Disciple

The Newsletter of

MCC Manchester

Sunday 30th 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  looked at the reaction of St Thomas to the resurrection.  He couldn't believe what the others told him, but only believed when Jesus showed himself to Thomas inviting him to place his fingers in Jesus's wounds.  Faith is not about certainty in facts, but a leap of trust into the loving kindness of God.  John preached for us.        

Thanks.  Thank you for your generosity last week.  An amazing 58 people attended and the collection was £265.  £160 was donated, by just three people, to the Immigration Aid Unit in our Smarties collection.  This is on top of the £1200 or so a month that is given directly to our bank account via standing order.  We have seen over 80 people so far in March. 

Updates

Lelah, the Iranian woman who was due to be deported back to Iran on Good Friday has remained in the UK.  Hermione submitted a fresh application an another solicitor argued, successfully, that it was illegal to deport her until this new application had been properly considered.  Please continue to pray for her and the success of her application. 

Stephen Wariebi Hobobo the Nigerian gay man attacked by a mob in Holy Week, has arrived in the UK where he is staying with friends and recovering from his assault. 

Holy Week & Easter

Did you know we saw over 65 people in Holy Week with 58 on Easter Sunday alone?  The seven new members we welcomed takes our membership figure to 37.  Other MCC churches report excellent participation over the Easter services too.  Newcastle had 57 people in attendance, baptised two people and welcomed 10 new folks into membership.  MCC Bournemouth had a Passover Seder for the first time, using our resource, and had 19 people attend.  They also used our modern Stations of the Cross multi-media resource as their Good Friday service.  MCCs North, South and East London had a shared Passover meal on Maundy Thursday. 

Meal Out

We are off to Asian Fusion for a meal after worship tonight.  If you wish to come please let Jenny-Anne know so she can alter the booking before we get there!

Birthdays

There are lots of birthdays in April - Jenny-Anne and Harry invite you to a celebration on 5^th April in Winsford for theirs.  Please see them for more details.   

Introduction to Sexuality Studies.  This MCC sponsored course will be taught in Manchester from Sunday 9^th to 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!