William Laud was Archbishop of Canterbury during the 1630 and 1640’s, this was a very tumultuous period of English history right before the English Civil War when to two rival factions were fighting for dominance, (sorry I’m a historian and I love this period, I’ve really had to restrain myself here), I think it’s fair to say that these factions have several different names … More Being disciples of Jesus
On Monday 19 July we heard the story of Albert and Albrecht Duerer, which was followed by a reading from the Gospel of John, in which Jesus commands us to love each other as He has loved us, and that greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends; and we are Jesus’ friends if we do as He commands. One of the comments in response to this was, “he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” … More He Ain’t Heavy
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
As I write this letter, we have all just learnt of the death of a very dear and loyal friend, Joan Lane. I know she will be sadly missed by many of us and will be remembered for her energy, welcoming smile and devotion to God … More June letter to the parish
Welcome to our service of Holy Communion for Sunday 30 April, the day on which we remember Jesus as the Good Shepherd. It is also the day of our APCM, during which we review 2022. Rev Sue will preside.
We began with the hymn “The King of Love my Shepherd is” … More The Good Shepherd
The Christian life is one of continuous conversions and crises as we deepen our faith. Throughout our life, we undergo a number of conversions with regard to our relationship with God. Spirituality is the process of allowing ourselves to grow in Christ through these conversions and ultimately, it allows us to grow in love by reflecting the divine. Spirituality focusses on how we live out our lives as Christians – it is something that cannot be seen as separate from our everyday lives. As Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words”. In other words, spirituality is a way of life … More Celtic Spirituality
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
As Anglicans we don’t have any mechanism to declare people saints, so we remember a mixture of Roman Catholic saints from before the reformation alongside those from the last 500 years that have been judged worthy of appearing in the church calendar. Today is the day we remember Elizabeth Fry … More Elizabeth Fry
At the very beginning of Jesus earthly ministry, he called twelve disciples to be with him. He sent them out to preach the gospel in pairs. Later, when St Paul was journeying throughout the known world to spread the good news, he always had at least one companion, and not just a servant to keep him safe, but another preacher who would work alongside him. The message is clear – ministry is not a solo occupation … More Teamwork
Good morning and welcome to our service of Holy Communion for Sunday 11 September, in which we mark the passing of our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III … More Mourning HM Queen Elizabeth II
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 