Mission at Ellesmere (two)

As the mission was a busy time, We didn't have time to take many photos. Some of the pics we have nicked from others, in particular Tim. Thanks Tim!

Wed 1st Aug  Ellesmere Mission

After our busy evening at the Ellesmere Hotel, we had asked Tim to lead the worship at the team meeting this morning, which he did very well.

We stopped at a cafe for breakfast before visiting the chemist where Hazel had arranged for her prescription to be sent. It seems that only a month’s supply at a time is now allowed, so this will create more work for an already stretched system, as we will need to arrange chemist visits more often.

We eat out more often when we are on missions, as it saves on washing up, and therefore water supplies. However, the facilities in Ellesmere are not far away, so we decided to take the boat and fill what needs filling, and empty what needs emptying. We had to leave a notice to say the mooring was reserved. While we there we witnessed some hire boat chaos, as one boat heading past for Llangollen had to face up to two boats coming the other way, who decided to leave the facilities wharf at the wrong time, one of which was going backwards.

Chaos at the water point

Back into the Ellesmere Arm

We went for lunch at the Black Lion to celebrate Tim and Tracey’s 31 years of marriage and had a pleasant meal.  Afterwards we returned to the boat for zzzzzzz.

In the evening we went to the Methodist Church where Tracey had laid out about 59 chairs in the hall. We wondered how many would be filled, and were pleasantly surprised to find there were very few gaps.  It was the “Blind Boater” talk by Tracey with guide dog Oakley. The first half was the story of her loss of eyesight and what it meant for her. After the interval we sang “The man who calmed the sea” (Stuart Townend) and Father’s Love” (Noel Richards).  One lady was in tears during Noels challenging song.  The second half was more of a declaration of God’s provision, and ended with a call for a response to the gospel. Six people put their hands up.  We ended with a song called “I saw the Light” by Hank Williams.  It was a great evening.

0 locks, ½ mile.

Thu 2nd Aug  Ellesmere Mission

Another team meeting in the Methodist Church was followed by another canal side coffee morning, with many conversations. It was very hot, and after the coffee morning, James went to Tesco and distributed ice creams to all the team.

Coffee morning

Peter and Lin at the tea station

Simon the story telling vicar

In the evening we had a team barbecue by the canal.

No boating today

Fri 3rd Aug  Ellesmere Mission

We held our final team meeting at the Methodist Church, and another canalside coffee morning.

Team meeting

John and Barbara arrived to add to our team and prepare for our big open day on Saturday.

This evening we went to the Town Hall to interact with youngsters in the youth club.  Some of our team were spotted playing indoor football, assisted by Lilly, Andy and Sue’s dog.

Sue

Paul

Youth night football

James took his guitar and some percussion instruments, and encouraged some of the young musicians. Hazel went prepared to teach canal art, painting on paper plates. For many of us it was an excursion out of our comfort zones, as our youthful days are but a memory, but in the end, the youngsters just needed some positive attention. It was very worthwhile.

On the way back to the boat we paused at the chip shop for some sustenance, and then popped into the Ellesmere Hotel for a drink, and to catch up with the Landlords after our gig there on Tuesday.

No boating today

Sat 4th Aug  Ellesmere Mission

Hugo met a friend this morning as there was another cat on a boat nearby.

Two cats

Today was our open day, and we started with a team prayer meeting on the towpath, with final details of planning for the day.

We were offering a free barbecue, free cream teas, free boat trips and free literature such as Bibles. Every hour on the half hour, one of the team stood on the back of one of the boats and gave a short testimony. Hazel and I sang some folk songs, and Roger and Mirjana played their melodeons and sang as well. 

Roger and Mirjana

John and Barbara were in charge of the barbecue

Sue Standley was preparing cream teas

Eric and Sue did many of the boat trips

Peter used a sacrificial anode as a visual aid

While all this was going on, the fuel boat arrived and came into the arm. We needed diesel and gas, so we left Roger and Mirjana singing songs while we dealt with the fuel boat.

Diesel boat

At the end of the day, when we had dismantled and stowed all the equipment, a number of us went to the White Hart for drinks. Hazel and I had a Chinese takeaway afterwards.

Today was a very successful climax to our mission, with many good conversations.

No boating today

Sun 5th Aug  Ellesmere Mission

Today was the final day of our mission. We had a simple communion together on the towpath, led by Peter.   

Team communion

Meeting by the towpath

Many of us then went to the 11am Methodist Church Service, where we were warmly welcomed. 

Coffee after the service

We followed that with a visit to the Black Lion as a final team meal, and to celebrate Eric and Sue’s wedding anniversary.  Sadly the food and service was very much below standard, and the landlord apologised to us all and did a deal on the price. However, Chris was upset by the incident as he had organised it, and was the prime mover behind the whole mission. He was due to preach that evening at the Cellar Church, and this was a distraction.

We had no agenda for the afternoon, and were able to rest a little. Paul arrived with his car to take us and our instruments and PA equipment to the Town Hall for the Cellar Church evening meeting.  We led the worship and Chris spoke, very well. It was a good final service.

Hazel and I rushed off afterwards with our instruments to the White Hart, leaving some of the team to pack away our PA equipment, which was left in Chris’s car overnight.

The event at the White Hart was a monthly music session, and the room was packed out, although they made room for us round the table in the middle.  We sang a couple of songs, including the Banks of the Ohio, with the attendant gospel challenge that we use.

White Hart music session

Music at the White hart

No boating today

Next: two days to recover from a very busy but rewarding mission, followed by a cruise down the Montgomery Canal.