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On October 31 2006 Bishop Nigel visited St Paul's Oldham. Priest in Charge Rev Elizabeth Pope explained: "For the parish visit we took Bishop Nigel to the New Deal for Communities Offices, they are a key funding organisation in this area. Our uniformed movements have received some small grants that provided craft and camping equipment."
Next there was a time of evening prayer which was well received by PCC members and those who weren't able to attend the service later. The Bishop led the liturgy, gently encouraging and setting things in context.
Following the prayer service there was a Community Reception in the meeting room at church with refreshments prepared by members of St Paul's. It was attended by, ministers from the local Methodist and Congregational Churches, a representative from New Deal for Communities, a representative from the police and members of the congregation.
The pilgrimage service followed the Community Reception. Rev Pope explained: "We used the liturgy which was suggested on the DVD and added our own hymns." During the 'our story' part of the service there was a presentation from a descendant of one of St Paul's founders. She spoke about the early history of the church and why it was built in response to the social climate of the time. The young people told their story in a short drama explaining what St Paul's meant to them. Bishop Nigel handed the baton to 12-year-old Natalie Dawson. While the Bishop was blessing and anointing, the congregation sang, led by the choir. Rev Pope said: "There was a good
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