Church Newsletter Issue #113 13th September 2026
Creating the conditions for growth: rooted in prayer
Each time I have turned into the Rectory drive this week, I have been greeted by something extraordinary: these enormous fungi flourishing beneath the trees. They have found just the right conditions for growth — moisture, shelter, nutrients and an established network beneath the soil. It has made me wonder: what are the conditions in which our churches can grow?
Tomorrow evening, Monday 14 September, our Joint PCC meets at St James (7pm for 7.15pm). We will pray, discern and make decisions together, including agreeing our Mission Giving for 2026. Following the work of our Mission Giving Sub-Committee, the JPCC will decide how we distribute £6,910 — 10% of last year's general giving — among Christian mission and charitable partners.
But before strategy, budgets and decisions comes prayer.
I discovered this week that 6–13 September has been a Global Week of Prayer, bringing together 24-7 Prayer, Tearfund and Christians across the world. Tearfund has particularly invited prayer alongside people experiencing extreme poverty and injustice, focusing on conflict, climate change and gender inequality. (Tearfund)
That feels particularly significant as we consider our own mission giving. Tearfund reminds us that prayer is not an optional extra to Christian action: “everything we do is underpinned by prayer.” Their excellent prayer guide gives simple information, prayer points and creative ways of praying about these enormous global challenges.
Download Tearfund's Global Week of Prayer resource here>>
So although the official week finishes today, let's keep praying.
As we look towards growth across our churches, prayer needs to be at the heart of our hopes. Through our clergy and lay ministry teams, we want to keep pushing deeper into prayer — asking how our worship, gatherings, buildings and community life can create the conditions in which people encounter Jesus, faith takes root, disciples grow and God's life flourishes.
Those remarkable fungi have reminded me that we cannot simply make something grow. But we can tend the environment, nourish what God is already doing, and create conditions in which life can flourish.
Please pray for our JPCC tomorrow — and pray with us for the conditions for growth.
Revd Tom
A Creationtide Opportunity – Reforesting Faith
As we journey through Creationtide, here is an opportunity to explore more deeply the relationship between our Christian faith and care for God’s creation. We’re especially delighted that the Bible study is being led by Grace, a former curate here and now Manchester Diocese’s Canon Missioner and Diocesan Environment Officer.
The Reforesting Faith Bible study, based around Matthew Sleeth’s book, begins Monday 7th September at 7.30pm on Zoom. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the book — everyone is welcome to join the conversation and discover together how trees, Scripture and our care for creation connect.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88285834812?pwd=9gRde4N2IMJ6NfpMT9WXg5iEWaYSjC.1
Meeting ID: 882 8583 4812
Passcode: 304322
The first two chapters of Reforesting Faith are freely available from Blessed Earth CLICK HERE for anyone who would like to read ahead.
Message from Mothers’ Union
1970’s Summer Fair Fundraiser update - our initial amount raised of £555 has been increased to a total £700 raised for the event. A huge thanks to everyone who joined us on the day, donated and contributed in any way; your generosity is fantastic.
To get closer to our fundraising target by the end of year, we're planning our next fundraising event:
COME DINE WITH US SUNDAY LUNCH
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Join us for a homemade 3-course meal, cooked and served at St Edmund’s by our Mothers Union members
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On a Sunday after the 10.30am church service (date to be confirmed)
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It will be reasonably priced with individual and family group tickets
We have some menu ideas, and we’d also like to know if you have suggestions of a favourite meal or dish that you would like to see on the menu so you can put your feet up one Sunday and let someone else do the cooking! Please message Deborah (07855 181941) or speak to any of the Mothers’ Union members at St James’ or St Edmund’s.
Marcio & Noemi – VISIT CANCELLED
Unfortunately, the planned visit from our CMS mission partners Marcio and Noemi on 19–20 September is currently cancelled. This means the planned Saturday gathering at the Rectory and their Sunday visit to St James and Dwell at the Well will not be going ahead as previously advertised.
We are sorry for the change of plans and will keep everyone updated if there is an opportunity to rearrange their visit.
In the meantime, please continue to hold Marcio and Noemi and their ministry through DuPark in Brazil in your prayers.
What's on at a Glance
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Readings: Exodus 14. 19-End, Psalm 114, Matthew 18. 21-35.
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9.30am - Short 20-30min Communion at St Edmund's
10.30am - Intergenerational Worship at St Edmund's and Communion at St James'
4pm - Grace Community |
Monday
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Morning Prayer - 9.30am at St Edmund's
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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St Edmund's Coffee Morning / Place of Welcome
We will be meeting in the Coffee Lounge at St Edmund's from 10.30 to 12.00 every Wednesday morning for chat and hot/cold drinks. Any special events will be advertised in advance. There will be a clergy-led Bible Study once a month starting from October. If anyone needs a lift please speak to Chris or Janet.
Thursday
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Grieving Together Cafe: 11.30am at St James' - Join us as we support one another on our grief journeys
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The Chosen - Back at St Edmund's at 7.30pm as we watch the Episode 2: Season 6 of The Chosen.
Friday
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Happy Cats toddler group meets Friday mornings at St Edmund's from 10am.
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Readings: Exodus16. 2-15, Psalm 105. 1-6,37-45* Matthew 20.1-16.
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9.30am - Short 20-30min Service of the Word at St Edmund's
10.30am - Communion at St Edmund's and Service Word - Lay Led at St James'
4pm - Grace Community
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Advance Dates
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JPCC Meeting 14th September at St James. 7PM refreshments for a 7.15pm earlier start time!
Service Rotas
Please note a few tweaks will be made to these rota but this is always going to be the live new rota link.
Links to:
St Edmund's Next Rota - Sept 26-Jan 27>>
St James' Next Rota - Sept 26 - Jan 27>>