Disciple
The weekly newsletter from the Metropolitan Community Church of Manchester

WHY WE ARE SUPPORTING THE GMIAU

This week we thought we would share some feedback from service users of the Immigration Aid Unit: A Somali client wrote, "I was completely disappointed when I approached five solicitors—all refused to take my case.  However the GMIAU caseworker gave me hope when she accepted my case.  Her determination to have this case succeed took me by surprise." This client’s family have now been given permission to join him in the UK.   A Gambian student wrote:  "Thank you very much once more for your professionalism and dedication for the course of justice for the freedom and liberation of the human race entangled with the complications and restrictions of immigration rules for movement and residence for a just cause for all." A mother from Cameroon wrote: "I didn’t know if I will get my children with we, but GMIAU wipe my tears and my caseworker did what she could and now I am with them."  A woman from Pakistan wrote:  "I would like to inform you that the entry clearance officer in Pakistan has given the visa to my husband. This would not have been possible without you."  The funds we raise for the GMIAU through our Smartie tube collection in Lent help work for justice and re-unite families. 

THIS AND THAT

Last year we developed a special service for Holy Week based on the traditional Stations of the Cross liturgy familiar to Catholic and Anglican Christians.  We blended clips from Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ with music from Handel’s Messiah.  These clips were played and we had periods of silence as well as songs to create a contemporary meditation on the Way of the Cross.  MCC Bournemouth used this last year as well.  This year MCCs Brighton, Newcastle and Pretoria have asked for the resource (which has been improved) and MCC Bournemouth is using it again too!  Our next social is a meal together next week after church. We intend to go to the Tapas Bar in Beech Road – please let Ian or Elen know if you wish to come along so we know how big a table to book.   Please remember Revs Kermie and Glenna in your prayers as Kermie copes with her diagnosis of breast cancer.  Glenna, our Elder, has flown back to America to be with Kermie at this time.  Please also remember the Rev Mia Andersen of MCC Copenhagen in your prayers as she continues to recover from eye surgery. 

THANKS

Thank you for your generosity the last week.  Our collection was £64 and 28 people were in worship.   Thank you too for the increased giving each month.  We are getting an extra £280 a month before tax (£388 after) thanks to 5 people increasing their giving and two new standing orders.  Another three people have asked for standing order forms too!  This means we should meet our budgetary targets for this year and continue to offer exciting life changing ministry to our community. 

ANDY'S MOVEMENTS THIS WEEK

Andy is in the office on Monday afternoon, Tuesday and Thursday this week.  He takes a service at the Police College on Monday Lunchtime.  He is in court on Wednesday. You can phone Andy via 0161 249 0649 or email him on revandy@mccmanchester.co.uk or, in an emergency,  call him on the mobile 07944 378049.