Christmas comes early at City Church

Christmas comes early at City Church

Gorgeous decorations on sale at Fair Do's

For some it's the John Lewis advert. For other's it's the Coca-Cola truck. But for me, the Christmas countdown well and truly starts with the annual City Church festive evening at Fair Do's.

Now, before you raise your eyebrows and mutter "Christmas is not about adverts and consumerism" I am, of course, joking! I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Crimbo...erm, I mean Christmas. Decorations go up 12 days before and come down 12 days after. Discussions about Christmas begin in my house the same the first advent calendar door is opened. And I rarely watch live television so I easily avoid the emotionally manipulative spend-money-you-don't-really-have-and-show-your-loved-ones-you-care Christmas adverts.

Which one you forgot the festive cheer?

Having said that, I do allow myself a spot of early Xmas Christmas shopping at the annual fair trade festive knees up at Fair Do's. 

Between 1700 and 2000, members of City Church pop along to the fair trade shop in Canton for an evening of shopping and socialising. It's always a very pleasant evening that often include wine. Although, this year someone forgot to bring the booze! I suspect they won't be given that particular task next year!

I'm delighted to report that a booze-free evening didn't impact on the good times. As always, it's lovely to catch up with people you only see once a week in the pews. Which is why it is important to make the effort and attend. A church community is more than once a week worship and at City Church, we strive to be a community community throughout the week. 

I did manage to purchase a few Christmas presents on the evening but perhaps not as many as previous years when a drop of the good stuff was readily available! I also discovered that fair trade quinoa is much cheaper at Fair Do's than it is at a nearby Asda! Just goes to show that shopping locally can save you money as well as supporting small businesses! 

I'll be doing more of that this Christmas.

Until next time,

Best wishes,
Matt the Elder

Ps - apologies for so few blog posts recently. Normal service shall now resume. 

Matt the Elder... one year on

Matt the Swinger

At our last church meeting we were asked to vote for a new elder. Alas, we didn't manage to get a majority vote for the two elders who were up for election and so the elders will need to discuss how we proceed. Disappointing, I'm sure, for the two elders awaiting the news. I remember feeling rather anxious last year at the vote when my name was put forward. I had no expectation that I'd be elected.... 

12 months later and here I am writing about being an elder over the past year. So, how has it been? Was it everything I expected? Has it lived up to my expectations? Have I lived up to their expectations?

The last question is the easiest for me to answer. I can't honestly say I have contributed a great deal. I've missed a number of meeting through illness and work (I travel quite a lot with my job) and during meetings I rarely feel as if I have much to say. Much of the items at the elder's meetings require agreement and some discussion. The ongoing debate about the changes to the current refectory into a modern church cafe is finally developing and I feel strongly that pushing ahead with this is the right thing to do. Some disagree. I feel frustrated that it's developing slower than I anticipated but I am hopeful that things will continue to develop apace. Overall, monthly meetings with the elders is quite enjoyable.

I've also yet to really get to know everyone on my pastoral list. Most of the people on my list are elders who I see regularly or follow on Facebook and Twitter. I suppose that's a contemporary way of keeping up to date with church members!

Being and elder is no walk in the park. It requires commitment and dedication. I am constantly amazed at how hard working the elders are. They work incredibly hard to keep the church going and to keep everyone engaged in the life of City Church. Soup Lunches... Easter and Christmas events... open and closing the church - none of these would happen without the support of the elders. I'm in awe at how hard they all work. I feel sure I don't come close to contributing as much as the rest of the team do!

In many ways being an elder has exceeded my expectations.I feel closer to the life of City Church and I feel privileged to be part of running a church. I think The Minister is pretty awesome and a great leader. Honestly, I am constantly amazed at how good his services are! A lot of effort goes into engaging the congregation. It can't be an easy gig!

A year ago I decided to start this blog to document life as an elder and give a glimpse into City Church community. I enjoy writing it and I hope others enjoy reading it. I certainly wouldn't have started this blog if I hadn't become an elder. I do hope this blog has been a worthy - and welcome - contribution to City Church.

Looking ahead, I hope to contribute more in meetings and to be a lot more available for elder duties. Having said that I have just swapped two duties in June as I'm away at various events. Whoops! I will also do my very best to update this blog every week. It's been sporadic over the last few months.

I'm happy to hear back from City Church members and elders - how do you think I've done? Be kind, yeah?!

Until next time.

Best wishes

Matt the Elder

Easter at Manchester

I hope you had a wonderful Easter. I spent Easter weekend in Manchester and visiting family in North Wales. It was a bust couple of days and I wasn't sure whether we would have time to attend a church service. However, we were able to make time to attend the Easter Vigil service at Manchester Cathedral. And I'm very pleased we did. 

Manchester Cathedral

The cathedral is a magnificent building. Considering I've been to Manchester countless times (we've been attending Manchester Pride every year for the past 14 years) I have never visited the cathedral. 

We were blessed with gorgeous sunny weather (if a little cold) and the blossom trees beautifully framed the outside of the cathedral. Inside staff and volunteers were busy preparing for the evenings Easter Vigil. 

Given that my day job involves enhancing customer experience I'm always aware of the customer service I receive. I'm delighted to report that everyone I spoke to or overheard speaking with others were incredibly friendly and helpful. 

We spent an hour inside the cathedral exploring and sitting in contemplation. It was the ideal respite from the bustling city centre minutes away. In fact, we enjoyed our visit so much we decided to return in the evening to take part in the Easter Vigil. This proved to be a very moving 90 minutes with a most wonderful choir and cantor. The readers were also superb and made we consider whether I should prepare more for when I read at City Church!

Again, everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Lots of people were keen to offer the sign of peace and I particularly like the how the clergy enjoyed sprinkling water over the congregation. The kids loved it... and so did I!

Manchester Jewish Museum

Because of Sabbath, the Manchester Jewish Museum was closed on Saturday so we decided to pay a visit on Easter Sunday. I am so pleased we went as it was AWESOME! 

Honestly, it was hugely informative and we were completely engrossed in finding out about the history of Jewish life in Manchester. 

The curator gave a great 30 minute tour and we had a chance to hear audio recordings of Jewish people who had lived in Manchester. The exhibits also brought Jewish life in Manchester to life. It was utterly fascinating!

I'll admit though that I love an interactive museum so imagine my delight to discover that visitors are encouraged to get involved... I wasted no time transforming myself into Matt the rabbi (albeit temporary)!

We received a very warm welcome and excellent customer service from the curator and front of house staff which means we will be paying another visit when we're next in Manchester.

I'm already thinking about Easter weekend 2015. Recommendations of places to visit gratefully received!

Until next time.
Best wishes,
Matt the Elder

Ps - don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Good Friday in pictures

Good Friday in pictures

This is where Jesus Christ Superstar was filmed

Good Friday is a time for contemplation so here are thirteen pictures of Jesus' crucifixion to help you focus your mind.

And as a bonus treat, here are a few photos from my pilgrimage to Israel four years ago. A wonderful time and if you ever get the chance to go I would highly recommend it!

In fact, in May 2015, our Minister is leading a pilgrimage to Israel. So if anyone fancies it then let him know!

Where in the world is Matt the Elder?!

Jerusalem is steeped in history and is a fantastic city to visit. Here's me looking over the Dome on the Rock. 

Anyway, have a very peaceful and happy Easter. 

Until next time,

With best wishes,

Matt the Elder

Adventures of a Duty Elder

Adventures of a Duty Elder

Palm Sunday excitement!

Sunday 13 April 2014

0745: Alarm goes off. Think I'll have a little snooze this morning...

0830: Thoroughly enjoying my Sunday morning snooze. Pull duvet over my head... it's not like I've got much on today...

0831: Heck! I'm Duty Elder this morning. The church won't open itself... I've got so much to do before the crowds arrive! 

0832: Hits snooze button. Just another ten minutes...

0856: GAH! I turned the alarm off... I'm totally running late... must shower... eat breakfast... but first let me update Facebook and Twitter...

0920: Coffee... breakfast...coffee... three Facebook comments. Best check those before I leave, yeah?

0932: Where are the car keys?! I'm completely running late! How did this happen?! 

0936: Keep calm. The Minister will never know. Pretty sure he rocks up with seconds to spare usually...

0945: Church door won't open. Oh for crying out loud... give me a break... Maybe I just need to give the door a shove... "Hello! Who's banging the door?" Oh heck, it's The Minister....

0947: Delighted to notice that The Minister has kindly turned on the lights, unlocked the doors, placed the service sheets on the table...Check list. Not much else I need to do except fetch a glass of water for His Nibs The Minister. Honestly, this Duty Elder thing is a doddle! 

0955: The Minister calls a Strategy Meeting #1

The Minister: "Matthew. With hundreds of possible worshippers attending this morning we need this service to run like clockwork. I need you to be positioned by Door #1 at 1045 while I send the Palm Carrier to lead the congregation out of the church into the street and then I need you at Door #2 at precisely 1048 to guide said carrier... Matthew, are you listening?

Me: Yeah, but why are we going outside with palms....?"

The Minister: "Oh just a little event called Palm Sunday!"

Me: "Oh of course... yes, completely on message now. Yes, Palm Sunday... totally understand. Palms. Yes. Brilliant. 

The Minister: [outlining each stage in much detail] "Are we all clear?"

The Minister's Wife: "Are we sure the congregation knows where to go when they're outside? Have we conducted a vigorous risk assessment? Have we any Hi-Viz jackets for the crowd martial..."

1004: Veto the practice run through. 

1008: Hi-Viz jackets vetoed. 

1015: The crowds arrive... if we all sit together we could probably pass as a 'crowd!'

1021: The Minister calls a Strategy Meeting #2

The Minister: "Where's Beth? Who's doing The Reading? Who's reading the notices? Do you know what your doing re: the Palm Sunday Crowd Maneuver? Did you buy milk for post-service light refreshments?"

Me: [rubs The Minister's back] There, there... it's all fine. All under control..." Darn it! Totally forgot the milk!

1033: Service starts. Take my seat in the foyer. Best check in on Facebook....

Practically a stampede!

1045: Crikey! I haven't opened the doors! The Palm Carrier is making her way towards the door. I dash to the door. Phew! Made it! The Palm hymn is sounding lovely!

1047: Blimey! That was quick! They are making their way to the pews having completed the Palm Sunday procession in record time!

1056: Patiently wait for the stragglers to take their seats! Noticed that The Minister is the only person left singing the hymn; everyone else gave up ages ago! 

1106: Aha, The Minister starts his sermon. On past experience I should be able to pop to the supermarket for milk (and do my weekly shop) before the sermon finishes.

1122: Milk sorted... sermon still going strong!

1135: It's over! I praise myself on a job well done. Honestly, it's a breeze! Although, maybe I should have arrived 20 minutes earlier!

1140: Just been reminded that I also need to lock up. Walk back to church.

A warm welcome from Lumen URC

A warm welcome from Lumen URC

The name's Elder. Matt the Elder. 

I've just returned from a wonderful weekend in London to celebrate the Big Fella's birthday (my OH). We managed to see Stephen Ward, the new Andrew Lloyd Weber musical (loved it), From Here To Eternity, Tim Rice's new musical (loved it also), Ghost Stories (scary) and an off-beat musical called UrineTown (hilarious)! We also managed to squeeze in a visit to Bond in Motion, the cars of 007 at London Film Museum. I was in 007 heaven!


Whenever I'm away on a Sunday I like to seek out a local United Reformed Church and attend a service. A quick Google search pointed me towards Lumen URC in Bloomsbury.

Lumen URC, Bloomsbury, London

Wow! What a delightful space. I was really impressed with the fresh and modern feel to the building! I loved the use of glass at the front of the church so that you could see in - very welcoming. The guy who greeted me at the door was very helpful and explained where the church entrance was and pointed me in the direction of the two people handing out orders of service and hymn books. Both of whom were also friendly and seemed pleased to welcome a visitor. 

The service was a bit different from what I'm used to at City Church. Notices were read. One reading given (delivered by two enthusiastic members), sermon received (all about how Jesus breaks down barriers) and Communion taken. Bread was broken and served to us as we sat and Wine was taken from a shared cup and served by an elder. At City Church we always have Family Time where the Minister talks to junior church about today's readings and what that means for us today. Communion wine is served individually from small glasses

The Minister recognised me, and I him, but neither of us could remember where we met before! I wish I had time to stay for a coffee at their wonderful cafe but I had tickets to see a show and a lunch date to keep. From what I saw of their cafe looked hugely inviting. Free WiFi, breakfast, lunch and snacks served in a large open space. A perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. I will definitely stop by next time I'm in the area. There is also an art gallery and meeting rooms - quite a busy venue from what I could tell!

The cafe, the building and the people really embodied an open and welcoming ethos. I am so pleased I attended and I'll definitely be returning when I'm next in the area.

Until next time.

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

What are you reading during Lent?

What are you reading during Lent?

My reading for Lent

I love Lent. It's my absolute favourite time of the year. I prefer Lent and Easter to Advent and Christmas. There's no stress involved; rather the opposite. Lent is a time for reflection, contemplation and giving up alcohol... well, for me anyway! It's Week Three and so far I am not craving a splash of the good stuff! 

In fact, I'm doing extremely well! Could this be the year I stop drinking altogether? I doubt it... I love a Vesper Martini and a drop of Chianti. But this could be there year that I seriously limit and reduce my alcohol intake!

But I digress. What I really wanted to know was what are you all reading during Lent? I always choose a suitable religious book to focus my mind and this year I decided to re-read Easter by Michael Arditti. It's a wonderful novel set in the fictional parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale during Holy Week. Arditti's novel explores what it means to be Christian for ordinary church goers in a society dominated by consumerism, suffering and cynicism. 

The parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale, Hampstead, is preparing for Easter. In his Palm Sunday sermon, the Vicar explains that Christ's crucifixion and redemption are taking place every day. He little suspects that, before the week is out, he and his entire congregation will be caught up in a latter-day Passion story which will tear apart their lives.

Doesn't it sound great? I'll write a fuller review once I've finished it.

So, what are you reading this Lent? Have your read Easter? if so, what did you think of it?

Until next time.

With best wishes
Matt the Elder