BE BRAVE - SPREAD THE LOVE!
The start of a new year; it lies before us like a blank canvas, full of promise. We often think of a new year as perhaps a new start but:
It doesn’t take a new year to begin our lives anew
God grants us new beginnings each day the whole year through.
In February we not only think of the new year, but we often also think about love; it being the season for Valentine’s Day. A perfect way to enhance your own life and that of other people, is by showing love and kindness. John said in his first letter, “Let us love one another, because love comes from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
(1 John ch.4 v 7-8.)
Loving God is the most important thing and loving others follows on from that. As we embark on this new year together, perhaps give some thought as to how you may be able to show your love for God a little more. There are so many opportunities in church life, to demonstrate your love and service to God. There will be many opportunities this year for people to take up new roles and ways of serving the Lord. Think and pray about where God maybe directing your life this year.
If you do decide to step into something new, then it may not only enhance your life but the lives of others within our Christian family. If we think about the story of the loaves and fishes, love is the same. It multiplies when you give it away, so perhaps give away a little time in the love and service of God.
The new year is before us and hopefully we can, as a church community, journey along 2026 together, grow and flourish and spread God’s love widely. We all have a part to play so be brave and step forward. You never know where it may lead you but God has a plan for all our lives. Be brave and follow his plan and spread the love.
Best wishes and blessings,
Reverend Debra
ECO TIP
February is a time of preparation for planting. Begin to clear garden debris and clean pots. Soil may need feeding, and chicken poo (available commercially) is quite good as a universal product (chicken poo pellets are also commercially available and less messy). Everything should be ready for planting soon.
CHRISTMAS THANKS
Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to our Advent and Christmas services and events. It was a wonderful time when we could worship together in a variety of ways, and our parish leaflet drop once again brought some new people to our services which was good. At the Carol, Crib and Christmas Day services our collection was used as an indicator for our annual donation to Francis House in Didsbury, which cares for and supports children with life-limiting disorders and their families. The PCC has now decided to give £500 to Francis House.
… and more thanks
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Mission Community Unity service on the evening of Sunday 18th January. It was a wonderful event and special thanks to our singing group who united with singers from St Clement’s and St Mary’s churches, with co-ordination by Robert Beale and the Rev Kath Faulkner.
CONFIRMATION 2026
If anyone is interested in becoming a full member of the Church of England this year, please speak to Reverend Debra. There will be Confirmation services at churches within our local area.
NEW AREA DEAN
The Rev Peter Matthews, formerly in charge of St Bride’s and St John’s churches in Old Trafford, has been appointed as our new Area Dean. He will be licensed in March, so please pray for him in this new position.
CARBON AWARENESS
There is carbon awareness training on Saturday 28th February, from 10am to 1pm, at St Matthew’s Church, Stretford, with Canon Grace Thomas leading the session. Please speak to Reverend Debra if you want to attend.
LENT EVENT
A Lent Evening of Reflection will take place Thursday 26th March, at 7.30pm in the side chapel. It will be led by the three housegroup leaders (Reverends Debra, Rodney and Graham). Housegroups will not take place that day and will recommence in mid-April. Anyone can attend this one-off evening – you don't have to belong to a housegroup.
ECUMENICAL LENT BREAKFASTS
A series of four breakfasts will take place on Tuesday mornings on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th March at Cornerstone Methodist Church at the Nag’s Head Circle. The breakfasts will be at 10.30am and will be followed by reflection and worship. Each session will be led by a different local minister. Please put the dates in your diaries.
THE CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING
Our church annual meeting will take place on Sunday 19th April after morning service and everyone is invited. This year we need to choose two churchwardens, two Deanery Synod representatives, and other members of the Parochial Church Council.
If you are on the church Electoral Roll you can vote at this meeting. Nominations for the Electoral Roll will close on Saturday 28th March. If you are already on the roll and your details are unchanged, you do not need to do anything. If not, and you would like to be on the roll, you must be over 16 years of age and either live in the parish or worship regularly at St John’s and think of this as your home church.
Please note ...
Our Coffee, Tea and Chat social afternoon is on Tuesday 3rd February – from 2pm to 3.30pm in church. Come along, and bring your friends.
Thursday Holy Communion services are to be held at St. John’s at 10.30am on 5th and 19th February and 5th March, and at St Michael’s Flixton at 10.15am on 12th and 26th February.
The World Day of Prayer is on Friday 6th March at 5pm, at St Monica's Church Flixton. It is a great opportunity to gather with our sisters and brothers in Christ and pray together, remembering that the same service will be taking place in many areas all across the world.
Messy Easter will be held from 2pm to 3.30pm on Sunday 22nd March. Crafts, refreshments (including hot cross buns) and the Easter story will be on offer. This is always a great community event, so spread the word among your friends and neighbours.
FACEBOOK PAGE
St. John’s in Flixton has a Facebook page – search St. John’s Flixton for regular Facebook updates on events and activities taking place in church. Please “like” the page and encourage neighbours, family and friends to do the same to help us grow our followers.
Licensing of Rev Debra Blair as Incumbent of St John's
The Rev Debra Blair was licensed as the Incumbent of St John's Flixton on Sunday 23rd October 2022, in a service at St John's led by the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt. Rev. Mark Davies, and the Archdeacon of Manchester, the Ven. Karen Lund. Guests were welcomed from both our parish and the wider church in our area for this special celebration of a new phase of ministry.
Join the JC Squad!
'The J C Squad' is the new name for our Sunday School, and it runs at 10.30am during morning service. Children rejoin their parents in church at the end of the main service and often share with the whole congregation something of what they've been doing that day.
Remembering the glorious dead of two World Wars
A beautiful poppy display at St.John's Church - November 2025.