This article was written for the August 2023 issue of our parish magazine, as part of a series about coronatoin anthems. Based on Psalm 34:8, this anthem was composed for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It was also sung at her funeral last year. The text is: This motet is considered short … More O Taste and See – Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Rev Sue preached this sermon on Sunday 23 August 2026. Here it is for you again: The Netflix show Lucifer is based on the premise that the Prince of Darkness comes to Earth in Los Angeles to run a nightclub. Of course, the whole setup is nonsensical. But like many fantasy programmes, it can be … More Desire
We conclude our series on our parish Church “Mice” with Yarn Mice. These mice knit and crochet to make blankets to give to the sick and those who need a sign of our love and prayers. They also make things to sell at fund raising events. Sincere thanks to Maureen for her dedication in making … More Yarn Mice
What is a “chant”? From football terraces to political demonstrations to playground rhymes and perhaps even ancient plainchant, we have all chanted in one form or another. But the questions stands: what is “chant”? The Latin cantare means “to sing”, with cantus being a song, or singing. The French chanter means “to sing”, with chant … More The Sound of Prayer: Chant in Worship
This month’s letter is from Rev Helen – her last to us as Curate of this parish. Well, this is it, the summer is finally upon us! I’d normally make a comment here like I hope we get some nice weather unlike the last few months but as I write this, we are in the … More August letter to the parish
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, … More Parish Brunch at St Gabriel’s
Rev Christine preached this sermon on Wednesday 29 July 2026. Here it is for you again: Friends of Jesus Isaiah 25:6-9 • Psalm 49 • Hebrews 2:10-15 • John 12:1-8 Today I’d like us to spend a little time with three people who were among Jesus’ closest friends: Martha, Mary and Lazarus. I’m sure most … More Mary, Martha and Lazarus
This article was written for the July 2023 issue of our parish magazine. Parry wrote this setting of Psalm 122 for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 and revised it for King George V in 1911. It has been used at the coronation of every British monarch ever since. Prior to that, “Laetatus … More I was Glad – Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1948-1918)
Rev Christine preached thi ssermon on Sunday 12 July. Here it is for you again; I’m sure many of you have tried growing something at some point in your life. Perhaps you’ve carefully planted tomatoes in the greenhouse, nurtured a few runner beans, or maybe you’ve simply bought one of those supermarket basil plants. They … More The Parable of the Sower
St Margaret’s and St George’s churches both have pipe organs. St Margaret’s also has a grand piano, a choir, and full sets of two types of hymn books. We are not given to singing worship songs. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that kind of music in worship, but they are better suited to churches with … More Come All You Vagabonds – Stuart Townend (b. 1963)
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 