Church Newsletter Issue #105 28th June
A New Chapter in Ministry: Revd Elizabeth Ordained Priest
This weekend marks a joyful milestone in the life of our churches as Revd Elizabeth begins a new chapter of her vocation, having been ordained priest. After faithfully ministering among us as a deacon, serving wholeheartedly with warmth, humility and deep pastoral care, she now takes up the priestly ministry to which God has called her.
During the ordination service, Elizabeth stood before God, the Bishop and the gathered Church to make solemn promises. She committed herself to diligent prayer, faithful study of the Scriptures, proclaiming the gospel, ministering Christ's sacraments, living after the pattern of Christ, working alongside fellow servants in the gospel, and upholding the life and discipline of the Church. Each promise was answered with the simple but profound words: "By the help of God, I will."
These promises remind us that priesthood is never about status but about service. It is a calling to make Christ known through worship, teaching, pastoral care and loving witness, always relying on the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit.
We give thanks for Elizabeth's ministry among us and for the gifts she brings to our parish family. We hold the Life + Hope 1st and 3rd Sundays new worshipping community at St James' before the Lord and the other areas of responsibility Elizabeth has with us. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins this new season of priestly ministry.
Tonight at 6.15pm at St Margaret's Church, Elizabeth will preside at the Holy Communion for the first time. Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this special and joyful occasion as we celebrate God's faithfulness and pray for her continuing ministry.
Revd Tom Studman
Watch this Space
Today at 10.30am in Manchester Cathedral, we celebrate as Solomon is ordained deacon, beginning his public ministry in the Church of England. We also rejoice with our much-loved Iona, who will be ordained alongside him after the faithful ministry she has shared with us during her training placement. Please hold them both in your prayers as they answer God's call. We look forward to welcoming Solomon among us very soon.
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 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 Service of the Word at St James' (normally a communion at St James' but cannot happen due to illness)
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church
5.30pm - Opportunity to meet Solomon at St James' - see article above
6.15pm - Elizabeth's 1st Communion at St Margaret's, Whalley Range -see article above |
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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Coffee Morning 10.30am at St Edmund's
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
Friday
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Chibombo Theatre Evening, Friday 3rd July at 7pm - see the poster below for details of Theatre event.
Saturday
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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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Readings: Genesis 24.34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45.10-17, Matthew 11.16-19, 25-End.
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9.30am - Service of the Word at St Edmund's 20-30min long
10.30am - Communion at St Edmund's and Service of the Word at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church |
Service Rotas
Advance Notices
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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 Based on this Weeks Readings
Genesis 21.8–21 • Psalm 86.1–10 • Matthew 10.24–39
Pray for trust in God's provision.
Ask God to strengthen your faith when the path ahead is uncertain, remembering Abraham's confidence that "God himself will provide."
Pray honestly in times of struggle.
Like the psalmist, bring your fears, doubts and questions before God, trusting that he welcomes truthful prayer and hears every cry.
Pray for eyes to see God's faithfulness.
Give thanks for the moments when God has provided, guided or sustained you, and ask for confidence to recognise his care in the days ahead.
Pray to be a welcoming disciple.
Jesus teaches that welcoming his followers is welcoming him. Pray that our churches may offer generous hospitality, kindness and belonging to all who come through our doors.
Pray for those in ministry.
Remember bishops, priests, deacons, readers, lay ministers and all who serve Christ. Pray that they may know encouragement, wisdom and the refreshing power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for a generous heart.
Jesus says that even giving a cup of cold water in his name matters. Ask God to help you notice simple opportunities to serve others with compassion, generosity and love.
Pray that Christ may be seen through us.
Pray that your words, actions and relationships this week will reflect the welcome, mercy and faithfulness of Jesus, so that others may encounter him through your life.