A Story Woven Through Generations If you were at this year's Gatley Festival Parade, you may well have spotted a colourful banner being carried by members of the St James church family. It caught plenty of eyes as it made its way through the village, but many people won't have realised that this isn't a new creation at all. It's a treasured piece of St James history, with a story stretching back more than twenty years.  

Hello everyone, we are coming into land for the summer holidays and everyone is ready for a rest! I don't know about you but I've been really enjoying our journey through Luke's gospel together, and have been reflecting on the words of Jesus, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

  Hello everyone, This month has been a busy one so far.    In our Sunday services we have introduced a projector screen, and returned to taking communion at the rail. I'm sure this will feel like a big change, and there will be some teething issues no doubt, but it fits with our aim of wanting St James to be the best of the old and the best of the new, especially as we think about how we can draw new people into the church family.  

  May is upon us and we are heading into my first summer with you all. It was great to get a photo in the sun the other Sunday, and so encouraging to see our church as one that is genuinely all ages - a real family.    

  'In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Perhaps you know those words. They were introduced with the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549, and have been used in Church of England funerals ever since. 

As we begin the season of Lent together I was drawn to a prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo, written probably 1600 years ago. 

  Hello everyone! The New Year is upon us. And I wonder where your thoughts lead you this time of year?  I find New Years Eve a unique moment in the calendar, a moment when I really feel the presence of two different but connected worlds - the past and the future . Both feel present with me in an almost tangible way.     

  Hello everyone, It’s been a real joy to begin to get to know you over the last month, and we’re so looking forward to our first Christmas with you all (if not ‘in’ the parish, at least in our services!).

This year’s Remembrance Sunday has special significance, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Eight decades have passed since Victory in Europe against the evils of Nazi Germany and Victory over Imperial Japan. Echoes of two world wars are still felt across the decades albeit that the world is a very different place from our parents’ generation. History is in danger of being repeated and we would do well, not only to remember the sacrifice of the past with gratitude, but also to reflect on our own sense of responsibility and duty today.

  Hello everyone,   Firstly, I wanted to say a big thank you for welcoming Anna, Isabel, John, Sam and I to the parish of Gatley, St James. It was such a joyful occasion on the 14 th October and without the help of so many it wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you for your kindness and care. 

On top of the tower at St James’ Church in Gatley perches a splendid weathervane, shaped as a cockerel. He is a bit worse for wear but not only does he point to the whims of the wind, he also carries a reminder of history and faith, and a touch of wartime intrigue.  

A New Vicar for Gatley   It is with great pleasure that we can announce the appointment of Rev Jack Marsh as vicar of St James, Gatley from October this year.    

When are we going to get a new vicar at Gatley? We are pleased to announce that we have a candidate who will be interviewed on Thursday 5th June, by representatives from our Parochial Church Council (PCC), the Bishop of Stockport, our patron who is the vicar of Stockport and the Archdeacon of Macclesfield.  

      Rev Phil writes Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day.  This year, the nation will unite to remember the end of the Second World War in Europe *.   Around the country, events will take place to pay tribute to those involved in that conflict, as well as reminding us to pray and work for peace in our communities and in the world.   At 6.15pm at St James, Gatley, there will be a short service of prayers for peace and for all who serve in our Armed Forces today.  At 6.30pm the bells will be sounded along with churches and cathedrals around the nation as they let their bells ring out - an opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the peace that so many sacrificed their lives for during the Second World War. As an Army chaplain, I offered a copy of the New Testament and Psalms to every soldier in my battalion before we deployed to Afghanistan.  This maintained a long tradition for soldiers going off to war - dur...

  What’s the point of Easter? Apart from being a holiday time, surely there’s more to Easter than chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny! A few years ago one survey found that 7 out of 10 children don’t know what happened on Good Friday or even that Jesus rose from the dead – that’s ignorance of our Christian heritage as a country but what about its significance?    

  As we step into the season of Lent, we’re invited into a time of spiritual focus that has been cherished by Christians for centuries. Lent spans the 40 days leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays), starting with Ash Wednesday when we have a special service of Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes, starting at 9:30am.  

  Matt Holderness   from Stewardship shares five Biblical principles for2025 on Cultivating a heart of generosity:     A new year often invites reflection. We set goals to improve our health, relationships, or work habits. But how often do we consider our spiritual growth, particularly in the area of generosity?   Generosity isn’t just about finances—it’s a reflection of God’s nature, a tangible outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and a way to live in obedience to His Word.       As we begin 2025, here are five Biblical principles that can help us cultivate a generous heart, transforming the way we give and live in the year ahead.     1. Generosity reflects God’s character How can your giving this year demonstrate God’s generosity to those around you?   2. Generosity is a matter of the heart Start small.  If generosity feels daunting, begin with manageable steps – check out  40acts  for some inspiration. ...

  There is something wonderful about Christmas, in spite of all the shopping and preparations, something we can’t quite put our finger on, which makes us look forward to it each year.  This very fact also makes it a difficult time for many who experience loss or loneliness or who are struggling at this time of year.   There’s a magic to familiar things, especially when seen through the eyes of children:  lights shining from winter windows; hark the herald angels sing in supermarket foyers; icy fingers, mulled wine, and mince pies; chocolate advent calendars counting down to Christmas morning, “can I have my chocolate for breakfast, mum? Can I, Can I?”; the ripping of wrapping paper and eyes lit up with excitement.   I remember when our eldest child was about 6 or 7 years old.  He took the Jesus figure from the nativity at his grandma’s house, to show her what he had found , “Look Gran, baby Jesus!”   to which came the reply,   “Very good, now put ...