Church Newsletter Issue #103 14th June
What Moves Us With Compassion?
In this week's Gospel (Matthew 9:35–10:8–23), Jesus looks upon the crowds and is "moved with compassion." The Greek word Matthew uses is extraordinarily powerful. It describes a deep movement in the gut; a churning of the stomach; an ache in the depths of a person's being. Jesus sees people who are "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd," and his response is not judgement, frustration, or indifference, but profound compassion.
That raises an important question for us: what moves us with compassion today?
As we look around Moss Side, Whalley Range, and our wider communities, what causes our hearts to ache? Is it loneliness, poverty, injustice, isolation, mental ill-health, young people searching for purpose, those displaced from home, or neighbours carrying burdens unseen by others?
Jesus does not stop at compassion. He sends his disciples into the harvest field to proclaim good news, bring healing, and embody the Kingdom of God. Compassion becomes action.
Many of you are already part of this Kingdom work through prayer, friendship, hospitality, pastoral care, volunteering, and simple acts of kindness. Never underestimate the difference these make.
This week, take time to pray, reflect, and talk together. What moves us with compassion? What is God placing on our hearts? And how might he be calling us, as disciples today, to respond with his love, hope, and healing?
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 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.
What's on at a Glance
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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 |
Monday
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Manchester Diocese Clergy Conference so Tom, Kausar and Elizabeth are away
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Prayers at St Edmund's - 9.30am
Tuesday
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Manchester Diocese Clergy Conference so Tom, Kausar and Elizabeth are away
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NO Morning Prayer - 9.30am at St James'
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Place of Welcome - 10am at St James'
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Mothers' Union meeting is Tuesday 16 June at St Edmund's 6pm-7.30pm, new members are welcome to come along
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: come along to St Edmund's. Diane Amans will be leading our 'Exercise by Stealth' session. The exercise is all seated with lots of music, so do come along. We would love to see you.
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Archdeacons Visitation - 7:30pm, Wednesday 17th June, Manchester Cathedral
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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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 |
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 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 James'
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
Genesis 18.1–15 • Psalm 116:1,10–end • Matthew 9:35–10:8–23
Pray for attentive hospitality.
Abraham welcomed the Lord without fully realising who stood before him. Pray that we may recognise Christ in those we meet and offer generous hospitality to neighbours, strangers, and visitors.
Pray for faith when God's promises seem impossible.
Sarah laughed when she heard God's promise, yet God remained faithful. Pray for those carrying hopes that seem beyond reach, remembering that nothing is too wonderful for the Lord.
Pray with thanksgiving for God's faithfulness.
Like the psalmist who declares, "I love the Lord, for he has heard my voice," give thanks for answered prayers, God's sustaining grace, and his presence through every season of life.
Pray for those facing suffering or hardship.
The psalm speaks honestly of affliction and distress. Pray for those who are ill, grieving, anxious, lonely, or burdened by life's challenges, that they may know God's comfort and peace.
Pray for compassion for our communities.
Jesus saw the crowds and was moved with compassion because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Pray that our hearts may reflect Christ's compassion for the people around us.
Pray for workers in God's harvest.
Jesus tells his disciples to pray for labourers for the harvest field. Pray for new vocations, lay and ordained leaders, children and young people, and all whom God is calling into his service. Pray about how you can join with God's Mission in this community.
Pray for courage in witness and mission.
Jesus sends his disciples to proclaim the Kingdom despite opposition and uncertainty. Pray for boldness, wisdom, and perseverance as we share the good news of Christ in word and action, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.