Welcome to St.Nick’s on 29th June 2025
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul | Gospel: Luke 9:51–6
Dear Beloved at St Nick’s,
It is with joy and gratitude that I return to you after a few beautiful, whirlwind weeks away. I have missed our church so much.
I had the honour of travelling across the pond to celebrate the weddings of two people incredibly dear to me—my cousin, which was interfaith Jewish and Christian and my younger sister. One in Canada, one in the United States. Each celebration, filled with tears and laughter, reminded me how much God delights in love, in family, and in joyful beginnings. Joyful to see my family and spend quality time.
There’s a sacredness in weddings that’s easy to miss amid the bustle—when promises are made, legacies honoured, and new journeys begin. I carry back those holy moments with me, and I bring them to our altar, knowing that they are woven into the larger story of God’s love for all people.
This coming Sunday, we commemorate Saints Peter and Paul, two pillars of the early Church—radically different men, radically called by Christ. Peter: the passionate, impulsive fisherman who both confessed and denied Jesus. Paul: the persecutor turned preacher who met Jesus on the road and never looked back. Neither were perfect. Neither were obvious candidates for sainthood. Yet both were called, shaped by grace, and sent.
In our Gospel reading from Luke 9:51–62, we hear these sobering words:
“No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Jesus has set his face toward Jerusalem. There is no turning back. This is a moment of clarity and commitment, a line in the sand for the disciples—and for us. Much like Peter and Paul, we are not called to comfort but to courage. Not to perfection but to persistence. The Kingdom of God is not built by looking back in regret, but by moving forward in faith.
And isn’t that the message of Peter and Paul? That God takes flawed people—fishermen, Pharisees, even us—and says, “Follow me anyway. Proclaim love anyway. Build my Church anyway.”
As we move into the summer season at St Nick’s, let’s set our own faces toward the future—not forgetting our past, but not being shackled by it either. What might it look like for us to step boldly into the next chapter of our ministry together? Whom is God calling us to welcome, to serve, to stand beside?
Please know I return with renewed joy and affection for this community. My door (and kettle) is always open. Let’s walk forward together—with Peter’s fire, Paul’s persistence, and Jesus’ courage.
With love and gratitude,
Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm
Lead Minister, St Nick’s Kingsway
📞 +44 7495 506950
Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
Rev Augustine will return to presiding at our midweek said service of Holy Communion, this Wednesday 25th June. Do come along and welcome Rev Augustine.
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments
Sunday 29th June
On Sunday 29th June, Trinity 2, we look forward to welcoming back Rev Augustine to preside and preach at the Eucharistic Service starting at 10.30am. Our MD and organist Ollie Mills will provide musical accompaniment, with a gospel reading and prayers from St.Nick’s team..
LIVE BROADCASTS:
Our 10.30am service is broadcast live every Sunday. View the service via our website www.st-nicholas-church.org.uk or via our You Tube channel #Everyone is welcome, #inclusivechurch
New Ecumenical Home Group for Women
New Women’s Group starting soon
You are warmly invited to be part of a new group for Christian women in the area:
- Traditional ‘homegroup’ style
- Led by Lisa Battye and Nicola Roche
- Meeting 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, starting Tuesday 24 June, 7,00-8.30pm
- Venue: 860A Wilmslow Road, Didsbury M20 5QP
If you are hearing about this invitation through your church then YOU are warmly invited to join this fresh opportunity for Christian fellowship. Lisa and Nicola pray the group will be a nourishing place for making friends and learning things that bless individuals and through us our churches and communities.
For more information (e.g. parking) or to indicate interest please contact Lisa by email :lisabattye@gmail.com or by mobile on 07539775483.
Taize Evening Worship July 1st 7pm
Join us for our next Taizé evening worship at the church. This candlelit service is simple, meditative, and designed to create a peaceful atmosphere. We’ll have Bible readings, prayers, reflections, and beautiful chants. Refreshments will be served after the service #Everyone is welcome!
Live Broadcast: If you can’t attend in person, you can watch the service live on our website: http//: St-Nicholas-Church.org.uk Website.
YouTube Channel: Catch up on previous Sunday and Taizé services by visiting our YouTube channel: St. Nicholas Church Kingsway YouTube Channel.
A prayer for Sunday 29th June
Lord, you have taught us
that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
