lockdown – St Margaret's Church Prestwich

Like a Rainbow Shining – Will Todd (1970-present)

October 24, 2023

I was first introduced to the work of Will Todd in the summer of 2019 when the Manchester Chorale began rehearsing his “Mass in Blue”. It’s an incredible suite of sacred jazz music, which was performed by the Chorale in St Margaret’s on Saturday 14 March 2020. The church was packed, and everyone – audience, band and singers alike – thoroughly enjoyed the music. Little did we know it would be 24 weeks and 4 days until anyone would sing in our church again … More Like a Rainbow Shining – Will Todd (1970-present)

Lockdown Blessings

July 25, 2023

This article first appeared in the July 2020 issue of the parish magazine. Here it is again for you to reflect on:
For many, lockdown has been an incredibly difficult time of worry, isolation, ill-health, boredom and captivity. It has been tough, and will continue to be so for many months to come.
For others it has offered opportunities and blessings. I am fortunate to be in this group … More Lockdown Blessings

The unexpected benefits of lockdown

May 17, 2022

The last two years have brought sadness, loss, financial problems and long-term health issues for many, and few have found them a positive experience. But like the flowers growing on the wasteland there have been a few things brought about by the lockdown that have actually improved our lives … More The unexpected benefits of lockdown

PENTECOST/APCM2021

May 23, 2021

On Sunday 23 May 2021 – Pentecost – Rev Deborah used the sermon slot to deliver her Annual Parochial Church Meeting report to the congregation. Here it is for you again … More PENTECOST/APCM2021

Dido’s Lament – H Purcell (1659-95)

April 13, 2021

This powerful aria is the penultimate song in Purcell’s opera “Dido and Aeneas”. I discovered it one January morning. We were recently locked down for the third time, infection rates were out of control and UK daily death rates were higher than ever … More Dido’s Lament – H Purcell (1659-95)

National Day of Reflection

March 23, 2021

Tuesday 23 March 2021 is the anniversary of the first national lockdown in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and has been declared a National day of Reflection.
Rev Deborah offers this short reflection of prayer, readings and music. It will be available to watch – and re-watch – indefinitely … More National Day of Reflection