Experiencing Easter

St James' School - Years 5 and 6

Experiencing Easter is an interactive way of introducing Holy Week to children. In small groups the children journey through five ‘stations’ depicting some of the major episodes in the Passion story. At each stop there are questions, narrative, and an activity to undertake. The groups all join together for the final sixth (Resurrection) station.

Palm Sunday Foot washing Last Supper

Station 1: Palm Sunday

Station 2: Foot Washing

Station 3: Last Supper

Garden C ross Resurrection

Station 4: Gethsemane

Station 5: The Cross

Station 6: Resurrection

First Saturday

Over the next few months we will be exploring various aspects of our dedication to the Holy Innocents. The focus of the first few sessions will be on ‘suffering’ and the sessions will be led by a member of the group. The sessions will link in a fairly loose way with actions proposed/offered to the congregation each month and with a cycle of prayer. As the early Saturday sessions will be linked to some reading, there is also a possibility of making reading available a week or ten days ahead for people who express an interest, but this would not be required………!!! Please contact Janet on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want to read ahead and send a postal address if possible.

We would also like to run a day conference on ‘Childhood, Power and Suffering’ at some point…maybe reflecting on the school killings.

So, it looks something like this:

March 2nd/3rd Janet: Suffering and Liberation - drawing on Dorothee Solle’s book Suffering and on the mediaeval mystic writing The Cloud of Unknowing we will continue our focus on the 'Holy Innocents' by considering the matter of inconsolable grief. In the words of the Bible, 'the sound of wailing and loud lamentation. Rachel weeping for her children' and consider what we believe a loving response to be. We will also consider practical support for those who grieve throughout the world and continue to think about intercessions.

April 6th/7th Giles: Suffering and Meaning (using Viktor Frank’s work). Linked to prayers and actions probably in relation to MIND.

May 4th/5th tbc: Forgiveness. Linked to Prayers and Actions for Victim Support/Restorative Justice movement. http://valapublishers.coop/ifyousitverystill

May 12th-18th: Christian Aid week

June 1st/2nd Stephen: Something linked to Jubilee Debt/Tax Campaign issues prior to and linked with actions for the Enniskillen G8 summit.

It would be lovely to see folk at some or all of these.

United in Mission

A conference on evangelism led by Bishop of Beverley, Martyn Jarrett and the Bishop of Bolton, Chris Edmonsdon. Supported by Affirming Catholicism, Forward in Faith, Society of Catholic Priests, Women's Chapter. Cost £5.00 per person

Holy Innocents, Fallowfield, 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

09.30	Refreshments
10.00	Opening worship followed by keynote speaker Rt Revd Martyn Jarrett
11.00	Refreshments
11.15	Workshops
12.00	Break
12.15	Eucharist
01.00	Finish

This is a conference for all who are passionate to see practical ways in which mission and growth can be furthered in their parishes.

Contact Lisa Daniels to book your place 0161 828 1412 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit the Diocesan website for more informatiion.

From Swaddling Clothes to Winding Sheet - textiles in every part of life

Holy Innocents Church Fallowfield was delighted to be part of the 2012 Manchester Histories Festival. Our exhibition was collected from members of our community and beyond. It reflected how, at every stage and part of human existence, textiles are a precious and all-embracing part of our lives.

The textiles in the exhibition were not clothing; some of them were worn on the body – but often in addition to clothing, or to mark a particular allegiance, profession, or occasion - others were used to furnish or clean our homes, or to make our lives easier or more comfortable, and some carried a message.

Exhibit 1: 'Water of life, cleanse and refresh us'

Flat irons at base of font Dish cloths, tea towels, dusters, flannels, bathmats and the process related to them (ironing board and clothes-horse)

Exhibit 2: 'Now I lay me down to sleep'

Hand embroidered bedspread Samples of various fabrics on blue backing fabric

Exhibit 3: 'Satan find work for idle hands'

Patchwork, embroidery, threads with Singer sewing machine Lace making, bobins, darning mushroom and tin of buttons

Exhibit 4: 'Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean'

Pile of Christy towels, navy blue and pale blue

Exhibit 5: 'Who makes me dwell in saftey'

Soft furninshings including runners and cushions Chair throw

Exhibit 6: 'Through all the changing scenes of life'

Hair ribbons, ties and toys, some belong to organisations and schools, others demonstrate allegience to clubs and society

Exhibit 7: 'From swaddling cloths to winding sheet'

Christening robes, wedding veils, shawls, scarves and finally a shroud The shroud - the last textile of our earthly lives

Exhibt 8: 'Brightly gleams our banner'

Church banner with the inscription 'Sursum Corda' - banner in pale blue and worked in Gold work' Small maroon banner with inscription in gold 'Blessed are the pure in heart'