Hosting the Foundations for Ministry Advent Retreat at St Edmund’s
On Saturday 6th December, St Edmund’s had the joy of welcoming participants from the Manchester Diocese Foundations for Ministry course for a gentle and reflective Advent Retreat. Our beautiful church became a space of prayer, creativity, and quiet encounter as we spent the day seeking God together.
One of the central movements of the retreat was our use of a prayer labyrinth, carefully laid out to help us journey symbolically toward the heart of our faith. As we stepped onto the winding path, we were invited to leave behind whatever burdens, distractions, or anxieties we carried. With each turn we moved deeper into prayer, carrying with us hopes, longings, and intercessions to place before Christ at the centre. Many found it a profoundly grounding experience—an embodied way of preparing for Advent.
We also spent time in creative reflection, exploring Pablo Picasso’s expressive line drawing of Christ. Using simple pen and ink, we created our own contemplative sketches, paying attention to gesture, emotion, and the mystery of Christ’s presence revealed through mark-making.
Throughout the day we worshipped, shared food and conversation, and sensed God’s nearness and ministry among us. It was a joy to host such a meaningful gathering in our wonderful church building—a place that continues to bless all who enter.
Please keep praying that St Edmund’s will be a home for even more ministry, creativity, and spiritual encounter in the months ahead.
Revd Tom
What's on at a Glance?
Sunday
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2nd Sunday of Advent
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Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10, Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19 and Matthew 3.1-12
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Services:
St Edmund's: 9.30am + 10.30am and Grace Community Urdu Church: 4pm
St James': 10.30am
Carols at Picadilly Station 3pm: join the Marathi and Grace families as they sing at the train station.
Monday
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Morning Prayer at St Edmund’s - 9.30am
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Mothers Union Service at St Ann's in Manchester - 11am
Tuesday
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Morning Prayer at Edmund's - not at St James' (just a one off) - 9.30am
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William Hulme Christingle Service at St Edmund's- 10.45am-11.45am
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Place of Welcome at St James' - 10am
Wednesday
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Coffee Morning - 10.30am: Join us for some Carol Singing - all are welcome.
Thursday
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Grieving Together Cafe - St James' - 11.30am
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The Chosen Bible Study at St Edmund's - 7.30pm: Do join us for Episode 6 of Season 1, Indescribable Compassion, where Jesus performs two miraculous healings.
Next Sunday - 2nd Sunday of Advent
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Simple Communion - 9.30am St Edmund's
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Nativity at St Edmund's at 10.30am service
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Grace Community Urdu Carols starting at 2pm at St Edmund's
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Churches Together Carols - Alexandra Park Cafe at 12.30pm- click for invite>>
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Readings: Isaiah 35.1-10, Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55), Matthew 11.2-11
Keep up to date at any time by checking our calendar - click here>>
Christmas:
Saturday Opening at 'Taste & See': Your Local Christian Bookshop
We will be open on the following EXTRA DAYS for Christmas Shopping.
10:30am - 2:00pm Saturdays 6th & 13th December
Free Mince Pie or small orange
Also open 10:30am - 2:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday as usual.
We look forward to welcoming you.
42 Brook Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 5RY. Tel: 0161 747 5672
(We are close to Trafford General Hospital – bus 256 from Manchester comes down Moorside Road and stops at the top of Brook Road - the next stop after the hospital)
Prayer Pointers for this Week
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For Christ’s peaceable kingdom to grow among us, bringing justice and reconciliation.
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For leaders to govern with righteousness and compassion, defending the poor.
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For new hope to rise where life feels cut down or barren.
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For the church to “prepare the way” with lives that bear good fruit.
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For peace in places of conflict and for all who suffer injustice.
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For hearts ready to receive Christ with repentance and joy.
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For us all to be filled with God’s Spirit as we serve our community.