‘We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Rev’d Ian Fleming as Team Rector of the Ramsbottom and Edenfield Team Ministry. Ian writes: After a year of being part of the Ramsbottom and Edenfield Team Ministry, and having seen the Lord at work among us, I am delighted to accept the post of Team Rector. Layna and I are grateful to God for his faithfulness to us throughout our time in Ramsbottom and Edenfield, and are excited to see where He leads us all next. Thank you all for your warm welcomes and for your continued collaboration this past year. I continue to pray that God's work across our team will be the heart of our continued working together. The flourishing life of our team is only possible thanks to the generous contributions of time and talents from so many people. Thank you all and God Bless. The date of his presentation and institution is still to be arranged.’ RETM are delighted to have a settled future with Ian at the helm.
After many years of service to St Philip’s Church and to the community at large, it was wonderful that on his 70th birthday, the warden Philip Dunne, was able to welcome the Bishop of Manchester The Right Reverend Prof. David Walker, to preach at to St Philip’s harvest service. The Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale were also in attendance for this special occasion.Music and hymns were especially chosen to mark Philips day.
With the recent development of the 'Ramsbottom and Tottington Mission Community', getting to know the churches and members of the various church families was important.With the leadership of Rev Paul Sumsion and his Team, it was decided that a walk visiting all eight churches in the Mission community would be a good idea.Despite the contrary weather at the start, and eventual downpour which set in, many joined in Saturday’s walk which started off at Edenfield Parish Church, <a></a>with maps and instructions provided for everyone.Following a ten-mile route, the walk took in all the churches of the new Mission Community who were open to offer rest and refreshment to the walkers. Many people joined and left at various stages throughout the day depending on tiredness and ability.It ended at Emmanuel Church Centre at 4pm for a very well received BBQ, which certainly raised the spirits of the very damp walkers.Many new friendships were made, and calls have been made for it to become an annual event.
After a 30 minute delay, sadly due to an accident on the motorway, fourteen people were ordained Deacon at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday 2nd July. One of which was Lesley Steer from St Andrew’s. Three years of hard work, cumulated in a beautiful service where the cathedral was filled with very proud friends and families of the candidates. Led by the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Doctor David Walker, and assisted by the Bishop of Middleton, the Right Reverend Mark Davies and the newly consecrated Bishop of Bolton, the Right Reverend Doctor Matthew Porter, the Ordinands made a declaration of Assent and swore an Oath of Allegiance and Obedience, with the Cathedral filled with joyful anticipation as the service began. The Ramsbottom and Edenfield Team Ministry could not have been any prouder of Reverend Lesley Steer as she knelt for the laying on of hands from Bishops David, Mark and Matthew. After the newly ordained deacons were presented with a Bible, they were then given a stole to signify their new office. This gesture being equally special for RETM as it was the first time that Rev Ian Fleming has represented the Team as our incumbent designate. Congratulations Rev Lesley, our love and prayers go with you as you take this wonderful step on your journey in Ministry.
