Welcome to St.Nick’s on for Sunday 21st and 28th September
Sunday 28th September 2025 – Harvest Sunday
Dear friends,
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, the apostle and evangelist whose story is a striking picture of God’s surprising grace.
The Gospel tells us of Matthew sitting at his tax booth, despised as a collaborator with Rome, an outsider to the respectable and religious. Yet Jesus passes by, looks at him, and says simply, “Follow me.” And Matthew rises and follows. Soon, Matthew is hosting Jesus in his home, surrounded by “tax collectors and sinners.” The religious leaders murmur, but Jesus responds:
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have come not to call the righteous but sinners.”
The message is crystal clear: no one is beyond the call of Christ. God delights in choosing those the world rejects. Matthew, the outcast, becomes not only a disciple but the very one to record the Gospel that still speaks today. As Proverbs 3 tells us, wisdom is more precious than jewels, and as 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us, we carry this treasure in jars of clay. God’s glory shines through our cracks.
Our takeaway this week: Christ calls us as we are, but never leaves us as we are. Like Matthew, our response to Christ’s call is to rise, follow, and invite others into the transforming presence of Jesus.
Here’s a fact to ponder: research shows that in the UK, most people first encounter Christianity not through a sermon or a church event but through a personal invitation from a friend. Just as Matthew invited his friends to meet Jesus at his own table, so too can we extend a simple invitation that may change a life.
As we celebrate Matthew’s story, may we find courage to believe that Christ calls us flaws, wounds, and all and sends us out as bearers of His Good News.
With every blessing,
Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm
Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
Our Wednesday services continue every week at 10.30am with a short, said service of Holy Communion. Followed by refreshments and a chat!
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments
Sunday 21st September
On Sunday 21st September we will welcome our lead minister Rev Augustine to preside and Mark Vermes from St.James and Emmanuel to preach at the Eucharistic Service starting at 10.30am. Music will be provided by our MD Ollie Mills, with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team
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Sunday 28th September HARVEST SUNDAY
On Sunday 28th September we will celebrate Harvest Sunday. We will welcome our minister Rev Augustine to lead our service and a visiting speaker, Yvonne, from the Barnabus Charity will give a talk about the fantastic work the charity does in supporting the homeless of Manchester. The service will start at 10.30am. Music will be provided by our MD Ollie Mills, with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team
