to prove. The man suddenly realises that the message is that we should all pull together to grow The Kingdom of God in the world. Rev. Paul explained that we can all work to this end: A smile, saying "thank you", a helping hand to someone in need, or any act of kindness, can be our part in making a difference and bring The Kingdom here on Earth among us. He then read the final verse of our second hymn 'Shine, Jesus, Shine', which is as follows:
Rev. Paul (Vicar, St Hildeburgh's) opened the service with an inclusive prayer and Jill (St Hildeburgh's Pastoral Worker)then read the "Parable of the Leaven" (also known as the "Parable of the Yeast") from the Bible's Gospel of St Luke. In this parable, Jesus asks to what can He compare Heaven? It is like, He says, a woman who puts yeast into flour so it will rise. The point being that The Kingdom of God will increase and grow from small beginnings.
Rev. Paul then read a reflection, in which one of the crowd, listening to Jesus's parable, is sceptical and wonders what Jesus is trying to prove. The man suddenly realises that the message is that we should all pull together to grow The Kingdom of God in the world. Rev. Paul explained that we can all work to this end: A smile, saying "thank you", a helping hand to someone in need, or any act of kindness, can be our part in making a difference and bring The Kingdom here on Earth among us. He then read the final verse of our second hymn 'Shine, Jesus, Shine', which is as follows:
"As we gaze on your kingly brightness,
So our faces display your brightness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story,
Shine on me."
So our faces display your brightness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story,
Shine on me."
Jill said a prayer and Rev. Paul moved among the group, kneeling and offering a personal blessing to each. Nancy (Churchwarden at St Hildeburgh's), was on hand to offer comfort to one lady overcome with emotion. Before we sang our final hymn, "He's got the Whole World in His Hands" restored cheer, and the service came to and end.
Messy Church - 11 November 2017
WOW!
We all had a FANTASTIC time at "Messy Church" at St Hildeburgh's on Saturday, 11 November 2017. We had worship, songs, craft, games and a hot meal for all. As it was Armistice Day, we reflected on the themes of remembrance, peace and hope.
See you at our next "Messy Church"? ALL ages and ALL are welcome!
We all had a FANTASTIC time at "Messy Church" at St Hildeburgh's on Saturday, 11 November 2017. We had worship, songs, craft, games and a hot meal for all. As it was Armistice Day, we reflected on the themes of remembrance, peace and hope.
See you at our next "Messy Church"? ALL ages and ALL are welcome!
Biscuits at our Sunday Morning Service (8th October 2017) ... with only THREE broken eggs ....
During our 10 o'clock service of "All Age Communion & Blessing" at St Hildeburgh's Parish Church in Hoylake (8th October 2017), our young people had been busy in the kitchen.
At the end of our service, they presented us with a tray of lovely biscuits which they had just made in the church kitchen. When quizzed by our vicar - Rev Paul - they had to admit that three eggs did get broken in the process! They also told us that they had been thinking about how, when we mix all sorts of different things together, we can make something wonderful ... just like delicious biscuits - or a loving community.
St Hildeburgh's young people's group is called "Voyagers" and meets every Sunday in our Church Centre. They get together at 10.00am and enjoy themselves - while the rest of our church family are in the main church for our morning service. The "Voyagers" always come and tell us what they have been doing at the end of our service - and receive a special blessing.
Newcomers are always welcome to come along to "Voyagers" and join in. All are welcome!
At the end of our service, they presented us with a tray of lovely biscuits which they had just made in the church kitchen. When quizzed by our vicar - Rev Paul - they had to admit that three eggs did get broken in the process! They also told us that they had been thinking about how, when we mix all sorts of different things together, we can make something wonderful ... just like delicious biscuits - or a loving community.
St Hildeburgh's young people's group is called "Voyagers" and meets every Sunday in our Church Centre. They get together at 10.00am and enjoy themselves - while the rest of our church family are in the main church for our morning service. The "Voyagers" always come and tell us what they have been doing at the end of our service - and receive a special blessing.
Newcomers are always welcome to come along to "Voyagers" and join in. All are welcome!
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