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On December 6 and 7 2006 Bishop Nigel visited the four churches which form the Ashton Team. These were St James, St Michael and All Angels, Holy Trinity and St Gabriel's all in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Ashton Team Vicar Rev Roger Farnworth explained: "On December 6 we went to St Gabriel's to start off with for the initial evening prayer then Bishop Nigel visited an elderly persons establishment before coming on to St James. There he me with most of the young people of the parish and with all those who lead and work with young people in the centre of Ashton.
This was followed by a Christingle service at St James. Rev Farnworth said: "The Christingle was a really big success with lots of children and the reception after that was packed. We had the usual orange and stalks and child friendly songs. The Bishop did a talk about running the race and ended up running up and down the church! It was a very good service. There was a lovely packed reception in the church afterwards with Christmas food such as mince pies and little bites to eat and drinks. It certainly turned the Christingle service around for us. We've changed a few people's minds about it and it will become something more effective in our mission."
"We followed the suggested outline for the two evenings prayers on the two days and for the main pilgrimage service but the Christingle was a different service which we arranged through consultation.
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