Yesterday was a hive of activity as we got ready for our first every Prayer Spaces – various post it notes, water, plasters, flowers, sand, chalk, luggage labels, ropes … the list was endless!So it was wonderful to welcome Altrincham Primary School to church today as, in the midst of Thy Kingdom Come, we explored all the different ways Christians prayed – for ourselves, our local community, and our world.Each year group came in at different points during the day. We started off thinking about what prayer was, and then set off to explore all the prayer stations – about 16 in total! One boy described it as like ‘one huge treasure hunt’!Then we all came back together and chose which 3 or 4 we thought resonated the best. We then spent the rest of the time thoughtfully & creatively engaging with each station with some stunning results! It was lovely in the plenaries hearing the pupils all talk about which one they had found the most useful – it was great that different stations had appealed to different people.The pupils were incredible – usually, they come in for an end of term service where the excitement levels are high, or just as a single class looking at something specific like our stained glass windows. So we were so impressed that they were able to engage so calmly and thoughtfully in this setting. Many prayers were deeply touching, and have also inspired us to pray as well; so thank you for coming and contributing your prayers and thoughts to the life and work of the church!
It was the perfect day for our Confirmations this year, and what a wonderful service it was! The church was full of family and friends of those getting confirmed – we had seven children and two adults wanting to confirm the vows that had been made on their behalf when they were baptised as children.The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev. Mark Tanner, confirmed 6 young people at a special Confirmation Service in St George’s Church, Altrincham this week. Each of the young people had spent time exploring their faith. They made the vows and then Bishop Mark laid hands on each person and asked God’s Holy Spirit to give them the strength and courage to follow Christ’s example. After gathering together to explore their faith, each one came forward to say the vows for themselves and then be prayed for by the Bishop.The Headteacher from Altrincham CE Primary School did a reading for us, and then later on in the service, those being confirmed then led us in taking communion.Speaking after the service Bishop Mark said: “It was a such privilege to pray with and confirm 6 young people at St George’s Altrincham as they step out in joyful service of God and others around us in our wider community. Please join me in continuing to pray for them, thanking God for this step of faith and praying that He will bless them in the weeks and months and years ahead as they journey with Jesus. I pray that they will be encouraged and inspired as they join brothers and sisters in Christ, serving God in Altrincham and across the Diocese of Chester.”A celebration can’t be full enjoyed though without having lots of photos taken, which was duly done before everyone headed back to the Parish Centre for lots of cakes and drinks – we’d even put the bunting out!
What a wonderful day!We're never one to miss an opportunity to celebrate here at St George's, and this was no exception!We started St George's day by raising a toast to all who are involved in St George's, for all the time, money and skills that people give, and for all that goes on. There was a choice between two rather lovely glasses of wine, and for those needing a soft alternative, our usual tea and coffees were still abundantly flowing!Then it was time for a stunning Christening of one of our younger members. So confident was she in the space, that everyone felt at ease, and it was a really beautiful service.Then it was a mad dash for a bit of lunch, before we had the privilege of welcoming Altrincham Scouting - including our Beaver, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer sections, there was a wonderful buzz as many young people headed off for a short parade before gathering in the church to celebrate all things Scouting. After so many years of being cancelled due to Covid, there was a wonderful feel of celebration and excitement which will no doubt get bigger and better as it builds up steam once again! The weather was kind,t he cakes were great, and each young person went home with yet another badge to add to their blankets.
Easter Sunday is the highlight of the Christian year – the day when we celebrate Christ’s defeat of death as he rose again, see and witness by his disciples and many more around him. It’s a service centred around the Eucharist and contains some really lovely parts to it – our reading is read by a young person, and after the sermon, we decorate the cross with hundreds of daffodils – if you drive past church in the next few days you’ll see it standing proudly there.One thing I’ve learnt about St George’s is that we like to celebrate in style – so this year we ended with a balloon drop and then hundred’s of Easter Eggs hidden around the church for our young people to find (and maybe a few older ones too!). The biodegradable balloons did a great job, and the tidy up didn’t take quite as long as we expected, so all were happy! I think we may have started a new tradition….!Submit a Comment
