Heywood Team

An Advent Wreath proved a useful visual aid when the Bishop of Manchester came to visit the four churches of the  Heywood Team on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 23rd and 24th of September 2008. The traditional Christmas candle in the  centre was used to symbolise the light of  Christ, from which was lit the candles signifying the four churches of the Heywood Team Parish.

Arriving on Tuesday afternoon, the bishop first joined a dozen or so church members to pray at All Souls' church before visiting Heywood's "Magic Market" - an indoor three-day market run by local people for the Heywood community. The bishop met stallholders and those who first set up the market, and was given  a Bible Encyclopedia by the proprietor of the Market Book Shop.

At the Darnhill Library, the bishop met staff and library users before returning to St Margaret`s church to pray with church members.

The following day's visit began with prayers at St John`s Church, followed by a visit to the Phoenix Independent Brewery, where the bishop was given a guided tour as well as a product sample.

The bishop popped in on the Parish of Heywood Church Charity Shop, run by the four churches, and well- used by local people. The bishop met volunteers and even managed to pick up a bargain for himself.

Heywood Civic Centre hosted a  reception for local community leaders to meet the bishop and church councils of the Heywood Team. The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, MP Jim Dobbin attended, as did local councillors school leaders, police officers and leaders of Heywood's other churches - over a hundred people in all.

A service of celebration for Heywood Team took place at St Luke`s, in the town centre. A large choir from the

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

four churches led a congregation of 150 strong, which included scout and guide groups of all ages.

The Revd. Matthew Carlisle, Team Vicar in the Heywood Team, said: "A number of people told me how much they appreciated the service and the visit as a whole. They were also pleased that the bishop seemed to enjoy the visit as well.

"Almost everyone in church came forward for a personal blessing from the bishop.
It's not always acknowledged how much a part of the local community the church plays, but the bishop picked up the strong links that we already have; not just through local schools, but also in  more informal ways; through strong relationships with individuals and groups.

"We want to build on those links, and the bishop's visit has given our four churches greater confidence , and has strengthened commitment and reaffirmed our faith as we look to the future."