This weekend Stalybridge marks its 60th year since the present church was opened. There are two events over the weekend: on the Saturday breakfast brunch with displays etc and then on the Sunday a celebratory service of thanksgiving followed by a buffet lunch. We give thanks for the life and witness of Stalybridge and pray for its future too as it looks and seeks the next stage.   

 

The Methodist Church has issued a statement and some advice as to how to respond to the recent disturbing anti migrant protests and the back lash against the RNLI. These resources are available on the Methodist Website. There has been a wave of support for the RNLI whose work is to save lives at sea without any conditions.  Please look on the Methodist website for further information.

 

We come to our round of September and Autumn meetings. Churches will be looking to prepare accounts to be examined and then to be submitted to church council and then to the circuit. It is all part of our governance following Methodist and charity obligations.

 

There are also the annual property schedules to do to check property is being kept in good order and that all requirements and check s have been done. Like many things in the church these things are often done in the background but thanks to all those who take time and effort to make sure all these things are done.

 

As we do these schedules it can give the church the opportunity to have a look round the building to see if anything looks a bit like tried, or something that can easily be improved and given a bit of fresh look.

 

Maybe ask any one or two questions – how the church looks to people who may be coming for the first time and what can we do make to make some positive improvement.  It may surprise us as to how even a few small adjustments can be positive. The hope is that our churches have an easy welcoming atmosphere, which is easy to navigate and information on hand and easily accessible.

 

Please let me know if there is anything.

 

Peace and blessing

 

Hazel