September Newsletter
There is much to look forward to in Church life over the month ahead and perhaps the most exciting is that we will be celebrating 50 years since the opening of the new building for our Church School. To mark this there will be a Celebration Service at St Peter's on 15 September where the preacher will be the Diocesan Director of Education and to which all past and present children and families are invited. When the school was built we were as a congregation responsible for part of the build-cost which drew heavily on Church finances and necessitated taking out loans that took us decades to repay. We now see the benefit of that investment today in the first-class education the school provides, its close relationship with St Peter's and its clear Church of England ethos.
What else lies ahead for this month? We will be having special services and events as we mark the Season of Creation in the Church year. All those wondering about Baptism and Confirmation are also warmly invited to a first meeting at the Vicarage.
September is also the time which see students moving away or returning to University - so do hold them in your prayers. This September leaves us with vacancies on the AV team for the 10.30am service at St Peter's. If you think you could help here please talk to Patrick (AV applicants are particularly welcome from all ages and genders and will receive training.)
In this month's newsletter
Church News
Growing In Faith
Over the coming year there will be many opportunities to explore, discover and grow in faith and this year we are announcing the dates and details of upcoming courses early to enable dates to go in the diary as soon as possible. There are both familiar and newer options available as our popular Exploring Faith course will now be joined by other Growing Faith options.
Baptism and Confirmation
Have you been Baptised and Confirmed? What is Baptism? Is it for you? This Autumn's exploring Baptism and Confirmation journey starts with a 'taste and see' gathering at 7.30pm on Monday 23 September at the Vicarage (Meadowside, Springfields, Prestbury). This is an opportunity to find out more about Baptism and Confirmation, discover what the course involves and decide if this is for you - all in a relaxed setting with refreshments.
Exploring the Bible
Our epic journey of exploration through the Bible continues after the 4.30pm service on the fourth Sunday of this month. Learning from the experience of the first term, and realising that to get through the whole Bible in a year is rather like trying to eat an elephant whole...! There will be a new shape and style to our journey.
Lent: Monastic patterns and prayers
On Monday evenings during Lent (yes, we are talking about Lent, in September!), we will be discovering more about and experiencing differing monastic traditions and patterns of life and prayer - this will be an opportunity to grow closer to God and reflect on whether a rule of life would help you in your faith life.
Tenants of the King
Looking ahead to after Easter next year, we will be looking at questions around Faith and the Environment. Through interactive group sessions, video interviews with leading Christian thinkers and insightful Bible commentary, this resource will help us all reflect on the challenges of a changing climate, and how Christians can respond with hope to one of today’s greatest challenges. The course includes video interviews with experts including Rt Revd Graham Tomlin, Rev Mark Melluish, Dr Ruth Valerio and Dr Justin Thacker. This option will be on Tuesday nights from 29 April to 27 May and will comprise of four sessions plus a meal together.
The Season of Creation 2024
Each year from 1 September to 4 October, the Christian family unites for this worldwide and ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge that, as followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for Creation.
This year the theme for the season is “To hope and act with Creation”. Amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, many people are beginning to despair and suffer from eco-anxiety. As people of faith we are called to lift the hope inspired by our faith, the hope of the resurrection. This is not a hope without action but one embodied in concrete actions of prayer and preaching, service and solidarity.
Macclesfield churches work together each year to organise a programme of special services and events throughout the Season of Creation. Highlights this year include an open air prayer service at Danes Moss nature reserve to launch the Season on 1 September at 4pm, a talk about “Brilliant Bees” at Macclesfield Methodist Church, and a workshop on getting to know your carbon footprint at St Alban’s Parish Centre. Copies of the calendar of events will be at the back of church, or can be found online here.
At St Peter’s we have two special events to look forward to: on Sunday 8 September at 4.30pm we will hold a special reflective service of hope in the monastic garden, and on Saturday 14 September we are organising a social walk from St Peter’s to St John’s in Adlington along footpaths, the Middlewood Way and the canal. The walk is approximately 5.5 miles, and we will finish with coffee and cake at St John’s Community Café. You can return by train from Adlington station (about 1 mile down the road from the café), where there is an hourly train service to Prestbury and Macclesfield at 10 past the hour. Please wear sensible footwear and clothing depending on the weather at the time.
It will be a lovely opportunity to spend time with church friends outside in nature, so please do join us! We will meet at the front of church at 10am. If you would like further information on any of these please speak to Kate Collins.
Wild Church
Following the wonderful service in August and with rumours of sunshine in September, there will be a Wild Church Service on Sunday 8 September. Set up starts at 8.15am and if you would like to help with setting up the Gazebo, band equipment and chairs you would be made most welcome. Last month we were delighted to hear back from numbers of folks living near (and not so near) the church who had enjoyed listening to the worship from their homes and gardens.
Let's spread the word, that all are welcome!
Signing up for Rota duties
Don't forget to sign up for Rota duties (Welcoming, Reading, Chalice Assistant) now the summer holidays are over. If you would like to join any of the rotas or if you need help signing up, please contact Judith in the Parish Office parishoffice@stpetersprestbury.org.uk
Church AV Helpers
One of the dangers of having a sound desk with lights and switches on it like an aeroplane cockpit, is it looks like you need five years training and a licence to operate it.
The good news is that this isn't so, and the system is actually very straightforward to operate for services. We are in need of new AV helpers, ideally to create a team that could be on a rota to run AV at the 10.30am service. Not only do you get a comfortable seat, but also the twin joys of helping those in Church and following on the live-stream to worship God. Full training and support will be given and so why not have a talk to Patrick, Bev, Richard or one of the Wardens if you are interested in learning more or signing up to be part of the crew.
Mothers' Union
Mothers' Union starts back after the Summer break on Monday 9 September at 2pm in St Peter's Rooms, all are welcome and the Vicar will be leading a discussion on future programme, events and plans for the Mothers' Union.
Zoom Morning Prayer
One of the good things we started in Covid times was Tuesday Morning Prayer on Zoom. A wonderful group of people signed in to share in saying the daily office and we developed our own style and shape for on-line prayer that was particularly reflective and prayerful. With the return of in-person worship numbers have drifted down so we have now decided to change back to in-person Morning Prayer on Tuesday. The good news is that everyone is always welcome at in-person Morning Prayer 9.00am Monday and Tuesday at St Peter's and Thursday at 9.30am at St John's, Adlington.
St Peter’s Bellringers' Weekend in Hereford
This July St Peter’s Bellringers and friends headed for Cider Country on their annual trip to an English cathedral city. Herefordshire is known as the “Land of orchards” and is famous for having one of the original maps the “Mappa Mundi”. The usual church in Herefordshire seemed to be a squat tower with a half-timbered wooden top and six bells inside and we started the tour on Friday evening with just such a ring.
After a full day of ringing and eating on Saturday we celebrated the secretary’s birthday with burgers at Beefy Boys Restaurant in Hereford, endorsed by celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt.
On Sunday morning the ringers at Hereford Cathedral made us very welcome. They actively welcome ringers and non-ringers to attend their practices as long as they are prepared to climb the 268 steps and cross the narthex to get to the belfry.
To find more about the weekend or to get involved in Bellringing talk to Graham Jenkins.
This Month's Worship
St Peter's Sunday Worship
|
|
8.30am
|
10.30 am
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4.30pm
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Sept 1st
|
Holy
Communion
|
Holy Communion
Behold the lamb
|
Cathedral
Evensong
|
Sept 8th
|
Holy
Communion
|
Wild
Church
|
Creation Service
in the
monastic garden
|
Sept 15th
|
Holy
Communion
|
Celebration Service
50 years of
new school building
|
Cathedral
Evensong
|
Sept 22nd
|
Holy
Communion
|
Holy
Communion |
Cathedral
Evensong |
Sept 29th
|
Holy
Communion
|
Holy Communion
With Baptism
|
Cathedral Evensong
followed by
Holy Communion
|
St John's Sunday Worship
|
|
11.00am
|
Sept 8th
|
Holy Communion
|
Sept 22nd
|
Morning Worship
|
Church of the Resurrection Worship
|
|
10.00am
|
Sept 1st
|
Holy Communion
|
Sept 15th
|
Holy Communion
|
Weekday Worship
Day and Time
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Activity
|
Place
|
|
Monday 9.00am
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Morning Prayer
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St Peter's Rooms
|
|
Tuesday 9.00am
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Morning Prayer
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St Peter's Rooms
|
|
Wednesday 10.30am
|
Holy Communion
|
St Peter's
|
|
Thursday 9.30am
|
Morning Prayer
|
St John's
|
|
2nd & 4th Thursday 10.15am
|
Pram Service
|
St Peter's
|
Just For fun
If you ever think that our Church notices are either too long, confusing or merely incomprehensible then you might like this clip from Christian Author and speaker Adrian Plass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1K_YTzKefw
Community News
Wedding Fayre
You may have caught the buzz of excitement on social media or noticed animated conversations over after-church coffee. The news is out! St Peter's first Wedding Fayre is happening next year on Saturday 26 April from 2pm - 4pm. There has been excellent support from local businesses and we are looking forward to a wonderful crowd of engaged couples or those thinking about getting married, coming along to discover that a Church Wedding is the perfect way to celebrate that big day.
The Olde School Coffee Shop, Prestbury
We are delighted to announce that the The Olde School Coffee and Gift Shop is now open in our lovely village. Everyone is invited to come by, say hello and enjoy a delightful drink, a tasty snack, or explore our carefully curated selection of unique gifts.
Nestled in a picturesque, 300-year-old listed building on the roundabout next to the public library, our shop boasts a rich history. Originally built to educate underprivileged children thanks to the generous donations of Ann Whittakers Lare and Charles Legh, this charming building has now been lovingly transformed into a cozy, welcoming space without compromising its historical integrity.
Over the past several months, we have carefully refurbished the premises to create a warm and inviting environment. With both indoor and outdoor seating, our coffee shop is also pet-friendly, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.
We aspire to be a positive addition to the village and to actively engage with the local community. Karina Hastings, a resident of Prestbury, is a partner at The Olde School and the heart of our hospitality. Her radiant smile and expertly crafted drinks will make your visit memorable.
We look forward to welcoming you soon. Please feel free to drop by and say hello!
Prestbury Village Show
In Prestbury Village Hall
Saturday 7 September 2pm
Entries are welcomed in all classes - Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables, Art, Craft, Cakes, Preserves and Children’s classes.
Village Show programmes are available in local shops and give details of all categories and entry requirements.
Further information from Mary Hindle (01625 827700 or 07740864955) or Angie Entwistle (01625 827943).
Martyn Donaldson Music Trust
The Martyn Donaldson Music Trust’s main fund raising concert of the year takes place on Saturday 14 September at 7.30pm in Macclesfield Methodist Church.
The eclectic playlist features a variety of music genres led by Macclesfield Methodist Community Choir and the Occasional Musicians led by Nicola Bright. One highlight promises to be a pre-recorded DVD of the student musicians at Starehe Girls’ Centre in Nairobi, Kenya directed by MDMT’s music volunteer Debra Odondi.
Tickets are £10 adults and £5 for children, available on 01625 433187 / 01625 615298.
Prayer Resources
Weekly Prayer topics
Please use the weekly prayer topics below for use alongside the monthly prayer diary which is available at the back of Church.
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Week
starting
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Church
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Community
|
World
|
Sept 1st
|
New volunteers for
the sound team
|
Those returning to
or starting school
|
Children's education in places
where there is war
|
Sept 8th
|
The outdoor services
on Sunday
|
Season of Creation
events in our area
|
Projects aiding the
victims of Climate Change
|
Sept 15th
|
Those in the congregation
working in schools and universities
|
Those from our
community starting or
returning to university
|
Overseas students
coming to study in Manchester
|
Sept 22nd
|
For Pram Service leaders, parents and children
|
The staff and teachers at Prestbury CofE, King's, Mottram St Andrew
and Adlington schools
|
For Christian parents
as they help their children grow in faith
|
Sept 29th
|
Those baptised
this week that they
will grow in faith
|
Those who are baptised
and no longer worship
that they would be drawn
back into church life
|
The work of the Mothers' Union overseas
|
Those who are sick
Liz Potter
John Syner
Closing Thoughts
If you were tweeting a summary of each book of the Bible what would you write? Australian writer Ben Myers has done so here are a few of his.
Exodus: Barefoot on the sand, he stares into the flame and haggles with a god whose name he cannot say.
1 Kings: So, you really want a monarchy, huh? Don't say I didn't warn you.
2 Kings: I told you so.
Psalms: The invention of antiphony: when my heart broke in two, I taught both parts to sing.
Luke: After careful research I have prepared an objective scholarly account of what happened. It all began with an Angel.
Galatians: We felt insecure without our chains so we hired experts to repair them. Then Paul came back wielding a sledge hammer.
If you are feeling brave why not send your suggestions in for the next newsletter?
Newsletter Information
Items to be included in the next month's newsletter should be sent to the office by the last Tuesday of the month or to the Vicar by the last Wednesday.