HARVEST Our Harvest Service was a particularly happy occasion, thanks to the visits of Brian Reece of Bamford and friends from Duckmanton who swelled the congregation and sang for us. Giving was for the NCH Action for Children the National Children's Home. and totalled £62. Attendance 48

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Operation Christmas Child was well supported and 20 shoe boxes full of goodies for children in Eastern Europe went from our Church. It is hoped that, subject to access, some will be going to Afghanistan.

Please click here to find out more about Operation Christmas Child

MHA Methodist Homes For The Aged benefitted by £40 from our recent envelope collection. It is good that we continue to support so many good causes - including at this time an appeal for "ourselves" for the new chairs.

120th CHURCH BIRTHDAY Preacher Mr Geoff Cushing, Mrs Becky Swallow and the children mode this a special day on Remembrance Sunday. Attendance 29

CHAIR APPEAL There has been a good initial response to our appeal for chairs, with 17 already been "taken up". It is hoped to have a special dedication service in the spring, and have a good get-together, perhaps on a Saturday afternoon.

November 2001

CHAIR APPEAL LAUNCHED Our Church has launched it's first financial appeal for many years with last week's launch of the chair appeal, when we are asking for support to replace the existing chairs in the church whilst retaining the pews. Help is called for in two ways, either by a donation towards the cost of the project, or by "buying a chair" towards the 30 required. The cost of each chair is £55, and a plaque may carry the name of the giver, or the name of someone "in memory". The upholstered chairs will match the existing colour scheme, and we hope will make a distinct improvement.

DOUBLE DOORS Work has been completed this week on the new double-doors between the church and schoolroom which will eliminate the awkward steps folk have negotiated since 1904. This will enable wheelchair access between the rooms, and it is eventually intended to make the schoolroom door accessible to wheelchairs via a ramp outside the schoolroom door.

PRAYER MEETING The Circuit Prayer meeting is to be held at Mount Tabor on FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2nd at 7.30pm.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES We are to hold a Candlelight Carol Service on Sunday December 23rd at 4pm. We are hoping to have Chesterfield Ireland Colliery Junior Band to play, and Rev. Peter Cross as Chairman. On Christmas Day at 10am we have the traditional shorter service The Sunday School outing will again be to the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield on Wednesday December 19th. Bobby Knutt stars in Jack and the Beanstalk.

October 2001

A BUSY SUMMER Various jobs have been done around the church this summer. After the roof repairs the boiler-room ceiling has been made good after water damage, the ladies toilet door no longer catches on the vinyl tiles, and the sliding door into the kitchen has been repaired. The hall lights have been completely replaced and the central heating boiler and the fire extinguishers have been serviced. The hall floor has been cleaned and polished, the notice board updated. Still to be sorted is the problem with the flue to the boiler, and a replacement domestic hot-water boiler for the kitchen.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL Our Sunday School started it's new year on September 9th. There are 13 on the register at the moment, and on Sept 16th a Bible Quiz was held, and even the youngest was able to "Pick-a-Prize".

MR JACK HARDWICK Mr. Jack Hardwick is home again. After successful physio at Bolsover Hospital he is "doing well".

NEW DOORWAY A new doorway between the church and schoolroom, is scheduled for this autumn. It will be a Double Door, to enable wheelchair access on the level. The work is to be done by Mr Ian Peat, a Hollingwood joiner and Dad to a member of our Sunday School, Lucy.

September 2001

EARLY SUMMER EVENTS We shared a happy lunch-break with Joyce Fawcett to celebrate her 80th Birthday at the Chesterfield Hotel. We gave Joyce a book of readings from our church. On the previous Saturday we helped Rev. David Whitehouse celebrate his "big birthday" at home at the Manse, and lastly we supported Ev. May as she raised funds at her home for building work at Brimington Common.

NEW MINISTER Superintendant Minister Rev. Peter Cross is to be the minister of our church from Sept 1st, and we give him a warm welcome.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School meets again on Sunday September 9th at 1Oam Always room for more!

FAREWELL TO OUR MINISTER Rev. David Whitehouse conducted his last service as our minister on July 15th. After the service we gave David a painting of Cumbria, a cheque for £50, a tablecloth signed by the congregation and "liquid embroidered" by Eileen, and flowers for Shirley, not well enough to attend. On behalf of our Church, David Slater thanked David for his ministry over the last 7 years.

PROPERTY After the essential repairs to the roof, we have had the kitchen boiler "blowup" and the hall lights fail, and the main boiler service revealing a faulty flue which will all add up to a rather hefty bill. More details next time.

July & August 2001

HALL ROOF REPAIRED The Hall roof which showed evidence of rain getting in during fast winters extreme conditions has been repaired by Mr Doug Graves of Staveley, who last year made such a good job of our Church roof. The work, which involved new "felt" for the whole length of the apex, plus some patchwork on the worst-hit area over the boiler-room, cost £170. Doug commented on the generally good condition of the remainder of the Hall Roof.

CHAIRS FOR THE CHURCH The Annual Church Meeting in June decided to replace the chairs in the church, whilst retaining the existing pews. As originally intended, an appeal will be launched to enable friends to "buy a chair" and recent gifts to the church will go towards the cost.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SERVICE We had 17 children taking part, but a poor attendance for our annual children's service. Adults and children alike enjoyed the varied programme of poems, songs and readings, even down to our two little "Barrow boys" on the general theme of Fruit of the Spirit Our Minister led the service. Well done, boys and girls!

THEFT The pansy tubs kindly placed either side of the Church door by Mr.C.Madin in May, were stolen a few weeks ago. What an age we live in.

DAVID'S FAREWELL Rev.David Whitehouse conducts his farewell service at Mount Tabor on July 15th at 10.45. He retires at the end of August. Please make a special effort to be there to say "thank you" to David for his ministry among us.

MRS CELIA BUTCHER When we had just about got everything ready on the night before our Open Day, Mrs Butcher sat the remaining helpers down and read a poem on April. It was a beautiful poem and it was a special moment made even more poignant by the tragedy of the sudden passing of such a lovely lady. Her delight in the hymns we sing each Sunday, with a long list of favourites. Her positive appreciation of our preachers "as if they were talking just to me". Her questioning, seeking openness, all are part of our memories of her, and we thank God for her. The largest funeral congregation known at Mount Tabor of 160 (125 crammed into chapel, others in the schoolroom) heard our minister recalling her many contacts in so many walks of life. To Peter, daughter Kay and family, love and concerned prayers are all we can offer as they struggle to understand the sudden loss of a wife, mum and Grandma. The memorial tributes amounted to £422, and at Peter's request, are to be dedicated to our Church and Sunday School.

June 2001

EILEEN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS SERVICE A good congregation gathered at Hall Road on May 6th to honour the achievement of Mrs Eileen Hill in completing 40 years service as a Methodist Local Preacher. The sermon was preached by Mr Richard Laws of Haverfordwest. Richard was "recognised" as a Local Preacher at the same time as Eileen, at a service held at Mount Tabor. The Local Preachers Department framed Certificate was presented by Mrs Rita Sawyer, assisted by Rev.Peter Cross. We must add our congratulations to Eileen, no-one can be more aware than our church of the cheerful dedication she brings to countless duties as well as Local Preaching.

SOUND SYSTEM We hope that the problems with our sound system have been overcome, and that the new pulpit mike stand will reduce "reverberation" noise from the wood of the pulpit

May 2001

OPEN DAY Our Open Day on Saturday week had a good attendance, bordering on hectic by midmorning. The excellent mix of lovely flowers, Refreshments, Cakes, Bric a Brac and Books and Display of Old Photos, Music, Face Painting things to make and play with for the children, Arts and Crafts was enjoyed. Such a variety to please our visitors - who themselves were very varied, local people, our own people, and visitors from other churches. There are so many people who deserve a big "thank you" that it would be unfair to name anyone especially. The costs of the day - £70 for the leaflets and £70 for the distribution (4200 in Brimington North and Hollingwood) £50 for flowers and £20 for refreshments were the main expenses, more than covered by generous giving and sales at the various stalls. The weekend was completed by a Family Service, ably led by Mr.Gerald Miller 17 attended and the children took part. In months to come we hope to see some fruits from the weekends labours.

EASTER The Maundy Thursday United service in the Hall was particularly lovely, lit by Candlelight. On Easter Day, 20 attended a moving Family Communion. The children's "theological" answers to the Minister's questions were a delight. The previous week,Palm Sunday saw the visit of Mr John Lawley, former treasurer at Local Preachers Mutual Aid (congregation 15) Palm Crosses were distributed in Sunday School and in Church.

NEW MEMBER Mrs Ruth Sadler was received into membership of the Methodist Church on April lst, by Rev.David Whitehouse. Ruth was given a book by C. S. Lewis, a token of our love. (attendance 12)

THANKS Our grateful thanks yet again to Mr Cedric Madin for making the front of the church even more welcoming with the addition of two hanging baskets, and two substantial shrub-tubs making a bright splash of colour

April 2001

OPEN DAY We hope that the Open Day on April 21st will be a red-letter day in the life of our Church, that more may be made aware of our existence (and our purpose) that hearts may be touched and interest rekindled. We are sure that all connected with Mount Tabor are aware just how important this outreach day is to the future health of our church. Pray for it, come along to it, tell others about it, and encourage them to come along between 10.30am-3.O0pm on April 21st.

PARENT & TODDLER SERVICE 26 attended our experimental service at the end of January. Eileen gave an excellent talk, Adam was a "Christian Soldier" and Becky and Kirstie sang.

REST IN PEACE There have been two funerals recently at Mount Tabor which the Minister has conducted. 2nd March - Mrs Lucy Turner (David's Aunt), 15th March - Mrs Marie Unwin (Becky's Mum). Aunt Lucy supported us with regular donations for church flowers. Becky's mum came to "specials" which she particularly enjoyed if granddaughter Kirstie was taking part.
"The victory that defeats the world is our faith"

GIFT FROM THE SCOUTS The 2nd Hollingwood Cubs, Scout and Beavers Company has given an illuminated globe to the Sunday School thanks to their efforts in delivering Scouts Post at Christmas. Leader Glyn called in to Sunday School last Sunday March 18th, to make the presentation, for which our Sunday School is very grateful.

March 2001

TOILET WITH ACCESS FOR DISABLED PROPOSAL The February Church Council Meeting decided to seek quotes for the provision of a toilet adapted for the use of the disabled, including wheelchair access, with grab rails etc. This will help make us "user-friendly" to all and bring us into line for the new service provider legislation of 2004. The meeting also noted that some work would need to be done on the hall roof this year.

LEONARD We are sorry to say goodbye to a faithful and friendly worshipper. Leonard Bostock has been moved from Brimington Hostel to a new home on Littlemoor Crescent.

February 2001

OPEN DAY PLANNED FOR 21st APRIL A meeting has been held to arrange details and date for our proposed Open Day. The date is the Saturday after Easter, April 21st, and we hope that interest will be stimulated in our local area. Despite all our efforts to keep the exterior bright and attractive, one old dear recently asked "Why you don't still have services here, do you?". Details of the day may be found below and meanwhile we ask for your prayers, and when the day comes, your presence.

HAPPY EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY LEONARD Mr Leonard Bostock celebrated his eightieth birthday. A bold print Bible was presented to Leonard during the Morning Service on January 28th. His proposed move to Newbold from Brimington Hostel is still "on the cards". We shall certainly miss Leonard when this comes about, he has been a part of our church fellowship for twenty years.

21,000 SHOEBOXES FILLED WITH LOVE The Samaritans Purse organisation were thrilled to bits with the response to their Operation Christmas Child appeal when a grand total of 21,670 shoe-boxes were despatched from the Chesterfield Warehouse to Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Serbia. We were privileged at Mount Tabor to support this appeal which brings so much pleasure to very needy children.

January 2001

FULL CHURCH FOR CHRISTINGLE It did our hearts good to see a full Church for the Christmas Eve Christingle Service. A congregation of 50 came to this lovely service. Rev. David Whitehouse enjoyed leading the service and made the meanings clear. Becky and Kirstie, Lucy Clifford and Katie sang, and Karen, Stephen and Lucy Peat read the Christmas story. Jamie and Stephen played duets on cornet and trombone with confidence.

CHRISTMAS MORNING On Christmas Morning, a congregation of nearly 20 sang the well-loved carols joyfully and our preacher was Mr. Enic Vaughan. A retiring collection raised £15 for NCH Action for Children.

ALADDIN Aladdin, at Chesterfield Pomegranate Theatre was a really good show for our Sunday School treat on Wednesday 20th December. We acknowledge with gratitude donations which amounted to £70. This not only shows the generosity of the givers, but also demonstrates the level of support the Sunday School enjoys. Thank you all!