St Barnabas, Shore, Littleborough.

Parishioners of St Barnabas' Church in Shore took the Bishop of Manchester's call to pass on the baton of Faith, Hope and Love very seriously when he visited them on his pilgrimage on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

Ten members were chosen from the congregation to receive the former Commonwealth Games baton, each one representing a decade of human life. With the words "I entrust this baton to your generation" Bishop Nigel handed the baton to 93 year old Phyllis Harwood. She, in turn passed the baton on and so the baton made its way round the Church, each person repeating the same words as they passed it on.

Last to receive the baton and return it to the Bishop was young mum, Abi who was confirmed last year. Abi is currently expecting the birth her second child, and was chosen to represent the promise of new life and hope for the future.

The Bishop's visit began with prayers in church before the Vicar Rev. John McGrath introduced local Methodist minister and the children at the "after school" club, held at Greenhill Methodist Chapel.

The next stop was a home visit to a parishioner and a short tour of the parish.

A Community Reception and buffet saw the Bishop meet the Mayor and Mayoress, Police officers, a local Magistrate, Brigade leaders, Sunday school teachers and members of the congregation. The bishop also met the artist who designed and painted our stained glass window which was installed in celebration of the centenary of St Barnabas Church.

The Pilgrimage Service welcomed approximately 120 guests, including

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

many of those who had attended the reception.

"Parishioners and the whole community welcomed the Bishop's visit." said Rachel Battershell, Reader and ordinand. "The occasion welcomed people from other denominations into St Barnabas who had never attended the Church before, it created a warmth of love and fellowship that many people will carry with them for a long time."


"People were able to meet the Bishop, most for the very first time, and the young people welcomed him and enjoyed his "high fives"."

"During the service, Littleborough Brass Band played a selection of appropriate music. Many commented that they had enjoyed the service and found the anointing with oil very moving."