Church Newsletter Issue #106 5th July 2026
Grace Community Convention and From the Ground Up
Saturday 11th July was a day of great joy as Grace Community, our flourishing Urdu congregation at St Edmund's, gathered for its Annual Convention under the theme "Mission & Witness" (Acts 1:8). The church was filled with vibrant worship, passionate preaching, prayer, and the anointing with oil, as members renewed their commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
We were deeply honoured to welcome the Bishop of Multan Diocese, Pakistan, the Venerable Javaid Iqbal, Archdeacon of Doncaster, and the Revd Dr Eric Sarwar (USA), whose ministries brought encouragement, wisdom and inspiration. Their presence reminded us of the global Church and the rich partnership we share across nations and cultures.
Following the celebration, Revd Kausar thanked the congregation for their "dedication, loyalty, kindness and love in Christ," recognising the many volunteers who made the day possible. It was a powerful reminder that Grace Community continues to grow as a loving family of faith and remains a treasured part of our parish family as, together, we seek to bring Life + Hope for All.
The celebration continues this Sunday, 19th July at 4.00pm, as we warmly welcome Revd Dr Eric Sarwar back to Grace Community at St Edmund's. A gifted musician, minister and missiologist, Eric will be sharing God's Word and his passion for making disciples of all nations. Everyone is warmly invited to join us for what promises to be another inspiring afternoon of worship, fellowship and encouragement.
From the Ground Up – Northern Homecoming Tour
St James' Life + Hope Space recently provided the perfect setting for the launch of From the Ground Up, an evening that beautifully combined music, worship and hospitality. Four gifted musicians shared songs from their new album alongside personal reflections on the difference God has made in their lives. The stripped-back acoustic sound created a peaceful, intimate atmosphere where people could simply rest, listen and encounter God's beauty. Guests travelled from across the region, including Sheffield, to be part of the evening, demonstrating the growing reach of this creative ministry. It was a wonderful example of how music and the arts can open hearts, build community and offer a fresh expression of worship as we continue to explore new ways of sharing the hope of Christ through creativity.
Welcome Adam from Westcott College
Here is a note from Adam after 2 weeks of a 5 week placement with us. He will be preaching at St James' this Sunday.
My name is Adam, and I am an ordinand training in Cambridge. It is a real joy to spend the month of July on placement at St James’, St Edmund’s, and St Margaret’s. Thank you all for the warm welcome you have given me as I have begun to learn about the many wonderful ministries and activities taking place across the three parishes.
One of the things that has struck me most is the strong sense of community I have experienced, both in our times of worship and in the fellowship shared afterwards. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be with you and look forward to getting to know many more of you over the coming weeks.
Adam
Curry & Cabaret Brought Us Together
Our Curry & Cabaret evening last Friday was a celebration of fellowship, laughter and talent. It was a great to hear our amazing young voices, Naomi and Sarah, alongside Julie and friends, who entertained us with music and warmth throughout the evening. Born from ideas shared at our Movers and Shakers Vision Day, this social gathering showed how simply spending time together strengthens our church family. A huge thank you to Julie and Charles for all their hard work. May this be the first of many faith-filled fellowship events that bring our community together.
South Asian Heritage Month: Unity in Diversity
Throughout July, churches across the Diocese of Manchester are celebrating South Asian Heritage Month, giving thanks for the rich history, cultures, faith and contributions of the eight South Asian nations. This year's theme, "Unity in Diversity," encourages us to celebrate the gifts that different cultures bring while growing together as one body in Christ.
Reader Amit Chawhan has encouraged us to mark this important month, which has particular significance for our parish family. At St James and St Edmund's, we are richly blessed by the worship, leadership, languages, hospitality and witness of our South Asian sisters and brothers. As we continue to become a House of Prayer for the Nations, may we give thanks for the diversity God has entrusted to us, listening well, learning from one another, and ensuring that everyone truly knows they belong.
Use Your Vote
On Thursday 30th July, people across Greater Manchester will have the opportunity to vote in the Greater Manchester Mayoral by-election. Whatever your political views, voting is one of the ways we can play our part in shaping the future of our city region. The right to vote was hard won through the courage of those who came before us, including the reformers of Peterloo and the Suffragettes, and it is a privilege worth using.
If you still need to register to vote, or would like information about postal or proxy voting, there is still time. You can also find details about polling arrangements on your local council's elections website. To help you make an informed decision, you can also read about all of the candidates standing in the election.
For further information, visit:
Manchester City Council – Election Information: click here>>
Meet the Candidates – Greater Manchester Mayoral By-election - click here>>
As Christians, we are called to pray for all those in public office and to seek the good of our communities. Please remember the candidates, election staff and all who will take part in this democratic process in your prayers.
The Rt Revd Stephen Richard Lowe RIP
It was with sadness that we learned of the death of The Right Revd Stephen Richard Lowe, former Bishop of Hulme.
Consecrated bishop in 1999, Stephen served as Bishop of Hulme in the Diocese of Manchester until his retirement in July 2009. He also served as the Church of England’s first Bishop for Urban Life and Faith from 2006 to 2009 and continued his ministry as an Honorary Assistant Bishop in St Asaph from 2009 to 2018. We join with the diocese and extend our condolences to Bishop Stephen’s family and loved ones at this time.
The Rt Revd Stephen Lowe’s Funeral
Friday 24th July at 12.30pm at Chester Cathedral followed by a private cremation for close family at Chester Crematorium.
More info click here>>
What's on at a Glance
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Readings: Genesis 28.10-19a. Psalm 139. 1-11, Matthew 13. 24-30, 36-43.
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9.30am - Communion at St Edmund's 20-30min long
10.30am - Service of the Word at St Edmund's and Service of the Word at St James'
4pm - Grace Community Urdu Church
1-4pm - Life + Hope at St James - drop in - all are welcome invite new people |
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'
Wednesday
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Coffee Morning has finished for the summer
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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Happy Cats toddler group meets Friday mornings at St Edmund's from 10am.
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Readings: Genesis 29. 15-28, Psalm 128, Matthew 13. 31-33, 44-52.
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9.30am - Short Service of the Word at St Edmund's 20-30min long
10.30am - Intergenerational Worship at St Edmund's with Communion and Communion at St James'
4pm - Grace Community
3-5pm - Rectory Garden Party |
Service Rotas
Advance Notices
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Garden Party at The Rectory - Join Tom and Cathy at the Rectory for afternoon tea 3-5pm on Sunday 26th July
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
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Father, help your Church to recognise your presence, like Jacob, and become a place of welcome and hope for all.
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Thank you that you know each of us completely. Be close to all who are lonely, anxious or afraid.
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Give us patience to trust your timing, growing goodness while leaving judgement in your hands.
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Bless our parish, our schools and our communities. May many discover that you are with us.
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Guide those who lead our nation and city. Give them wisdom, justice and compassion.
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Comfort all who are sick, grieving or in need, and surround them with your healing love.
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Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may shine with Christ's light and bring Life + Hope to all.