The UK Government announced yesterday that an outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire. Working with local authorities it has introduced a number of rules which came into force at midnight to control the spread of the virus. The key element of the new rules … More COVID-19 Local Restrictions
The Church continues to serve God, and this community, through daily pastoral care, practical support and online worship. H.M. Government has announced that from 4th July places of worship may be opened for public worship under strict conditions – following a local assessment of the risks, maintaining social distancing. In the Benefice of Wigan this … More Phased Reopening of Church Buildings
#prayerandcare Update: We’ve now launched a JustGiving page to complement the text giving option. Click on the button to visit the page and make a donation using your choice of payment methods. Keep giving. Every pound counts. Church Wigan staff and volunteers are working flat out with Fur Clemt, the Real Junk Food Project and … More Keeping Wigan fed during COVID-19
Henry Martyn, translatorand missionary, 1812 Philippians 1.1-11(New Revised Standard Version) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying … More Saints and Sinners – Monday 19th October
St Luke the evangelist Isaiah 55.1-5(New Revised Standard Version) Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy?Listen carefully to me, and … More Saints and Sinners – Sunday 18th October
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch,martyr, c.107 Galatians 3.26-28(New Revised Standard Version) “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male … More Saints and Sinners – Saturday 17th October
Ridley and Latimer,Reformation Martyrs Psalm 88(The Message) God, you’re my last chance of the day. I spend the night on my knees before you. Put me on your salvation agenda; take notes on the trouble I’m in. I’ve had my fill of trouble; I’m camped on the edge of hell. I’m written off as a … More Saints and Sinners – Friday 16th October
St Teresa of Avila,teacher of the faith, 1582 Psalm 90.12(Common Worship Daily Prayer) Teach us to number our days,that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Reflection St Teresa of Avila, mystic and teacher, was born into a noble family in Avila, Spain, in 1515. Her mother died when Teresa was in her teens, and … More Saints and Sinners – Thursday 15th October
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, 1718 Acts 27.1-26 (New International Version) When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of … More Saints and Sinners – Wednesday 14th October
Edward the Confessor, king, 1066 Psalm 89.1-18 I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, for ever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn … More Saints and Sinners – Tuesday 13th October
Elizabeth Fry, prison reformer, 1845 Reflection “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Elizabeth Gurney was born on 21st May 1780 in Norwich. Aged twenty, she married a strict Quaker by the name of Joseph Fry, who was a London merchant. We know that Elizabeth Fry, as she became after her marriage, was a rather shy and modest … More Saints and Sinners – Monday 12th October
Ethelburga, Abbess of Barking (675) Isaiah 50.4-10(New International Version) The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered … More Saints and Sinners – Sunday 11th October
Thomas Traherne 1637- 1674 (Poet and spiritual writer) Psalm 76.1-4(New Revised Standard Version) In Judah God is known, his name is great in Israel.His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling-place in Zion.There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.Glorious are you, more majestic than the everlasting mountains. Reflection I’m so … More Saints and Sinners – Saturday 10th October
