Disciple

The Newsletter of

MCC Manchester

Sunday 20th 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 Jesusâ€â„¢ words that He is â€Å“the Way, the Truth and the Lifeâ€Â.  John reflected on how we make Jesus the centre of our lives and lifestyles. 

Thanks.  Thank you for your generosity last week.  37 people attended and the collection was £116.00.  This is on top of the £1200 or so a month that is given directly to our bank account via standing order.  Our Smartie Tube fundraiser for the Immigration Unit has raised just under £570 so far.  If you have money to donate to this good cause please bring it along soon! 

China in the Run-Up to the Olympics

As you know the Chinese governmentâ€â„¢s record on Human Rights is dreadful, particularly with their occupation of Tibet.  Much pressure has been put on them in the run up to the Olympics and they have been embarrassed by the demonstrations around the world which have centred on the Olympic flame.  Steve Gray is asking us to send letters to the Chinese Premier and the Chair of the Olympic association.  Addresses, ideas for the letters, resources and sample letters are all on the MCC Manchester blogsite at http://tinyurl.com/4e3pnr please make time to go to the site and send the letters â€â€œ they do make a difference. 

Welcoming Rota

Gwen has drawn up a rota for those who have volunteered to welcome each week.  She will give this to you this evening if you havenâ€â„¢t had it emailed.  If you are on the list and havenâ€â„¢t had an email please see Gwen to make sure you get the list!  The welcome is the single most important thing we do with regard to showing hospitality to visitors, it is commented upon favourably. 

Conference on Sexuality at Manchester Cathedral

Book now for the Bible & Sexuality conference hosted by the Bishop of Manchester's Advisory Group on Sexuality  and Manchester Cathedral. The aim is to draw together people holding all sorts of views and open up informed conversation, hopefully in a spirit of genuine mutual charity.  The speaks are Dr Paula Gooder (Hon Canon Theologian of Birmingham Cathedral), Dr Andrew Goddard (editor of 'Anvil', Anglican Evangelical Theological Journal, and Fellow of the Anglican Communion Institute), and Dr Kate Cooper (Senior Lecturer in the History of Christianity at Manchester University).  Call 0161 833 2220 to book. £10 to cover costs and lunch. 29 April, 10am-3pm.

Social

Our next social event is on Saturday 10th May and is going to be fun!  Weâ€â„¢ve booked a lovely room at the Police College where we are going to show the old film â€Å“The 10 Commandmentsâ€Â and have a buffet meal together as well.  The film is about four hours long so we will break at half time for the food.  The college really are excellent at catering and we hope you enjoy this afternoon and evening â€â€œ and bring your friends along too!  The cost is £10 but we donâ€â„¢t want to exclude anyone on the grounds of cost and have a few half price places too.  Please sign up with Elen if you wish to come â€â€œ weâ€â„¢ll collect money on the day. 

Love Poetry: Hate Racism

On Friday at 8pm there is a poetry evening at the Immigration Aid Unit â€â€œ 1 Delaunays Road, Crumpsall Green, M8 4QS.  Entry is £3 and proceeds go to the Legal Welfare Fund which helps pay for legal advice and representation for those who donâ€â„¢t qualify for legal aid.