Year: 2017

Ashes to Go

Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence.
From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in
ash with the sign of the cross. The reminder that we are dust turns our
attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in
our lives when we offer that brokenness to God. That turning to God is the work of
Lent, preparation for the celebration of Easter.

St Paul’s and St Martin’s are offering ashes on the street
Wednesday March 1st to remind us throughout the day of our need for God, and of God’s
call to us.
In Ashton village 11.15 to 11.45. In Sale town 12 – 12 30.

The photo here was taken in Sale town centre. and shows Revd. Barbara and Father Shaun with Ann, Anita and Harry.dscn0617

Men’s Society Open Meeting

img_0654On Feb 26th Kath Leigh from Chester Diocese came to talk to an open meeting of the Men’s Society on Transforming Lives Together. She gave pointers about setting up a Place of Welcome at St Paul’s. More information can be found at http://www.tltogether.org.uk

 

From the Vicar…

The Christmas season finally ends on February 2nd Candlemass or as it is also known ‘The presentation of Christ in the temple.’ It is a transferable feast so at St Paul’s it was kept on January 29th the nearest Sunday. On that day at the end of the 10 am service there is a procession to the back of church where we remind ourselves who it is we have been celebrating during the Christmas and Epiphany seasons. It is the Christ, our Saviour, the light of the world and to remind us of the light we each hold a candle as we say the words of the Nunc Dimittis those words spoken by Simeon when he saw the 40 day old baby Jesus and knew he was looking at the long promised Messiah. Let me remind you of those words, in the wonderfully poetic Kings James Translation.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart
in peace according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face
of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to
be the glory of thy people Israel.

Then we ask God to help us to live Christ’s life, to help us to be thankful for God’s gift of His Son. We ask God to help us to trust God’s promises, help us to never forsake the light of Christ but to be willing enter into the Easter mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. And we ask that we might shine as lights in the world.

As we move through February toward Lent which begins this year on March 1st we will mark by service at 7pm which will include the imposition of Ashes, I ask you to consider what you will do to shine as a light in the world. Perhaps between now and the start of Lent you could light a candle each day and remind yourself that you are a light for Christ and pray for guidance about how God wants you to shine for him, asking which bit of the world does he want you to light up?
Which people in his world does he want you to enlighten with his Gospel message? Which bits of this difficult and often unjust world does he want you to help bring justice and peace to. Have no doubt that you are called to help spread the light of Christ and his Gospel message. Spend the next four weeks thinking about what you can do and then in Lent start to start to get yourself into the good habit of being a light to the gentiles and help to light up the dark places that are still waiting to be shown the Christ.

Yours in Christ

Barbara

New flooring

Over last couple of days we have had contractors in repairing and replacing the flooring, in both the kitchen and the linking corridor. 

They have been working overnight to remove the flooring in kitchen ready for screet and by the end of Saturday 28th January the door should be almost complete. 

Saturday morning coffee and usual Saturday events will continue. 

UPDATE:

The flooring for the corridor is almost complete, and the screet is almost dry in the kitchen. We expect the floors to be completed by 2:00pm today. Here are some images from the work. 

Wanted Part Time Admin Assistant

  • 4 hours per week, flexible hours including occasional evening.
  • Must be self motivated, familiar with IT packages,and with working with volunteers or community groups.
  • Must be in sympathy with the aims and values of the Church of of England.

Closing date for applications 16th February.

For more details and application form contact B Sharp 0161 973 1042 or email revbarb@hotmail.co.uk

New Website

As you may already be aware from our social media pages, we were undergoing development of our new church website. After a lot of hard work design and planning going into it to make the site easier for our users and modern. It is now live and up and running, please do not hesitate to have a look. 

Feedback is always welcome so please contact us via the contact page and we will look into it. 

Thank you 

Here is the site: Church website