Charing Cross Methodist Neighbourhood Centre

 226 Claughton Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 4DX.           0151 647 9345

Having completed one full year at Charing Cross, it has been an interesting and varied year.  After just getting to know Rev Pat and Bob Billsborrow, they have now retired after eight years of commitment to the work at Charing Cross.  There was a great deal of fun making a farewell DVD for Pat by a local BBC representative.  We all have fond memories of Pat and her dedication to us all.  Rev Blair Kirkby has taken over from Pat and has pastoral charge of the church Centre.  We are all looking forward to working with Blair in the development of Christ’s mission here at Charing Cross.  Blair is already in pastoral charge of two other churches and is therefore very busy and I’m sure will value our support and prayer. 

 

This year, the life of this church Centre has seen both happy times and sad times.  The worship side of the church has been enhanced by the addition of monthly family services where the church has sought to include as many people as possible in the worship.  The young people from the Youth Centre have shared in the worship and this has brought new life to our Sunday service.  We have incorporated modern technology and worship songs led by a music group, which has added a contemporary spirituality to the service.  We had a wonderful Christmas Show, with the theme “The Real Meaning of Christmas’, with items from the Youth Centre and the disco dancers from the Neighbourhood Centre.   The Playscheme presented the traditional nativity story in full costume, much to the delight of all their families and friends.  The disco dancers contributed an excellent dance routine to Robbie Williams, ‘Angels’.  The Youth Club and Special Needs Club presented the festivals of Christmas.  The show closed with communal carols led by Karaoke.  Special thanks to all the participants and all those who worked so hard to make it happen.  The Wirral Borough Council Playscheme Manager was delighted to see so many people involved in the Christmas Show and gave us his commendation for bringing the local community together in this way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Playscheme youngsters joined in Sunday morning worship with a repeat performance of the nativity.  We had a very special time worshipping with them and their families on Christmas Eve. 

 

This year saw the biennial Methodist Association of Youth Clubs weekend event in Blackpool.  Two minibus loads of youngsters and leaders attended what proved to be an exciting time, despite appalling weather. 

 

We are delighted with the continuing interest in the Sunday Youth Fellowship.  The young people who attend have shown a genuine interest in learning more about the Christian message.  We have used stories from a series called ‘Journeys’, which explains the basic ethos of Christianity and its meaning in people’s lives.  The stories from the individuals in the series were very thought-provoking and got the young people asking questions.  We are hoping they will continue to support this evening and that it will be of benefit to them. 

 

Next year we are looking forward to a special week of RE lessons and assemblies in the local high school and Youth Centre, in partnership with Youth for Christ and a Christian music band.

 

The leadership team are being continually trained in current children and young people’s leadership skills and every effort is being made by them to comply with the government “Every Child Matters” policy.  They are encouraging the young people to be proactive in the life of the Youth Centre and giving them the opportunity to have a say in the activities which are provided. 

Despite the loss of two regular users of the Centre, we continue to have high hopes for the development of this Centre, although we might not be in the same place depending on the WBC regeneration plans and timescale.  The Centre continues to cover its present costs and we expect this to be the case for the foreseeable future unless there are unforeseen circumstances we are not aware of.   We believe God is calling us to mission in this area, we will continue to be obedient to Him and serve this community as long as we are able.  Your continued support and prayers are really appreciated and valued.

 

It’s been a sad year with the sudden death of Barry Grimwood, the Neighbourhood Centre’s Treasurer and previous Chair of the Joint Management Committee.  He will be sadly missed by everyone at the Centre and we continue to hold his family and friends in our prayers.   We also mourn the loss of Len Graves and Wesley Turner, both of whom were loyal members and supporters of this church community. 

 

We have been blessed this year with two new members of the church, David Edwards and Sylvia …..?

 

We are in the process of upgrading the Youth Centre Sports Hall with heating and cupboard storage space for equipment.  The use of the Youth Centre continues to thrive with many youngsters with differing needs enjoying the facilities which the Centre offers.  The staff do a wonderful job and I know that their work is really appreciated by the parents and youngsters. 

 

The church continues to support the activities that are going on in the Centre both in our prayers and in any practical ways we can.  We long to link all of your efforts with the worshipping community of this Church Centre.  Everyone who attends the Centre is very welcome to participate in the life of the Church.

 

As a worshipping community, we offer God’s blessings on all your activities and members during this coming year.

 

Deacon Steve Peck

A word from the deacon