Disciple

The Newsletter of

MCC Manchester

Sunday 23rd March 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  marked Easter Sunday and we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead.  He is the first fruits of the general resurrection at the end of time we too shall be raised and live with him forever.  On this most joyful day we renewed our baptismal vows and received 8 new members into MCC Manchester.      

This and That 

Our Holy Week services were very well received.  15 people came to the Way of the Cross service on Holy Tuesday, 29 people came to the Passover Seder and 17 came to the Good Friday service.  Thanks to everyone who took part in the services and to Henry who helped set up for the Passover meal on Thursday afternoon. 

Thanks.  Thank you for your generosity last week. 45 people attended and the collection was £388. This is on top of the £1200 or so a month that is given directly to our bank account via standing order.

Introduction to Sexuality Studies.  This MCC sponsored course will be taught in Manchester from Sunday 9^th - 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 unite 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 - go to the yellow bar on the right and then go to the sexuality studies page.  You can download a booking form from there too.  If you intend to come please book!

Andy Away

Andy and Ian are away this week in London, phone messages and emails will be answered on his return next weekend. 

Please Remember

In your prayers Stephen Wariebi Hobobo a member of Changing Attitudes in Nigeria, a group which works for the acceptance of lesbians and gay men in the Anglican Church of Nigeria.  Stephen was at a memorial service on Thursday and was set upon and nearly beaten to death simply because he is gay.  Please remember him and the Anglican Church in Nigeria at this time.   

Laleh in your prayers.  She is an Iranian Christian convert due to be deported to Iran on Good Friday.  We have had no further news as to whether the deportation went ahead. 

New Members

Last year we received just two members - Stephen Harte from Edinburgh and Mary Starkey, who rejoined us at the AGM.  Today we received Andy Pugh, Shelly Baker, Henry Walker, Colette Morris, Mark Owen, John Fawley and Don Russell into membership.  This takes the membership of MCC Manchester to 37.   Membership is a way of identifying with the work of the church, pledging to support that work and undertaking to play a fuller part in our life together.  Members vote at General Meetings for the Board of Directors, they appoint, and can sack, the pastor and direct the Lay Delegate on how to vote on their behalf at Denominational Conferences.  We will have another membership class later on in the year.  .