We are One – Manchester 2009

Maranatha Community — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:02:46 +0000

On 28th November 2009 Christians from all over Manchester again gathered first in Salford Cathedral (Roman Catholic) for Worship and Prayer, then hundreds of people walked in a great procession from Salford Cathedral thought the centre of Manchester to Manchester Cathedral (Anglican) for another service to celebrate our unity in Jesus Christ, and to recommit ourselves to praying and working together for God’s Kingdom in Manchester.

All the main seated area at Salford Cathedral was full and all the contributors to the service presented really well. The Lord gave us a rain-free moming and many people on the walk said that it was something very special and lively with many joining in the singing and banner waving etc. The banners, flags, placards and whistles and smiles and lightness of steps made a great witness causing many to ask about, who we were? To answer this we handed out postcards saying “The people you see walking today are from different nations and from all of the main denominations of the Christian Faith. They have come together as One to share the Christian Gospel, the good news, that ‘God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ You will be most welcome in any church in Greater Manchester this Christmas or indeed at any time” and pointing people to the web-sites:

www.christmasunwrapped.com and www.findachurch.co.uk

We were led into Manchester Cathedral by the Dean and Bishop to the sound of the Shofa. Then Paul and the Heartnotes band lead the worship beautifully and Dennis Wrigley encouraged us as he witnessed to the unity being sought and expressed around the world – Let it be Lord. Many praised the footwork and dance moves of the bishops and possessors as they left the Cathedral ‘Marching in the light of God’.

More photos and details to follow.

We are One – Manchester 2000

Maranatha Community — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:00:01 +0000

On 22nd January 2000 Christians from all over Manchester gathered first in Salford Cathedral (Roman Catholic) for Worship and Prayer, then hundreds of people walked in a great procession from Salford Cathedral thought the centre of Manchester, stopping for open-air praise of God where John Wesley (founder of the Methodist movement) preached, and on to Manchester Cathedral (Anglican) for another service to celebrate our unity in Jesus Christ.

Please watch this 6 minute video summary of that wonderful day in 2000 when regardless of our traditions and denominations, we were One in Christ. (it’s fairly low resolution so that it it doesn’t take too long to load)

In January 2000 there was an enormous and enthusiastic response to the services at Salford and Manchester Cathedrals, the walk of witness through the streets, and the open air service near Deansgate. The many hundreds who participated were tangible evidence of a very substantial commitment to unity and renewal of faith amongst Christians in the North West of England.

Countless people said that this event marked the beginning of a whole new development in the life of the Church in this region. On that day we were truly one in Christ. We prayed and praised as one. We were seen to be one. Christian leaders from all denominations led a winding procession behind a simple wooden cross. There were just two large banners. The first proclaimed ‘One Lord – JESUS’ and the second ‘Christians Together – WE ARE ONE’. The message was simple and direct.

A considerable number of participants said “We have been praying and waiting for this to happen for years”. In the crowded Cathedrals, where many had to stand, it was repeatedly said “Things can never be the same again”. “We urgently need to come together to witness like this to our common faith”.

We have a vision to do something like this again in November 2009. Will you join us ? Please encourage each other by leaving comments via the comments facility.