Church Newsletter Issue #102 7th June
A New Chapter of Life + Hope at St James'
One of the great joys of ministry is seeing the Holy Spirit open new doors and invite us into fresh expressions of church. Over the last year, we have been exploring how our wonderful St James' building can become an even more welcoming space for our community. Through Café Church, shared meals, creative worship, and conversations about faith, we have been asking how we might offer new opportunities for people to encounter Jesus and discover belonging. Now we continue this journey.
This vision connects closely with the Diocese of Manchester's commitment to developing new worshipping communities. Recently, Bishop Matthew Porter briefed training priests that curates in the national training programme are expected not only to serve existing congregations but also to help pioneer sustainable new communities that reach new people in new ways. These new worshipping communities are an important part of the diocesan vision for growing younger, more diverse churches and helping every parish engage in mission.
I am delighted that Revd Elizabeth Roney is helping us take this next step at St James'. Under the banner of Life + Hope, we are beginning what promises to be an exciting new chapter of Sunday afternoon ministry.
Elizabeth writes:
"Life + Hope at St James' will begin to offer a space for a new community to come and pause, eat, reflect, share stories, worship and pray, and explore life, hope and purpose together. We have been preparing the space over recent weeks and from this Sunday it will be open between 1pm and 4pm on the first and third Sundays of the month.
"Could I simply ask for your prayers as this new community begins to take shape. More important than supporting a project is covering it in prayer. If you would like to come, perhaps consider bringing a friend, family member, neighbour, or someone exploring faith; someone whose work patterns or life circumstances make traditional church difficult; someone who might appreciate a coffee, some food, conversation, and space to encounter God in a different way."
As we step forward together, please pray for Elizabeth, for all who will help shape this new community, and for those whom God is already drawing towards it. The Spirit is certainly on the move among us, and I am deeply grateful for Elizabeth's faithful leadership, creativity, and courage as we continue to seek God's Life + Hope for all.
Revd Tom Studman
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
A Special Visit from the Bishop of Lahore - Moved to 21st June
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, 21stth 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
Mission Partners Update: Sharing Hope Across Communities
We continue to give thanks for our mission partners who faithfully share the love of Christ in Manchester and beyond. Some news summarised from Kaleem and Ezra's Pioneers May Newsletter and an update from malik re St Monica's School in Pakistan both we support as a JPCC.
Kaleem and Azra's ministry with Pioneers among Muslim communities continues to create opportunities for faith exploration, friendship, prayer, and Bible study. The overlap of Lent and Ramadan this year opened many doors for meaningful discussions about faith, spiritual renewal, and the hope found in Jesus Christ. They have been supporting people exploring the Christian faith, including an Iraqi woman who is growing in confidence to share her faith with others, and several Pashtun friends who are eager to learn more about Jesus. Through city-centre outreach, Bible studies, and personal relationships, they continue to point people towards the peace and hope found in Christ.
Alongside this, we celebrate our partnership with St Monica's High School in Clark Abad, Kasur, Pakistan, part of the Diocese of Lahore. Through the support of St James and St Edmund's, the school has confirmed receipt of funds from us covering student fees from June 2026 to April 2027. The school expressed heartfelt thanks for this practical support, which will directly benefit its students and their families.
Together, these partnerships remind us that the Gospel is both proclaimed and demonstrated through relationships, education, compassion, and faithful service. Thank you for your prayers and generous support to mission.
What's on at a Glance
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Readings: Genesis 12.1-9, Psalm 33. 1-12, Matthew 9. 9-13, 18-26
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9.30am - Short Service of the Word at St Edmund's
10.30am - Communion at St Edmund's and Service of the Word at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church
Life + Hope - 1-4pm (see article above) |
Monday
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Prayers at St Edmund's - 9.30am
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JPCC have been invited to Parish Renewal Induction evening on Monday 8th June at 7:15pm at St Matthew with St Mary, Crumpsall on Cleveland Road, Manchester, M8 4GS. Let Revd Tom known if you plan to come.
Tuesday
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Morning Prayer - 9.30am at St James'
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Place of Welcome - 10am at St James'
Wednesday
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Coffee Morning 10.30am: This week Coffee Morning is taking a trip out. We will meet at Limelight on Shrewsbury Street at our usual times. Do come along and join us. For more information, speak to Janet or Chris.
Thursday
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Grieving Together Cafe - 11.30am at St James'
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Chosen Bible Study - 7.30pm at St Edmund's
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Readings: Genesis 18.1-15, Psalm 116. 1,10-End. Matthew 9.35-10.8-23.
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9.30am - Short Service at St Edmund's with Communion
10.30am - Intergenerational Worship at St Edmund's and Communion at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church |
Service Rotas
Advance Notices
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Bishop of Lahore Visit June 21st
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Archdeacons Visitation with as many PCC members as possible attending the Cathedral Together with out Wardens at 7.30pm.
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Revd Elizabeth's Ordination to the Priesthood 27th June 2pm at Manchester Cathedral
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Revd Elizabeth's 1st Communion at St james 5pm on Sunday 28th June followed by a welcome evening for Revd Solomon our new curate.
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Iona's Ordination: June 28th 10.30am at Manchester Cathedral.
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Chibombo Theatre Evening, Friday 3rd July at 7pm - see the poster below for details of Theatre event.
Click here to book on Eventbrite>>
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 Genesis 12.1–9 • Psalm 33.1–12 • Matthew 9.9–13, 18–26
Pray for courage to follow God's call.
Like Abram, pray for hearts willing to trust God even when the destination is unclear, and for courage to step out in faith wherever Christ leads us.
Pray for deeper trust in God's promises.
Give thanks that God's purposes stand firm forever. Pray for confidence that his plans for our churches, communities, and lives are good and trustworthy.
Pray for joyful worship.
Psalm 33 calls us to sing, rejoice, and praise. Pray that our worship may be filled with gratitude, creativity, and a renewed awareness of God's faithfulness.
Pray for those exploring faith.
Matthew the tax collector responded to Jesus' invitation, "Follow me." Pray for friends, family members, and neighbours who are curious about faith, that they may hear Christ's call and respond.
Pray for a welcoming Church.
Jesus shared a table with those others rejected. Pray that our churches may be places of hospitality, grace, and belonging where all people encounter God's love.
Pray for healing and restoration.
As Jesus healed the woman and raised the ruler's daughter, pray for all who are sick, grieving, anxious, or struggling, that they may know Christ's healing presence and hope.
Pray for faith that reaches out to Jesus.
Both the ruler and the woman trusted Jesus in desperate circumstances. Pray for faith that persists through uncertainty, believing that Christ is present, compassionate, and able to bring new life.