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E-news 30th March 2023
Digital giving devices roll-out
The distribution of 120 free digital giving devices has started this week. In the biggest project of its kind, 120 churches will soon be able to accept donations via the tap of a card, revolutionising the way in which congregations can contribute financially.

Manchester is providing more free devices to its churches than any other diocese in the UK. Originally the plan was for Archbishops’ Council to provide 50 devices to successful applicants as part of the National Giving Strategy. However as a result of the huge demand, and thanks to funding from Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance, the remaining 70 applicants are also being given devices.

These free digital giving devices have been proven to make it easier for people to give financially when visiting churches and boost the average donation by a factor of three. With cards having overtaken cash as the preferred form of payment in society, we know that having the ability to accept digital donations is going to be key for many churches in the years to come. 

The support from Archbishop’s Council and the Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance makes obtaining one of these devices accessible to all.
Read more
Bishop David on duty in the House of Lords 
Last week, Bishop David attended the House of Lords as Duty Bishop. He is one of 26 Lords Spiritual; a role that involves saying prayers at the start of each day and being on duty to respond to urgent business that arises such as ministerial statements or questions. 

As part of his role, Bishop David represents the city and diocese of Manchester and has a particular brief among the bishops to speak on issues of housing and international trade. 

During this recent duty week, Bishop David criticised government proposals to restrict strike action. In the House of Lords Committee debate, Bishop David supported several opposition amendments to the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill.

When the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill was being debated, he underlined his concerns for older residents and the need to ensure that the elderly are not neglected in housing solutions. 

Bishop David also spoke in a debate on the Local Housing Allowance freeze. He added his experiences as Chair of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, which has seen an increasing number of individuals who have been made homeless due to being unable to pay increasing private tenancy rents.

All of the videos from Bishop David's contributions to the House of Lords can be found on our website. 
Watch here
Diocesan Synod 
On Saturday, Bishop David welcomed Synod members to their first meeting at St. John’s House, Bury. In his opening address, he talked about Archbishop Stephen’s recent visit and his encouraging feedback about the work going on across our diocese. We were able to be open with Archbishop Stephen about what has worked really well and what we are still struggling with.

Our new deaneries, along with their Area Deans and Lay Chairs, are adding real value to how we work better together. The vast majority of our mission community leaders are in place and we continue to grow vocations to lay and ordained ministries.

Bishop David reflected that much of what has gone well is because we have consulted on important new developments and been ready to explain the decisions that have been taken. Accountability is an important dimension of a well-functioning society and a well-functioning Church, and is hard-wired into our very understanding of God.

The remaining topics for discussion were as follows:
  • our 2020-2030 strategy including progress in the diocese over the last three years and our most important priorities,
  • our approach to lay development and discipleship,
  • our financial position,
  • an update from General Synod including discussions on Living in Love and Faith
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Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Oils 

We are looking forward to the Renewal of Vows and the Blessing of Oils service, which takes place at Manchester Cathedral on Monday 3rd April.

Serving and retired clergy, Church Army evangelists, licensed lay ministers and readers are all invited to renew their ordination and licensing promises. Lay people are encouraged to join too, both to witness the renewals and to make their own response, as fellow disciples engaged in the ministry of all the baptised.

During the service, oils will be blessed ready to be taken away for use across the diocese. 

Read more
Coronation Weekend

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to all clergy to share their hopes, desires and prayers for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Published yesterday, the letter is available to read here

The Coronation Weekend is a unique opportunity to bring people together from across our communities. Are you planning on taking part in any of the national initiatives such as the Big Help Out and Coronation Big Lunch? If you are, we'd love to hear from you. 

We've already spoken to churches who are arranging volunteering days, fun days and bell ringers who are planning to 'Ring for the King'. Please let us know your plans so that we can share your ideas! 

A suite of resources are available from the National Church as we prepare for the Coronation Weekend. 

Read more
Events and Training 

Living in Love and Faith meeting

Tuesday 4th April, 7pm at Bishopscourt, Bury New Rd, Salford, M7 4LE.

Following the General Synod vote in favour of ‘Prayers of Love & Faith’ and other LGBT+ affirmations; our bishops are keen to hear the voices of clergy from across the diocese.

This second session is for all those who find themselves struggling with the direction offered by the House of Bishops, and would like to discuss their concerns.

Bishop David Walker and Bishop Mark Davies extend an invitation to meet with them at Bishopscourt. There is no need to book, simply turn up on the evening.

Comedy night and creative preaching workshop 

Andy Kind is coming to Broughton on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th April. There will be a Comedy Night on the Friday evening and a Creative Preaching workshop on the Saturday 10-3pm.

Science and faith - do we need to choose?

Saturday 22nd April, 10am to 1pm. St Martin's Church,112 Crescent Park, Stockport, SK4 2JE.

If modern science makes the 'Glory of God' clearer than the Psalmist ever knew, why do so many people think that science and the Christian faith are in conflict? Dr Henk Alting, Dr Hannah Evans and Dr Dan Smith will lead us through the arguments unpicking this conflict.

Creative Day- Seeds of Hope

Sunday 23rd April at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford, M3 7WQ.

Open to everyone in the diocese - a fun day featuring live music, art, photography, spoken word, crafts, and creative activities and workshops for kids.

EQUIP: Children's and Youth Ministry Training

Friday 28th to Sunday 30th April at St. Paul’s Parish Centre, Bolton, BL1 8BP.

Training is available for all involved in Children's and Youth Ministry. Limited spaces area available so please book early.

Manchester and Salford Whit Walk

We are delighted that the Manchester and Salford Whit Walk will return to our city on Monday 29th May. If you haven’t taken part before or in recent years, why not join us this year? We are hoping that this walk will be bigger than ever with as many churches as possible getting involved.

Financial planning for retirement

Training aimed at helping clergy and their partners plan for their financial future in retirement. The speakers will address retirement and general financial planning. Taking place on Tuesday 13th June 2023, please sign up to help us prepare for this event.

Vacancies

Incumbent: St George, Stalybridge and of St George, Mossley

An exciting role to lead a group of forward-looking, inclusive and missional parishes and build on the solid foundation of the previous Incumbent.

Incumbent: Christ Church, Pennington

The Parish of Christ Church Pennington is a Christ-centred, charismatic evangelical, Anglican Church situated in Leigh.

Administrator / Receptionist

We are seeking an experienced Administrator/Receptionist to join the team at our new offices in Bury town centre.

See all vacancies
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