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The Bishop of Manchester visited the city-centre parish of St Ann's, Manchester on Thursday May 6th, 2010, returning the following Sunday to worship with the congregation.
After praying with members of the church, the bishop blessed the refurbished 'Ann Bland Room' in the church tower, which the church hopes to offer to Christian groups in the city centre for smaller meetings.
The bishop first visited the former Wesley Owen on Deansgate which, following the chain's 2010 collapse, has been relaunched by 'Living Oasis'. Bishop Nigel met manager, Mike Plant and his staff, who were greatly encouraged as they told the bishop about their vision to promote the bookshop more effectively for mission and ministry, and resourcing Manchester's Christian community.
A short walk took the bishop to the Wood Street Mission, a non-denominational children's charity, with a long association with St Ann's. The bishop heard from manager, Jan O'Connor about the work of the charity, which provides practical help; good quality second hand clothing, bedding, equipment and toys to children and families throughout Manchester and Salford; over 11,000 people in 2009.
The bishop gained another perspective of city life at the offices of CityCo (formerly Manchester City Centre Management Company), where Roger Barberis 'a good friend of St Ann's', offered an overview of the city centre's business, retail and cultural life.
A small reception at the St James' Club in Spring Gardens for the bishop, church council members friends and supporters of St Ann's ended the first day. The bishop returned on the Sunday to bring his pilgrimage to the regular worshipping community.
Rector, the Revd. Nigel Ashworth
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