Church Newsletter Issue #104 21th June
Prayer, Abundance and the Wild Precious Life
Last week, Revd Kausar, Revd Elizabeth and I joined clergy and lay leaders from across the Diocese of Manchester for the annual conference at Swanwick. More than anything else, it was a gift of time: time to pray, time to listen, time to rest, and time to be reminded that before we are leaders, volunteers, ministers, or church members, we are deeply known and deeply loved by God.
Throughout the conference we explored the theme of prayer, not as another task to add to our busy lives, but as the place where we discover again God's abundance. In a world that often encourages scarcity, anxiety, and endless activity, we were invited to slow down, become attentive, and notice God's presence already at work among us.
One image that stayed with me comes from Mary Oliver's poem The Summer Day, which ends with the question: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Alongside Bishop Sophie's (Bishop if Coventry) reflections on abundance, it prompted me to think about how God invites us to live not from fear but from trust, not from emptiness but from fullness. God's heart is for an overflow of blessing to flow all around us. It was good to draw and capture these notes/images above whilst listening to +Sophie.
As we return to parish life, we do so with a renewed desire to deepen prayer across our churches. We hope to create more opportunities to pause, listen, pray, and discern together. My prayer is that we might continue discovering that there is enough, that God's blessing overflows, and that the Spirit is gently leading us into a hopeful and abundant future together.
Revd Tom Studman
Archdeacon's Visitation: Beginning a New Season Together
On Wednesday 17th June, members of our churches gathered at Manchester Cathedral for the annual Archdeacon's Visitation, a special service in which churchwardens are formally admitted and commissioned for the year ahead.
Representing our Joint PCC were Lyn, Barry, and Alfred from St James and St Edmund's, together with the churchwardens from St Margaret's (Ethnie and Caroline). Unfortunately, Sanket was unable to join us due to a family bereavement, and we continue to hold him and his family in our prayers.
The Visitation is more than a ceremony. It is an opportunity for churchwardens and PCC members to make their declarations and commitments, publicly affirming their willingness to serve Christ and his Church in the year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who came to support the team and share in this important occasion. As we begin a new season of JPCC life following our APCMs, I want to express my gratitude to all who serve in leadership, ministry, governance, worship, hospitality, pastoral care, and mission across our churches.
On the same evening, England celebrated victory in their opening World Cup fixture. As we look ahead, may we too be a team with high hopes, working together with unity, encouragement, and purpose, seeking above all to glorify God as we continue to grow the life and witness of St James, St Edmund's, and St Margaret's.
Our first JPCC fixture is our meeting on Monday 13th July!
Revd Tom Studman
A Special Evening of Welcome, Worship and Celebration
Sunday 28th June marks a significant day in the life of our churches as we celebrate both of our curates and the next chapter of their ministry among us.
At St James, Moss Side,
we warmly welcome Revd Solomon and his family following his ordination. From 5.30pm there will be an opportunity to meet and greet Solomon and his guests, followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at 6pm and food and fellowship from 7pm. Many visitors will be joining us, and your presence would be a wonderful sign of local support and encouragement.
The evening is equally important for
Revd Elizabeth, who will preside at Holy Communion for the first time. To mark this special milestone, a prayerful and Spirit-filled First Communion service will take place at St Margaret's, Whalley Range, at 6.15pm (arrivals from 6pm).
We hope many people will be able to support both occasions, perhaps calling in at St James before worshipping at St Margaret's, or joining the celebrations at St James afterwards. Please pray for Solomon and Elizabeth as they begin this new season of ministry.
Churches Together News
Special announcement from Trinity Community Church,
The Amani Centre, Moss Lane East (Opposite the Kath Locke Centre), M16 7DH
Sunday 21st June, 2026- 12pm to 2pm
On this Sunday we will in our morning service remember that it is ten years since Jo Cox was killed. We have a special reason to remember Jo as she was married to Alistair Cox’s nephew Brendan. In the past this anniversary has been used to bring people together in community: as Jo said: “We have more in common than that which divides us”.
We are inviting people to join us for the service at 10.45 and/or drop in to our “Get Together” after the service (12.00 – 2.00), where we can share tea and coffee and cake. Everyone is very welcome.
Just another update that-
this year's CAHN's Windrush Day celebration is on-
Sat 20th June
12pm - 6pm
Alexandra Park
Free Entry
Amit
What's on at a Glance
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Readings: Genesis 21.8-21, Psalm 86. 1-10, Matthew 10.24-39.
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9.30am - Short Service of the Word at St Edmund's
10.30am - Communion at St Edmund's and Intergenerational Worship at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church - Special visit from the Bishop of Lahore
Life + Hope- Drop in to St James' every 1st and 3rd Sunday as we establish our new worshipping community. An opportunity to pause, breath, eat, reflect and spend time with friends, share stories, explore life, hope and purpose. |
Monday
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Prayers at St Edmund's - 9.30am
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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Manchester Diocese Clergy Conference so Tom, Kausar and Elizabeth are away (returning for the Visitation Service)
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Coffee Morning 10.30am- This week we will have a guest, Judie Horrocks. Judie and her husband Bob were former vicars' at St Edmund's quite a number of years ago now. Do come along and find out about what has happened with her and the family over the years. We will be at St Edmund's from 10.30 to 12.00 on Wednesday.
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Priesting Rehearsal at Cathedral- pray for Elizabeth
Thursday
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Grieving Together Cafe - 11.30am at St James'
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Chosen Film Series and Bible Study - 7.30pm at St Edmund's
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Ordination Rehearsal at Cathedral- pray for Iona and Solomon
Saturday
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Revd Elizabeth's Ordination to the Priesthood: 27th June 2pm at Manchester Cathedral
Sunday
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Iona's Ordination: June 28th 10.30am at Manchester Cathedral.
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Elizabeth's 1st Communion Special Worship Service at St Margaret's 6pm for a 6.15pm start.
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Solomon's Ordination Celebration and Welcome to Parish - St James 5.30pm (see article for further info)
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Readings: Genesis 22.1-14, Psalm 13, Matthew 10. 40-End.
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9.30am - No Service due to Ordinations at the Cathedral
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 4pm at Grace
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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 Margaret's 6pm for 6.15pm (see article above)
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Welcome Solomon! An evening of fellowship and celebration at St James' 28th June 5.30pm (see article above)
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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.
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Churches Together Community Litter Pick – Saturday 4th July, 11am
Meet at St Margaret's CE Primary School, Whalley Range, as we litter-pick our way to Whalley Range Methodist Church to join their community celebration event. More info soon. A great opportunity to serve our neighbourhood together. 🌱♻️
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JPCC Meeting Monday 13th July at St Edmund's - 7.15pm for a prompt 7.30pm start
Click here to book on Eventbrite>>
Grace who runs Seen Creatives works closely with St Margaret's CoE Primary. I have received positive feedback from her work with the young people in an afterschool club there. Grace is establishing a fantastic opportunity for local people to explore the performing arts. Get in touch if you know young people who might like to join the group.
Prayer Pointers
Genesis 21.8–21 • Psalm 86.1–10 • Matthew 10.24–39
Pray for those who feel forgotten or cast aside.
Hagar and Ishmael found themselves alone in the wilderness, yet God saw them, heard their cries, and provided for them. Pray for refugees, asylum seekers, the lonely, and all who feel abandoned, that they may know God's presence and care.
Pray for eyes to see God's provision.
In the wilderness, God opened Hagar's eyes to a well of water already nearby. Pray that we may recognise God's provision in difficult circumstances and trust his faithfulness when the way ahead seems uncertain.
Pray for humility and dependence on God.
The psalmist cries, "Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me." Pray for hearts that turn first to God in prayer, seeking his wisdom, strength, and mercy each day.
Pray for confidence in God's love and greatness.
Psalm 86 reminds us that God is gracious, merciful, and abounding in steadfast love. Give thanks for God's character and pray that our churches may reflect that same welcome and compassion.
Pray for courage to follow Jesus openly.
Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid. Pray for Christians around the world facing opposition, and for boldness in our own witness to Christ in daily life.
Pray for faithfulness when discipleship is costly.
Jesus reminds his followers that following him may bring challenge, misunderstanding, and sacrifice. Pray for strength to remain faithful, loving, and hopeful whatever circumstances arise.
Pray that our lives will reflect Christ's priorities.
Jesus calls us to place him at the centre of our lives. Pray that our decisions, relationships, ministries, and ambitions may be shaped by his Kingdom, helping us to share his love, hope, and peace with others.