News
On the Wing on the radio!
This week Amy Follett is joined by Nick Stirling from MCM's prison ministry, On the Wing. You can li…
Two chapters, five months apart
Paul Winter tells a story of two halves. N is Eastern European and had been asking people for help i…
Catch up on Trans World Radio's amazing series on Manchester City Mission
Listen as Amy Follett looks into MCM's Insight training and coaching project and find out more about…
Narrowgate Support Hub on Trans World Radio
Nick and Cath Stirling are interviewed by Amy Follett Listen here: https://www.twr.org.uk/podcast...…
Delayed Grief
Multiple bereavements led to drug use. I was speaking recently with one of the prisoners attending o…
What does it mean to have a relationship with God?
A volunteer comes to saving faith! A volunteer with the Nourish food club had been increasingly draw…
Trans World Radio's Amy Follet, continues to explore MCM's Next Stage Housing project
Cath Stirling takes us through the work of Narrowgate Next Stage Housing and we’ll be hearing a tes…
Amy Follet explores MCM's Insight program and Narrowgate Next Stage Housing
The next episode in Trans World Radio's Series on Manchester City Mission To listen to this episode …
"I need you to instruct me in Christianity..."
Iranian man comes to Christ in prison Back in September a prison staff member made me aware of a you…
Operation Joy Celebrates Volunteers
Action Together makes it possible! The last couple of years has been amazing as we have seen people …
Another Small Step
Paul Winter tells us about 'P'. I have known P for a few years now, and she has shown an interest in…
A hungry person is an angry person
Food club helps to bring family stability and security. Bethel Church Food Club in Oldham was repres…
Saved in HMP Forest Bank
Now he was in prison he was contemplating the things of God again. On the 13th September I was asked…
Groundbreakers on Trans World Radio
Mary and Debs are interviewed by Amy Follet This week's episode of TWR's series on Manchester City …
Trans World Radio Launches Series On Manchester City Mission
MCM Director Terry Durose gives an overview of MCM's work. On September 30th, Trans World Radio laun…
Volunteer re-decorates with money saved by using the food club!
Volunteer loves relaxing in his newly decorated lounge. With an average saving of £15 to £20 per sh…
What Does Jesus Say About... Responsibility?
Groundbreakers continues to produce online assemblies! The Groundbreakers team have continued to pro…
Seven Years of Prayer
How do I get God in my life? Louise, who serves in the Nourish food poverty project with our Residen…
She would be lucky to make it out of the hospital.
The life threatening illness was completely gone! Whilst Ryan was working in the Nourish project las…
What Does Jesus Say About… Thankfulness?
Encouraged! Mary has been very encouraged by the welcome she has received in schools already this te…
We Are Hiring
MCM is looking for an Assistant Director. Manchester City Mission is looking for a passionate and mo…
You light my lamp!
(Psalm 18:28 LSB) Some days seem brighter than others and while we would all wish for clear skies …
He wanted God in his life.
He had had enough, lost his job and was struggling to make ends meet. While Ryan was helping at the …
Resonate free evangelism course.
Book now! Terry Durose will be presenting MCM's free personal evangelism course Resonate over four T…
What Would Paul Winter Do?
Paul finds a creatively incarnate way to meet a spiritual need. Operation Joy’s Paul Winter goes ont…
Supported and Valued.
Making a real difference for some of society’s most vulnerable people. One of the most common challe…
Found in Translation
Ukrainian Man helped by Airport Chaplaincy. On Wednesday 16th August a young Ukrainian man, R, was r…
On the Right Track
Three prisoners respond to the Gospel On Tuesday 8th August, in HMP Hindley, Nick gave a Gospel mess…
A rock for uncertain times
Paul prays for a member of the Roma community. Few of us enjoy experiencing uncertainty in life and …
What are your biggest challenges?
Cath Stirling is interviewed about the challenges facing MCM's Next Stage Housing Project What are y…
Every need met!
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:…
Prayer on the streets
Operation Joy Missionary Paul Winter offers prayer. A vital part of Paul’s ministry to the street po…
Food club goes the extra mile
Brookhouse Food Club provides activity for the Summer Holidays On Monday 31st July, Nourish Lead, Ba…
Celebrity for a day
Nourish Food Poverty Project Leader stands in for local MP. On Friday 28th July, Barry Matley became…
That 'Ahh' moment
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Rom. 15:13 This is a gem of a pray…
Confused about God!
An encounter with a man who wanted answers. Ryan Ackrill, serving as the resident evangelist in the …
A 'Thank You' boost for the prison chaplains!
The chaplains at HMP/ YOI Hindley receive a thank you card from the Governor The card read "Thank yo…
Can you help out so we don't miss out?
Nourish needs reliable volunteer drivers to collect goods from local supermarkets. A number of Super…
Great News!
Operation Joy receive an essential grant from Action Together This week we had great news when Asht…
We’re Not All Going on a Summer Holiday
Cath Stirling considers the dark side of summer school holidays. For many of us, the school summer h…
Growing Strong
A released prisoner moves forward on his Christian journey. Since Nick led him to the Lord, A has be…
Benefact Supports On the Wing
Benefact Supports On the Wing We recently received news that an application by On the Wing to Benefa…
The Next Stepping-Stone.
Paul Winter from Operation Joy gives us insight into 'D's' journey. I have known D from the streets …
The Benefits of Working Together
Food Clubs share resources. The Brookhouse Food Club recently received 100s of Sports Shirts through…
Why volunteer for MCM?
Ryan Ackrill interviews Buki, an Operation Joy volunteer At Manchester City Mission, our heart is to…
Urgent Prayer Needed
No post at the Windsor Centre for almost three weeks! A reliable postal service is essential for the…
Wonderful morning at the Duchy Road Travellers site.
Nourish and Operation Joy collaborate with Winners Chapel to reach out to local Travellers community…
Why go to Church?
Some people’s preconceived idea about church is nothing like reality! The Operation Joy Drop-ins in …
Volunteer Heros
Operation Joy's volunteers get a well deserved boost. Paul and Ryan, who lead the Operation Joy proj…
We are all needed and have a part to play
We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12 v 15-26 of the importance of all parts of our body. We are told …
Free Resonate Personal Evangelism Course Coming In September
Book your place today! Over the last 21 years Terry Durose has had the privilege of training and pr…
The Right Trousers
A kind gift from a local Academy will make all the difference to rough sleepers. On Friday the 7th J…
Support for Nourish Food Clubs from an unexpected source...
Salford University students are heading home at the end of the year. The photo shows of some of the…
All the lonely people
Paul Winter inspires us to be a friend This week an email from the Evangelical Alliance reminded us …
Movement for Good!
You can discover how else you can make a difference by visiting our website. …
Send Labourers!
Terry Durose reflects on a potential ministry skills shortage. According to the Edge Foundation’s r…
How can I serve the Lord?
A perspective by our latest missionary, Louise McCabe My journey with Manchester City Mission began …
Another house, another answer to prayer...
Whilst writing this, we are so grateful to everyone who prays for the work of Manchester City Missio…
Be a Phoebe!
Terry Durose considers a little known character from the New Testament Phoebe only seems to get one …
Thank you to Lovells for their kind support...
The Nourish Food Club move to St Thomas' has gone really well, but storage has been difficult... The…
How Do I Get My Soul Cleansed?
Ryan, who serves in our Operation Joy project, was out on the streets of Manchester last week when …
Another prisoner comes to Jesus through the Alpha Course...
We are currently running another Alpha course at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale, and last Monday (26th…
Moving to pastures new!
Today is Dave Butt’s last day working at MCM. In recent days Dave has felt that God was calling hi…
Support for Groundbreakers reaches beyond the children!
When Mary and Debs go into schools to deliver assemblies and workshops they often get positive feedb…
"Everyone should have a safe and secure home and be treated with dignity,"
The words of Prince William as he launches his "Homewards" initiative... Today sees the launch of "H…
At just the right time Operation Joy received unexpected support...
We were blown away last week when one of our volunteers donated a sum of money to help with our Asht…
Nick's On The Wing WhatsApp prayer support group rejoice at salvation news...
Three prisoners come to know the Lord! During my Wednesday New Life Bible Group in HMP Forest Bank r…
Your prayers and other forms of support are seeing congregations grow...
Repent and go to church… Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project in Oldham had great news last …
"I want to build my life on good foundations."
As hard as they tried the volunteers and children at Tuesdays Together last week couldn't build a st…
Food Club Banners have arrived... and then, well read the story!
Barry had applied for funding to have large banners produced to put up at the new location of the No…
"The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope."
This quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin perhaps sums up the work of Groundbreakers perfectly. As Ma…
Operation Joy started in response to the isolation of the homeless...
Paul Winter has recently been sharing the history of Operation Joy with a member of the Street Popul…
It's the middle of Salford Week of Prayer and we are encouraged that MCM has been prayed for....
Prayer is one of the three ways that we can all support the work of Manchester City Mission. You can…
Lighthouse Community Trust put on fun day for Brookhouse Food Club members!
Councillor Gina Reynolds, Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford 2023 to 2024, opened the Lighthous…
You could see that God had his hand upon him….
Ryan who serves as the resident Evangelist at the Nourish food club on Mondays and Thursdays in Salf…
Thank you for the support that has upgraded the Spruce Court Food Club...
The Spruce Court Food Club was established as a satellite operation with the support of the Pendleto…
Have you ever felt that you want to make a difference but are not sure how to?
It's a sad fact, but everywhere we look we can't help but see people in need. That's most obvious wh…
“Holy Spirit please come and cool me down.”
Talking about our faith with those we meet, prepares them to step out in faith for themselves. Nick …
Your support resulted in a client receiving unexpected healing when he started to follow Jesus…
Operation Joy, and all MCM projects, rely on the three-fold contribution of our supporters; prayer, …
It's our volunteers, people just like you, who enable Nourish Food Clubs to open...
Without volunteers, the Nourish Food Clubs can't open. Stacking shelves, serving members, handing th…
He just wanted to be close to God…
Ryan who serves in our Nourish project was surprised last week as a gentleman walked into St Thomas’…
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy Oldham Drop In had great news last week when a gentleman that h…
Groundbreakers have been visiting St Mary's school in Oldham for many years now...
...it was great to see their tweet this morning following Mary's visit earlier in the week! ...and …
God is doing something unusual through the work of Operation Joy…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project says that last week was just amazing as people out of t…
Even the rail strikes couldn't get in the way of Bible being delivered for a young boy!
If Paul says he'll get something for a member of the street community, he doesn't let anything get i…
Thank you for taking the time to read not only this post but, more importantly, our most recent edition of Clear Call.
We know that, as a Christian, there are countless demands for your attention; many organisations wan…
Nick launches especially developed New Life course at HMP Buckley Hall
Nick is always looking out for ways in which he can share the Gospel in the prisons in which he work…
Crisis is not under control as data shows increasing number of workers homeless.
A quarter of the households that became homeless in 2022 had at least one working person in them. In…
Would you expect to be living in a house without carpets or other floor covering?
Research published recently by The National Centre for Social Research identifies as many as 760,000…
Tuesdays Together explore the topsy-turvy world of the Beatitudes together this term...
"Blessed are the peacemakers", Jesus said. Now that's an interesting thought when talking with child…
Nick needs you to pray that his prison choir have opportunity to rehearse...
It's not just the BBC's Gareth Malone that see's the potential of people singing together. Nick pick…
People like you know that there is no such thing as a day off from the Christian walk...
Recently Paul Winter from our Operation Joy team decided to go for a day out and ensure that it was …
Another answer to a prayer request we shared on our regular Prayer Update.
A couple of month’s ago at our staff and trustees prayer meeting and in our regular prayer update, C…
Ryan takes the slow lane to save over convenience and fast food!
Our Slow Cooker class went really well. Ryan from Operation Joy was able to secure funding to delive…
Ryan and Daryl asked to share a table and it became an unexpected opportunity...
The Ashton Drop-In operates out of a cafe run by another secular charity, the relationship is great,…
God answers the prayer of one MCM missionary through another on the same day...
Paul and Ryan's ministries through Operation Joy are often very distinct. Paul works solely on the s…
Little did he know it was to be a divine appointment at Infinity Cafe!
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy Ashton Drop-in on Wood Street was excited to tell us about how …
Not every story has a happy ending...
When you work with the street population there is no garuntee that you will see them make a commitme…
Nick receives positive feedback from report to funding partner The Willats Trust
Many funding trusts and grant making organisations request regular updates on the work they are supp…
A friendly smile and a listening ear, all part of a Groundbreakers team members day...
Groundbreakers go into schools to deliver assemblies and lunch clubs, but they become more than just…
At times it's like finding a needle in a hay stack for Paul, but then God guides...
Paul often helps members of the street community and an ongoing story concerns E and A; Paul picks u…
Nick celebrates the restoration of music to the HMP Hindley Bible group.
When I first began working at HMP Hindley in 2021 I used to share songs on occasions using one of th…
Just one Prayer can make a difference…
Ryan who is our resident Evangelist in the Nourish food project got a message this week to say how g…
"She is so happy to be moving in!", a direct answer to the MCM team prayers.
A couple of weeks ago, Cath was happy to receive a call from the lettings team of a housing associat…
In the midst of a stressful situation Paul was asked to pray, there and then!
As I approached Piccadilly Gardens one day I met E who seemed distressed. In fact she had been invo…
Tinned fish is limited to a maximum of 12 per customer!
Barry often buys produce for the Nourish Food Clubs off the supermarket shelves, the limits for quan…
Movement for Good is back!
Would you nominate Manchester City Mission for a Movement for Good award? Incarnation | Compassion …
Vacancy | Operations Support Co-Ordinator
…
What's the Ukrainian for, "You're so efficient, could you start a little later!"?
What a great problem to have, and what we have done without online translation apps on our mobile ph…
There is fruit that remains from the Narrowgate Night Shelter...
In John chapter 15 verse 16, Jesus speaks of His desire that we should bear fruit, and that our frui…
Tuesdays Together finishes for Easter decorating biscuits and with great news...
Groundbreakers has been running Tuesdays Together with St Thomas' Church Delph since Christmas, the …
Problem solved and prison Bible study group more than doubles in number!
I have been working as a chaplain in HMP Forest Bank for over a year now and during that time I have…
When everything is not as it seems and all you can do is pray...
I had seen J a few times in the town centre, and everything seemed okay with her... ...but it became…
"A phenomenal morning today at Radcliffe Food Club!"
So messaged Paul Wright who heads up the Food Club at Bridge Community Church in Radcliffe. A record…
How important is church attendance to you?
When Covid-19 first struck many churches started meeting through zoom or relaying their services on …
When compassion takes you the extra mile for a pair of shoes.
Paul WInter a member of the Operation Joy team connects with the street community at a very personal…
When volunteering at Nourish she felt closer to God...
Ryan serves in our Operation Joy project and has continued as the resident evangelist at the Nourish…
Is this not the tidiest toilet roll mummification in history?
Debs was leading the Tuesdays Together session at St Thomas' church in Delph this week when one of t…
Radcliffe Food Club report a fantastic start to 2023...
Barry contacted all the Food Clubs for his two monthly update on, the report from the Radcliffe Food…
The Food Club Bury give a hand up to 146 individuals in 2022!
Barry has supported The Food Club Bury from it's conception, we are delighted to share their 2022 en…
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works...
Operation Joy is looking to increase their volunteer capacity for outreach to the homeless in Manche…
Blessed Hands Kitchen visit Operation Joy's Oldham Drop-In and everyone eats well!
Amazing time was had by all at the Operation Joy Oldham Drop-in last week when we were joined by Ble…
Children want Groundbreakers to know that the online assemblies are making an impact!
The Groundbreakers team record an online assembly for every month of the year, these are then sent o…
Nick and Cath lead Sunday Service at HMP Buckley Hall
Last Sunday I had the rare and wonderful opportunity to minister in HMP Buckley Hall with my wife Ca…
Point your kids in the right direction, and when they’re old they won’t be lost.
Debs had just finished handing out prizes to the children in a Groundbreakers Lunch Club when one of…
You pray for someone and then bump into them, now is that chance?
When Paul WInter started Operation Joy one of the key elements was remembering the key dates that we…
Hear my cry O, God! Psalm 61 at HMP Forest Bank.
This week at Forest Bank Prison I shared with my “New Life Group” from Psalm 61. I spoke of how God …
Do you remember the first time you turned up at church on your own?
Ryan who serves in the Operation Joy project was overjoyed, when a lady who attended the Oldham Drop…
What a great day to be in a school delivering an assembly about my favourite character!!
Today is World Book Day… a fantastic day in primary schools across the land with children and teache…
'I know you, didn't we talk about Jesus?'
Paul is out on the streets of Manchester and Bolton every week, he's gradually catching up with cont…
Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice...
As we remember that it is now a year since the war started in Ukraine, we think about those who have…
Consistent witness and prayer are seeds that can germinate and become unexpected salvation!
Ryan who serves on our Operation Joy project at the Oldham Drop-In was surprised last week when two …
Reassured of their salvation while volunteering with Nourish...
Ryan who serves as the resident evangelist at our Nourish Food Club reassured two of our volunteers …
God uses Groundbreakers' Tuesdays Together club to touch lives at a deep level.
Tuesdays Together is a club that runs in the early evening for primary aged children. It is competin…
High praise for the latest slow cooker course from Nourish and Pendleton Together...
Slow cooker courses are being promoted for those experiencing food and fuel poverty because they off…
Sometimes it's the little things we do in Jesus name that people remember.
Having explained how we are saved by Grace in chapter 2 of Ephesians, Paul goes on in verse 10 to wr…
Prayer is at the very heart of what Manchester City Missionaries do...
Often when meeting with clients either in their homes or in the office, Cath will offer to pray with…
Behold, God is my salvation. Isaiah chapter 12 in HMP Hindley
We had a good, in-depth Bible study at HMP Hindley last Tuesday afternoon. We were looking at Isaiah…
A conversation with Action Together reinforces the quality of the work of Operation Joy...
In 1 Peter 2 we find Peter encouraging us to "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human a…
They may save you money but just how do you use them?
There are plenty of ways to save if you're in the know! Barry & Azam with the Slow Cooker projec…
Zacchaeus was changed by his encounter with Jesus, change is also behind the Sycamore Tree course...
While in HMP Hindley in WIgan recently, Nick was tasked with the job of helping several prisoners to…
Keeping in touch online is no match for turning up on the doorstep!
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome he expressed his longing to visit, as well as his …
Food Club hosts Pendleton Together during Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Writing to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, "Live in harmony with one another." Pendleton Together br…
What a great idea! Primary school children record their response to assembly.
At the end of a Groundbreakers assembly this week, a group of children stood up and chose a child ea…
Action for Children identify five barriers to work enabling low income families to overcome poverty.
Using Government data* Action for Children estimate that 1.36million children in the UK are living i…
Prison Chaplaincy Christianity Explored course continues at HMP Buckley Hall.
We have now completed the third week of the Christianity Explored course and eleven of the original …
A mutually beneficial partnership has grown up over the last six months…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project had a review meeting with Infinity Initiatives café in …
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Take a look around the Food Club at Bridge Community Church in Radcliffe. Proverbs 17:17 reads, "A f…
When Gospel truth that has been sown comes to fruition...
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project was surprised last week when a lady who he had testifie…
"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
I imagine many of us know where that headline comes from. Yes, it's Luke 4, it's a Sabbath day in Na…
Pray Without Ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Sometimes God will bring someone across your path just so that you can pray for them. This is almost…
Food Club volunteers can see how hard members try to provide for their families...
We are still so very grateful for all the toys and goodies that were gifted to our Nourish Food Club…
She said, "The Food Club has been a lifeline to me. "
Barry goes the extra mile for a Food Club client. The saying "To go the extra mile!" originates from…
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you.
When Jeremiah wrote the letter to the Jerusalem elders in exile that we know as chapter 29, he was e…
Reading Mark's Gospel generates lively discussion and many questions!
Nick introduces us to the latest Christianity Explored course at HMP Buckley Hall. There is a challe…
Making pizza for the kids using bagel bases!
Barry Matley, our Nourish Project Leader, has worked with churches to establish Nourish Food Clubs a…
What you think really matters!
Not all opinions are created equal. Your thoughts about the recent football results may provoke stro…
Can you guess the character at the heart of this half-term's assembly?
As Mary was setting up her assembly on Thursday, a Year 6 girl came and looked at the resources at t…
From hopelessness he felt his life changing…
Ryan who serves in our Ashton Operation Joy project was overjoyed this week when he helped a man who…
Could you do your shopping and support Groundbreakers at the same time?
As strange as it may seem, if you could do your shopping at the Oldham Tesco stores on Huddersfield …
Support for a lady who lights up the room...
Barry Matley, our Nourish Project Leader, has worked with churches to establish Nourish Food Clubs a…
"Wait there Mary, I've got something for you!"
Yesterday, Mary arrived at one of Groundbreakers' regular Stockport schools for their first lunch cl…
Bury Food Club member is thrilled with the gifts his children received...
Customers at Fine Foods in Bury donated toys for older children this Christmas, the toys were wrappe…
Operation Joy's Oldham Drop-In secures funding for the immeadiate future...
As a charity all Manchester City Mission's activities are dependent on God laying our needs on the h…
Not much longer to wait!
Mary and Debs are very excited and counting down the days to the launch, on Tuesday 17th January, of…
Lidl customers donated Christmas toys for Nourish Food Clubs in Salford.
The customers of West One Lidl in Eccles donated toys which were passed on to the FamilyFood Fayre F…
She was put in touch with Operation Joy and was so grateful for the help….
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy Ashton Drop-in project was contacted by a lady that was struggl…
One-to-one encounters in the prisons
During the run up to Christmas I had the opportunity to share my testimony and the gospel message wi…
Christmas toy gifts for the Radcliffe Food Club members' children.
The customers of ASDA in Radcliffe donated toys which were passed on to the Radcliffe Food Club by t…
Did you enjoy looking back at our 2022 stories over Christmas and New Year?
Which was your favourite story of 2022? You can always look back through our stories by going to the…
Groundbreakers have been selected again to benefit from the Tesco Community Grant Scheme!
Just how big a grant received will depend on how many little blue tokens get put in the Groundbreake…
A Christmas Celebration at HMP Buckley Hall
Today, Monday 19th December, we held a Christmas Celebration for all those prisoners who had attende…
Deborah the only female Old Testament judge was a daring woman!
So much has happened since Mary and Debs filmed their latest assembly back in the middle of December…
Always looking out for an opportunity to minister to the street population...
During the final weeks in the life of one of Paul Winter's wife's family there were several visits t…
Special Family Day at HMP Forest Bank
On Wednesday 21st December HMP Forest Bank held a special family day for Christmas... ...the wives,…
Originally published 3rd February '22 | The Food Club - Bury makes an impression
The Food Club - Bury, open on 26th November '21 and making such an impression that recent visitors w…
Originally published 16th February '22 | Another Box of Hope
Working again today with our friends at Fresh Church in Oldham to make a difference in the lives of …
Jesus heals the broken hearts
Just before Christmas one of the prisoners at HMP Forest Bank put in an application to come down to …
Originally published 15th February '22 | Allelujah!
The pandemic has led to many of having to change the way we keep in touch, none less than our missio…
Originally published 29th June '22 | Ryan left 30 ladies knitting hats and scarves for the homeless community...
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project, is often out doing deputation visits to churches in va…
Originally published 21st April '22 | Homes of Hope find accommodation for an Operation Joy client.
Ryan, from our Operation Joy project, has been working with a young man for the last six months who …
Originally published 2nd Aug. '22 | Brookhouse Food Club is a growing and changing day...
It is great to see Brookhouse Food Club going so well. Barry says, "The numbers are really increasin…
A Home at last - as the body of Christ works together
Cath was recently approached by someone from a local church to see if she might be able to find some…
Previously published 29th July '22 | Decorated, furnished and ready for the safe arrival of a family from Ukraine.
Manchester City Mission have recently been working with a landlord to provide a home for a family fr…
Originally published 16th February '22 | What's a typical day for a Prison Chaplain?
In an attempt to answer that question, Nick, our On The Wing Chaplain, has updated the project webpa…
Originally published 19th January '22 | New Times
The Family Food Fayre Food Club at The Windsor Centre is changing it's times from next week. PLEASE …
Reunited!
Cath tells us of a mum and her daughters reunited amidst the celebration of Christmas after many yea…
Originally published 20th October '22 | The feedback said, "Please can you come back soon?"
Mary and Debs ran an Ethos Day in a local primary school. The theme was "The Trinity". Debs worked w…
Originally published 30th May'22 | We have some sad news but then we also have some good news!
Let’s start with the sad news first, as you may know for the last eight months Ryan from our Operati…
What a privilege to help at the Carol Service at HMP Forest Bank
Last Tuesday evening (13th December) I had the privilege of helping out with the Carol Service at HM…
Originally published 4th April '22 | Chaplaincy at HMP Forest Bank Prison
Nick made enquiries last year regarding taking on the role of volunteer prison chaplain at HMP Fores…
The top 12 MCM stories of 2022
It's that time of year when we all start humming The 12 Days of Christmas and forgetting the words! …
Lidl West One did a Reverse Advent and gave everything to Nourish!
Barry Matley, our Nourish project leader, called in at Lidl West One the other day... They were wait…
Julia and Hans Rausing provide support for Nourish Food Club...
Last week in the midst of moving the Nourish Food Club from the Windsor Centre to St Thomas' Barry, …
Your very last opportunity this year to nominate Manchester City Mission for a Movement for Good award!
The Benefact Group have £120,000 to give away to nominated charities in December. £1,000 would be ve…
From Glory to Glory…
Remember Darren who we housed? Well he popped into the Ashton Drop-in this week to say hello. The ch…
Relocated Food Club has a great first day at St Thomas'...
Monday was the first opening for the Food Club in it's new location, St Thomas' Pendelton Barry repo…
Strange chattering phenomenon disrupts Groundbreakers filming this morning!
No not some ghostly apparition, just Mary and Debs' teeth as they worked away on the mezzanine at th…
He decided it was the right thing to do….
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project had some great news recently. One of the men that was o…
Not sure what the Nourish Food Clubs urgently need?
The Bank the Food App reports that we need... Download the Bank the Food App to your phone to get r…
He was brought down for some quiet time and was ready to receive Christ...
I was speaking today with a young man in the chapel at one of the prisons I work in. He was brought …
One reaps and one sows…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project had great news last week when a man who was on our Alph…
Tomorrow is the big move day for the Nourish Family Food Club...
From Monday 12th December, Family FoodFayre Food Club are moving a short distance to St Thomas' Chur…
The winter months are not the easiest of times for street outreach!
Unperturbed, Paul Winter from our Operation Joy team, is still on the outlook for the street populat…
What an encouragement as Christmas is being overrun by the football World Cup!
Here at Manchester City Mission we were encouraged this morning to read this article regarding an in…
Providing the means for members to cook their Food Club weekly shop...
We have been pleased to receive donations to help our over 65's through the winter period. This incl…
Have you nominated Manchester City Mission for a Movement for Good Award?
It's not too late... but it will be soon! Incarnation | Compassion | Proclamation Manchester City M…
The God of all Comfort
In the course of my duties as prison chaplain I was called on a few days ago to visit a vulnerable p…
"I Thought it would be REALLY BORING!"
The Groundbreakers Lunch Club was NOT what she thought it would be! “To be honest Mary, my mum signe…
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus
Last Monday (28th December) during the running of our current “Living With Loss” course at HMP Buckl…
I was lost but now I’m found…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project was overjoyed this week when he went to visit an old fr…
She'd been listening to the assembly and told her dad, "DON'T BE GREEDY!"
Debs went into a school to deliver a Groundbreakers' Lunch Club. During the session, one of the chil…
"I can feel my life changing…" Hallelujah!
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project in Ashton-Under-Lyne, at Infinity Initiatives café, has…
Nourish features in national daily newspaper article...
We were excited to find out today that the Daily Mirror had published a story concerning the current…
Next Stage Housing provide a helping hand...
Recently Cath was approached for help by a lady that she had helped previously with her housing issu…
Nine stories of Hope from across the country and one of them is Nourish...
The Evangelical Alliance launched their Stories of Hope : Cost of Living at the Houses of Parilament…
"He's normally such a wriggler and NEVER sits still!"
"What did you sprinkle on X? He's normally such a wriggler and NEVER sits still! Can I have some of …
Our very own Nourish Food Club feature in November's Salford LIfe!
Celebrating the Salix Springboard Heros award, Nourish are in Salford Life which reaches into every …
It's always encouraging to hear, "I'll be praying for you!"
Paul Winter, who serves on our operation Joy team, updates us on conversations with the Street popul…
We extend a big welcome to the latest member of the Nourish Food Club family...
Barry has been working with the volunteers at Bridge Church in Radcliffe to get the Food Club up and…
Off home with lighthouses and sunshine necklaces
Last week, Mary and Debs led another Mental Health Workshop, funded by a Tesco grant to deliver thes…
It was a happy day for Operation Joy…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project works very hard trying to get funding for his project f…
A story of not just any support, this is M&S support!
Barry is always looking for financial support to ensure that the Nourish Food Clubs have a good rang…
Another local landlord approaches Cath to host a Ukrainian family
As we have written about before, Cath is acting as host for a landlord who lives out of the area but…
Brookhouse Food Club is reaching the places it needs to reach...
Barry was visiting the Brookhouse Food Club recently and heard the following story. One lady came in…
Benefact Group's Movement for Good is back in December, would you nominate Manchester City Mission...
There is £120,000 to be shared out between 120 charities during December and for us to have a chance…
Staff are being encouraged to rediscover the Chaplaincy service at Manchester Airport
The airport chaplaincy are seeking to re-establish contact with various people right across the whol…
The assemblies are not just for the children!
A teacher came up to Debs after she had finished delivering an assembly in a local primary school. W…
She needed clarity…
As regular readers will know Ryan has been working hard in Ashton-U-Lyne at the new Drop-in at Infin…
Paul noticed the difference in his street population contact.
Paul Winter, a member of the Operation Joy team, has a list of people from the street population tha…
St Anne's Shevington Mothers Union hear all about Nourish
Barry says, "it was great to have been speaking at St Anne's Shevington Mothers Union. We had a wond…
Clear Call #35 is dropping through letterboxes and into inboxes this week.
You can read it online here... Click cover to read online Dear Friends2022 has been yet another inte…
We had a great celebration…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project finished the Alpha course that he was running last week…
Reflecting on the past, considering the present and looking into the future.
One hundred and eighty-five years of Manchester City Mission was well worth celebrating last Friday.…
How's the RE in your local school?
Last week, Politician Stephen Morgan, the Shadow Education Minister, in a speech at Westminster Hall…
Ryan didn't have to look far for a clients needs to be met...
Sometimes you don’t need to look far for the need to be met. Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy pr…
Perhaps the biggest question in prison ministry... "Will God forgive me?"
During Nick's regular Wednesday morning chaplaincy rounds on the Healthcare Wing of a local prison, …
Additional help for members at the Brookhouse Community Centre Food Club
When the Brookhouse Food Club organisers realised that not all the members knew how to use the produ…
Not sure what the Nourish Food Clubs urgently need?
The Bank the Food App reports that we need... Download the Bank the Food App to your phone to get r…
We are excited to welcome Roy Crowne to our 185th Anniversary Event this evening.
Roy Crowne, founded Revelation Trust in 2021, to develop gospel entrepreneurs – people who are inspi…
He was born again but had lost his way and wanted to recommit…
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project tells the story of how this gentleman that came into th…
Thank you to everyone who voted for the Nourish Food Club...
Barry wants to say a great big thank you to everyone who voted for us, and promted us to their conta…
Ryan was shocked to see how things had grown...
Ryan and the volunteers who serve in our Operation Joy project have been working hard spreading the …
Nick has part to play as Persian family finally reunited at airport...
The Chaplaincy at Manchester Airport recently had a call from Middlesbrough Social Services asking u…
Back out amongst the street population after a few weeks away.
Paul WInter, a member of our Operation Joy team, had not been out in Bolton town centre for a few we…
Produce Recall - Monday 31st October '22
The Nourish Food Club at the Windsor Christian Centre has issued the following statement It is regre…
A local Church supports Chaplaincy at HMP Forest Bank
From time to time HMP Forest Bank chaplaincy team invite outside ministries in to help conduct the S…
Encouragement from the Alpha Course at HMP Buckley Hall
The Chaplains at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale are currently running an Alpha course. This has been r…
The feedback said, "Please can you come back soon?"
Mary and Debs ran an Ethos Day in a local primary school. The theme was "The Trinity". Debs worked w…
"Good news, we have a place for her at the school you wanted."
We have been very concerned for the daughter of the Ukranian family that we are supporting as it had…
Having shown compassion to a young woman, she promised to come back...
During a street outreach session recently the Restart team came across a young woman who was working…
He is so happy since moving in to Homes of Hope….
We always make sure our clients are ok. Ryan recently checked in with a guy who we had connected wit…
Cath supports clients as they move from stage to stage with their housing...
When clients move into their new properties they are often on what is termed a ‘probationary tenancy…
Someone has an argument with a donkey and loses!
Sounds like a description of the film Shrek doesn’t it! But no, it’s one of the examples that childr…
She gave her heart to the Lord.
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project and also is our resident Evangelist here at our Salford…
Can we watch the video?
As many of you will know, Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project has been running an Alpha cou…
Would you support Manchester City Mission by nominating us for a Movement for Good award?
The Benefact Group have £120,000 to give away to nominated charities in December. £1,000 would be ve…
Funding for Operation Joy in Ashton
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project has been working hard to build relationships with new f…
Great feedback on Twitter from a new school…
Mary & Debs took their Diary of a Disciple workshop into a new school last week and the school took …
“Groundbreakers are heroes!”
Debs went into a school to deliver an assembly. She was met by the RE co-ordinator who asked whether…
A surprising door is opened to the Restart team!
The Restart team work with female sex workers, meeting them on the street, at drop-ins and… They had…
“It really touched my heart…”
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project was asked if he would like to give his testimony in one…
If you had a thousand fingers what would you do?
Earlier this week Mary and Debs went to an Oldham Primary school to lead two Diary of a Disciple wor…
He made it to church
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project was surprised when he saw a gentleman that he has been …
The latest Family Food Fayre Food Club open on Saturday...
Barry, our Nourish Project Leader, was in Oldham on Saturday morning supporting Oldham Bethel Church…
Wherever two or three are gathered...
During a recent ministry time in HMP Hindley, I was asked to run the afternoon Bible Study meeting b…
The answer came in a letter, that she wanted to share with Restart...
Restart work with vulnerable women, supporting them as they move on with their lives. A Restart clie…
The chapel was opened for prisoners to view the Queen's Funeral together.
On the day of the Queen's funeral, we opened the chapel at HMP Buckley Hall for prisoners to come an…
Praying for people is what our missionaries do...
A young mum came to the prayer group run by Restart last week. She was from a different faith backgr…
"I don’t believe in God, or anything, but I've witnessed a miracle today!"
At a Restart Drop-In one of the women who was homeless had no phone for people to contact her on... …
Helping someone get keys to their own place gives Cath great joy!
Cath was asked recently if she could help a lady who had become homeless following a relationship br…
When sharing memories with a stranger in a queue brings encouragement...
Paul Winter, who serves on our Operation Joy project, will speak to anyone, even in a queue! I have …
Is there any point in offering to pray with people?
When is it right to offer to pray with people? This is a question MCM missionaries face on a daily b…
Set an alarm! The new Nourish Food Club opens on 1st October!
Barry has been hard at work networking across the city and it’s all to ensure that as many people as…
Alpha course behind the locked doors of a Manchester prison.
Nick Stirling, our prison chaplain tells us that the chaplaincy team at HMP Buckley Hall are now hol…
The Nourish Food Club members had a one off surprise delivery...
After the Bank Holiday our food supplier usually has a shortage of quality food in the first week. B…
Paul prays for one of his street contacts to get home from hospital...
As my wife Angie has continued to visit her sister in hospital I have been able to see people I know…
Script written, new location, lights up, camera charged, lets get filming today!
It's the start of a new school year and Groundbreakers are ready to go... Today's a busy day since M…
Showing compassion and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ
Ryan who serves in our Ashton-Under-Lyne Drop-In tells us of a man who gave his life to the Lord thi…
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
The observations of visitors and others to our Nourish Food Banks can be illuminating. A recent visi…
Responding with compassion is central to Operation Joy's drop-Ins
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project in Ashton-Under-Lyne had great news last week when a ge…
Can you support Groundbreakers by doing your shopping in Shaw or Greenfield?
Groundbreakers has been selected for the Tesco Community Fund process, where shoppers choose between…
You want to support the Nourish Food Clubs but don't know what to donate? Look no further...
Why don't you download the Bank the Food app and sign up to support Manchester City Mission! You'l…
What happened when the MCM team prayed about the price of tinned products?
Barry has struggled to find tinned products at a price that the Food Clubs can realisitically afford…
Membership of the Nourish Family Food FayreFood Clubs keep on growing!
Family FoodFayre membership now reaches over 300! A lot of thanks goes to our volunteers…
Good news for Ryan and the new Ashon-Under-Lyne Operation Joy Drop-In!
Ryan, who serves in our Operation Joy project, up dates us on the recently opened up a Drop-In centr…
Honoured guests, but it’s those who support MCM projects such as Nourish who should be honoured.
Barry Matley writes, “It was a privilege to be invited as an honoured guest to the Winners Church Co…
A call is answered.
Barry’s work with Nourish goes above and beyond running the Food Clubs. Here he tells us of one such…
It was only the second week of the Ashton Drop-In and again God did something great!
This week an old friend of Ryan's had come into the Drop-In. This man had been going through a fami…
The Operation Joy Oldham Drop-In is getting busier and busier...
Recently the Operation Joy Oldham Drop-In moved to Bethel Church on Waterloo Street. It has been get…
With a heart for the homeless our Operation Joy team always have time for a word.
Paul Winter from operation Joy tells us of a recent busy Saturday! Saturday can be a relaxing day no…
What a joy to see past MCM clients helping others...
Cath often uses charities to obtain funding or to source furniture and essential items for clients a…
Ryan was expecting a quiet start to the Operation Joy Ashton Drop-In...
Tuesday 9th August saw the opening of a new Operation Joy Drop-In at Infinity Iniatives café in the …
Two distinct MCM projects collaborate to meet specific needs.
The Nourish Food Club at the Windsor Christian Centre welcomed the father and son from the Ukrainian…
One person who is the answered to Paul's prayer on the streets of Manchester...
Paul visits Picadilly Gardens most weeks. Usually walking the same route so that he he sees the same…
Groundbreakers are getting ready, signing up schools, for next academic year...
There are no children in school for Groundbreakers to deliver assemblies, lunch clubs or workshops t…
The growth of the Food Clubs means we need your help...
Did you download the BankTheFood app after Barry and Dave were interviewed on BBC Radio Manchester? …
A Ukrainian family have arrived to move into the house Cath has been helping to prepare.
Cath, our Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator, has been working with a landlord from North Wales to prep…
Impromptu ministry concert on the wing turned out to be an answer to heart felt prayer...
Recently in HMP Forest Bank I arrived at one of the wings to hold a pre-arranged Bible group. Howeve…
Summer time stories...
Over the summer the Manchester City Mission staff look to fit in some much-needed rest and relaxatio…
Who would you give a "What Would Jesus Do?" braclet to?
Having met J and prayed with her alongside another Christian it was encouraging to see her again and…
A consultation to determine the broad purposes for dormant assets funding...
The government has launched a consultation to gather views on the broad social or environmental purp…
Decorated, furnished and ready for the safe arrival of a family from Ukraine.
Manchester City Mission have recently been working with a landlord to provide a home for a family fr…
Alpha Course all set and ready to go on Thursday 11th August...
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project and is also our resident Evangelist at the Windsor Chri…
In-kind and financial support for our Nourish Food Clubs from Sainsburys...
It is terrific to receive support from Sainsburys, where we collect produce for the Food Club from t…
Can you support Groundbreakers by doing your shopping in Shaw or Greenfield?
Groundbreakers has been selected for the Tesco Community Fund process, where shoppers choose between…
Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
Do you remember Iain? Iain has come alongside Ryan to assist him in the various aspects of his work.…
What is on the heart of prisoners that they want to pray about?
As previously shared, at HMP Buckley Hall we are running three weeks of follow up meetings for those…
Very encouraging feedback for our On The Wing prison ministry at Buckley Hall Rochdale
Our prison chaplain Nick Stirling shares some feedback from the prisoners who attended the recent Li…
Please would you nominate Manchester City Mission...
…
Groundbreakers online assemblies reach places other assemblies can’t touch…
Mary and Debs have produced ten online assemblies over this academic year to supplement the six face…
Now she wants to give back and help others in the same situation she was in…
Restart work in Greater Manchester with women who are vulnerable and in the most difficult of situat…
The homeless community are largely invisible and consequently can disappear very easily…
Ryan has trained a team of volunteers for Operation Joy, they are often out on the streets of Manche…
It simply isn't that easy for some people to walk into a church service...
One of the women Restart work with attended the Festival Manchester banquet held at St Philip's chur…
How fantastic when the positive recommendation of MCM team is that they give out Bibles!
It is always encouraging when individuals remember something you have done for them when you meet th…
We received news of exceedingly great joy today!
Not only that but a few secret tears were shed... A few weeks ago, we were all really happy to hear …
Operation Joy Drop-In continues as a place where God is at work in it's new home.
Regular readers will know that the Operation Joy Drop-In moved homes to Bethel Church on Waterloo St…
Support Groundbreakers, put your tokens in the right hand slot at Tescos in Greenfield!
Groundbreakers, our primary schools ministry, is one of the three charities in the Tesco Community G…
MCM missionaries seem able to speak about Jesus wherever they happen to be...
One of our Restart team came home recently to find their home inside crime scene tape following an i…
“I’m not the church type!” she exclaimed. Neither was Ryan before he met Jesus!
Ryan who serves in our Nourish project at the Windsor Christian Centre in Salford, is often sharing …
Ryan was surprised to see a customer from the Nourish Food Club on the wrong day!
Ryan who serves in the Nourish Food Club at our main building is often praying with people in need a…
Soul Children Saddleworth choir members loved performing at Festival Manchester!
Love where you live, come on and love where you live. You can make a difference no matter what the p…
"I don't want to miss your assembly!!", exclaimed the busy teacher!
On Friday, Mary was sitting in a school hall in Oldham, waiting for the children to arrive for assem…
Ryan is planning Alpha, a space for conversations about faith, life and God.
Ryan, our resident Evangelist at the Nourish Food Club, has been having conversations with colleague…
It's done! The 10th online school assembly of 2021-22 has been published!
Groundbreakers have been hard at work getting teh final assembly of teh school year, written, record…
The Nourish Food Club benefits from the networking that Barry has engaged in...
Being Project Leader for Nourish, our food poverty project, is not just about opening up the Food Cl…
Are we surprised that Operation Joy is partnering with On The Wing...
All our project workers are available to speak of what God is doing through the Manchester City Miss…
9 lads who completed "Living with Loss" course are now exploring Jesus.
Nick has come to the end of the latest Living With Loss course at Buckley Hall in Rochdale. Nick tel…
The Brookhouse Food Club volunteers are trained and ready to open…
There was a great atmosphere and plenty of anticipation for the future, when Barry trained the volun…
Ryan left 30 ladies knitting hats and scarves for the homeless community...
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project, is often out doing deputation visits to churches in va…
Accomodation comes up and it's clear that with God there are no coincidences...
The Restart team take referals from various sources, including Social Services. The support required…
Barry delivers exciting world premiere at Bridge Church, Radcliffe!
Barry has been working with Bridge Church, Radcliffe to set up a new Food Club. He visited recently …
What matters isn't those who planted or watered, but God who made the plants grow.
Sometimes I get the impression that when I meet somebody on the street it may be a one-off occurrenc…
Operation Joy expands it's reach into another Greater Manchester borough!!
Ryan who serves as part of our Operation Joy project is set to open a new Drop-In in Ashton-under-Ly…
Fabulous response to New Life Group in HMP Forest Bank
During the pandemic Nick Stirling began holding regular gatherings on Wednesdays at the Windsor Chri…
Success in finding a home after leave to remain granted...
Cath, our Next Stage Housing co-ordinator, works with people at various stages of the accommodation …
They prayed together and she shared how much she is loving her Bible...
For the past couple of months our Restart project leader has been working with a young Asian woman w…
Soul Children choir join other singers to rehearse for Festival Manchester...
The Soul Children Saddleworth choir will be joining hundreds of other children on stage at Festival …
Meeting spiritual needs as well as being a friendly face.
Paul Winter, from our Operation Joy, has years of experience getting alongside the street community.…
What's going on? Chance meetings with the same people over and over again!
Paul didn't need his notebook to remind him about two members of the street community that he first …
130,000 Salford homes hear about our Family Food Fayre satellite Food Club!
The partnership between our Nourish project, that sets up and runs the Family Food Fayre Food Clubs,…
It can be months before you hear anything about a funding bid!
Ryan from Operation Joy has been working hard on funding bids to enable the Drop-In to continue and …
Connected teamwork between MCM team members to bring glory to God.
Although our projects are distinct from one another there is often opportunity for working together.…
People experiencing Food Poverty need more help than just a bag of food!
Take a walk around the Nourish Family Food Fayre Food Club at the Windsor Christian Centre and you'l…
A new Food Club is about to be launched in Eccles...
Barry, our Nourish project leader, has been working hard with local Christians in Eccles to plant a …
Mary & Debs exceed expectations at a recent Diary of a Disciple workshop!
Coming out of lockdown Groundbreakers has had the opportunity to do face to face work in some new sc…
Diligent prayerful ministry over many years lead to new opportunities...
Paul Winter, one of our Operation Joy team, has kept a notebook to remind himself of everyone he mee…
Telling of what God is doing through the Manchester City Mission projects...
Ryan, from Operation Joy, has been visiting a couple of churches recently to tell of all that God is…
A Brief Encounter, well about 20 minutes anyway!
Paul Winter, from Operation Joy, is always on the look out for people to speak with... Paul picks up…
Another soul finds peace in Jesus.
This morning as I arrived at the chaplaincy office at one of the prisons I work in I was asked to go…
At MCM we encourage our staff to eat frogs first thing every day...
At a staff meeting recently Barry Matley, project leader of Nourish, encouraged us all to read "Eat …
God is faithful! The Groundbreakers June assembly has gone online!
Mary and Debs recorded the June assembly before the half-term break. It's up online and ready for sc…
Girl flees family dispute and receives freedom in Christ.
Ryan, who works on the Operation Joy project, also acts as resident evangelist at the Nourish Family…
A chance conversation that has added significance with God...
Ryan, who serves in our Operation Joy project, was thrilled with the turn out for the last Drop-In s…
Do you, or could you, shop at Tesco in Greenfield or Shaw?
Groundbreakers have been sucessful in an application to the Tesco Community Grants scheme and our pr…
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrated at Spruce Court Food Club...
Our Nourish Project and Pendleton Together made sure that the Food Club was all ready to celebrate t…
Getting to know people is all part of what our missionaries do...
Paul Winter, a member of the Operation Joy team, tells us how simply getting to know information abo…
"You must bless this girl, she needs a prayer saying"
Paul is out on the streets of Manchester speaking to the people he meets every week. Sometimes oppor…
Cleared to joined another prison chaplaincy team…
Nick Stirling, our "On The Wing" Prison Chaplain tells us he has just completed 4 days of training a…
What would you want the staff at Manchester City Mission to pray for you?
A few weeks back Paul from Operation Joy was out on the streets of Greater Manchester speaking to th…
We have some sad news but then we also have some good news!
Let’s start with the sad news first, as you may know for the last eight months Ryan from our Operati…
It was good to see him in a much better situation.
We always like to read Paul's stories, unfortunately our email system has been hiding them away whic…
Chris has been volunteering at MCM for nearly five years...
Volunteers' Week takes place 1-7 June every year. Volunteers are an essential part of the work we do…
“What an inspiring and timely assembly!!" the Headteacher exclaimed.
Mary & Debs from Groundbreakers visit primary schools six times a year, that's once a half-term, del…
Singing, dancing and a truck load of fun, bring on Festival Manchester...
Chip Kendal, head of Soul Children UK visited the Soul Children Saddleworth rehearsal last night. …
You can weep and nothing changes, or engage and show compassion.
Many of the clients that our MCM missionaries meet in the day to day routine of their work are livin…
Fuel Poverty, the escalating crisis for the people MCM seek to help!
Ryan from Operation Joy has been working hard to find funding to help those impacted most by the cur…
The bewilderingly long and frustrating wait for the front door key is over!
Some time ago we shared that one of the guys who had been living in our supported accommodation had …
Lidl give Nourish more not a little, this time from Head Office.
Regular readers will remember Barry, our Nourish project leader, celebrating a donation of £500 from…
The mum of a volunteer comes to the Nourish Food Club and finds Jesus...
Regular readers will remember we told you about the young woman that came and used our Food Club. Sh…
Operation Joy are finalising plans to step out in a new borough...
As we know Operation Joy does many things in the Greater Manchester area, we have the Oldham Drop-In…
Living With Loss course being run at HMP Buckley Hall
Nick Stirling shares about the latest Living With Loss course currently being run at HMP Buckley Hal…
She was going home to tell her Dad that the Bible's not boring!
Debs and Mary from Groundbreakers are out in schools delivering the Diary of a Disciple workshops th…
Manchester City Mission stands the Test of Time
When I took up my post as Director of Manchester City Mission, back in 2004, I quickly became aware …
A brief evaluation tells us that Groundbreakers produces fun videos which teach about God.
Manchester City Mission is determined to be good stewards of all that God provides. That involves ev…
Manchester Airport Chaplaincy team play important role in welcoming Ukrainian refugees to Manchester.
Nick Stirling, our On the Wing chaplain, tells us that the Chaplaincy team at Manchester Airport are…
Nourish partner with others to challenge the scourge of food poverty...
Barry, our project leader of Nourish, continues to develop his network of partners across the city. …
Luke’s Gospel brings Jesus to life in Diary of a Disciple workshops!
Mary and Debs are currently delivering "Diary of a Disciple " workshops in local primary schools. Th…
What do the members of Bury Food Club have to say about the Food Club?
It is really important to Barry, our Nourish project leader, that finds out the views of our Food Cl…
First steps for a volunteer evangelist working alongside Ryan at Nourish.
Ryan is finding that being connected to other organisations has massive benefits. Ryan, our Residen…
Soul Children, the perfect balance to SATs in Mental Health Awareness Week!
This week for Year 6 children across the land it has been SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) week. Sch…
When was the last time you did yourself some good?
The latest edition of Clear Call, Issue 34 Spring 2022, our reguar newsletter, will be dropping on p…
Housing Association provide a publicity banner for the satellite Food Club.
The satellite Food Club run by our Nourish project at Spruce Court has been well supported by Pendle…
The story continues for one of our Food Club members...
You may remember we told you about a young women that came to use our Food Club and Ryan, who is our…
It took time but finally they can say "A new home at last!"
Not everyone that Cath helps is homeless but they are all struggling with their housing situation. M…
A donated bag of groceries can make a real difference to an individual life...
Barry, our Nourish Food Poverty project leader, has many many contacts across the city. Winners Chap…
The true story of the Old Lady and the Motor-bike Thief
While I was conducting a Bible study group in one of the prisons I work in, one of the young men tol…
What would you put in Room 101 given the chance?
Mary and Debs are both delivering the same assembly in primary schools across Greater Manchester. La…
The people MCM work with are always on a journey, Ryan updates us on progress...
It is always good to here how our clients are getting on... Not so long ago Ryan supported J with hi…
"He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners ..."
Nick, from On the Wing, visits HMP Hindley every week, he had been asked to take the Bible Study as …
Kind words and prayer lift the fog and lead to volunteering...
The Manchester City Mission staff are always looking for volunteers to contribute to their projects,…
The unchangeable God can help us with change...
When Debs and Mary from Groundbreakers go into schools to deliver assemblies it's the individual con…
Operation Joy volunteers grow in confidence as they reach out to the homeless community.
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project, is out on the streets of Manchester at least twice a w…
The May online assembly, God Is Merciful!, is up and ready for use!
Mary and Debs have been producing an online assembly every month this term to go alongside the Groun…
Nick has an opportunity to step in and lead the Bible Study group...
Nick serves as member of the Prison Chaplaincy team at HMP Hindley, this is a multi-faith team and i…
Good News for our Narrowgate Next Stage Housing project!
This week we recieved £820 from the Aviva Community Fund for the Narrowgate Next Stage Housing proje…
Groundbreakers are having a busy week, the Easter holidays feel a long time ago!
Having gone into the Easter holidays feeling very under the weather Mary and Debs have hit the groun…
Lidl provide support for our Food Clubs, support 'In Kind' and financially!
Marcin, the Centre Manager of Lidl at West One paid a visit to the Nourish Food Club recently. We co…
Having come to serve a volunteer choose to follow the Servant King.
Ryan from Operation Joy is our resident Evangelist, for our Nourish Family Food Fayre project, at ou…
It's the annual Workers Memorial Day service at Manchester Airport this week.
As a member of the Manchester Airport Chaplaincy Team, Nick Stirling has been asked to partake in th…
The power of prayer to bring light and hope in desperate situations.
Restart work in partnership with various agencies to support women they are in contact with. Recentl…
This bank holiday was business as usual but God had another plan.
Ryan from our Operation Joy project, is also resident Evangelist at our main building in Salford, on…
From fear to elation Cath's clients come with the full range of contrasting emotions.
Cath, our Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator, works with people from many nations, helping them as they…
Homes of Hope find accommodation for an Operation Joy client.
Ryan, from our Operation Joy project, has been working with a young man for the last six months who …
How will Nigel Langford from the Bible Society answer Terry's five questions?
Nigel joined the Bible Society in 2015 before becoming Director of Domestic Mission he held the role…
The Restart team go to places the rest of us don't even speak about!
One area of work for the Restart project is visiting the brothels across Greater Manchester. Sometim…
ACTS 435 funding accessed so deaf client can watch TV with sub-titles.
Ryan from Operation Joy was approached by a client we had referred for housing to Homes for Hope wit…
It’s encouraging to get good news from our Next Stage Housing clients.
Cath stays in touch with the clients that she places in accomodation, providing a listening ear and …
Pendleton Together obviously think the Family Food Fayre Food Club is still relevant now it's weekly!
The satellite Food Club at Spruce Court has seen a 'refurbishment' in the last few weeks and now it'…
Scripture Union providing support for Soul Children Saddleworth.
Mary who is registered with Scripture Union as a Faith Guide, applied for a grant from the Scripture…
Free connectivity for Manchester City Mission clients!
Manchester City Mission projects have access to free connectivity for their clients thanks to the Vo…
Nick tells us about the Living With Loss Course at HMP Buckley Hall
Now that the Covid-19 restrictions have eased, the chaplains at HMP Buckley Hall are able once again…
Restart team tell us about when agencies came together for a client...
The clients that the Restart team work with are very vulnerable, they will often appear to make as m…
Our Operation Joy team have to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead them to the right people to speak to when they are out on the streets.
Ryan who works for Operation Joy, our street ministry to the homeless, was out with some volunteers …
Barry's been on holiday this week, but the Food Club has still run successfully.
Has Barry been missed? Yes, of course, but his team of volunteers have worked together well to ensur…
Coming alongside people is something Cath finds herself doing a lot of the time.
Cath is our Narrowgate Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator and works with people who are homeless or at …
Mary and Debs never cease to be amazed by the children they work with!
It may be the last week of term before Easter, but Mary and Debs are still busy in schools this week…
New people keep coming along to the Operation Joy Drop-In in Oldham town centre. One man stayed behind the first time he came to speak with Ryan...
The Drop-In is a place for the men to talk about the issues that trouble them and to hear the Good N…
Nick gives us feedback on his latest shift as a member of the airport Chaplaincy Team.
Last week was Nick's third week at the airport and he's learning more about the role each week. Nick…
Dave, our Operations Support Co-ordinator, was volunteering with Groundbreakers on Friday at the Experience Easter event in Saddleworth. How did he get on?
He really enjoyed the day, helping us set up and then running one of the stations. We thought we'd a…
Paul has been out on the streets of Manchester and Bolton reaching out to the street community for around 8 years, given the number of people he's spoken with and helped he can be forgiven for not recognising everyone immediately out of context!
When he is in Manchester, Paul parks at the Windsor Christian Centre and walks into the city centre.…
Deciding to follow Jesus is not the end of a process, it's the start of a journey. Ryan brings us up to date on one of his clients who choose the narrow way...
A few weeks ago we told you the story of a guy who we first had contract with through the Operation …
Glasgow City Mission invited the Restart team north to share and encourage the team there. What happened next?
Two members of the Restart team visited Glasgow recently and tell us of how God was at work during t…
Chaplaincy at HMP Forest Bank Prison
Nick made enquiries last year regarding taking on the role of volunteer prison chaplain at HMP Fores…
Groundbreakers are working with local Christians to enable primary school children to Experience Easter.
Having produced a virtual Experience Easter video last year when the team were unable to visit schoo…
Deputation visit
Ryan, from Operation Joy, visited "The Methodist Church in Saddleworth" for their joint service on M…
Rock & Roll Chaplain
Nick is a member of the Chaplaincy Team at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale, where several old pianos ha…
Details of support for Ukrainian refugee hosts
Manchester City Mission can help hosts in the process from initial arrival through the resettlement …
Spruced up Spruce Court
Pendleton Together have been at work in the Community Room at Spruce Court. Barry says "It has been …
We're actively bidding on a property for supported housing as you read this news item.
Will you pray with us that we get this property? Bids are now being taken for a house that we recent…
Yay… it’s the jelly baby lady!!
Do children really remember and learn anything from school assemblies? Mary definitely thinks they d…
Salix help their tenants...
Last week we told you how a charity had paid the Bury Food Club annual membership for a group of ass…
All that's needed is a miracle...
There are times when Manchester City Mission missionaries just need a miracle to be able to leave a …
Paul meets up face to face with a contact first met online...
Members of the homeless community often have access to social media and Paul took advantage of that …
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
Nick was “working the floor” as he likes to call it, as part of his duties as chaplain at Manchester…
"I had the best night's sleep..."
Last week Ryan, who serves in our Operation Joy project, made a successful referral for accommodatio…
Tune in to find out about Manchester City Mission's contribution to the Ukrainian refugee crisis...
Terry has been invited into the studio to be interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Shaft on Sun…
Growth in Bury
Just three weeks ago we celebrated over 50 members at Bury Food Club, it's continuing to grow! There…
An amazing response
After two years of schools being closed to visitors the Groundbreakers diary continues to fill up. M…
Change
The women that Restart work with are incredibly vulnerable… A team member tells us about one of the …
Before you trust, you have to listen.
Ryan has been running our Operation Joy Drop-In in Oldham for nearly six months now. In that time w…
Living with others is just as hard for the others!
Cath is our Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator, here she explains how difficult it can be living with o…
Oldham Borough COVID Community Champion
Operation Joy and Restart have received funding from Action Together for their work in Oldham over t…
Teach (me) to pray Luke 11:1
Recently on one of Nick's visits to Manchester Airport to work with the chaplaincy team there, a man…
Remarkable
The Restart team always work in collaboration with professionals from a range of services and often …
He dropped in and found the answers to life...
A few weeks ago Ryan was just about to finish up the Operation Joy Drop-In in Oldham when a guy came…
Off agenda!
This week Mary attended an RE Network Meeting in Oldham, Groundbreakers was on the lips of her colle…
Hope from homelessness
Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project has been working with a gentleman called P, who has bee…
It's not what's on the outside that matters...
When Groundbreakers deliver a Diary of Disciple workshop in a school they leave a copy of the full L…
Support for Ukrainian refugee hosts
Manchester City Mission has many years of experience working with refugees and the victims of war th…
Remember the freezer?
As many of you already know, we had a breakdown of our Food Club freezer at the Windsor Centre recen…
FIRST DAY AS AIRPORT CHAPLAIN
I have recently been accepted onto the chaplaincy team at Manchester Airport. Last week I attended t…
Our Director, Terry Durose, interviews Dave Silber, Chief Operating Officer of the Eternal Wall of Prayer, for his Five Questions Podcast...
Dave Silber, as well as being Chief Operating Officer of the Eternal Wall of Prayer, is also the fou…
Views!!!
As you may be aware, Manchester City Mission is looking to extend our supported housing provision. W…
Two years on...
Lockdown has separated so many people from each other... ...and although a significant number of con…
It's growing...
They started with 13 last week and this week... 18 very excited and enthusiastic children turned u…
God can do far more than we imagine!
Restart reach out to the sex workers of Greater Manchester in Jesus name... The Restart team, and pa…
God is at work
Our projects seek to meet people where they are, compassionately do what we can to meet their needs …
God loves you so much...
Psalm 8 verse 2 says, "You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your…
Prison Chapel Services Reopening
The pandemic, as everyone is aware, has caused much disruption in all areas of society over the last…
What a welcome!!
Well... what a welcome Mary had this morning at an Oldham Primary School when she arrived to take an…
Who's watching?
The Amplified Bible, Classic edition, translates Jesus' words in Matthew 6 verse 4 like this, "So th…
Right time, right place to pray
The Restart team are called upon at all times, sometimes just becuase they happen to be in the right…
A fun way to learn about God...
Groundbreakers have been back in school delivering assemblies this year and as schools have settled …
Freezing homes
Last week BBC Morning Live reported about the heating issues in the flats opposite our base in Salfo…
Chip Party
Soul Children: Saddleworth was launched on Tuesday, there were no pancakes in sight but plent of Chi…
Taken by surprise
Ryan, a member of the Operation Joy team, also serves in our Nourish Food Club, on Mondays and Thurs…
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
If there's one thing you don't want in the Food Club it's an alarm on the freezer! And that's just w…
Just what he always wanted...
Our guests may only need to be in our supported accomodation for a short while before they are ready…
Bury Food Club grows...
The Food Club in Bury that Barry, our Nourish project leader, established with the local church is g…
For God...
Paul, project leader for Operation Joy, says, "During the last two years I've witnessed a significan…
It's half-term but excitment is growing for the launch of Soul Child: Saddleworth!
Mary & Debs are taking a well earned rest this week as the schools are on half-term, but final arran…
God is at work in individual lives!
Our Restart team seek to befriend the women involved in sex work across Greater Manchester. God uses…
People are watching
Ryan who serves on our Operation Joy project has been a follower of Jesus Christ for six years now. …
Food Club membership grows to over 200
The Nourish Family Food Fayre membership keeps on rising, recently toping 200 members here at the Wi…
Do you want to know more?
We publish Clear Call, our newsletter, twice a year. But do you know how to sign up to receive it? Y…
23 families blessed by a Box of Hope
Last Wednesday saw 23 families on the Sholver estate in Oldham receive a Box of Hope, full with tins…
Stepping through the door
Most of us probably get a few butterflys before joining an established group of people, think what i…
What do you know about Acts 435?
Terry, our Director, recently interviewed Jenny Herrera, Chief Executive of Acts 435, for his 5 Ques…
Another Box of Hope
Working again today with our friends at Fresh Church in Oldham to make a difference in the lives of …
So much more than a Food Club!
Barry, project lead for Nourish our food poverty project, changed the times of one of the Food Clubs…
Allelujah!
The pandemic has led to many of having to change the way we keep in touch, none less than our missio…
Bible Detectives…
Mary, project leader of Groundbreakers, was asked to visit a school on behalf of The Bible Society, …
Restart in the local papers
Cllr Shah spent Tuesday evening out on the streets with Restart, both local papers have covered the …
Bags for Life
The Nourish satellite Food Club at Spruce Court have recently been taking part in the Start Inspirin…
Prayer matters
Answers to prayer are the best news ever. Ryan, from Operation Joy, joined a prayer and fasting grou…
Childrens Mental Health Week
It is Childrens Mental Health Week this week and Mary, project leader for Groundbreakers tells us ab…
Postal Problems
Yesterday, Terry, our Director, sent the following message to our email contacts. You too are invite…
Airport Chaplaincy Opportunity
Some time ago our director, Terry suggested Nick, our On The Wing Chaplain, contacted the Chaplaincy…
"Do you believe in God?"
Paul, our Operation Joy project leader, visits Manchester city centre specifically to meet people ex…
A visit to the Operation Joy Drop-In
Cath, our Next Stage Housing co-ordinator, regularly receives referrals from Operation Joy, last wee…
The Food Club - Bury makes an impression
The Food Club - Bury, open on 26th November '21 and making such an impression that recent visitors w…
Feedback on training
Ryan, from Operation Joy, has been running the course Working with HoPe course for volunteers that a…
Soul Children: Saddleworth Choir launch
Covid infections led to the original launch in January having to be delayed, now we're ready to laun…
Significant Gospel Conversation
Nick, our On The Wing Chaplain, tells us about a recent conversation with a group of young men. On o…
How ant like are you?
Groundbreakers are delivering a half-termy face to face assembly, where this is possible, and contin…
Terry and Michelle meet with the Leader of Oldham Council.
On Monday 31st January, Michelle Delaney, lead for MCM’s Restart project and Terry Durose, Directo…
A proud mum
Paul, from Operation Joy, often meets members of the street population and then doesn't see them aga…
Donated Goods
Barry, project leader of Nourish, is always on the look out for contacts and sources for the Food Cl…
Answered prayer
Michelle, project leader for Restart, recently heard that the location of her weekly drop-in was clo…
It all adds up.
Projects, Operation Joy and Restart, recently made a successful funding bid that covered a proportio…
What an impact!
Receiving feedback is hopefully helpful, this was amazing! Mary tells us what happened today... Toda…
Despite the passage of time...
Nick, our Chaplain, looks back over the past few months in which he has been a part of the Prison Ch…
Operation Joy moving forward...
Exciting new developments at the Operation Joy drop-in in Oldham. The Operation Joy drop-in at Soul …
A God Ordained Appointment
Paul, from Operation Joy, can often go quite long periods between seeing individual members of the h…
What part are you?
Although disappointed that assemblies have been cancelled due to Covid this week, Mary, project lead…
Hearing about Manchester City Mission
Our Operations Support Co-ordinator, Dave, visited long term supporters of MCM Glenbrook Chapel yest…
The hunt is back on
Cath, our Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator, is back on the hunt for a house... As the New Year has be…
New Times
The Family Food Fayre Food Club at The Windsor Centre is changing it's times from next week. Inca…
What question would you ask?
Terry Durose, Director of Manchester City Mission and Chair of the City Mission Movement : UK, is as…
Do you spot the answers to your prayers?
It is so easy isn't it to pray and forget to look for the answer, it must happen all the time! Even …
Wednesday New Life Group
Nick, our Chaplain, runs a weekly New Life Group in the Narrowgate Support Hub, here at the Windsor …
Prayer recommendation
Our street workers are so well known and respected that their regular contacts recommend others in t…
Thank you Jenny
Director of Manchester City Mission, Terry Durose, said good-bye and thank you to Jenny Lemmon at th…
Covid cancels Soul Children: Saddleworth choir launch
Debs and Mary from Groundbreakers were looking forward to launching Soul Children: Saddleworth choir…
When a flat becomes a home
Ryan, from Operation Joy, helps a client turn his flat into a home. Operation Joy has been working w…
An apartment for Christmas
Cath, our Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator, was thrilled that one of her clients recieved the keys fo…
Joy at receiving a Bible
If Paul, from Operation Joy, say's he'll get you a Bible, he means it. He tells us here of a recent …
Making a difference one life at a time
God uses Restart and partners to put a roof over the head of a vulnerable young woman this Christmas…
Answer to prayer
Despite children being excited by news of the Soul Children choir starting next week, very few had s…
Local support matters
Barry, our Nourish Project Leader, is encouraged by local financial support for the Food Club as mem…
When plans have to alter...
Paul tells us how God used changed plans to touch a woman in need. MCM Missionaries can often find t…
From client to volunteer
Great things have been happening at the Operation Joy Drop-In in Oldham. Ryan tells us how two of th…
Welcomed to visit and pray
Michelle visited a brothel with bags of hope and all the women were happy for her to pray. Restart w…
Prepared
Nick goes into prisons across Greater Manchester as a member of the Chaplaincy team, this week he sa…
Terry on USB Radio
Terry was invited by Ruth O’Reilly-Smith, presenter and producer of UCB’s “This is My Story” program…
Groundbreakers on the radio...
After nearly two years producing online assemblies for primary schools, Mary & Debs finally made it …
Sholver Community Centre Children's Party
Groundbreakers were asked by Fresh Church if they would run the games for a community Children's Chr…
Volunteers Sign Up
Ryan, from Operation Joy, has been recruiting volunteers to work with the street homeless community.…
Set an alarm...
Mary & Debs are on the radio! Mary and Debs from Groundbreakers will be on Mike Shaft's show on BBC …
It's Christmas!
Well, nearly anyway! Barry has published the Food Club opening times for the Christmas and New Year …
Groundbreakers in the spotlight
Mary, from Groundbreakers, was interviewed today for a Scripture Union publication... At the recent …
Nick's resilience pays off!
After four weeks with little sign of progress, Nick, our On The Wing Chaplain, tells how the "Living…
Keeping in touch
Paul, one of our Operation Joy missionaries, missed his usual time on the streets of Manchester due …
Clear Call Newsletter (No. 33) Winter 2021
The latest edition of Clear Call, our regular newsletter, has been dropping on people's door mats th…
Answered prayer for a friend of a previous client
From sleeping in a van to his own flat, it all came together as a result of prayer for the friend of…
Moving in the right direction
Michelle (Restart) has been working with 'A' after her life became particularly chaotic recently. As…
"Just One Question"
Ryan (Operation Joy) asked a client, ‘P’, to consider the answer to one question, the next day ‘P’ h…
The Food Club, Bury
Great news from Nourish this week, the Food Club, Bury launches tomorrow - Friday 26th November Link…
“I want that Jesus in my life…”
Michelle (Restart) tells us of the joy and hope a recent Acts435 gift brought to a client. While mee…
Resilience rewarded!
Paul's (Operation Joy) resilience in going out on one of the wettest Manchester days he's ever exper…
One reaps another sows
God used colleagues, Ryan (Operation Joy) and Michelle (Restart), to bring ‘G’, a client of Michelle…
Soul Children: Saddleworth choir to launch in the New year
Debs and Mary are working with St Thomas' Delph church to launch a Soul Children choir on Tuesday 11…
The data shows Food Club members more confident now regarding mental well being than before the Club started.
The Food Club recently conducted an anonymous questionnaire, the resulst show the positive impact th…
Harvest Giving
Our Nourish Co-ordinator, Barry Matley, says, "It was great to meet up with Wes and Margaret from Br…
Working together
Ryan from Operation Joy has been working with two gentlemen that have both made decisions to follow …
Lendlease volunteers make a difference
It was great to be reunited with Lendlease again after all the amazing help we had from them when th…
God knows...
"God knows everything about us", Debs had said in a lunchclub. "Even that I'm being bullied?" ask a …
Bank the Food app
Barry Matley, our Nourish Co-ordinator, was interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester's prestenter Mike Sh…
Online assembly applied...
Groundbreakers are delivering a blended programme of online and face to face work this year, the onl…
Recommended
Narrowgate Next Stage Housing helps a lady find find her own place to live, and with the finances an…
Waking up on Sunday morning and wanting to go to church
Ryan, from Operation Joy, has been running a drop-in in Oldham for a whiel now, change takes time bu…
"Why focus on prisoners?"
Nick our chaplain tells us why he is focusing on prisoners and the importance of God's grace to each…
"It was great to see the children get so much out of it..."
The Headteacher of an Oldham primary school is looking forward to working with Groundbreakers again …
How does BanktheFood work?
People often say, "What does the Food Club need?" The BanktheFood app answers the question for you, …
Prison Bible Study Group
Our Chaplain, Nick, tells us about being dropped into the deepend with his Prison Bible study group.…
Diary of a Disciple motivates class more than anything this term...
Mary and Debs from Groundbreakers visited a new school this week and the children loved the workshop…
Now Operation Joy has a Drop-In in Oldham too...
It quickly became apparent when the Restart Drop-In opened in Oldham recently that the men experienc…
More Time More Contacts
Paul increased his route around Manchester and offered prayer for old contacts as they are about to …
Download the app
Nourish, our Food Poverty project, is now registered with the BanktheFood phone app, download it and…
Support from inside
HMP Manchester used to support the night shelter, now our Nourish Food Club is their chosen charity …
Keys to the door
Finally a client of Cath's, our Next Stage Housing Co-ordinator, gets his one bedroom flat. Caths te…
WOW!
Assembly interupted by a boy exclaiming "Wow!" Debs, a member of the Groundbreakers team, was delive…
Widening influence
Chaplain thanks God for increased opportunities in the Greater Manchester prisons. Nick, our Chaplai…
Being back in schools is more than just the planned activities.
Back in schools and the Groundbreakers team are being recognised by children in the shops and by sta…
Satellite makes impact
The Nourish team are looking to help a customer from the Satellite Food Club who is unable to get to…
Helping at a distance
Restart put young person from Oldham in touch with help while they are living in Birmingham. Last we…
Things we take for granted...
Help to purchase a countertop cooker means 'J' can prepare himself a proper hot meal. 'J' has been c…
That's why...
Paul Winter bumped into members of the Roma community that he'd last seen 18 months before and came …
Right Person Right Time
Restart client take right steps after talking with a new volunteer. At Restart this week we had a re…
From Drop-In to Rehab via prayer.
“…when I woke up on the Sunday all I could think about was going to church” ‘VH’ had met Ryan and Sa…
"I Thank God for you"
Every conversation is important! Having finished the Restart street work for the evening, Michelle g…
What one thing did 'C' want Paul to pray for?
Remembering birthdays makes people feel valued, and it also important to know what their immediate n…
Freedom
A man who came seeking help as he struggled with his finances, finds faith following the Keys to Fre…
Back To School
Groundbreakers have been welcomed back to schools for face to face assemblies. Mary and Debs have be…
The homeless are not just on their own.
Michelle tells how she met a vulnerable young woman with two children on the verge of loosing her ho…
Volunteer Day
A really big thank you to Mazars who have not only supported the Food Club financially, but gave us …
Hope on the streets
Restart team hand out bags of hope every week. Michelle and Sandie from the Restart team are out on …
Restart Drop-In
Meet the team... This is the team in the newly established, influential and specialised Restart Drop…
The Lost Bible
Paul Winter from Operation Joy told us about a lost Bible recently. I had met L a number of times d…
Dawn project able to visit care home
Last week Jenny, who heads up Dawn Project called in at Pendleton Court after leaving the mission. W…
Life Saver
Barry tells us about a Food Club member from Spruce Court. We have recently had a new member come to…
The small things matter
Remembering birthdays is an important part of Operation Joy. Around this weekend there are at least …
Giving Support
Michelle, who heads up Restart, tells of support offered to a young woman referred to Restart. “The …
Collaborative work in Oldham
The recently opened weekly Restart Drop-In in Oldham town centre, that is focussed on providing a sa…
Not just accepted, but read as well...
It was a few Sundays after 'E' had requested a Bible that Paul met her again in Piccadilly Gardens a…
Food Club in Pendleton flats
When we first started the Family FoodFayre Club at the Windsor Centre back in January we started wit…
Job opportunity - Partnership Manager
Green Pastures and Manchester City Mission working together to eradicate homelessness in the next 10…
Music while you wait
People coming to shop at our community food club have been arriving a little early and gathering at …
Lights, camera, turned off for now...
Yesterday Groundbreakers sent out the link to their final assembly of the school year! Back in Septe…
A Simple Bag Of Snacks
Paul Winter, Operation Joy, visits Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre most Sunday afternoo…
All Around The School
Mary, from Groundbreakers, is a member of the Oldham SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for RE). Foll…
Spruce Court Family Food Fayre opens next Wednesday
Barry has been working hard to get the Community Room at Spruce Court ready. Wednesday sees the open…
Finding Hope After 20 Years of Street Life
Ryan and his volunteer team, met in Piccadilly Gardens. After a short time of reading Hebrews 11, an…
The End of an Era
On Friday 25th June Terry and Janet Durose visited Lionel Cook and his daughter Shirley at their hom…
Bubble wrapped truth...
Paul Winter (Operation Joy) was out in Piccadilly Gardens at the weekend and came back a Bible light…
New at Family Food Fayre
Working with Visit from the Stork CIC there is more on offer at the Family Food Fayre. Are you a par…
Accomodation Opportunities
Contact Cath at Narrowgate Next Stage Housing if you are interested in either of these opportunities…
Scripture Union Interview
Mary from Groundbreakers was interviewed by Scripture Union for their regular 95 News email, we are …
Family Food Fayre is at Spruce Court
A satellite Food Club opens in Spruce Court. Last Wednesday, 14th June, Barry Matley from Mancheste…
Operation Joy asked for a Bible in Piccadilly Gardens
Paul Winter from Operation Joy has been visiting Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City Centre on Su…
Stranded
Ryan listens to a man stranded in Manchester on his way home... Ryan, from Operation Joy, and a team…
Clear Call
Have you had your copy of the latest edition of Clear Call? Contact the mission office if you have n…
Birthday Celebration
One of the key tasks of Operation Joy is know when people are celebrating their birthday. I had got …
New Opportunity for Prison Ministry
Since the closure last year of the Narrowgate Homeless Shelter, the team at Manchester City Mission …
Resettlement
I have been continuing to work with those who were previously in the night shelter but who have now…
Restart Drop In
Where do you go if you need help? It’s hard enough for you and me to get the help we need sometimes,…
My cup overflows
Ryan (Operation Joy) and Michelle (Restart) went into Manchester City Centre to reach out to street …
The food club
The Food Club started out in order to help child hunger and families in particular, that may have be…
Journeying together
Peter was referred onto Ryan (Operation Joy) by Michelle (Restart). Ryan met with Peter in Manchest…
Narrowgate Hub News
Since the closure of our “Narrowgate Homeless Shelter” due to Covid-19 we have continued providing …
The Cottage
In November and December, we saw two residents move on from the cottage into their own flats. We wi…
Green Pastures
Following the successful outcome of our application to Green Pastures, I am now actively looking fo…
Unexpected opportunities from pandemic lock-down
Due to covid, the Dawn Project have been unable to go into care homes, so they have sent messages vi…
We love to hear how schools have built on what we have done in Groundbreakers assemblies
In an assembly about the tongue and how we use it, we gave the children a way of thinking before th…
Experience Christmas… Experience Easter!
A local team in Saddleworth, supported by Groundbreakers usually puts on Experience workshops at Ch…
Turning Life Around
We are supporting another girl who has now come out of the sex work and is trying to change her life…
Social media contact, Good News in the pandemic
The pandemic has placed limitations on street ministry, and the use of social media has been vital i…
A prodigal returns
Ryan Ackrill was out in Manchester City centre visiting some homeless people, when he was drawn to a…
A food club success story
A key part of the Food Club is our amazing set of volunteers, who go the extra mile to help our mem…
What do you do when the school doors are shut, and you are a school’s worker?
Back in April 2020, I emailed the 34 schools we regularly visit to see if they would be interested …
Peace for a family member
Ryan was on his way home from Manchester City Mission one night and decided to call at his mum’s to …
Contact Card
On a recent evening out meeting the girls, we met a young woman who we’ve known for some time. It h…
Helen back at the food club
With Covid-19 really affecting so many people, it was really encouraging to see Helen again at the …
Salvation on the streets of Manchester
Ryan (Operation Joy), Michelle (Restart) and Emelda one of our volunteers, were out in Manchester, r…