One of my favourite mantras used in these monthly articles that carols are not just for Christmas. They are also for Advent, Epiphany, Lent and Easter. I may be stretching a point, but this piece is here in January to represent the flight to Egypt, and the fragility of a new-born baby, sent to be God’s warrior … More This Little Babe – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
A few weeks ago the Bishops of the Church of England agreed to propose that gay couples can have their relationship blessed in church. That proposal is being debated by General Synod, the governing body of the church, today. The bishops also issued an apology … More The Bishops’ Apology
I’m going to take us all back in time, not quite like Dr. Who and not as far back as Jesus’ time, but to the 70’s for those of us who remember those years.
So, let’s begin. Who remembers the power cuts? no lights, no T.V.s, but torches and candles handy in nearly every room at night … More Shine a Light
For various reasons this piece needed to be written on the 2nd January. It was hard to get my head around where we’ll be in February! Lent is the obvious topic so it got me thinking. What is the difference between New Year’s Resolutions and Lenten disciplines? They can look very similar but delve deeper and there are big differences … More Resolutions: Beginning again
The world in which the church now exists is radically different from that in which it was founded. Pope Francis went on to say, “The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently” – he clearly believes that the Church must speak to the hearts of individuals, as Jesus did, not to condemn, but to support and show all the way of salvation … More Ecclesiology
Saul’s conversion must surely be the most radical change of direction in history. He was a murderer, perhaps of the worst kind, because he was not himself violent. He did not act from passion and lack of self-control, swept away in the moment, but was fuelled by a cold and fanatical religious hatred … More The Conversion of Paul
Fundamentally, there are five basic elements to singing songs (which include hymns) successfully:
Pitch – how high or low the notes are
Rhythm – the pattern of the notes
Pulse – the beat upon which rhythm sits – usually 2, 3 or 4 time
Tempo – the speed of the pulse
Words – for communicating meaning … More The Summons (John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
When I was at school I had a friend, Isobel, who had a Scottish mother. I knew that the family went to church every Sunday. We talked about how we found Sundays. My parents viewed it as their day of rest and would sit and doze after lunch, and I would do my homework. Isobel said that she wasn’t allowed to do homework on a Sunday – or anything that constituted work. Nor did they watch television. The debate in their house was whether knitting was work … More Should we keep Sunday special?
Good morning and welcome to our service of holy communion for Sunday 22 January, streamed from our church hall. This is because the boiler is faulty, and there was no heat in church this morning.
Hopefully back to normal next week. Rev Sue presides and Matt will preach … More Sunday Service 22 January 2023
School enjoyed a lovely Christmas Carol Service at St Margaret’s church on Monday 12th December, the first since the pandemic. It was good to so see some of you joining us on the day to celebrate alongside us. Children sang with enthusiasm and happiness and did really well learning the songs, through the expertise of Carol Porter, who continues to support us superbly with our singing development at school … More January letter from our Primary School
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 