Royton, Greater Manchester - Oct 2026

Worship

We held our usual district gathering at Fairfield on 28th June. Br Woolford led the worship, which included a feat of escapology to illustrate the theme of ‘With God, everything is possible’. The service was a lovely time of fellowship with our sisters and brothers from the Lancashire District, and the cakes served afterwards were delicious! The collection taken during the service was donated to the relief operations in Venezuela, following the recent devastating earthquakes.

On 10th May, Br Stephen Gledhill from Lower Wyke led our Church Anniversary service. It is always good to see Br Stephen and Sr Cathy, and we do appreciate the help they give us in filling the pulpit.

We recently shared worship on two consecutive Sundays with our neighbours from Trinity Methodists. On 24th May, Whit Sunday, we joined them for their service. Unfortunately, there was no Whit Walk this year, as none of the other churches were planning to walk. On the following Sunday 31st May, appropriately Trinity Sunday, they joined us for worship, led by Br Woolford. Br Stuart Brierley also brought his Fair Trade stall on that day. Both services were well-attended and we enjoyed this time of fellowship together.

Social Events

Our Spring Flower and Craft Show took place on 30th May. Sr Judith Wilson writes: people were encouraged to bring their displays of mainly flowers and vegetables to church. There was an array of wonderful creations exhibited using all kinds of materials. The event was open to both adults and children. In church, tables were set up with all kinds of craft equipment, such as card, scissors, coloured paper, ribbons and crayons, as well as vegetables and tasks were set in small groups to create more works of art using our imagination and the equipment provided. Instructions were given as to what we should be working towards. We all had a great deal of fun letting our imaginations run wild. A quiz was provided and poetry thrown in for good measure. A lovely arrangement of food was contributed and was consumed whilst chatting, amid lots of fun and laughter. It was a great afternoon of fellowship and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. All the wonderful designs were displayed in the church, and they acted as a reminder of what can be achieved when we encourage each other.

MWA

On 18th April, the sisters of the MWA once again set off for Hall Green in Birmingham for their annual Away Day. I have attended the MWA Day for a number of years now and have found it to be a fun, enriching experience. It is an opportunity to deepen your faith with other women of all ages. We then had roll call in which I stood up to represent the new online group called LIFT. After lunchtime on the MWA day we went to our sessions. The day concluded with a Cup of Covenant Service, and of course cake. I am looking forward to the next one and more LIFT online sessions.

Sr Marilyn Powell writes

The sisters of the MWA here at Royton recently invited the sisters from Dukinfield to share an afternoon tea them. This was held to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity which ensures people with cancer get the best care whoever they are and wherever they live. It has become quite a tradition now to read the papers together and share delicious scones from our local bakery smothered in butter and jam. A total of £132.90 was raised for Macmillan.

The sisters of the congregation gathered for their annual Sisters’ Sunday celebration on 3rd May, beginning with breakfast at 9.30am. The speaker this year was Lilian Day, a member at our neighbouring church, Trinity Methodists, who spoke about her experiences over many years of fundraising for Children in Need. A collection was taken and £100 was given to Lilian as a donation to the charity.

Bible Study

Br Woolford is currently holding a series of Bible Study sessions, held in church fortnightly on Thursdays at 1pm, based on the book ‘Our Moravian Treasures’, edited by Peter Vogt.

Congregational News

Br Ian and Sr Lisa Howarth have recently moved from Royton to a new home in Yorkshire. They intend to continue worshipping with us here at Royton, but Sr Lisa has sadly resigned from her role on Church Committee. We thank her for her service and wish them both much happiness in their new home.

Two of our sisters have celebrated ‘milestone’ birthdays recently: Sr Moreen Walkden her 90th on 24th May, and Sr Lesley Benedek her 80th on 14th June. Congratulations and best wishes to both these sisters and to anyone else who has been celebrating recently, and we keep them in our thoughts and prayers, along with all those who are sick or going through difficult times, and those unable to join us at this time.

As always, may the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another.

Sr Hannah Coope and Sr Gail Holden