Water is essential for all life; without it nothing would live. What a welcome sight an oasis is in a dry parched desert. There are many references in the Bible to life giving water. In Isaiah 35: 6-7 we read: Streams of water will flow through the desert; the burning sand will become a lake, and dry land will be filled with springs. Arranger: Wyn Parker Sponsor: Wyn Parker

We may not think very often about what goes on under the sea but there are some fascinating facts that remind us that what happens under the sea is so important for our lives. 70% of the earth is covered by ocean, the deepest known area is 11km and the longest stretch of ocean mountains is over 56 km. Under the sea is teaming with life of many descriptions. It has been called the planets mega museum with many historical artefacts. The oceans also are essential for our eco system and produce muc

An essential every day task - washing the pots – or putting them in a dish washer! In the Old testament there are many guidelines for washing pots, giving an understanding of the importance that cleanliness can prevent infections and spreading of germs. Jesus in the Gospels comments on the importance on being clean not just on the outside but also on the inside. We can give thanks that we have easy access to washing pots. Arranger: Brenda Wardle Sponsor: Brenda Wardle

Water is essential to people in their daily work. One of the many people who use water in their work is the window cleaner. How lovely it is after the window cleaner has been to look out through clear sparkling glass and see clearly the world around us Arranger: Jean Blair Sponsors: Dukinfield Methodist Church

In our homes we use water in so many ways, for drinking, washing, cooking, cleaning. We just turn on the tap and the water comes out clear and fresh. It cleanses, refreshes and restores us, but do we remember to give thanks to God for the gift of life Arrangers Pat Bardsley & Shirley Taylor Sponsor: Barbara Swindells

It is sometimes felt that the bible doesn’t contain any humour. The story of Jonah and the whale has it humorous exaggerated side. But it is also a tale of perseverance and of how God works with us even when we seek the opposite direction. Thankfully it doesn’t always mean spending three days in the belly of a large fish..or whale. Jonah tried his hardest to run away from God, and was even cross with God in the way God was merciful and generous to the end. Arranger: Emmaline Krause

Have you visited a fairground and played this traditional game of chance, even though the odds against you hooking a duck from the water in the pond and winning a prize are stacked against you. Arranger: Gill Bradbury Sponsor: Gill Bradbury

The most symbolic use of water in churches is that of Baptism, whether of a child or adult, and the promises made. Baptism shows the love of God for all people, shown supremely in the self-giving of Jesus Christ and demonstrates all that Christ has won for us through his death and resurrection. The Water speaks to us, of being washed clean and of a new beginning, challenging us to respond, calling us to a life of faith in Christ. Arranger: Lynnette Snape Sponsors: Ashton & Ashcroft Families

The story of Noah’s Ark is iconic and appealing – for all ages. It is an ancient story and accounts of floods in some description are echoed in different holy writings. Of course floods are not confined to history and people continue to suffer in various ways from flooding. However we read the story of Noah’s Ark it is in the end a story of hope, that through catastrophe there can be a rainbow of hope and dove of peace. Arrangers: Doreen Williams & Linda Street Sponsors: Milestone Famil

This hymn encourages people to trust in their spiritual anchor and remain firm in their faith; their calling to follow Christ even when faced with life's challenges. The anchor symbolizes hope in Christ and God's Word.   Arranger: Emmaline Krause Sponsors: Aspinal Methodist Church

We find fisherman alongside our lakes and rivers hoping for a ‘ catch’. On a much larger scale some of our food comes from the sea and we give thanks for the fishermen who brave all kinds of weather and risk their lives in stormy squalls to bring fish to our shores. It reminds us of Jesus` disciples who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, and how Jesus appeared to them on the shore when they were fishing. (John 21: 4-13 ) Jesus is always there for us too. Arranger: Lynnette Snape Sponsors:

Beautiful paintings are done by artists with water colours giving great joy to those who look at them. In the practical course of producing the paintings the artist will be using water, not only with their paints but to clean their brushes preparing them for their next use. Arranger: Jean Blair Sponsors: Graham & Kate Norton

Water cascading from the fountains in parks, gardens, and other areas giving a cooling feeling on a hot day is a real delight. To see the sun sparkling on the water as it falls is a joy. In Psalm 36 we read: How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!....... For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Arrangers: Shirley Milligan Sponsors: Poetry Pie Society

Moses in the bulrushes reminds us how fragile life can be for newborn babies in our world still today. Moses’ mother was desperate for her young baby to be safe, to be cared for and to be looked after. She took a risk to enable this to happen. God chose to work in the life of Moses, and is a reminder how God works...in the life of vulnerable people from humble beginnings. We think of many babies have been safely kept in what we describe now as Moses baskets. Arranger: Irene Hirst

We read in Exodus chapter 14 of how Moses, leading the Israelites on their massive journey, came to the Red Sea being pursued by the Egyptians. God helped them by parting the sea so they could safely cross over. In the same way when we come to obstacles in life, we need to turn to God to show us the way Arranger: Anne Laurie Sponsors: 2nd Stalybridge Methodist Brownies

A pleasant way to spend time is to take a walk along a riverbank or around a reservoir or lake, to enjoy the beauty of the natural world all around us. What a joy too, to suddenly come across a waterfall, the fresh clear water splashing down. There are so many sources of water all around us, and for that we give thanks to God. Arranger: Hazel Lavelle Sponsors: Stalybridge Women’s Institute

What a frightening thing to be out on a boat in a wild storm of wind and high tossing waves. We too can feel as if we are ‘all at sea’, tossed about by various worries and happenings. We need to remember that, just as Jesus was there to calm the waves for the disciples, (Mark 4: 35-41) so too he is there for us if we just turn to him. Arranger: Hazel Lavelle Sponsors: HArts

One very basic everyday use of water is in hygiene, and in flushing toilets. Yet there are many places in the world where people do not have this facility. One charity helping to change this and provide help is Toilet Twinning. Arranger: Jean Blair & Shirley Milligan Sponsors: Linda & Richard Kennon

Water Aid - Whilst we are lucky in this country and turn the tap and there is fresh clean water, many places in the world do not have this facility. We see on our televisions and in the news how children have to walk far to collect and to drink dirty water from ponds and streams. Water Aid is working in various places to bring a change to this and bring clean drinking water systems, so essential for life and health. Arranger: Jean Blair Sponsor: Marian Wynne

Whether it is a grand stately home garden with formal flower beds, a small back garden growing fruit and vegetable, or a cottage garden of flowers, all require water to keep them growing and living. For many, time in the garden is life giving, therapeutic, and fulfilling. The garden can be a place of refuge and rest as well as providing a place to share time with family and friends. We give thanks for gardens and all that they can mean for us. The Easter garden is a place of hope, new life and e

So often we say, on a rainy day, `isn`t it a rotten day`, or `what a miserable day` - when really we should be saying `Thank you God for the rain`. It waters the plants, helping them grow and produce food, gives us the joy of flowers and it falls into rivers and lakes, into reservoirs and seas to becomes essential water for us and all of creation. Arranger: Lynnette Snape Sponsors: Snape family

‘He leadeth me beside the still waters’. What a wonderful comforting picture this phrase evokes. It is one of the comforting sustaining lines from the 23rd Psalm, reminding us that God always cares for us just as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Arranger: Gill Hall Sponsors: Chisworth Methodist Church

Many people enjoy a holiday afloat. It may be a slow relaxing time on a canal barge, a boat on the Norfolk Broads, on a local river, or a cruise on a large liner to exotic places. How good it is to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and relax. So too, it is good to find a quiet place to get away from the busyness of everyday life and spend time with God. Arrangers: Craft & Chat Class Sponsors: Hollingworth Methodist Church

It's Raining Men" is a song by the American musical duo The Weather Girls which was released in 1982. It is often interpreted as an anthem of empowerment and liberation, particularly for women. Arranger: Sue Heath Sponsor: Lilian Cullen

The first miracle which Jesus performed was at the Wedding at Cana in Galilee when they ran out of wine. He instructed some of the servants to fill some jars with water. When they poured it out they found it had been transformed into wine. By doing this Jesus revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2: 1-12). Just as Jesus changed the water, so too He can transform us if we trust in him. Arrangers Irene Hirst Sponsor: Barbara McCallum

Providing drinking water for birds in summer and winter is very important Birds use water to wash down their food as well as relying on it to keep their feathers in the best condition possible. Arranger: Lynette Ainscough Sponsor: Trinity Church Audenshaw