Final Newsletter Reflection – St. Nick’s Kingsway
From Revd Dr. Augustine Tanner-Ihm

Dear Friends,

As Keenan and I prepare to leave St. Nick’s Kingsway, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. These past three years have been a profound blessing. We have loved being here—sharing in worship, walking together in faith, and celebrating life’s joys and sorrows as one family. Each of you has left an imprint on our lives, and we will miss you dearly.

Even our dog Rambo has been part of this journey. While he may not miss the busy noise and bustle of Kingsway, he will certainly miss the warmth and kindness of each one of you who welcomed him into this community.

We will also treasure the lighter moments—the times of dressing up in costumes as Santa, the Easter Bunny, or even a Christingle. These playful traditions reminded us that joy and laughter are holy gifts, and that the church is at its best when it embraces both reverence and delight.

As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the astonishing truth that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”(John 1:14). God entered our world in vulnerability, bringing light into darkness and hope into despair. This is the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us. It is a promise that wherever we go, Christ’s presence remains, binding us together across distance and time.

One of the songs that has always spoken to me during this season is the American spiritual Go Tell It on the Mountain. Born out of the faith and resilience of African American communities, it proclaims with joy: “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.” This song reminds us that the good news of Christ’s birth is not meant to be whispered quietly, but shouted from the mountaintops. It is a call to bold witness, to proclaim love, justice, and hope in a world that longs for redemption.

As we part ways, my prayer is that you continue to “go tell it”—in your homes, your workplaces, your friendships, and your community. May the joy of Christ’s birth inspire you to live as bearers of light, sharing the love of Jesus with all you meet.

Though Keenan, Rambo, and I will be far away, we carry you in our hearts. Thank you for welcoming us, for loving us, and for allowing us to serve among you. May the peace of Christ dwell richly in you this Christmas and always.

With love and blessings, 
Revd Dr. Augustine Tanner-Ihm

A Prayer for St. Nicholas Kingsway – 2026
Gracious and loving God, We give thanks for the community of St. Nicholas Kingsway, for the faith, hope, and love that have flourished here in Burnage and East Didsbury. For three years, You have allowed us to walk together, and now as new seasons unfold, we entrust this church into Your care.
Bless each member, each family, and each child who calls this place home. May they continue to grow in the knowledge of Your Son, Jesus Christ, rejoicing in His birth this Christmas and proclaiming His resurrection each Easter.

Strengthen their witness in this neighbourhood, that the light of Christ may shine brightly in Burnage and East Didsbury. Inspire them to “go tell it on the mountain,” declaring with joy that Jesus Christ is born, and to live out that good news in acts of compassion, justice, and peace.

Lord, grant them courage for the challenges ahead, unity in Your Spirit, and joy in Your presence. May this church remain a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of love, and a place where Your kingdom is glimpsed on earth as it is in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord we pray,
Amen.

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Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
We will hold our usual Wednesday Holy Communion every Wednesday at 10.30am.This service will continue weekly in the new year with our friends Rev Josh Gaskell or Rev Mark Hewerdine. 
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments

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Upcoming services:

Blue Christmas Sunday service 10.30am Sunday 21st December

What is a Blue Christmas service?

A Blue Christmas service is all about creating a comforting space for people who might find this time of year challenging for various reasons. The Blue Christmas tradition emerged from the USA, and is often marked on 21 December, the longest night of the year. It’s a chance to reflect, remember, and find a bit of peace. Blue Christmas is a useful reminder to support those who find Advent and Christmas particularly hard. 

We look forward to welcoming you to this special service which will be led by Alison and our worship team. We will welcome back Mandy Mullins, Lay Reader from St.James and Emmanuel to deliver the sermon. There  will be uplifting carols and Christmas music from our Organist and MD and readings and prayers will be delivered by 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

Christmas Eve CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT : Wednesday 25th December 5pm

Do join us for our annual 5pm service on Christmas Eve, this is always a very busy service, so please get here early to get a seat. We will be joined by members of The Greater Manchester Voices Choir, who will perform two anthems. Music will be led by our MD and Organist Ollie Mills, this will be Ollie’s last service with us as organist, so do come and say farewell to Ollie. (He will continue to be MD for the Greater Manchester Voices so you will see him in the building!) 

LIVE BROADCASTS:
This service will be broadcast live at 5pm on Christmas Eve. View the service via our website www.st-nicholas-church.org.uk or via our You Tube channel #Everyone is welcome, #inclusivechurch

Sunday 28th December 10.30am Informal, said service of Holy Communion
Do join us for an informal service on Sunday 28th December, Rev Augustine’s last service with us. The said service of Holy Communion will be followed by refreshments and a chance to say farewell to Rev Augustine. Everyone is welcome. #inclusivechurch 

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A prayer for Sunday 21st December

God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

A prayer for Sunday 28th December
Heavenly Father,
whose children suffered at the hands of Herod,
though they had done no wrong:
by the suffering of your Son
and by the innocence of our lives
frustrate all evil designs
and establish your reign of justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.AMEN