Church Newsletter Issue #106 5th July 2026
Celebrating the Ordination of Deacons
Last Sunday was a joyful and significant day as Iona and Solomon were ordained as Deacons in the Church of God. We give thanks for God's faithfulness in their lives and for the calling he has placed upon them.
As a benefice, we hold Iona in our prayers as she begins her ministry at Sacred Trinity, asking that God will strengthen, encourage and guide her as she serves Christ and his Church. We also extend a very warm welcome to Solomon, his wife and family, as they join us in the life of our benefice. We look forward to sharing in ministry together as we continue to grow as communities offering Life + Hope to All.
During the ordination service, the Bishop reminded the Church that "Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests... proclaiming the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God's purposes of love." They are called to serve the communities in which they are placed, bringing the Church alongside the needs and hopes of all people, especially seeking out the poor, the weak, the lonely and those who are often forgotten, so that God's love may be made visible in the world.
Please pray for Solomon as he begins this new ministry among us, and for Iona as she serves in her new parish. May God bless their ministry with wisdom, compassion and joy, and may their servant-hearted witness help us all become a benefice that more faithfully reflects Christ, bringing Life + Hope to All.
Greeting from Revd Solomon
My name is Solomon John, and I have been married to Priscilla for over five years. We are blessed with two wonderful children, Isaiah and our newborn daughter Ivana. We are deeply thankful to God for the safe arrival of our daughter and for Priscilla’s recovery. Priscilla and I both grew up as pastors’ children in India, which has shaped our passion for Christ and His Church. I spent many years serving in mission work in India and later worked in church planting in Manchester. Through these experiences, I have witnessed God’s power in transforming lives. I now look forward to serving as Assistant Curate and continuing God’s work through ministry, evangelism, and faithfully learning and serving His people.
From the Ground Up – Northern Homecoming Tour
We're delighted that St James Church, Moss Side will host one of the From the Ground Up (FTGU) Northern Homecoming Tour dates on Saturday 11th July at 7.30pm. Described by The Gospel Coalition as "beautifully eclectic and devotionally rich," FTGU are celebrating the release of their upcoming EP. The tour also visits New Life Community Church, Milnrow, Hebron Church, Rochdale, Hope House Church, and Chadderton Community Church, Oldham. Join us for an uplifting evening of music, worship and encouragement as we welcome FTGU to our benefice.
Chibombo Theatre Evening
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday evening at St James Church for the Chibombo Theatre Evening and Susie Miles' moving performance of Shedding Light. Through the story of life in 1980s Swaziland, we were challenged to reflect on injustice, courage and hope. The evening was well supported, with generous donations raised for Chibombo People's Climate Action, a women-led project in rural Zambia.
Alongside this article, we are pleased to share Pam's poem, Swaziland's Visitors. Pam wrote the poem on hearing of the death of Nelson Mandela, reflecting on her own experiences of Southern Africa during the apartheid era. The poem offers a powerful and deeply personal meditation on oppression, dignity, memory and hope, reminding us that the pursuit of justice and reconciliation remains as important today as ever.
Swaziland’s visitors
They came screaming across the border
beaten and whipped
for not using the Pass Book,
the white South African’s equivalent
of the Nazi’s yellow star.
Unspoken stories of horror, transmitted with
upstanding dignity
or bitter anger.
They came screeching across the border
in their TP and TJ cadillacs,
seeking what they had denied themselves,
black flesh.
One abandoned his severed white willy in the gutter
outside The Town Tavern.
They came in awe.
One night a young Hindu man
amazed himself by touching the waist
of a white virgin
in the town’s nightclub.
We came as young teachers,
knowing it was our world,
knowing we could solve all things.
We grew up in this place,
in this lull between Sharpeville and the Soweto school boycotts,
in this lull riddled with violence and oppression.
What's on at a Glance
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Readings: Genesis 24.34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45.10-17, Matthew 11.16-19, 25-End.
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9.30am - Service of the Word at St Edmund's 20-30min long
10.30am - Communion at St Edmund's and Service of the Word at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church |
Monday
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Prayers at St Edmund's - 9.30am
Tuesday
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Morning Prayer - 9.30am at St James'
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Place of Welcome - 10am at St James'
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Deanery Synod Meeting - Time: 7.30 – 9.00 pm - Venue: Christ Church, Monton Street
Wednesday
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Coffee Morning 10.30am at St Edmund's- find out about 'Praying in Colour' as related in Sybil MacBeth's book of the same name. Come with names on your heart to pray for as we doodle and pray for them.
Thursday
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Grieving Together Cafe - 11.30am at St James'
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Chosen Film Series and Bible Study - 7.30pm at St Edmund's
Friday
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Cabaret and Curry Night at St James starting 6pm at St James' (Poster Below)
Saturday
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From The Ground Up - Album Launch Summer Tour Gig (see above)
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Grace Community Convention - 1pm (see poster below)
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Readings: Genesis 25.19-End, Psalm 119.105-112, Matthew 13. 1-9, 18-23.
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9.30am - Short Communion at St Edmund's 20-30min long
10.30am - Intergenerational Worship at St Edmund's and Communion at St James'
Grace Community Urdu Church cancelled due to Convention on Sat 11th. |
Service Rotas
Advance Notices
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JPCC Meeting Monday 13th July at St Edmund's - 7.15pm for a prompt 7.30pm start
Grace who runs Seen Creatives works closely with St Margaret's CoE Primary. I have received positive feedback from her work with the young people in an afterschool club there. Grace is establishing a fantastic opportunity for local people to explore the performing arts. Get in touch if you know young people who might like to join the group.
Prayer Pointers Based on this Weeks Readings
Genesis 24.34–38, 42–49, 58–67 · Psalm 45.10–17 · Matthew 11.16–19, 25–end
Pray for attentive hearts.
Give thanks that God continues to guide his people. Pray that we may recognise his leading, trust his timing, and respond with willing hearts, as Rebekah did.
Pray for wisdom in decision-making.
Pray for all who are discerning important decisions—families, young people, church leaders and those exploring vocation—that they may seek God's will above all else.
Pray for joyful discipleship.
Jesus calls us not to endless criticism but to faithful response. Pray that we may receive Christ with joy, embracing both his challenge and his grace.
Pray for humble faith.
Jesus rejoices that the Father reveals his kingdom to the humble. Ask God to keep us teachable, open to his Spirit, and eager to learn from Christ.
Pray for those carrying heavy burdens.
Bring before God all who are weary in body, mind or spirit. Pray that they may discover Christ's invitation: "Come to me... and I will give you rest."
Pray for our benefice.
As we seek to be a community offering Life + Hope to All, pray that we may faithfully proclaim the gospel in word and action, welcoming all who are searching for hope and belonging.
Pray for Christ's gentle yoke.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help us learn the gentleness and humility of Jesus, so that our lives reflect his peace and become a witness to his love in our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods.