St.Nick’s newsletter for Sunday 9th and 16th March
| Dear Friends, Before Jesus began his ministry, he spent time in the desert—a harsh and unyielding environment. It must have been an extremely challenging experience, but perhaps this solitude, free from distraction, was necessary for his preparation. Similarly, the Desert Mothers and Fathers of the fourth and fifth centuries withdrew to the wilderness to seek communion with God. Their lives were far from easy. The Israelites, too, wandered the desert and often voiced their struggles and discontent, showing just how difficult their journey was. We all encounter deserts in our lives. Sometimes they are spiritual, moments when our connection to God feels tenuous or our faith is tested. At other times, they are life deserts—seasons of personal hardship and trial. Yet deserts, vast as they may be, always have boundaries. After what feels like endless hardship, signs of life begin to emerge: tiny sprouts, then grass, shrubs, and eventually a lush landscape replaces the barrenness, the light begins to shine at the end of the long tunnel. Before Jesus began his ministry, he spent time in the desert—a harsh and unyielding environment. It must have been an extremely challenging experience, but perhaps this solitude, free from distraction, was necessary for his preparation. Similarly, the Desert Mothers and Fathers of the fourth and fifth centuries withdrew to the wilderness to seek communion with God. Their lives were far from easy. The Israelites, too, wandered the desert and often voiced their struggles and discontent, showing just how difficult their journey was. We get a sense of the harsh environment of the desert in Frank Herbert’s Dune. This science fiction epic centers on the desert planet of Arrakis. The harsh environment shapes the culture, spirituality, and survival of its inhabitants, echoing themes of resilience. We all encounter deserts in our lives. Sometimes they are spiritual, moments when our connection to God feels tenuous or our faith is tested. At other times, they are life deserts—seasons of personal hardship and trial. Yet deserts, vast as they may be, always have boundaries. After what feels like endless hardship, signs of life begin to emerge: tiny sprouts, then grass, shrubs, and eventually a lush landscape replaces the barrenness. And what about the journey through the desert? Arab traders knew the locations of oases and wadis, navigating from one to the next for sustenance and rest, each stop enabling them to press on. Though deserts often lack clear paths, a route always exists, however faint. Modern-day desert travellers in their 4x4s rely on generations of knowledge to guide them. In our own deserts, we have God as our guide. With the survival tools He provides and vigilant eyes to spot those life-giving oases, we too can navigate the difficult terrain and continue our journey. With every blessing, Alison Mills ALM and Churchwarden 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 Wednesday 5th March, Ash Wednesday service, 10.30am, with ashing Join us on Ash Wednesday at 10.30am when we’ll welcome Bishop Mark Davies to lead our worship for this special day which marks the start of lent. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served after the service. Sunday 9th March 2025 Lent 1 This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent. We look forward to welcoming Rev Josh Gaskell from St.Paul’s, Withington to preside and Mandy Mullins from St. James and Emmanuel to preach.  Sunday 16th March Lent 2 On Sunday 16th March we will look forward to welcoming back Rev Cate Allison to preside and preach.  Our MD and Organist Ollie Mills will provide the music for both the services with readings and prayers from the St.Nick’s team #Refreshments will be served after the service |
Nestled in the heart of the communities of East Didsbury and Burnage, St Nicholas Church stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and love. Under the devoted leadership of our Lead Minister, Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, OMS, we are a vibrant, inclusive, and intergenerational Christian community committed to living out the bold faith of Jesus Christ.
