Church Newsletter Issue #101 31st May
Being together as Kingdom people
Looks like we've been busy recently and whilst reflecting on all that has happened—raising money, playing cricket, standing for justice, sharing fellowship—these readings gently remind us that whilst our activity matters, God remains at the centre of it all. Isaiah reminds us that the God who holds oceans in his hands and measures the heavens is also the God who hears tired, weary people. After busy weeks and full diaries, perhaps the invitation is to remember that our strength comes not from ourselves but from God.
Psalm 8 asks an important question: Who are we that God is mindful of us? Yet the answer comes quickly—we are people entrusted with responsibility, dignity and care for one another. Every conversation shared, every pound raised, every game played, every act of justice pursued becomes part of that calling.
Then Jesus, in Matthew, sends ordinary disciples into an extraordinary world. Ordinary because they worshipped, but some doubted, just like me and I perhaps others reading this. Yet Jesus still sent them.
Perhaps that is the message for this week: keep gathering, keep serving, keep showing up, keep going together, rest together —for God works through communities exactly like ours.
Community and Cricket Joy
A wonderful, energetic and committed (which some might call competitive :)) ) time of cricket was enjoyed last weekend and even though games were won and lost the vibe was definitely joyous and together!
Sponsored Hike - Thank you!
Many thanks to all who kindly sponsored us to do a 30 km Sponsored Hike on Sat 16th May in aid of Maria's Care School Uganda. We walked from Marple to Macclesfield and back along the canal and the Middlewood Way - getting very wet on the way back! Donations are still coming in, but we expect to raise over £1,500! Seven of the nine walkers were from St Ed's: Oliver, Charles, Julie, Razieh, Roya, Irene and Meriel.
A Special Visit
We are delighted to share the wonderful news that the Bishop of Lahore, Bishop Nadeem Kamran, will be visiting the UK in June 2026. We are especially honoured that he will be visiting Grace Church on Sunday, 14th June at 4:00 PM.
This will be a joyful and blessed occasion for our church family. We kindly request everyone to arrange their work schedules or time off where possible, so that together we may warmly welcome Bishop Nadeem Kamran and enjoy fellowship with him.
Your love, support, and presence will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, and please keep this special visit in your prayers.
Revd Kausar
JPCC and Wardens - come to the Cathedral on 17th June
Visitation services are held each summer following the election of churchwardens at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).
These services, which take place across the diocese, mark the formal admission of parish churchwardens to their office, with sidespersons and PCC members also making declarations of support.
Visitation services are an important part of the Church calendar with special legal significance. A churchwarden is not considered to be in office until officially admitted by an archdeacon. Historically, when churchwardens were admitted, they would report on the moral standing of the clergy, the state of the parish, the condition of the church, and the administration of divine service. Today, visitation services focus on prayer, encouragement, and support, offering an opportunity to celebrate the vital role and work of churchwardens. These services also provide a chance to meet fellow churchwardens, Area Deans, and your Archdeacon.
7:30pm, Wednesday 17th June, Manchester Cathedral
What's on at a Glance
|
|
Readings: Isaiah 40.12-17, 27-End, Psalm 8, Matthew 28. 16-20.
|
1. 9.30am - short Morning Worship service at St Edmund's.
2. 10.30am - Joint service - NO morning worship on this 5th Sunday at St James. We rotate back to St James in August.
NO Grace Community Urdu Church as they are invited to join us at 10.30am at St Edmund's. |
Monday
-
Prayers at St Edmund's - 9.30am
Tuesday
-
Morning Prayer - 9.30am at St James'
-
Place of Welcome - 10am at St James'
Wednesday
-
Coffee Morning at St Edmund's on 3rd June - 10.30am (catching up and playing games)
Thursday
-
Grieving Together Cafe - 11.30am at St James'
-
Chosen Bible Study - 7.30pm at St Edmund's
|
|
Readings: Genesis 12.1-9, Psalm 33. 1-12, Matthew 9. 9-13, 18-26
|
9.30am - Short Service at St Edmund's with Communion
10.30am - Communion at St Edmund's and Service of the Word at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church |
Service Rotas
Advance Notices
-
Bishop of Lahore Visit June 14th
-
Archdeacons Visitation with as many PCC members as possible attending the Cathedral Together with out Wardens at 7.30pm.
-
Rev'd Elizabeth's Ordination to the Priesthood 27th June 2pm at Manchester Cathedral
-
Iona's Ordination: June 28th 10.30am at Manchester Cathedral.
-
Chibombo Theatre Evening, Friday 3rd July at 7pm - see the poster below for details of Theatre event.
St Margaret's Church Fair
Hi Everyone, St Margaret's Church Summer Fair is on Saturday 11th July 11.30am-2.30pm. Stalls are £20 per space all proceeds going to the wonderful Congo Children Trust. We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day. If you would like to be involved please let me know. Please spread the word too.
Many thanks Jenny 💕
Mothers’ Union: Looking Back and Looking Forward
The Mothers’ Union at St James’ and St Edmund’s continues to play an important role in supporting families and communities through prayer, fellowship, and service. During 2025 members have taken part in Spring and Autumn Council meetings, Cathedral services, the Summer Fayre, and ongoing pastoral care within our churches and local communities. Mothers’ Union also supports national programmes including Away From It All holidays, domestic abuse initiatives, prison ministry, and modern slavery awareness. Looking ahead to 2026, Mothers’ Union will celebrate 150 years of ministry, with a Global Gathering in South Africa and exciting membership and fundraising challenges.
Prayer Pointers- Based on Isaiah 40.12-17, 27-End, Psalm 8, Matthew 28. 16-20
Prayer of Awe and Worship
Isaiah 40:12–17 (“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand?”)
Psalm 8 (“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name…”)
Creator God,
you measured the waters in your hand and stretched out the heavens.
Help us to remember your greatness when our worries feel bigger than our faith.
Teach us again to worship with wonder and humility.
Lord, enlarge our vision of who you are.
Prayer for Those Who Feel Weary or Forgotten
Isaiah 40:27–31 (“My way is hidden from the Lord…” / “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”)
Loving Father,
we pray for those who are exhausted in body, mind, or spirit.
For those carrying grief, illness, anxiety, loneliness, or despair.
Renew their strength and remind them that they are not forgotten.
Carry those who feel they cannot keep going.
Prayer for Human Dignity and Value
Psalm 8:4–6 (“What are human beings that you are mindful of them?”)
God of creation,
thank you that you see every person with love and dignity.
Help us to recognise your image in ourselves and in others.
Protect those whose dignity is ignored, whose voices are silenced, or whose worth is questioned.
Teach us to value people as you value them.
Prayer for the Church and Its Mission
Matthew 28:16–20 (“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”)
Lord Jesus,
give your Church courage to live and speak the good news.
Where we have become fearful, comfortable, or distracted, renew our calling.
Help us to share your love with gentleness, joy, and confidence.
Send us out as witnesses of your kingdom.
Prayer for Our Communities and the World
Isaiah 40:15–17 (The nations as a drop in a bucket)
Matthew 28:19 (“all nations”)
God of all nations,
we pray for our communities, our leaders, and the nations of the world.
Bring wisdom where there is confusion, peace where there is conflict, and hope where there is despair.
Help us to remember that no power or nation is greater than you.
May your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.
Prayer for Courage to Follow Christ Daily
Matthew 28:19–20 (“Go…” / “teaching them to obey everything…”)
Lord Jesus,
you call ordinary people to extraordinary things.
Give us courage to follow you in our workplaces, homes, schools, churches, and streets.
Where you are calling us to step out in faith, help us to say yes.
Make us faithful disciples in everyday life.
Prayer of Trust in Christ’s Presence
Matthew 28:20 (“And remember, I am with you always…”)
Jesus Christ,
thank you that we never walk alone.
When we are uncertain, afraid, or overwhelmed, remind us that your presence remains.
Help us to trust not in our own strength but in your constant companionship.
Stay with us and lead us in your peace. Amen.