Blackley CofE

06/09/2026

An emotional day too as the banns were called for the first time for Megan Rachel and Ethan Smith wedding on 17th October.

We had a wonderful worship time at St Paul's this morning, where we blessed the children and young people as they begin their new school year, and we blessed their school bags and school shoes for the things that they carry with them on their journey. Prayers offered for teaching staff, support staff and all who look after our young people

06/09/2026

We had a wonderful worship time at St Paul's this morning, where we blessed the children and young people as they begin their new school year, and we blessed their school bags and school shoes for the things that they carry with them on their journey. Prayers offered for teaching staff, support staff and all who look after our young people

22/08/2026

Come and join us at St Paul's on Sunday 6th September at 11.30am for a Family Service where we will bless our children and school communities as they start the new term. Children - bring your backpacks or school bags and your school shoes!!

20/08/2026

We have enjoyed joint fellowship recently at St Peter's but this week we are back to our usual pattern in our individual churches. Come and join us!
This week we are exploring the question Jesus asks - "Who do you say I am?". Join us to learn more.

24/07/2026

We will be pausing the Blackley Community Hub during August so our volunteers can enjoy a rest. We will be open as usual this week but then close for the summer. We will be back on Wednesday 2nd September with our usual sessions, beginning with Wellmindz on Wellbeing Wednesday.

Our churches remain OPEN and we invite you to our services as normal:
Sunday 2nd August - St Andrew's 9.30am, St Peter's 9.30am and St Paul's 11.30am
Sunday 9th August and 16th August - Joint services for all three churches at St Peter's 10.30am (note the different time)
Sunday 23rd August - St Andrew's 9.30am, St Peter's 9.30am and St Paul's 11.30am
Sunday 30th August - St Andrew's 9.30am, St Peter's 9.30am and St Paul's 11.30am

18/07/2026

One question I get asked all the time is "Why doesn't God deal with evil immediately?" Sometimes it's phrased slightly differently: "If God is all-loving, why does he allow evil?"

Both questions are valid, and they stem from that place that we all have inside of us, that place that wants justice when life is unfair or when we see cruelty and hatred. We usually want justice right now, and we want God to intervene to stop it.

But in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells a surprising story that challenges those instincts and our thirst for justice. Instead of stepping into every evil situation, Jesus asks us to think that maybe God's patience isn't a sign of weakness or distance, but is actually one of the greatest signs of his love.

Join us this Sunday as we explore what Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds has to say about justice and mercy, and about how we need to learn to trust God's timing.

We'd love to welcome you:
St Andrew's 9.30am (off Crab Lane)
St Peter's 9.30am (Blackley village)
St Paul's 11.30am (Victoria Avenue near the junction with Rochdale Road)

11/07/2026

One of the readings tomorrow morning is the Parable of the Sower. Most of us know it well, and if you've been around church for a while you've probably heard plenty of sermons asking, "Which soil are you?" But I'm not sure that's the only question Jesus is asking.

I've been wondering this week whether it's more helpful to think of our lives as a garden. After all, the Bible begins in a garden and ends in a garden, and all the way through Scripture we find God meeting people in places where life grows. (Thanks to Johannes Hartl for his imagery at the Clergy Conference a couple of weeks ago!)

The truth is, all of us have parts of our lives that are flourishing, and other parts that could do with a bit of attention. Some bits have become hard through disappointment or grief; some need deeper roots. Some have become crowded with the worries and busyness of life, and some bits are the corners that accumulate rubbish that we try to hide behind the wheelie bins.

So perhaps today's question isn't, "Which soil am I?" but, "What does my garden need today?"

That's where we'll be heading in the morning at St Andrew's at 9.30am, St Peter's at 9.30am and St Paul's at 11.30am. If you're joining us, I'd love to know what you think.

27/06/2026

This week's heat has reminded us of something very simple: we all need refreshment.

We've been carrying water bottles, checking on neighbours, looking for shade, and discovering that we're not as self-sufficient as we sometimes like to think.

In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says that even offering someone a cup of cold water is noticed by God. Such a small thing—but in the right moment, it can mean everything.

The Kingdom of God isn't always found in dramatic miracles or grand gestures. More often, it is revealed in ordinary acts of kindness, quiet hospitality, and faithful love.

The world is thirsty for hope, truth, compassion and grace.

Perhaps today we can each offer someone a "cup of cold water"—a kind word, a listening ear, a warm welcome, or a simple act of generosity.

May we first be refreshed by Christ, the Living Water, and then become a source of refreshment for others.

"And whoever gives even a cup of cold water... will certainly not lose their reward." (Matthew 10:42)

**If you would like to hear more about this theme, Rev Pam will be preaching a full sermon on it at St Peter's Blackley tomorrow morning. Come and join us at 9.30am - everybody is welcome**

22/06/2026

We have a busy few weeks ahead at the Hub! Come and join us