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The Bishop of Manchester visited St Margaret's, Burnage on Wednesday, 26th September 2007 as part of his three-year long pilgrimage; visiting each of the 350 parishes of the Diocese of Manchester.
After beginning his pilgrimage with prayer in church, the bishop visited the Burnage Multi-agency Group, meeting project leader, Margaret Slack. A partnership between church, police and the local community, BMAG works with young people who are "not in education, employment or training".
After a tour of BMAG's premises, the Bishop visited the newly rebuilt Greenend Primary School, meeting the headteacher and staff, and was impressed by the school's facilities. Saint Margaret's has strong links with Greenend School, and a number of church members are pupils, parents, volunteer assistants or governors.
The bishop also made two pastoral visits with vicar, Ian Thompson, to housebound church members, Ken and Honor and Win, speaking and praying with each of them.
At a community reception in the recently-built parish centre, the bishop met local MP, John Leech, city councillors and representatives of other local churches. He also chatted with coordinator of Burnage Good Neighbours scheme, Kath Biggar, local police officers and members of the Alcoholics Anonymous group which regularly meets in the church.
A number of those present at the reception stayed for the pilgrimage service at Saint Margaret's. Focussing on the idea of telling our story and sharing God's story, several church members took part in a short multimedia 'This is your life, St Margaret's' presentation. A number of those who have recently come to faith spoke of their experience and at various points during the service people were visibly moved - not least, towards the end of the service when those present were invited to come forward to be anointed.
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