Rev Sue preached this sermon on Passion Sunday, 22 March 2026. Here it is for you again: I love a good story. One of the pleasures of my life is cooking a meal while listening to an audiobook. For me good fiction has convincing characters that I really care about, an absorbing plot and a … More The God who weeps
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Sunday 8 March. Here it is for you again: Today’s readings draw us into the human experience of thirst — not justfeeling thirsty for water or a drink, but we are here talking about the longing and thirstof the soul. We read In Exodus, that the Israelites were weary … More Third Sunday in Lent
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Wednesday 25 February. Here it is for you again: What a pushy mother! Imagine going up to Jesus and asking for your sons to be given the best places in heaven. Yet Jesus directs his answer not only to her, but to James and John themselves: “Are you able … More Can you drink the cup that I drink?
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Sunday 8 March. Here it is for you again: The Old Testament reading today comes from the book of Deuteronomy, which is probably one of the books of the Bible that people know least about. It is the fifth book of the Bible and the final book of the … More Teach them to your children
Dear Friends The seasons of our churches walk in step with the seasons of the natural world. Christmas comes just after the shortest day of the year, and Easter follows the spring equinox (when day and night are both exactly 12 hours), its date shaped by the cycle of the full moon. March brings the … More Clergy letter to the parish – March 2026
This month’s letter comes from Rev Steve. “Discipline” is an unpopular word. It makes many think of punishment or a grim routine, pursued for its own sake, and without a smile. Yet actually it comes from the Latin word that means both to teach and to learn… the word that gives us “disciple”, “discernment” and … More February Letter to the Parish
This month’s letter comes from the keyboard of Rev Christine: I pray that each of you has experienced a joyful Christmas, surrounded by family and friends. I also trust you have enjoyed all the traditional trimmings, taken time to celebrate the Christmas story, and had the chance to reconnect with those you may not see … More Letter to the Parish
She was so tired, as they walked along, Only his arm kept her from falling down. The child within her clamoured to be born She was not much more than a child herself. The hostel for the homeless, by this time, Was full to overflowing, “It’s the rules,” The warden said, not without sympathy, “There’s … More Nativity Now
The Bethlehem Carol Sheet is having its 70th anniversary this year. Not only is it an affordable way to have in one convenient place nearly all the carols we might want to sing, but its profits support projects helping the poorest people in the Middle East. You won’t find Jingle Bells in it, though – … More December letter to the parish
This month’s letter comes from Rev Steve: This season of Remembrance begins with the memory of a month that will resonate for many years. When I first heard of the terrible attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on 2nd October, Yom Kippur, I knew I had to get there as quick as I could. But … More November Letter to the Parish
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 