A Variety Box of Worship
Last Sunday felt like a Christmas worship variety box—the kind you open with delight, never quite knowing what richness you’ll find inside.
Click the arrows on the slideshow above to explore the events. Like the festive assortment tins that appear at this time of year, our worship across the day offered a joyful mix of flavours, styles, and experiences. It beautifully reflected our commitment to a mixed economy of church, creating varied ways for people to connect, belong, and discover faith in Jesus.
The morning service at St Edmund’s opened the box with a Nativity Spectacular, retelling the Christmas story in a fresh and imaginative way, with young people fully involved at its heart. Laughter, creativity, and wonder filled the space as the story of Christ’s birth came alive again.
At lunchtime, Alexandra Park Café in Bembe was alive with the sound of carols. We were generously hosted by Shaker, who provided free mince pies and soup as local people gathered to sing together—simple hospitality opening space for joy and connection.
The afternoon continued at St James with Café Church, offering another festive treat: carol performances, congregational singing, a lively quiz, and delicious food shared around tables. Doreen summed it up perfectly, declaring it “the best day ever!”
Grace Community Urdu congregation had their carol service at St Edmund's in the afternoon aswell. Passionate praise rose from a music group and choir enriched by many new members, filling the church with warmth and depth.
Across the day, this rich variety of worship and fellowship echoed Jesus’ promise that he came so that we might have life in all its fullness. Thank you to everyone who made it such a wonderful day.
Revd Tom
Hamper to Help Raise Church Funds
Grace Community Churches are raising vital general church funds this Christmas with a special festive raffle. Two generous hampers have been beautifully put together, filled with seasonal treats and gifts. Tickets are available from Revd Kausar at £2 per strip of tickets—a simple and joyful way to support the life and mission of our churches while being in with a chance to win a wonderful Christmas prize. Or request a ticket via our
contact us page>>
Iona is Moving On and Welcoming Solomon
I want to take this opportunity to thank Iona our Ordinand, for her work with us while she has been at Emmanuel College studying. She has been a ace asset and wonderful team member and supportive friend to many of us. Here are a few words from her to update you all.
"Sadly, I will be finishing my placement here next Spring, and following ordination on 28th June (God willing), I will be serving my curacy at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford. I am very excited to be moving to a city centre parish with a focus on inclusion and the arts, and wanted to thank everyone here for a placement which has really allowed me to flourish and learn, and prepared me so well for the next step. My last Sunday here will be 19th April 2026."
We are also delighted to announce that Solomon John will join us as our new curate following his ordination in summer 2026. Solomon is an ordinand at St Hild College, Mirfield, currently serving a ministry placement at Manchester Cathedral. Formed within the Antioch Church planting network, he brings a passion for mission, sacramental life, and sharing the Good News. Solomon is eager to grow in parish, sacramental and intercultural ministry, and feels a strong sense of fit with St Edmund’s and St James.
Please keep Iona and Solomon in your prayers.
What's on at a Glance?
Readings we share across all our services: Isaiah 7.10-16, Psalm 80.1-8, 18-20 and Matthew 1.18-end
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Simple Morning Worship - 9.30am St Edmund's
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10.30am worship at St Edmund's and St James'
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4pm Grace Community Urdu Church
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4-5.30pm (ish) - Open House at the Rectory (M16 8FS) - Savoury Nibbles and Drinks - no need to bring anything.
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6pm Christmas Carols by Candlelight - Our benefice-wide traditional carol service by candlelight, with readings and carols. A beautiful way to pause and prepare for Christmas. Click for invite>>
Monday
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Morning Prayer at St Edmund’s - 9.30am
Tuesday
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No Morning Prayer or Place of Welcome at St James until Tue 6th January
Wednesday - Christmas Eve
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Coffee Morning - re-starts on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
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Grace Community Midnight Mass at St Edmund's - 9pm
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Carols by Candlelight and 1st Communion of Christmas 11pm at St Margaret's, Whalley Range
Thursday - Christmas Day
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Grieving Together Cafe - St James' - meets again now on 8th January
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The Chosen Bible Study back on 8th January
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Christmas Day Celebrations 10.30am at St Edmund's and St James'
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Grace Community Christmas Celebration 4pm at St Edmund's
Readings we share across all our services: Jeremiah 31.15-17, Psalm 124, Matthew 2.13-18
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NO 9.30am at St Edmund's
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10.30am worship at St Edmund's and St James'
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4pm Grace Community Urdu Service
Advance Notices
Joint PCC meet on Monday 12th January 7.30pm at St Edmund's. Save the date and papers will be sent out the week before.
Keep up to date at any time by checking our calendar - click here>>
Christmas:
Prayer Pointers for this Week
God-with-us (Isaiah 7)
Give thanks that you meet us in uncertainty and fear. Pray for trust in your promises when signs are hard to see and hope feels fragile.
Restoring Shepherd (Psalm 80)
Cry out for renewal—for our churches, neighbourhoods, and nation. Ask that your face would shine upon all who feel weary, displaced, or overlooked.
Courage and obedience (Matthew 1)
Pray for the quiet faith of Joseph: courage to do what is right, openness to your guidance, and trust when plans must change.
Christmas services and events
Pray for all our Christmas gatherings—for welcome, warmth, and space for people to encounter the love of Christ, perhaps for the first time.
Christmas Day
Ask that joy would be deep and gentle, not forced. Pray for those serving, hosting, travelling, or worshipping quietly at home.
For those who find Christmas hard
Hold before God those grieving, lonely, unwell, or anxious. Pray that Emmanuel would be close, tender, and real in their pain.
A prayer for us all
Lord, restore us, make your face shine upon us, and give us life—so that we may live and love in the light of your coming.