This article was written for the April 2026 issue of our parish magazine: I have never seen the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan”. Wikipedia tells me that it’s a war epic, set in Normandy in 1944 and follows a group of solders on a mission to locate Private Ryan, whose three brothers have already perished … More Hymn to the Fallen (from Saving Private Ryan) – John Williams (b. 1932)
Dear Friends, It’s amazing to think that we are almost halfway through the year, but let’s not dwell on that. As we step into May the days are now longer, and our gardens are bursting into colour. My Magnolia’s deep red blooms make me smile every time I step outside. After the cold dark and … More Clergy Letter to the Parish
I don’t suppose Peter had any idea what the impact would be of his first sermon in Jerusalem. Three thousand people came to be baptised. The disciples must have spent the whole rest of the day doing nothing but baptising one convert after another in the ritual immersion pools around Jerusalem. No time for preparation … More The Jerusalem Experiment
Rev Sue preached this sermon during the Easter Vigil last weekend. Here it is for you again: The first time I experienced an earthquake was in the early hours of September 23rd 2002. We were living in the West Midlands at the time. We woke up to the floor shaking and furniture rattling. I put … More The Easter Vigil
This month’s letter to the parish comes from hte keyboard of Rev Helen, and reflects on the hymn “Let all mortal flesh keep silence”: Let all mortal flesh keep silence,and with fear and trembling stand;ponder nothing earthly minded,for, with blessing in His hand,Christ our God to earth descendeth,our full homage to demand. King of kings, … More April letter from the clergy
Alleluia! His is risen! Today is Easter Day and we bring you a short reflection based on one of the Stations of the Cross. Today ALM Carol O talks about Station 16: Jesus is risen! “Spiegel im Spiegel” © 1978 Universal Edition. Permission requested. St Margaret’s Church Prestwich holds CCLI licences CCL 79250, MRL 775231 … More Stations of the Cross 2026: 16
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
This article was written for inclusion in the December 2025 issue of our parish magazine. In mid-December 2024 Rev Christine cam to me with a suggestion of a new anthem for Christmas – “but not this Christmas”, she said, “it’s far too short notice!” I found the sheet music, loved it, checked with Tom, and … More Thorns In the Straw Graham Kendrick (1950-present)
This article was written for the April 2025 issues of our parish magazine: I have written before about Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” (September 2024), but this version has new lyrics, written by Kelly Mooney: A crown of thorns placed on His head, He knew that He would soon be dead, He said did you forget … More Hallelujah! (Cohen, arr. Rickley)
Alleluia Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!! That first announcement of the Resurrection of Jesus at the Easter vigil. Jesus is dead, he’s descended into hell. Everything he promised and all the hope he brought has died with him. His followers are despondent and broken hearted, his mother and some other women are … More May Letter to the Parish
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 