Today Enid and Jim who were not able to come to St John's last week, were confirmed by Bishop Stephen of Hulme at St Chad's Church, in the Benefice of Saddleworth. Bishop Stephen is famous for ensuring everyone remembers their Baptismal promises by liberally dousing the entire congregation with Baptismal water.

It is certain that Enid and Jim had a memorable experience, with Enid being asked to bring the wine to the Altar as the Confirmation was combined with first Communion. Father Richard is as proud as ever.

Confirmation

Tonight, Bishop Mark confirmed candidates from the Medlock Head Team and from St James East Crompton.

There were friends, relatives and representatives from the parishes present to witness this momentous time in the lives of the newly confirmed Christians.

It was a moving service for all present and was highlighted by the prayers of intercession being led by a number of the confirmation candidates

Around the World in 80 Slides

Last night we were entertained by a series of slide shows accompanied by Cheese and Wine. Father Richard presented two shows, the first was a return to Oman where he saw active service with the Royal Artillery. He showed us pictures of himself and Oman in 1972 and then where he had tried to re-visit those same locations. The second show was a holiday in Vietnam where we were taken to the locations whose names reverberated in the memories of many of us.

The last show of the evening was presented by myself and was a memory of the the Pilgrimage Edna and I undertook in late 2007, visiting many of the holy places in Israel and culminating in walking the Via Dolorosa.

With 40 people present there was a really good atmosphere at the show with a mixture of all ages and good fellowship. Many thanks to Julie and Sarah for organising the event, maybe there will be another next year?

Trains, Good Company and Good Food, Oh Alright Then, Some Beer Too

No matter how we promoted the railway trip to Dewsbury as a trainspotter's delight, we never got over that suspicion, in the minds of some of the St John's congregation, that this was little more than a thinly disguised bar crawl.

It would be disingenuous to say that there were no bars involved - indeed each destination along the way had a bar recommended by CAMRA no less. But still, beer wasn't the primary motive, there were other motives too - like loco - motives...sorry.

If you would like to read more about the trip that ended the night looking like this...

Follow this link to Steve Croft's blog.

New Area Dean

The new Deanery of Oldham East was launched today at a service in St James East Crompton. In the picture are the new Area Dean Revd Alan Butler, Bishop Mark, Archdeacon Cherry and the Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod Mr Geoff Dent. People from each of the Parishes in the Area were represented and we were entertained by the good people of St James Church with refreshments afterwards in the church hall.

More from the Ground Consecration

More pictures from the Consecration of the ashes burial site on 24th May

Father Richard signs the official document, assisted by the Diocesan Registrar

A number of members of the Church Choir who witnessed the Consecration. We all wish Janet well following her operation