“We exist to receive and share the love of God” 1st Sunday after Trinity Newsletter – Sunday 14th June Issue 14

Welcome to this fourteenth newsletter during this time when we cannot meet for public worship. This e-mail also includes the prayers, reflections and readings for tomorrow and an update on the second week of the Hurst Virtual Pilgrimage.

WORSHIP AND PRAYER CONTINUE You may wish to use the service received with this e-mail at 10am, the time we would usually meet in church so we are praying and worshiping together still even though we are apart.

You could join with the National service being broadcast on the Church of England Facebook page at 9am (or watch later) and on the Church of England website www.churchofengland.org. Marking the feast of Corpus Christi, Rev Richard Spinger will speak of and draw parallels with the pain of those who suffer racism, hunger and homelessness.

There will be a service from Manchester Cathedral Facebook page on Sunday at 10.30am.

Another option is to watch the Sunday Worship programme on BBC 1 at 10.45am on BBC1. This Sunday it comes from Manchester and Holy Trinity Church Platt led by youth minister Sarah Bradley.

Join us at 11.30pm for zoom coffee time. The Meeting ID and password remain the same. Meeting ID 258 831 8643 and Password: Coffee 123. (Don’t forget capitial C and space after coffee).

Although we are unable to meet together to worship and pray we can still continue to join together each day in prayer at 8 – in the morning and evening. The work of praying the daily office and offering the Eucharist for and on behalf of the parish continues each day at the Vicarage, or now I am allowed, on Sunday’s, in Church. People can participate with this on Facebook and twitter too. If you have any prayer requests please get in touch with me, Revd Liz, 07725739506 or Fr Jack 07999836832 and we will gladly pray for specific prayer intentions. . Pictures from Trinity Sunday and worship this week.

Corpus Christi On Corpus Christi we usually have a wonderful celebration with others from across the deanery and Bishop Mark and Bishop Michael before him have joined with us in our celebrations. This year was of course quite different. I offered the Eucharist for and on behalf of the congregation and parish on my own at 10am. Then spent an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament praying for racial justice, for all affected by the coronavirsus, all working for a cure and vaccine and for God’s guidance as we navigate these stange times. This was part of a wave of prayer across the world undertaken by priests of the Society of Catholic Priests, of which I am a member called #Adorate2020. Bishops, including Bishop Mark Davies and priests committed to pray before the Blessed Sacrament on Corpus Christi in a wave of prayer that lasted all day around the globe.

Revd Liz’s Sponsored 300 mile walk and Virtual Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne

I started the week at Cr Mirfield and I’ve walked another 28.4 miles this week bringing the total to 54.11 miles! I virtually reached and was welcomed at Wakefield Cathedral and St Helen’s Hemsworth. The next place I will stop off at is Bishopthorpe. Bishop Sentamu, former Archbishop of York sent a prayer that he used when he did a pilgrimage around the Northern Province a few years ago. As I set out from St Helen’s Hemsworth I used that prayer as I began the 28 mile journey to Bishopthorpe. I have ended the week somewhere around Brotherton and 17.69 miles away from Bishopthorpe.

I have physically walked around the parish, to Chadwick Dam and Stamford Park but I have also walked to some of the churches around the Deanery. You can find out more about that in the Pilgrimage newsletter but I have walked around all the churches in the Parish of the Good Shepherd, St George’s Stalybridge, Christ Church Ashton, St Lawrence’s Denton, St Anne’s Haughton, St Mary the Virgin Haughton Green, St Stephen’s Audenshaw, St Hilda’s Audenshaw, Christ Church Denton and St George’s Dane Bank.

There is a full report of Hurst Virtual Pilgrimage in a separate document which I hope you will use to pray with throughout this week. Please do share the Pilgrimage e-mail with friends and family and ask if they will sponsor the 309 mile walk. And please sponsor the walk yourself – 309 miles is a long way, especially for my short legs! This is a real challenge for me and I hope you will support that challenge and our church.

Thank you so much to those who have sponsored the walk already through the “donate now” button and those who have given cheques to Janet Matley. So far we have raised a grand total of £981.25 which includes the Gift Aid from online donations of £172.25. That incredible total is from just 17 donors and not all from people associated with church. £488.75 is from my family and friends, £50 from past St John’s congregation members following the pilgrimage on social media and £442.50 from our congregation. One person has sponsored an incredible £1 a mile and another an amazing 50p per mile! As Tesco says though Every Little Helps and any and all donations will be appreciated. We have nearly reached the first target set of £1000 which is incredible in the first 2 weeks! The new target is £2000! Thank you so much to those who have already given so generously.

Please do share the Pilgrimage widely with friends and family and encourage them to follow progress on social media @StJohnsHurst on Facebook and Twitter and on our website www.stjohnschurch-hurst.co.uk and our A Church Near You Page. There is a piece in this week’s Tameside Reporter about our Hurst Virtual Pilgrimage and Sponsored Walk. The piece last week was in the online version – this week we are in print!

If you are on social media – and in particular Facebook, please do interact with the posts on the pilgrimage. Please like and share each post. That way more people will see what is going on and they may join with us on the Pilgrimage and may donate sponsorship money. 309 miles is a long way to walk when your legs are as little as mine! Please share away! Don’t be embarrassed! Be a witness!

Click on the digital map to see my progress You can click on the map to enlarge it and click on the red dots to discover the places I will be visiting and click websites of the places I have visited to find out more about them. It tells you the distance in km as the crow flies to the next stop and you can click on the website link to find out more about each place. Again huge thanks to Alison.

To sponsor please donate here. The weblink if you want to share it with friends and family is here https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stjohntheechurst/donate/ Or you could send this this newsletter or better still the Pilgrimage Newsletter. You can also give directly to St John’s by bank transfer but please put “Pilgrimage” as the reference and let Janet know. Or speak to Janet Matley about the best way of giving for you. Please all of you actively spread the word! If you know people who would like to receive updates then please e-mail me their e-mail addresses and I will add them to the mailing list.

Please continue to pray for me as I am praying for you and please join me on this inward journey of the heart to Lindisfarne in faith and prayer. Buon Camino everyone!

A Prayer from the former Archbishop Of York, Dr John Sentamu

Day by Day with St John Daily Readings – Stage 3

You may choose to read either the Old Testament or the New Testament

readings below in addition to the psalm and psalm prayer. 14 June Deuteronomy 10:12-11:1 Luke 11:14-28 1st Sunday after Trinity 15 June Joshua 14 Romans 7:1-6 16 June Joshua 21:43-22:8 Romans 7:7-end Richard of Chichester(Bp) 17 June Joshua 22:9-end Romans 8:1-11 18 June Joshua 23 Romans 8:12-17 19 June Joshua 24:1-28 Romans 8:18-30 20 June Joshua 24:29-end Romans 8:31-end 21 June Deuteronomy 11:1-15 Luke 14:12-24 2nd Sunday after Trinity

Missing the biscuits at the tea bar? Which is your favourite?!

PHOTO BOOK - A REMINDER I said that I would produce a photo book that would serve as a record of this time for our archives – we are living through history in the making in a way we perhaps haven’t since the Second World War. I am hoping it will also be a beautiful book to keep, to reflect with and to pray with. My hope is also that it will be a fundraiser for our church – in this time when we are unable to raise funds in the usual ways with raffles, coffee mornings, fairs etc. I will begin working on this book and continue to add pictures in over the coming few weeks. I will also include pictures that people have been sending me. If you would like to contribute to this pictorial lockdown record please e-mail or message me pictures either of your worship at home, your prayer corner, your candle lit on a Sunday as we pray for those affected by COVID- 19, of your street clapping for the NHS and other front line staff, your street playing bingo, or pictures from your walks or your garden beginning to bloom. Thank you to all who have been sending in pictures. Below are a few pictures from me, and from you, this week. I am saving some of the pictures sent for the book! You are just getting a taster on these newsletters!

Peggy’s beautiful cava lillies Beautiful pictures from Sara Martin

A rainbow on Kings Road

From Revd Liz

The Archbishop of Canterbury has launched the Daily HOPE line with free reflections, readings hymns and prayers. It’s completely free - and updated daily. There are various options when you ring so there is always something new to listen to. Share the number with your friends.

The Most Revd Dr John Sentamu, laying down his crozier on the High Altar at York Minster

Watch the poignant moment on Trinity Sunday when Archbishop Sentamu laid down the symbol of his office as Archbishop on the High Altar here

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, accompanied by his wife, the Revd Margaret Sentamu, laid down his crozier of office on the high altar of York Minster on Sunday 7 June. The Dean of York, the Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost and Head Verger Alex Carberry were witnesses to this final act as Archbishop.

The Dean of York said, “Today, in the simple and symbolic act of laying down his crozier, Archbishop Sentamu brought his ministry as Archbishop of York to a close. In current circumstances we have been unable to fulfil our hope to gather together for a service. However, in households and communities across the Diocese of York, the North and Nation, those whose lives have been graced by Sentamu and Margaret give thanks for their witness to the joy, simplicity and compassion of the good news of Jesus Christ.”

On 8 June 2020, Archbishop Sentamu concludes nearly 15 years in his role as Archbishop of York. He has served in ordained ministry within the Church of England for 41 years. The Archbishop will continue to live in the North of England, and has said he will continue with his work on the case for income equality and sustainability.

Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell as the 98th Archbishop of York, Thursday 11 June 2020 Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell was formally ‘Elected’ by York Minster’s College of Canons to be the 98th Archbishop of York on Thursday 11 June. The election endorses the Queen’s nomination of Bishop Stephen as the new Archbishop, in a ceremony that has been part of the statutory process for appointing senior bishops in the Church of England since 1533.

The Election ceremony normally takes place in York Minster’s Chapter House with all of the Minster’s Canons present in person, but it was held via video conference to comply with the Coronavirus restrictions.

Bishop Stephen’s appointment as Archbishop will Prayer on the Election of be completed in the Confirmation of Election the Archbishop of York ceremony to be held at 11.00am on Thursday 9 July 2020, in a service that will be broadcast entirely via Generous God, we give you thanks: video conference due to the Coronavirus you have heard our prayer, restrictions. Arrangements for Bishop Stephen’s guided your people enthronement service at York Minster will be and raised up Stephen announced later in the year. to serve as the next Archbishop of York. By your Holy Spirit, grant to him Biographical details – Bishop Stephen Cottrell good counsel, holy insight and Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 1958, Stephen joy in the gospel, Cottrell was educated at Belfairs High School, through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen. Leigh-on-Sea, and the Polytechnic of Central London. He found faith as a teenager through the work of youth organisations in his local church. After a brief spell working in the film industry, he began training for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, in 1981 and was ordained deacon at the age of 26. He later studied for an MA with St Mellitus College.

Serving his curacy in Christ Church and St Paul’s, Forest Hill, south London, in the mid-1980s he was priest-in-charge at St Wilfrid’s, in Parklands, a council estate parish in Chichester from 1988 to 1993. He also served as Assistant Director of Pastoral Studies at Chichester Theological College at the same time.

He then moved to West Yorkshire, as Diocesan Missioner and Bishop’s Chaplain for Evangelism in the Diocese of Wakefield and in 1998 he took up the role of Springboard Missioner and Consultant in Evangelism. During his time in the diocese he adopted Huddersfield Town as his team alongside his beloved Spurs.

In 2001, he was called south to become Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral and three years later was consecrated as Bishop of Reading. He took up his current role as Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010.

Author of more than 20 books including children’s books, he enjoys poetry, music and art. His 2013 book on the artist Stanley Spencer, Christ in the Wilderness, prompted a recent podcast reflection with Russell Brand, discussing the crucifixion and resurrection.

He has undertaken several pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, as well as pilgrim routes in England including to his future See in York.

A founding member of the Church of England’s College of Evangelists, he chairs a group of bishops with an interest in the media and is one of the authors of the Church of England’s Pilgrim course, a major teaching and discipleship resource. He also chairs the Board of Church Army. Based in Sheffield, but working across the British Isles, Church Army is an organisation committed to evangelism and social justice. He is Bishop Protector for the Society of St Francis.

Stephen is married to Rebecca who is a potter. They have three sons BLACK LIVES MATTER

Following on from the horrific scenes from America when George Floyd was killed after police officers kneeled on his neck for more than 8 minutes as he told them “I can’t breathe”. As was said last week, in response Machester Diocese have written this prayer and recorded two prayers you can view here and here. There was also be a prayer meeting online on Monday 8 June at 19.45. It You can still see the hour of prayer and reflection and join in with the prayer here. The Theme: ‘Loving Harder than the Hatred’ Speakers: Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, Venerable Karen Lund, Archdeacon of Manchester. Dean Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral and Revd Aaron Jackman curate in The Saddleworth Team.

CHURCHES OPENING FOR PRIVATE PRAYER

It was announced by the Government last week that from 13th June churches may open for private prayers with social distancing and hygiene regulations in force.

The defintion of private prayer being “Individual prayer within a place of worship is defined as a person or household entering the venue to pray on their own and not as part of a group, led prayer or communal act.”

For now, parishes should be reassured:  While it will be permissible for churches to open for private prayer from 13 June 2020 it is not compulsory  Individual PCCs can decide when and if they open for private prayer depending on local circumstances  The diocese will support all parishes in the decisions that they make and offer practical advice as required.

The PCC will meet on zoom this week to discuss when and if it might be posssible for us to open St John’s for private prayer. Whenever we decide it is safe to open it will most likely be for a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. We will need volunteers to help supervise the builiding when it is open. NB it is strongly recommended by the Diocese that those in the clinically vulnerable group including those over 70 are not involved in staffing openings. A risk assement will have to be completed before any decisions can be confirmed. Signage and futher hygiene supplies will also need to be obtained.

I will be advising that, as the R rate is above 1 in Tameside, that we do not open until the schools return. At the moment the earliest that will be is 22 June, and therefore the earliest Church might be open for private prayer will be 28th June. The Catholic Church in Hurst and Ashton led by Fr Simon has also made this decision. There will be an update next week in this newsletter. Thank you for your understanding.

ORDINATIONS

Please pray for our new deacons-to-be who will be serving in parishes across the diocese from 28 June 2020. As a result of coronavirus, there will be no ordination service as usual this month, but we are planning ordinations for later in the year: OUR NEW DEACONS-TO-BE ORDINANDS

Hazel Adele BRIDLE Trinity College, Bristol to the benefice of Middleton and Thornham with the Revd Alison Bailie Admos Osmund CHIMHOWU All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry at Victoria Park, St Chrysostom with the Revd Canon Ian Gomersall Deborah (Debbie) CLARKE All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry to the benefice of Astley, Tyldesley and Mosley Common with the Revd Martin Cox Robert Craig ELOFF St Mellitus College North West to Salford, St Paul with Christ Church and Lower Broughton, The Ascension with the Revd Canon David Wyatt Ian James FLEMING All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry to the benefice of Holcombe and Hawkshaw with the Revd Paul Sumsion Nicola Jane GILLARD All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry in the benefice of Horwich and Rivington with the Revd Michael Behrend Joanna (Jo) JARRETT St Mellitus College North West to the benefice of Firswood and Gorse Hill with the Revd Ross Malkin Layfetta Ann-Marie MASIH St Mellitus College North West to the benefice of West Bolton with the Revd Canon Rodger Petch Scott Gordon RICHARDSON All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry to the benefice of Newchurch with the Revd Rod Bevan Adam James ROBERTSON St Mellitus College North West to Manchester, The Good Shepherd and St Barnabas with the Revd Maria Onuigbo Matthew (Matt) Christian SANDERSON All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry to Shaw, Holy Trinity with the Revd Katy Cunliffe Amy Elizabeth SHERIDAN St Mellitus College North West to the benefice of Hey, St John the Baptist with the Revd Lyn Woodall Farid YASINI All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry at St Aphrahat the Persian Sage Church in the benefice of Heatons with the Revd Omid Moludy A reminder about giving and fundraising Our building is only closed temporarily – we need to be ready to open our doors again for public worship as soon as Government restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, bills keep arriving – we still have to pay for things like insurance for example. I know this is a very tough time economically for many but I hope you will continue to make your weekly offerings. If you did this by envelope or via a cash donation on the plate, I would ask that you keep on putting this money aside each week until we are able to be together again. If you would like advise on how you can continue to give regularly please contact Janet Matley on 07528 386771. If you would like to make a direct payment to church the bank details are below: Co-operative Bank St John the Evangelist Hurst Sort code 08 92 99 Acc no 65317356

EASYFUNDRAISING – don’t forget to shop through Easyfundraising!

We are also able to donate when we shop by going through the easyfundraising website www.easyfundraising.org.uk or app.

Don’t forget you are now able to donate to St John’s directly through the Easyfundraising page. Click here Easyfundraising Donate Now So if you want to make a one off donation you can use this to do so and if you pay tax you can tick for the donation to be gift aided – its very easy! Last week the total of £296.23 was listed on the site as being rasied through shopping since we began using the website around 4 years ago. Why not download the app or the toolbar and every time you shop online go through Easyfundraising to raise money for St John’s at no cost to you! I’m sure many of us are using online shopping for all manner of things at the moment! If you never done it before please do next time you shop. Help us raise even more! As Tesco say – Every Little Helps!

Thank you to those who have already donated what they would usually spend on fundraising events at St John’s each month - it is much appreciated! This month we would usually be having our Summer Fair – please think about what you would usually spend on donations for the stalls, and on what you might spend on the day and think about giving that as a one off donation. You can do this through an online donation or by sending a cheque to Janet Matley, our treasurer at 21 The Mere, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9NH made out to St John’s Hurst PCC Account. Thank you again so much to all who have responded - it is very much appreciated! Thank you also to Janet for safely picking up donations and collections from folk!

FACE MASKS Peggy Mansergh’s daughter Pauline has kindly offered to make face masks for anyone that would like one. Pauline is offering to make the masks completely free of charge. Please contact me if you would like to take Pauline up on this kind offer.

TAMESIDE ROTARY This week I was privileged to be invited to Tameside Rotary Club Presentation Evening as we have been given a grant of £300 towards our Wednesday Welcome. So thankful for their continued support!