St James, East Crompton

The Bishop of Manchester visited East Crompton and Crompton Fold on 14 June 2007 as part of his three-year pilgrimage around the diocese.

His visit began with prayers at St Saviour's Mission Church in Crompton Fold, after which the Bishop visited St George's CE Primary School to take part in the opening of the brand new IT suite. The bishop spent time with the children, talking and playing games on the computers with them. The bishop then visited "East Crompton, St James' Childcare Village", the parish's own limited company providing before and after school care, as well as pre-school and nursery care for local children from 2¹/₂ - 11 years. The children   presented gifts to the bishop, including a T shirt, designed and printed by the children - which the bishop assured them he would enjoy wearing. The Vicar, Revd. Jonathan Bower, then took the bishop to meet two senior and long-standing parishioners in their homes, where they were presented with special Run the Race books and badges.

A community reception in the parish rooms was attended by the Mayor of Oldham, local headteachers, councillors, and police inspectors. Local TV station, Shaw TV covered the event - interviewing Bishop Nigel and a number of others present.

After the reception, a short pilgrimage service was held in St James's, for which almost all guests at the reception stayed. The service included a segment entitled: "This is your Life" (complete with Big Red Book!). From the newly confirmed to long-standing members of the church, church-members spoke personally and movingly about how the church had 'been there', offering support and love at particular times in their lives.

The Revd. Jonathan Bower said: "Many people were moved by hearing people's stories of faith - stories that

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

are sometimes eclipsed by the many other things that crowd church life. Hearing people say "this church has made a difference to my life" was a powerful message for people to hear.

"At a time when we are facing some difficult decisions about buildings and finances, the bishop's visit has been an opportunity for us to take stock and to focus on what is most important in our life together.


"Planning the pilgrimage has been hard work, but it has helped us to develop a culture of hospitality across  boundaries, so it's been a good beginning for us. My hope is that the spirit of the occasion has had a lasting and beneficial effect."

The service included the laying-on of hands with  anointing. Almost everyone came forward, and many spoke of being extremely moved by the experience. Children illustrated the 'Run the Race' theme by running up the aisle holding the Common-wealth Games baton, though a young member of choir who had recently broken her leg was also delighted that the bishop agreed to sign her plaster cast.