Page 66 - Phonebox Magazine March 2011

Churches Together in Olney
URC Restoration Project
The old lady who, a few editions ago, mentioned that she was in need of your help, has now started to get a little emergency care. Some of you may have noticed that a large amount of scaffolding has been erected around the United Reformed Church in the last few weeks. As is often the case when you get up close to something, the problems are much more painfully obvious. We were able to raise £12,000 through events and the generosity of individuals, local groups and two grants – Bucks Historic Churches Trust & the Congregational and General Charitable Trust. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have helped so far.
We have been advised by the Stonemasons - Boden and Ward - that the main problem is that the weather has got behind the old rendering which is now peeling away and exposing the local stone. In order to make the frontage safe, all the unsafe rendering needs to be removed along with any loose stone and any open joints repointed. Any stone which is too far damaged needs to be replaced. All this is obviously very costly. Unfortunately, the
pinnacles were extremely unsafe and leaning dangerously. On inspection it was found that they were pieces of stone around a rubble filling, none of which was tied together in any way. They were very unsound and needed to be removed to ensure they did not fall down into the roof or on top of somebody!!
This was discovered just before the weekend of the VERY high winds, so a few sleepless nights followed. As the rest of the wall needs so much attention we cannot commit to replacing them at present. However, as they were removed, measurements were taken and details stored, so that when it is possible they will be replaced. The stained glass windows are also in need of some tender loving care. From the ground it is not possible to see the
many holes in the glass and bends in the lead, which are very apparent when on the scaffolding. This also needs addressing.
At present the funds we have will be able to make the stone safe and the windows watertight but no more. This may have the effect of making the front of the building seem more patchwork than it is now. Within the next ten years a major renovation will need to take place on the stone and the windows. The windows alone will take £15,000 to restore properly. In other words 1000’s of coffee mornings, 100’s of table top sales & many hours of love and dedication are needed. If anyone has been thinking of making a donation and not quite got round to it we do still need your help. We have coffee and refreshments on the first Sunday of the month at 11.45 so please come and support us then, maybe on your way home from the Farmer’s market, and look out for any other fundraising events through out the year! Keep us in your prayers!
Fund Raising Coffee Morning United Reformed Church
Sunday March 6th from 11.45pm onwards
Come and enjoy coffee and biscuits and help to raise funds for the Church Restoration Project.
Easter Cracked
At the end of March over 100 children from Olney Middle school will laugh and learn as volunteers from local churches present “Easter Cracked” – with quizzes, dramas, crafts and even a visit from a Roman Centurion! The children will learn about the first Easter and what it means to Christians today.
Reverend Ian Field from the Baptist church said ‘We have some great local schools and it is a privilege to work together to talk about the real meaning of Easter and help out with the national curriculum.’ Every child will go home with a Palm cross and a crème egg to help them remember what they have learned.
Olney Baptist Church
A warm welcome awaits you at Olney Baptist Church, with family friendly services every Sunday morning, a blend of contemporary and traditional worship with thought provoking and relevant Bible teaching. Refreshments after the service – we would love to get to know you.
St Peter & St Paul Church Olney
This year as with precious years, Olney will mark the preparation for Lent with its ladies pancake race and celebrations, the cooking of many pancakes and a midday Shriving service at St Peter and St Pauls Church. A local tradition which is said to be more than 400 years old!
This year another Christian tradition is being celebrated at St Pater and St Pauls. For many generations Christians have read their bibles daily and this year to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, a series of readings will be take place at the parish church. All are welcome to come and be part of this celebration. And reflect upon the contribution that the Christian Bible and in particular this version has made and continues to make to our national culture, heritage and Christian faith and its appearance in our daily lives.
Olney Churches Together
Welcome to our Sunday
services:
Olney Baptist Church:
High St. (opposite the Market Square) Rev Ian Field 713880
10.30am Family Worship
6pm Evening service www.olneybaptist.org.uk
Cowper Memorial URC:
Mrs Brenda Hustwait (01933) 222708 Sunday Morning at 10.45am Communion on first Sunday of month www.cowperurc.org.uk
SS Peter & Paul:
Sunday worship at 10am every week with Communion on 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays, and Evensong at 5pm More at www.olneyparish.org.uk Reverend Claire Wood 713308
The Catholic Church of Our Lady Help of Christians and St Lawrence: Father Malcolm Bull and Church administrator, Sister Rita Scott 711212 Saturday Mass at 6.30pm
Sunday: Mass at 10.30am Benediction 4 - 5 pm at the Convent
66 Phonebox Magazine