Home | News | 24-7 Prayer | Events | Register for Weekly Email | Contact | The Big Deal
This page lists details of some news stories and reports of events under the Hope2008 banner in Greater Manchester. Please scroll down through the various articles to discover the amazing move of God across Greater Manchetser throughout this year of Hope. Although we can not feature every newsworthy story for Hope 2008 in Greater Manchester please still let us know what you are doing under the Hope banner.
The Gift of Hope Outreach Booklet is an ideal giveaway at Christmas services and events. Written by Andy Hawthorne and produced by Christian Publishing and Outreach (CPO) the booklet explores why Jesus is the greatest Gift of Hope. Andy cuts through the trappings of Christmas to put the focus squarely on Jesus, with his trademark passion, energy and enthusiasm. An ideal tool for your Christmas outreach.
Available from www.cpo.org.uk/hope08
To contact CPO please email: sales@cpo.org.uk or telephone 01903 263354.
On the 1st of February 2008 the first in a series of Hope Unleashed gigs took place in Macclesfield Leisure Centre. The gig came on the back of a concentrated focus of school's weeks throughout Macclesfield where In Yer Face, LZ7 and BlushUK were in schools leading a week of mission for the pupils. The concert kicked off with the Genetik Revolution to great audience delight, Dweeb followed them before BlushUK and LZ7 got the crowd going. Interspersed among the performances In Yer Face brought a series of dramas relating the gospel to the audience in their unique hard-hitting style. Lindz West of LZ7 finished off the gig by challenging the audience with the gospel. Of the 700+ in the audience over 200 responded to the challenge which over the next few weeks will be contacted by churches to encourage them further in their decision. Not only was this the biggest Christian youth concert in Macclesfield but the biggest youth music concert ever in Macclesfield...and it had the specific purpose of bringing HOPE to many of the youths in Macclesfield. A night to be remembered for some time to come.
For photos on Flickr click here
See what the local press had to say - Click Here
The second in the Hope Unleashed tour saw Hope Unleashed in Oldham on Saturday the 15th of March 2008. The Queen Elizabeth Hall played host to over 1000 young folk from Oldham. Once again the lead up to the event in schools played a massive part in making the climax gig a great success. Havershaw, Bluecoats and Noth Chadderton High Schools had a combination of Blush and tbwnn in the weeks leading up to Unleashed in Oldham. LocDown, Reflex's prisons band, joined these two bands on the night to continue the unique blend of music and multimedia presentation of the gospel that Unleashed is becoming known for. 90 youths responded on the night and the follow up started straight away with the Salt Cellar inviting all those who responded to attend a follow up meeting on the Thursday night following the gig. If not the biggest youth gig in Oldham this was a landmark night for the area and all to the glory of God.
The third installment of the Hope Unleashed Tour saw a joint gig for the boroughs of Bolton and Bury. The Bridge in Bolton was filled with 700 youths off the back of a number of successful schools weeks in the area. Elton High, St. James' and Canon Slade High all were visited by either LZ7 or Blush in the lead up to the event and each school was positively impacted by the bands. On the night there were great performances by Genetik Revolution, Blush and LZ7 while In Yer Face also contributed to the night. The highlight of the night was an acoustic song by Blush accompanied by ex-WWMT Quin Delport. After Lindz West gave a challenge to the audience about the gospel, 50 young folk responded to learn more about the challenge. Those who responded to the challenge are being followed up by churches in their local area all across the boroughs of Bolton and Bury. Once again the night was a success and continues to build the momentum of Hope Unleashed across Greater Manchester.
After a short break of a couple of months due The Urban Adventure and other unforseen circumstances the Hope Unleashed Tour got back on track visiting Wigan where earlier in the year the Hope in Wigan event had been a huge success. The venue may have been different this time but the evening was just as big a success. LZ7 and BlushUK produced some more excellent performances and there was great encouragement taken from the size of response from the young folk that attended which when put together with the gig earlier in the year represents a great boost for the church in Wigan. The momentum of Hope for the youth of Greater Manchester continues to grow as we head into the second half of the year with still three more dates on the Unleashed tour.
Hope Unleashed returned with a bang when it stopped off on it's tour at Champness Hall in Rochdale. After a short break over the summer the bands were back in style as they performed to a packed venue. An audience of over 600 heard performances by thebandwithnoname, BlushUK, Twelve24 and LZ7. After school weeks in various Rochdale High schools including Fallinge and Wardle High schools there was a great impact on the pupils during these weeks and culminating in the Hope Unleashed gig. Lindz West of LZ7 preached to finish the night and there was a great response as the young people connected with he message he was sharing. Heading into the last quarter of the year there are only two more dates left on the Unleashed tour...catch them before it's too late!!
The penultimate event in the Unleashed tour of Greater Manchester so the bands collectively give one of their best performances yet at Stockport's Plaza Theatre. The Plaza was packed with over 650 young people coming from all over Stockport especially from the various schools the bands had held schools weeks in leading up to the event. BlushUK were in Marple Hall and Cheadle Hulme high schools and thebandwithnoname were in Bramhall high in the weeks leading up the event. The response at the event was significant and through fantastic partnerships the follow-up is now in the hands of the local church and Christians in Schools Trust. The night was a fantastic event to prepare the way for Hope Unleashed: The Big One...the one not to be missed!
A community fun day in Northern Moor
Hope is happening! In the Hope Greater Manchester office we are amazed and overjoyed with the way that Greater Manchester has stepped up to the plate and are putting on activities in their communities under the Hope08 banner. The amount of activity the Hope office has heard about has raised our levels of excitement and faith that this is truly a movement of God and that God's name is being proclaimed all across Greater Manchester.
Football at the BENCHmark event in Bolton
In June there are numerous events we know about including two weekends where the activity really spikes. The weekend of June 14 / 15 saw events in Bolton, Northern Moor, Langworthy, Stockport, Burnage, Wardle and Prestwich. The spread of both geography and content of the events was amazing ranging from a fun day to a five aside tournament and a photography studio to car washing! Each one had at it's heart the desire to bring glory to God through word and action.
Players getting ready for 5-asides
The last weekend in June not only saw the Hope year reach the half way point but it also marked one of the busiest weekends for community action projects and fun days. Projects happening this week once again spanned to full length of Greater Manchester and blessed thousands of people. Projects included: In Tytherington a fete and fun day A Hope stall at the town festival in Heald Green Kings Church held the mainstage at Old Moat Park during a community fete In Cheadle Hulme a bouncy castle and BBQ at All Hallows In Wardle a fun day with Branches Christian Fellowship ‘It’s good to talk’ community action in Levenshulme St Wilfred’s Primary fete in partnership with Ivy Cottage church in Northernden And finally on the back of previous Big Deal Weekends the Macclesfield festival with loads of local church projects on Saturday and a massive united service and fun day in West Park on Sunday.
The variety and spread of events even just over this one weekend is amazing and the pace doesn't stop with more fun days and community action happening throughout July and August. It's not too late to get involved and organise your own community project and please contiune to let us know of any Hope projects you are planning and remember to tell us how your event went.
In coming weeks there are plenty more festivals, fun days and community action happening right across Greater Manchester and Macclesfield. If you are planning an event under the banner of Hope08 in Greater Manchester please do let us know when and what it is and after event let us know how it went. It is encouraging to us to hear the stories of Hope but also for us to be able to pass on these stories as encouragement to others to take up the challenge.
Call the Hope Manchester Office on 0161 946 2332 or email info@hopemanchester.com
A picture tells a thousand words! The Hope Urban Adventure week was definitely a very significant week in the whole of the Hope 2008 year. Around 100 delegates supported by 100 staff of The Message Trust, Audacious Church, PAIS and Youth Alive desccended on Manchester's city centre and north side of the city centre to undertake a range of community action projects and street evangelism.
Each day the team gathered at Audacious City Church for a time of prayer, worship, teaching and practical sessions in the mornings. These times were full of the spirit and a really exciting and inspirational atmosphere. God truly blessed these times of meeting together. After lunch the afternoon saw teams of around 15-20 being sent out to various projects around the north side of city centre. They included painting a fence at Crumpsall Park, clearing a man's garden, assisting with a community fun day in the Irk Valley estate, clearing a footpath in the Irk Valley, clearing an area of the Harpurhey ponds and removing a lot of rubbish from a site in Cheetham Hill (see below).
The project work was a great blessing on the community and one such testimony from the week was the council saying the work in Crumpsall park had saved them £5000 which they were now going to reinvest in the park to improve its facilities - that will truly be a practical legacy of the Urban Adventure week. However, the real lasting legacy speaks of lives impacted and hearts changed. There were testimonies of God appointed conversations and of lives transformed through this week of witness. Working with Audacious City Church provided a good opportunity for solid follow up on those impacted by the week. In the weeks after Urban Adventure, Audcious City Church have seen many of the youth and adults reached by the week continuing to come along to their alpha course, Friday youth club or Sunday services and ultimately this is an encouraging result of a week of mission.
For all the pictures from the week posted on Flickr click here
An article appeared in the MEN following the Urban Adventure - click here to view the article
Below is a report from St. Mary's Moston who got together to do something to bless their community. We hope it will inspire and encourage others to do similar projects.
"At 9.45 a.m. on 10th May, 16 members of St. Mary's Moston, met in the church to pray and the heavens opened for a blessing of rain. At 10 we walked to Miners' Estate which is the nearest Council Estate to the church. We got some assistance from Manchester City Council in terms of litter pickers, bags, gloves, refreshments and collection of all the rubbish as part of their 100 Day Challenge. The rain made it so much cooler for the work as we headed off to mow lawns, cut hedges, wash cars, clean downstairs windows and pick up litter. We leafleted all the houses on the Estate with an invitation to A Special Outdoor Service at the church school over the road with free BBQ and Bouncy Castle. We handed out 52 large plant pots with some flowers for colour now and summer flowering bulbs below. We also gave a card out with a blessing prayer (see below). What happened? Many fantastic conversations- some about God, some just about life. A lot of people wanted to give us money, which we refused. Many were asking why are you doing this? Over 20 people came off this Estate to the service and BBQ the next day which was wonderful. For me, my highlight was this: I was on mower duty and as it had just rained, things needed to dry out a bit. All the pairs had gone out and I was left at our base. So I decided to go and knock on the doors of those just over the road. At the first house, an older lady came to the door. I told her why we were here and asked if I could do anything for her. She said, "No thank you." "Well, can I give you a pot of flowers and a prayer?" I responded. She accepted and that was it, or so I thought. About 40 minutes later I was down the road cutting a hedge when the same lady came up to me. She said, " I can't tell you how much that meant to me, you knocking on the door. I was feeling so low. My best friend is in hospital and yesterday they had to re-start her heart. I was feeling so alone, but you calling round has just made all the difference." Matt Calladine of St. Mary's C of E Moston
In an amazing turn of events Hope08 representatives were invited to meet with Prince Charles, the future monarch, to share their stories of Hope. Representatives from the entire UK were present at the reception including a delegation from Greater Manchester.
The delegation were able to speak with Prince Charles and share with him all the work that is going on across Greater Manchester under the Hope 08 banner. In response to hearing the stories the Prince said,
"I just wanted to say how full of admiration I am for all your extraordinary activities, your devotion and your ability to motivate other people. I do understand how difficult it can be in this day and age overcoming what I feel so often is rampant cynicism, which provides an enormous hurdle at the start. And I also have the feeling that there are an enormous amount of people out there who long to do more but feel terrified because they think they're going to be thought of as old-fashioned."
The audience with Prince Charles represents a milestone in the impact that Hope is having across all levels of society. Hope08 really is impacting and changing a nation making some of the most influential people in the UK take note of the work being done to the glory of God. If one thing can be taken from this episode it is to encourage those involved in Hope08 that what you are doing is being noticed and the good work under the Hope08 banner is impacting the whole nation in a positive way.
Hope 2008 is about sharing the Hope we have inside us through Jesus Chrsit, our Saviour through acts of love and kindness that those around us might see our actions and see God's love shining through and therefore give glory to Christ.
Hope for our neighbours is a really simple but powerful idea. It is about reaching out to those closest to us - the people we live with and around. There is so much we can do to impact thses people's lives in a very real but simple way. It might be cutting their grass, inviting them for dinner or whatever works for the people around you but the main point is to bless them in anyway you can. It will amaze you how many conversations will ensue from doing these practical acts of kindness.
To download a flyer with more information then please click here
At the beginning of the year there has been a flurry of activity with four schools weeks happening, 3 in Macclesfield and 1 in Stockport. All of them have been great successes and culminated in the Hope Unleashed gig in Macclesfield on the 1st of February.
Offerton School Hope Week
This is a report from Andrew Philips from CIST (Christians in Scools Stockport)After 2 years of having Blush in the school, we decided to have a week with thebandwithnoname. . The lesson we took was on “Who is Jesus?” and we looked at what it means to be a Christian and how that affects our life. There was less “teaching” and more time for questions in the lesson, which I felt worked because of having Blush in the last 2 years. This was reflected by the deep questions that many of the pupils had. It was a privilege to be a part of the lessons and to see God challenge so many young people. There were 190 young people at the gig and they bounced, danced and shouted all night! The boys were as usual, fantastic. When Chip spoke the young people sat in almost complete silence. In total, 53 young people responded at the end of the night. I am excited about following up on these young people but also on several young people who didn’t respond publicly on the night but with whom God is so obviously working. It would be great if you could pray for some of these young people. FROM CHIP K of tbwnn... We had a great time presenting the gospel in Offerton High last week. Throughout each day we were able to take RS lessons and assemblies for every year group, answering the students' questions as best we could. Our theme was "What is a Christian?" and we would include games, testimonies, music videos and a brief explanation of the 4 points. Whenever possible we would perform, and by the end even the teachers got involved! The Friday night concert was a huge smash, and tons of young people made commitments at the end of the evening. A few highlights for me: getting to pray for healing for a young lady's foot and ended up praying for one of her classmates who began to cry quietly during the prayer time. This was during a regular school day, and her teacher was there too. seeing one older lad named stand up straight away during the response on Friday night, with both his arms stretched out and his eyes closed in total surrender to God.
praying for a young girl while tears streamed down her face at the end of the autograph session. She told us that she'd become a Christian when she was 11, but now she wanted to be one properly. "I didn't believe In God much until you came to our school and told us a bit more things about Him now I believe In God a lot more. Thanks.." - quote from a pupil in Offerton
BlushUK were in All Hallow's College in Macclesfield at the same time that LZ7 were in Tytherington High. Pippa from BlushUK gives this report...
"Blush had a great week in All Hallows Catholic College at the end of January. The lessons and gig went amazingly well, and we all really enjoyed it! We had some brilliant conversations with the kids and staff, chatting about God, our stories, and what was going on in their lives. Around 170 kids came to the end of week concert,and 18 made first time commitments to Jesus! Darren (the linked church worker) will be following these up, and has already had encouraging feedback from kids and churches. Over all it was an awesome week with great results!"
In March Blush went into Hathershaw High and also North Chadderton. Pippa once again takes up the story...
"Blush really enjoyed their week in Hathershaw College of Technology and Sport in March. The school was really receptive, and I think our lessons and message not only made the kids think, but affected a couple of the teachers too. There were loads of really talented kids in the school, including some break dancers who danced in both the assemblies and the after school gig! This was one of the highlights of the week as it made a way in for conversation and created a fun atmosphere. We also invited them to come and dance for us at Unleashed which was great! Loads of the pupils came to Unleashed, and quite a few from this school made committments (including a couple of the break dancers!). One of the teachers commented on the atmosphere around the school while we were there, noticing a massive difference. She said that variety of cultures and religions within the school normally causes a lot of division, but for the first time having Blush in the school, with the concert and assemblies, brought them all together! Blush had a fab time in North Chadderton school this March. We spent a day in Lower school where we managed to see every pupil during the day, and the rest of the week was spent in Upper School. We built up a friendship with a couple of people in particular, and had the privilegde of seeing them make committments to Jesus at Unleashed! There was a real buzz about the school all week, and lots of pupils from this school came to Unleashed. One of the best things from this week was seeing people that we had really been praying for and investing time into also decided to follow Jesus!"
Wouldn’t it be awesome if EVERY young in Greater Manchester had repeated and relevant opportunities to hear, and respond, to the Gospel message during 2008?
If you aren't convinced Schools weeks work then watch Hope in Schools - the story so far...Well, for the first time in the history of The Message this is a real possibility – even if we fall short of this audacious goal the reality is that ten or even hundreds of thousands of young people will have this opportunity. The schools weeks are put together sensitively, they follow or compliment the high school R.E. and P.S.E. curriculum, and many heads and R.E. teachers are happy to recommend them. Key to the success are PARTNER churches and we’re on the lookout for churches that will: • PRAY for schools weeks • HELP FINANCIALLY towards the cost of delivery • PROVIDE FOLLOW-UP enquiry and discipleship courses In return The Message and partners Innervation Trust will send their bands – LZ7, Blush, thebandwithnoname and also a new creative youth group called Genetik Revolution and In Yer Face theatre company. The week long programme will include school assemblies, interactive lessons, lunch clubs and and an end of week concert.
Click Here to download information on all the bands involved. Linked into all this is big gig, a Christian concert called ‘Hope Unleashed’, that will be held each month at big venue in each borough. Click Here for more info.So if this vision sets your heart beating a little faster and you want to find out more then please don’t hesitate to contact Nathan Milnes at the Hope in Greater Manchester office. Tel: 0161 946 2335Email: nathan.milnes@message.org.uk
GOGRAN is a non-denominational organization. We are here to enable older members to participate in and contribute to the society in which they live, by offering resources and training where possible.
Our main aims are as follows: • To set up a support network not only for grand parents but for the more mature in Salford who wish to put their skills and time to good use in the community. • To hold events for the older generation. • To offer pastoral care in care homes, prisons and hospitals, as well as get involved in overseas missions.
We are always delighted to have the opportunity to visit those who live in care homes. We reach out to residents with the love of Jesus Christ, we support care staff in whatever way we can. Go Gran provides comfort and encouragement by visiting the Homes regularly, either to hold non-denominational services or to talk and fellowship with the residents and take prayer requests.
Volunteers
There are opportunities for churches and individuals that are interested in reaching out to the older generation to get involved – you do not have to be a granny to get involved, volunteers of all ages are welcome all that is required is a desire to make a difference by reaching out to the older generation. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get involved in outreach programmes at care homes, prisons and hospitals as well as have opportunities to get involved in overseas missions. There are also opportunities for volunteers to help with the administration side of things so if you do not feel like care home visit is the thing for you, you can still get involved and make a difference. All volunteers will be CRB checked.
For more information contact: cindy@goyewhbc.com Telephone Number: 0161 736 9422 Website: www.gogran.org.uk
We are trying to build a team of people across Greater Manchester to pray for specific HOPE ‘08 events as they happen through the year. The idea is to have ongoing prayer at each venue. Prayers will start an hour before the event and will go on all the way through to when it finishes. Those interested can sign up to pray for 15, 30, 60 minutes or more. We are believing God for 10,000 new young people to respond to the gospel this year through events such as Hope Unleashed and schools’ weeks. Our hope is to then see them discipled and part of a vibrant church in their area. In order for this to happen our level of prayer and intercession for the lost has to increase. We need to have all these events soaked in prayer. If you have a heart for prayer and would like to get involved in this exciting way of extending God’s kingdom in Greater Manchester please contact: James Aladiran Hope Unleashed Prayer Co-ordinator Email: james.aladiran@message.org.uk
Phone: 07985 671 650
To download a flyer click here
Do you have a heart for spreading the vision for Hope 08 in bringing unity and reaching out to your community? If you feel God is calling you to get involved would you consider becoming a Hope Champion for your area? Please contact us at the Hope in Greater Manchester offices for more information and how you can help.
Telephone - 0161 946 2332
Email - info@hopemanchester.com
The "72 vision" Luke Chpt. 10 vs.1+2 reads, "After this the Lord appointed seventy two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and palce where he was about to go. He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest therefore, to send out workers into his harvest fields.'"We are using this as a communication strategy for Hope08. The idea is that a volunteer will live, work, or go to church in the area, in which they will be working. They will meet face to face with between five and sixteen church leaders with Hope08 resources to communicate the Hope08 vision. The volunteer needs to have backing from their own church leadership and be an excellent communicator. If you know anyone, can you forward the names to the Hope08 office please, or put them in contact with us.
How you can help
There a number of 72's already established in Stockport and Rochdale. We are making progress with others dotted around Greater Manchester. However there is a great need still in the following areas:
North Manchester
Bury
Bolton
Tameside
Salford
Oldham.
Please contact us at the Hope in Greater Manchester offices for more information and how you can help. Telephone - 0161 946 2332 Email - info@hopemanchester.com
With all the plans for big events throughout 2008 for Hope there is an urgent need volunteer support crew especially in the technical, lighting and sound field. If you think you could help please phone The Message Events Team on 0161 946 2300.
Please download a flyer and display it around your church or organisation to help the recruiting process
Do you work for a charity?
Or in the voluntary, community or faith sector? Got a conflict?
Want to let your colleague know exactly how you feel? Peacebuilders is a new independent mediation service for the voluntary, community and faith sector in Greater Manchester. We provide support, advice and mediation from fully qualified mediators.
For an informal and confidential chat call:
Laura Gilchrist on 078 5556 7563. www.peacebuilders.org.uk
Hope News is a new evening news programme which will be broadcast throughout the year on UCB TV and via the internet to share the good news of what God is doing across the nation in peoples lives: inspiring, motivating and informing.
To reach every area of the country, the main news team will work with smaller teams from different regions to capture what is happening in every area. To make this happen, volunteers, likely to currently be in church media positions or teams, with an interest and some experience in media, will be given intensive training to prepare them fully. And, perhaps more importantly, they will also be given ongoing support throughout the year. We are looking for 2-3 people from each area, ideally one person to report, one for camera and one to edit. Teams can be larger, but must consist of at least two people. A driving licence is a distinct advantage and applicants must be at least 18 years old unless there are exceptional circumstances.
For more information visit www.hopenews.co.uk/
Organisations are coming on-board all the time, to add your details please email: info@hopemanchester.com
The Message with The Big Deal: www.bigdeal.org.uk
Innveration Trust: www.innervation.org
Rhema Theatre Company: www.rhematheatre.org
Manchester Diocese: www.manchester.anglican.org
Methodist Bolton & Rochdale District: www.barmd.org.uk
City Links: www.citylinks.org.uk
Evangelical Alliance Network: www.ea-network.org
City Light Trust: www.inspiration.org.uk
Week of Prayer for Greater Manchester: www.weekofprayer.org
Manchester City Mission: www.manchestercitymission.com
Barnabus: www.barnabus-manchester.org.uk
Maranatha: www.maranathacommunity.org.uk
Pais: www.paisproject.com
Altrincham Baptist Church: www.altrinchambaptist.org
World Harvest Bible Church: www.goyewhbc.com
Care for the Family: www.careforthefamily.org.uk
Chick Yuill is chairing a Hope Greater Manchester CORE group of representatives from various churches, organisations and denominations across Greater Manchester. Chick would love to hear from anyone interested in joining this group, email: chick.yuill@hopemanchester.com
