Disciple

The Newsletter of

MCC Manchester

Sunday 6th April 2008

Welcome to this newsletter and to the ministry of MCC Manchester.  If this is your first contact with us, know that you are welcome.  You can take part in our ministry through attending our worship services or mid week meetings, or by using the various resources on our website.  You can keep in touch with us in person, by email, or by text.  It is our prayer that our people grow as committed disciples of the Lord Jesus. 

Today's Service  looked at the journey to Emmaus.  On that first Easter Sunday two disciples of Jesus walked to Emmaus from Jerusalem.  As they journeyed they were joined by a stranger who talked to them in their despondency following the death of Jesus.  The stranger explained the Scriptures to them and, when they stopped to eat, the recognised him as Jesus when he broke bread with them.  Jesus joins us on our journey through life, meets us in our gloom and despair and meets us again when we break bread and share wine. 

Thanks.  Thank you for your generosity last week.  34 people attended and the collection was £120.50.  This is on top of the £1200 or so a month that is given directly to our bank account via standing order.  We saw over 81 people in March. 

Social

Next Saturday we are off to Dunham Massey near Altrincham.  This is a lovely National Trust property near Altrincham with an historic house and large deer park.  They have a great restaurant where we can either work off the walk or gain energy for one!  Entrance and parking is free for NT members.  We meet at 11.30am in the car park.  Please let Ian or Margaret know if you are coming. 

Neil on Sabbatical

Neil is taking a three month sabbatical from his music ministry in MCCM.  He will use this time to rest and refocus.  Philip will continue to lead our music ably assisted by Jane on the flute when she is available.  We wish Neil well during this time of rest. 

Immigration Aid Unit

The Unit has been without a director for some time which has led to other staff having to divide up extra work between them which has had a knock on effect on morale.  On Thursday they appointed a new, highly skilled director; Andy was involved in the selection process and was interviewing all day. Please continue to pray for the unit (and bring those Smartie Tubes back) as they prepare for a new director to come and give strategic leadership to them as they continue to help some of the most desperate and needy people in our society. 

Introduction to Sexuality Studies.  This MCC sponsored course will be taught in Manchester from Sunday 9^th â€â€œ Thursday 13^th of November this year by Andy and the Rev Jane Clarke.  It will cover many aspects of human sexuality and how we unit aspects of our sexuality with our spirituality.  The course will be held at the police college in Sedgley Park and will cost £100 for day students and £235 for residential students.  More details are on our website â€â€œ go to the yellow bar on the right and then go to the sexuality page.  You can download a booking form from there too.  If you intend to come please book!