Church Newsletter Issue #109 2nd August 2026

Mother's Union Summer Fair Brings the Spirit of the 70s to St James'

St James' Church was filled with colour, music and laughter on Saturday as our Mother's Union hosted a wonderful 1970s Summer Fair. Blessed with beautiful sunshine, the event welcomed church members and local residents alike for an afternoon of fun, friendship and fundraising.

The daytime disco quickly became a highlight, with classic 70s hits filling the church hall. There was even a touch of Bollywood alongside the disco favourites, and before long Amit had found his groove, encouraging several of the men onto the dance floor to join the fun! It was a joyful reminder that church is a place of celebration as well as worship. Thanks so much DJ Roger for getting the room dancing. 

Visitors enjoyed delicious homemade food and cakes, tried their luck at the raffle and spin-the-wheel, browsed the cards and crafts stalls, and tested their knowledge in the 70s music quiz. Eye-catching posters displayed in the local park also helped draw in new visitors from the community, making it a truly welcoming occasion.

A huge thank you goes to every member of the Mother's Union team and to the many volunteers whose hard work, generosity and cheerful service made the day such a success. It was a brilliant team effort from start to finish.

We are delighted that the fair has already raised over £555.55 for the work of the Mother's Union. There is still time to contribute—donations can be made at church tomorrow or by following the Mother's Union fundraising link below during the coming week. Every gift will help support this life-changing ministry.

Give A Little Mother Union Fundraising Link - Donate now! 

Revd Tom

Dwell at the Well

“After six weeks of growing under the banner of Life + Hope, our contemporary church gathering has established its own identity as Dwell at the Well. Meeting on the first and third Sundays, from 1.00pm–4.00pm at St James' Church, Moss Side, it offers a relaxed space where you can drop in for five minutes or stay all afternoon. Enjoy fresh coffee, homemade food, live music, conversation and time to reflect on life, faith and hope. This is the perfect opportunity to bring a friend—or simply come by yourself. Whoever you are, you'll find a warm welcome at 95A Princess Road, M14 4TH.”

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Manchester Caribbean Carnival – Churches Together Weekend

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August

Saturday 8 August – Carnival Parade

10.30–11.30am: Prayer gathering at Manchester Chinese Christian Church (MCCC), 100 Yarburgh Street, Whalley Range, M16 7EH. Pick up some flyers with info about all the local churches. 
11.00am: Those joining the parade should make their way from MCCC to the Churches Together float on Alexandra Road. The parade begins at 12 noon.
A CoGoP support van will follow the float for anyone needing a rest, and bottled water will be available. Please dress appropriately for the weather and the length of the walk.

You're welcome to join or leave the parade at any point, although we encourage everyone to take part for as much of the route as possible.
Feel free to bring your church banner, flags, streamers or pennants to celebrate together.

1.30–2.00pm: The parade arrives at Alexandra Park. A Churches Together tent will be located near the Quinney Crescent entrance. If you cannot join the parade, please meet us there at 2.00pm.
From the tent, volunteers are invited to go out in pairs to pray, chat with people and, if they wish, distribute Churches Together leaflets. Light refreshments will be available.

From 3.00pm: Participants are free to leave.

Sunday 9 August – Carnival Worship

From 9.30am: Gather at the Main Stage in Alexandra Park.
Anyone taking part in the worship service should report to Carol Bartley or Amit Chawhan, particularly if you require technical support for music, dance or presentations.

Approximately 10.00am–12.00 noon: Carnival Worship Service (timings are approximate).

Please Pray and Join In

Please pray for a safe, joyful and peaceful Carnival, remembering the organisers, community guardians and emergency services. Pray too for the Churches Together team, especially CoGoP, who are coordinating the churches' involvement.

Everyone is encouraged to come along, support the parade and worship service, and help us be a visible Christian presence within our community.
If your worship group would like to contribute during the parade, or if you are willing to volunteer (including as a First Aider), please let the organisers know.

Emergency Contacts (both days):
Carol Bartley: 07956 339023
Amit Chawhan: 07743 384747

What's on at a Glance

Monday

• Prayers at St Edmund's - 9.30am

Tuesday 

• Morning Prayer - 9.30am at St James'
• Place of Welcome - 10am at St James'

Wednesday

• Coffee Morning has finished for the summer

Thursday

• Grieving Together Cafe - finished for the summer
• The Chosen will be taking a break over August, and will restart with Episode 1 of Season 5 at the beginning of September - meeting informally at homes over the summer - Carol's this week. 

Friday

• Happy Cats toddler group meets Friday mornings at St Edmund's from 10am.

Service Rotas

Live service rotas are available here.
St Edmund's Rota link>>
St James' Rota link>>

Grace Rota link>>

Prayer Pointers Based on this Weeks Readings

Genesis 32:22–31 • Psalm 17:1–7, 16 • Matthew 14:13–21

1. Pray for perseverance, that like Jacob we would wrestle honestly with God and refuse to let go until we receive his blessing.
2. Pray for transformed lives, asking God to shape our identity so that we live as people marked by his grace and purpose.
3. Pray for trust in God's protection, giving thanks that he hears our prayers, guards our steps and keeps us close to him.
4. Pray for compassion, that our churches would see the needs of those around us as Jesus did and respond with love.
5. Pray for faith to offer what we have, trusting God to multiply our gifts, time and resources for the blessing of others.
6. Pray for those who are hungry—physically, emotionally and spiritually—that they may know God's provision through the care of his people.
7. Pray that we would leave changed, encountering God in worship and daily life so that our communities see the hope and generosity of Christ in us.