St Margaret's Church Prestwich

The congregation of St Gabriel’s invited those of St Margaret’s and St George’s to a brunch on Saturday 18 July. Mercifully, the day was somewhat cooler than of late, and we were treated to freshly made waffles, pancakes, fresh berries, yoghurt and honey, croissants, finger rolls with ham and cheese, all served with tea, coffee, fruit juices, prosecco and smiles.

Rev Steve challenged us to tell someone from another church a way in which God had surprised us in the preceding week. He kicked this off with a story of how his passport had been found and the convoluted route by which it was returned to him in under 24 hours – before he realised it was missing!

Conversation flowed as members of all three congregations discovered connections between and within, and learned interesting details about each other’s communities.

Rev Steve said “It’s always a pleasure to offer hospitality and get to know one another.  I didn’t realise some folks from St Margaret’s were baptised at St Gabriel’s and grew up in the area. It’s interesting for me to learn more all the time about this remarkable part of Prestwich.

Here’s what participants from all three congregations said:

• It was interesting to learn about the art deco font and history of the building
• Lovely to meet so many new people
• Nice to go somewhere different and meet new people – what they do and don’t do, what they like and don’t like
• I’ve enjoyed being together, getting to know new people, learning about how they came to worship here, and telling our stories as well
• I like that Rev Steve encouraged us to share how the Lord has surprised us this week
• The Lord is here with us, in the grace we sang, in the hospitality we’re giving and receiving, and in the stories we’re all telling
• It’s been nice and friendly and the food was good – fresh fruits and fresh waffles
• I’ve liked meeting new people and having a right good natter with someone I’ve never met before
• I’ve just been in the Garden of Remembrance and it’s beautiful – it’s like a little oasis of calm
• The Lady Chapel is lovely, there was a Nativity scene in there last Christmas
• Coming together, having friendly discussions with people I’ve never met before, getting to know new people
• Excellent tea and cake!
• I’ve liked making all the new connections and learning where other people live and what’s happening in their areas
• I’ve enjoyed the company in a new setting and being hosted – we don’t have to put the tables away!
• The friendliness, the company, how welcoming everyone has been, what a good job they’ve all done for us, they’ve all been so lovely – we should invite them back!
• I’ve liked getting together and seeing everyone, it’s been lovely, the food’s been very nice and the hospitality has been great, chatting with old friends and making new ones
• It’s been lovely to see so many here!
• I’ve enjoyed meeting all the people from St Gabriel’s, and I’ve told them about our Lenten Lunches
• It’s been buzzing! Everyone has just got on with speaking with each other; they don’t want to leave!
• It’s been quite loud! Lots of conversations going on, quite a team effort, most enjoyable to see people from other churches and have a relaxed chance to talk
• I’ve treated my daughter to three cookery books – 3 for a pound! – including one called “Chocolate Heaven”

On behalf of St Margaret’s and St George’s, to all at St Gabriel’s, thank you so much for having us. It was an inspired idea, and we’ve all really enjoyed getting to know you better. Thank you.

Carol P