Listen now

This newsletter is in lieu of a magazine. As you know, sadly, all public worship continues to be suspended until further notice.

However, never forget that the church is not a building. It is a community of Christians worshipping, praying and caring separately, but united in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR THE CURRENT PANDEMIC:

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Magazine

There will be no issue of the May magazine. However, it’s hoped to produce a bumper issue at the earliest opportunity. Look out for other newsletters in the meantime. A physical copy of the newsletter will be delivered to those of the congregation who are not on-line.

IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE VICAR: Phone 0161 797 7652 or e-mail: dvjt@outlook.com

Website

You can now listen to as well as read the posts on this website! Under the title of each post you’ll initially see a graphic equalizer symbol. When that stops, press the arrow next to ‘Listen now’ to hear the post. There’s a few glitches at the moment that we’re working on.

And there’s voice-search capability. You should see a blue microphone symbol at the side of any page. Just click on it and say (or type) what you’re looking for.

Prayer

The Vicar says Morning Prayer at 9.30 am and Evening Prayer at 5.00 pm on a daily basis. By also saying prayers at this time we are uniting together.

Please remember in your prayers:

THE WORLD – For those involved in a search for a Coronavirus vaccine.

THIS COUNTRY – All our hospitals, medical centres, surgeries & hospices; Our doctors, nurses, social care workers & NHS staff.

THIS BENEFICE – The Clergy team across the Benefice.

THIS PARISH – Those we know who are at home and finding the lock-down difficult.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Brian Lambert, whose funeral was this week. We especially think about Eileen and her family.

Notices and updates

GIVING: Please ensure that you continue to contribute to our church funds at this time. Envelopes should be kept safe and given when able to do so. If you’d like to discuss donating by Standing Order, please contact June Banks. Or donate directly using the donation button on this website or by pressing this link.

LOCAL ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: These are being led by Seedfield & Holcombe Brook Methodist churches – and are available each Sunday. A link is sent to those on e-mail each Saturday. If you know anyone who is not on the internet, they can access the service by phoning 0161 509 4323. They will hear a welcome message, then a recording of the service will be played.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: This begins next Sunday 10th May. Please donate via the Christian Aid website. Here you can also check events. It may be possible for us to hold the lunch at a later date. Please pray for the work of Christian Aid at this time.  

250TH ANNIVERSARY DISPLAY: Our plans for the 250th celebration of the Parish of St John in June are likely to be delayed. But we’re still intending to put together the display of memorabilia, even if it may be later than expected when people can see it. Please continue to look for photographs and memorabilia. We can arrange for this to be collected and brought to Church at a later date. David Robinson and Margaret Duckworth are co-ordinating this.

FINALLY: Arthur Smith, former organist at Christ Church, will celebrate his 105th birthday this Friday, 8th May. Congratulations to Arthur!

STAY SAFE & GOD BLESS YOU

Thanks to Roman Kraft on Unsplash for the photo. For the next newsletter, please follow this link.