With thanks to Nick Jones.

Last weekend nearly 60 of us made a welcome return visit to Scargill House in Yorkshire for our Covid-delayed Church Houseparty. The weather was excellent, the scenery spectacular, the Scargill community welcoming, the company brilliant. As Georgina put it: "Had the best weekend with the most amazing people." Thanks to everyone who contributed photos.

Last weekend was a busy one. On Saturday we had our curate Kathreen's ordination as a priest (this comes a year after ordination part one as a deacon). It was good to see Brunswick old boy Matthew Brinicombe there too. Then on Sunday evening we had a joint service with the Urdu-speaking church pastored by Kathreen's husband Rev Shahbaz Masih at which Kathreen administered communion for the first time. Two joyful occasions, with (of course) great food and a cake!.

Our toddler group wanted to start to explore some of the green spaces around church. So we visited the local orchard along Hartfield Close where there were strawberries for everyone, and lots of fun with water. Toddlers meet every Wednesday morning.

Last Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Alarni Chantae Wadley, performed by our curate Kathreen. Here are some lovely photos of the occasion with Alarni and mum Ashlea Sharker and father Fabian Wadley.

We're always pleased to big up anything positive happening in our area and this 'Wellbeing Weekender' on July 2 looks great. It's in Ardwick Green Park from 11am – 4pm, features stalls, activities and arts, is for all ages and its FREE. For more info contact the ARMR store or download a poster here.

After the first week of operation when we were advised to start with a cautious level of pricing, we are pleased to announce that we have reduced the cost of charging your EV and PHEV cars at the new charging points in the church car-park by nearly 20%. Our goal is to cover costs, so this new rate we hope will be in place until a future change in energy prices. The unit is there as a resource to the local community (and perhaps an encouragement to think about greener motoring) and as part of our commitment to 'do our bit' for the planet.

What an amazing evening we had at our over 50's community Summer Ball. Good company, with much chat and laughter, and all enjoying great live music from 'Jazzette', delicious canapés and meal ℅ Cracking Good Food, and the floor-filling sounds of DJ Simon G. Big thanks to all of these and to event sponsors S4B, Festival Manchester, Arawak Walton and Forever Manchester. 'Life in all its fulness', right here.