It was a joy to gather today, Tuesday 8 September, with friends and colleagues for the annual Connexional Service at Manchester Central Hall, with The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Mark Slaney and Caroline Stead.
Revd. Phil Gough, North West England District Secretary for Ministry and Vocations, says ‘‘the annual Connexional Service was a well-attended and inspirational time of worship and witness. The President and Vice-President of Conference spoke on themes related to justice, sorrow and joy, and we heard from ecumenical, interfaith and civic partners. We heard about Lifeshare’s nearly 40 years of serving the homeless communities in Manchester, and tackling the injustices of poverty. We prayed for the life and witness of Manchester Central Hall and all the partnerships within the City, before the President and Vice President were taken on a prayer walk within the city centre.”
Deacon Jenny Jones, City Centre Minister at Central Hall, says “we all have joys and sorrows. In times of joy we, as Christians, should walk alongside those experiencing sorrow.”
Thank you to Central Hall for hosting us, and to all those who participated in and attended the service.
From left to right: Karen Attaway, Stakeholder and Communications Manager at Central Hall; Alethea Siow, Chair of the Central Hall Board of Trustees; Revd Mark Slaney, President of the Conference; Deacon Jenny Jones, City Centre Minister at Central Hall; Caroline Stead, Vice-President of the Conference; and Revd Phil Gough, District Secretary for Ministry and Vocations.