St Mary and All Saints
and St John's Goodshaw and Crawshawbooth

In the busy week before Christmas Bishop Nigel visited the semi-rural benefice of Goodshaw and Crawshawbooth on December 14.

Priest in Charge Rev Wendy Oliver explained: "First of all we met in St John the Evangelist, Crawshawbooth about 4pm. Prayers were said for the PCC and wardens. Then we went to a local nursing home to sing carols.

Following that we went to St Mary and All Saints, Goodshaw and held a community reception in the parish room. Staff from the Crawshawbooth Community School came. We had canapés, wine and soft drinks. Bishop Nigel was fantastic."

The pilgrimage service took place in St Mary and All Saints church. Three people spoke; Barbara Hargreaves, Barbara Paul, and Denise Smith. At the start, Bishop Nigel handed the commonwealth games baton to Rev Oliver and she placed it in the stand. After the service the  baton was handed to OLM Denise Smith.

Rev Oliver said: "Both the acts of worship were really special and the children from the school, who are mainly unchurched, all came forward to be anointed by Bishop Nigel during the service. They were still talking about it after Christmas! He explained what it was about and the children thought it was wonderful."

On reflection Rev Oliver said: "I was a little disappointed that the event wasn't supported as much as I would have hoped because we did put a lot of hard work into it. Perhaps that's  because it was so close to Christmas and people were extra busy.

"However, we felt very satisfied that we put on a really good 'do' and

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

Bishop Nigel made it really special. We all felt affirmed in what we are doing. It was a really positive event and we made some new contacts in the community. It's been very affirming for everybody that the Bishop of Manchester actually came at his request not ours.

It was good that the visit was initiated by him."