It might be helpful to print them out or have them on a device that is separate from what you will watch the service on.
This is a Holy Week like no other in the history of the English Church. On this page is a guide to worship this week. On each day Calum will share a reflection online. Below are some suggested activities and readings for each day along with times at which there will be some form of streamed worship in the later part of the week.
The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. It is most effective when the ending is indeed an ending, without additions, conversation or noise. If there is an address, or business to be done, it should come first. If the service is in church, those present depart in silence; if at home, they go quietly to bed.
The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries because they enable us to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Jesus. They originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since then Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion.
Attached here is a self-guided stations of the cross that can be used at home.
The Rector and PCC of the Parish of Stockport & Brinnington are delighted to announce the appointment of the Revd Jessica Piper to the role of Associate Minister for St Mary’s, St Thomas’ and St Luke’s, (subject to all legal formalities being completed).
Jess will begin ministry in Stockport sometime over the summer and will take a lead on ministry amongst children, families’ and in schools’ across the parish.”
Calum commented “I am proud and excited and for Jess with her new role in Stockport and I am really looking forwards to seeing the church grow and develop throughout the town centre. It’s poignant that Jess joins the new parish in Stockport and Brinnington which contains the church from which St. Michael’s was originally planted. I look forward to seeing how St Michaels can now support St Thomas’ and the wider parish of Stockport and Brinnington in the months and years ahead.
Good Evening Everyone,
Last night the Prime Minister essentially put the country into lockdown, as a result I have been required to shut and lock the church. When I was ordained in 2014 I never thought that during my ministry I would ever have to close a church building. Literally as I write this email I have received further guidance informing me that closing the church includes me – and I am now to lead Daily Prayers from the vicarage not the church.
It has been an immense honour over the last week to lead prayers in church for you and your behalf. The peace of the building has been eery, because whilst our building is a particularly peaceful place – not having you there has made the quietness disturbing – I am praying eagerly for us all to be united together in prayer, worship and fellowship again.
As we continue to journey forwards as a church, albeit a dispersed church, I continue to reflect on how our lives must be more akin to the early church who met in their homes and worshipped together as a family – following Easter the church bible reading plan will take us through the Acts of the Apostles – I will encourage you then to read through it with me and to see where were have shared experiences with them.
To give you another update into resources we have put in place, as encouragement to you to continue to worship God in these uncertain times:
Daily Prayer readings (And order of service) is on our website. I will upload Morning and Evening Prayer for Passiontide at the weekend.
I am uploading some resources that you could on Sunday for worship in your home. These include prayers and readings for the specific Sunday. These I upload each week in the news section.
Mark Hackney and I are working on producing a booklet version of Stations of the Cross. I hope this will be of use to both those that like words and those that like art in your devotions through holy week.
Some months ago, I met with those who usually lead Morning Prayer at church, and we began to put together a prayer cycle for St. Michaels. My hope is to share this with you soon.
I will continue to try and post daily on facebook and the website with some reflections and photos.
The Pastoral Care Network was launched earlier this week, and hopefully most of you have now had someone from the church call you to see how you are. If you haven’t and no-one calls you in the next week please let me know and I will try to work out why. I have received some really positive feedback from this so thank you to all involved – it has been a real encouragement.
Phil Wadsworth is continuing with SMT – hopefully you received a digital copy of this yesterday.
Jess and I are beginning to look at how we might celebrate Easter with you. I promised the PCC I would mark Easter – I had hoped some of you may be able to join us, but that isn’t going to be possible. I hate having to break promises. It maybe we live stream a service and invite you to join us that way.
Finally I received an email today from Revd Canon. Jackan Waweru, Newala Diocesan Information Officer, who wrote the following:
Greetings from the Anglican Communion in the Diocese of Newala.
On behalf of Bishop Oscar Stephen Mnunga and the Christians of the Diocese of Newala I want to bring his warm lent greetings of hope during this pandemic season of CORONA VIRUS which have taken away a lot of life's of good and energetic people.
Even when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick in the gospel of John 11:4 he gave the message of hope to Lazarus daughters.
So we are together in prayers the main thing is just to press on with prayers.
I had the privilege of talking with Bishop Richard Jackson of Hereford Diocese after his enthronement service and he told me he is in the process of visiting the four linked Dioceses that is Newala, Masasi, Tanga, and Dar es salaam next year.
Receive Bishop Oscar Stephen Mnunga and Mama Agnes Mnunga warm and precious Christian greetings.
It was encouraging to be reminded to press on with prayer in hope by Jackan this morning whose timing was perfect. Isaiah 40:31 says: ‘but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’
Be people of HOPE!
God Bless you!
Calum
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.
Every Day
9am - Morning Prayer
5.30pm - Evening Prayer
Readings for these services are hosted on the Daily Prayer page on our website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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
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
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.
Psalm 9:9-10
