The Presence Light in the Sanctuary at St Michael’s continues to burn day and night throughout the week. As ever, it reminds us of God’s continual presence – not just in the church building, but with all of us, the St Michael’s Family, whether even in normal times we are able physically to gather there or not.
The Light also reminds us that Jesus, the Light of the World, is present with us, giving support and encouragement; pushing back dark things and dark times when they press in around us. .
St Michael’s is open each day from 9:00am until noon, and from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. If you wish to donate to the foodbank, please place items in the usual place at the rear of the North Aisle.
Diary
Every Day
9am - Morning Prayer
5.30pm - Evening Prayer
Readings for these services are hosted on the Daily Prayer page on our website.
Only at St Michael’s
SMT 190’s note about “Corvid-19 Precautions” (instead of “Covid-19 …”) inspired several witticisms, some perhaps not exactly “PC” as we watch the virus’ onward sweep. Comments included that this showed the SMT staff were bird-brained (given some birds, that could be a compliment, but doubtless wasn’t meant as one), and that hopefully the precautions would enable us to crow about not catching the virus.
Green Tips – taking a lead, setting a target
Meeting a couple of weeks ago, the C of E General Synod passed a motion setting a target for all parts of the Church to work to be carbon “nett zero” by 2030. The debate had set that “ambitious” date rather than the original proposal of 2045. The motion noted the Synod recognises that the global climate emergency is a crisis for God’s creation, and a fundamental injustice. At the forefront of the work will be X Nick Salisbury, the C of E lead bishop for environmental matters, and Jo Chamberlain, newly-appointed national Environment Officer for the C of E.
What happened at the PCC?
PCC Minutes have to be approved by the next meeting before they can be displayed, but they’re put up as soon as possible. Recently, minutes of the meeting on 13th January were put up in the North and South porches.
Among items discussed were: Ø Our Parish Share – the amount contributed to the Diocese – for 2020 had been recalculated (by the Diocese) and was c. £2,000 less than the budgeted figure. Ø The financial implications of focusing on growth were discussed. The Diocese sees Bramhall as a two-clergy parish, but that would mean doubling parish share (currently £95,000); that wouldn’t apply for a curate, but it would mean paying for housing. Part-time lay employees – a Children & Families Worker and/or a Youth Worker could be considered; one full-time appointment would cost c. £30,000 p.a.
Ø The Eco Action Group reported on various matters, including developing “eco” themes in Services, increasing the bio-diversity of the church grounds, and signing up St M’s as a Fair Trade Church. Ø The terms of reference for the Parish Development Group (Finance) were noted. Ø “Discipleship” – from our strapline of “Community, Inclusion, Discipleship” – was discussed, with what has worked well, what we do now, and what we could do under the headings “developing prayer”, “understanding our faith”, and “sharing our faith” being considered. Ø N. Ø N.
Update on Ailsa Whitchurch
This update is from her son, Kevin : I visited Mum at the care home yesterday. She’s doing well – eating well and looking much healthier. The decline through dementia continues, but she is among nice people and stimulated each day. She sends her best wishes to all at St Michael’s.
Green Tips – Don’t forget about the other crisis!
Necessarily, Covid-19 has taken over our thinking, planning, the “Media”, and priorities. It may be hard to concentrate on anything else at the moment, but when it’s over we’ll be back to climate change and the eco-crisis (weirdly good and bad news at the same time). A few “green tips” as we settle into Covid-dominated life:
Ø It may well be a case of getting what’s there when (if) you shop, but if there is a choice, try to keep up choose less packaging, and avoid things cocooned in plastic.
Ø If the old one is still working, do you need to rush to Amazon or e-Bay for a new one? Save the materials and energy invested in that new whatever – not to mention saving people from not being at “social distancing” distances while they’re getting it to you.
Ø If you feed the birds, etc – they still need it.
Soup & Roll
(Newala fundraiser) on 8th March : A big thank you to everyone who attended this event. We hope you enjoyed the homemade soups and the friendship, which is the main purpose of Newala Link. Also thank you very much to all who helped cook the soup, brought other items, and washed up. You’ll be pleased to know that we raised £170, which will go towards the projects we support in Newala Diocese - mainly being Porridge Breakfasts for school pupils and water tanks for villages. Hamida Adkins
Childrens Society
The Christingle Services seem a long time ago, but we’ve finally been able to arrange to send the amount collected to The Children’s Society. The total amount was £1,559.15, which breaks down as follows: Donations at Christingle Services £912.61
School Carol Service collection £398.54
Bramhall Hall Chapel Services £200.00
Sundry other donations £48.00
Graham Knight
Still collecting stamps
A reminder that we collect used stamps for The Together Trust (a local charity that “provides care, education and support for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities, autism, and emotional needs”). It will probably be some time until you can put stamps (in a labelled envelope) in the W section of the letter-rack or hand them to Phil Wadsworth, but please hang on to them until you can.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name put their trust in you, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:9-10