The Sanctus 1 Month

This is what we aim to do when we meet on a Wednesday evening.

Meeting alternately in Nexus Art Cafe on Dale St and via Zoom. 19:00 on Wednesdays for both meetings. Zoom meetings tend to last an hour whilst Nexus meetings tend to go on slightly longer to make the trip into town worthwhile..
Next few weeks:
 
20th Oct Nexus Pastoral Matt
27th Oct Zoom Alternative worship Roger and Martie
3rd Nov Nexus Food and fellowship + Planning for advent display Uschi and Matt
10th Nov Zoom Meditation Matt
17th Nov Nexus Creating Advent/Christmas displays Uschi and Matt
24th Nov Zoom Alternative worship PJ

"Traditional Sanctus Style" means a service led by a member of Sanctus on diverse themes.

Nexus closed to the general public during the first covid lockdown and did not re-open.  But we can still meet there because we have keys!

For more information please check our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Sanctus1Manchester/

 

Sanctus 1 Vision

Our Vision is of a church where...

...we are missional:

Reaching those feeling disenfranchised by “Church”.

Outward looking

Talking openly

Being fun and interactive.

Taking Sanctus to others.

Being transient and consistent.

Communicating.

Making our presence felt.

Sharing a unique appeal.

 

...we want to form relationships:

Bring together thoughtful people.

Develop strength through small groups.

Talk about God and God’s love for us.

Because both adults and children need to have community and friendships.

To gain greater understanding of the Bible from each other.

 

...we offer services that provide

A different way to worship.

Ways of seeking God.

Discussion and different points of view.

Diversity of topics

Creativity and artfulness.

Experiential times.

Shared food.

Contemporary media.

Somewhere for those that don’t get traditional church.

No communal singing!

 

...we would like to grow:

To be diverse.

To bring richness

Because it is essential to survival

Because there is strength in numbers.

Sanctus 1 Shared Values

As a community we have shared values;

Welcoming - In response to Christ's welcome, Sanctus 1 aims to be welcoming to all people. We therefore aim to reflect a diversity of theology and experience from all walks of life.

Serving - Our community is able to function and flourish by following the example of Jesus who served others.

Rooted - Sanctus 1 is a Christian community which interacts with the Bible as we recognise God's unique presence within it. We draw from a rich vein of Christian tradition across denominations, including the Nicene Creed.

Missional - We believe that God is already active in our world, and we aim to join with God in God's ongoing mission. This means we are engaged in the changes happening in Manchester and the wider world.

Virtual Service 2

Introduction

Hello and welcome to this Sanctus 1 virtual service, we hope you find it to be enriching and uplifting.

If you would prefer to print a copy of this service and run it offline, we have included a PDF of this page for you to download.

You will need to allow 20-30 minutes for the service, and it can be at any time and any location that suits you. The service has some activities and could require a few optional items, which you can pick up from a local supermarket if you would like a more immersive experience, these include:

  • 3 candles
  • lighter/matches
  • a bowl of water
  • a towel or cloth
  • a cup or glass
  • hot or cold water
  • a tea bag or some cordial
  • an internet connection and an email account

Before we begin

Take a moment to calm your mind and open your heart, to find a quiet inner peace as we begin the service.

Slowly count: 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10

Relax in this space and time.

Lighting of the candles

You will need:
3 candles (any size, colour or fragrance is fine) and a means to light them

Please place the candles on a flat, non-flammable surface, out of reach of small children and animals. If you prefer, you can leave the candles unlit, or watch this video instead.

As you light each candle, read out loud or to yourself the following:

- With the 1st candle we think on God the Father, the source of life

- With the 2nd candle we think on Jesus, who offered us living water

- With the 3rd candle we think on the Spirit, which flows through all of us

Reading 1

Psalm 36:5-10 (Contemporary English Version)

Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river. The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us. Our Lord, keep showing love to everyone who knows you and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you.

Activity 1

You will need:
a bowl of water and a towel

Slowly immerse your hand into the bowl of water. Feel the water move between your fingers, covering your skin. With the reading from Psalm 36 in your mind, think about God's love being deep as the sea.

Gently ripple the water, and consider the life-giving fountain, the energy that flows through each and every one of us.

Lift your hand out of the water and as the droplets fall, with each drip, think about the blessings that you have experienced today, the 'treasures' that remind you of God's love.

Dry the water from your hand and contemplate the power and love of God, that is constant and faithful.

Reading 2

John 2:1-11 (New Century Version)

Two days later there was a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his followers were also invited to the wedding. When all the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” Jesus answered, “Dear woman, why come to me? My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you to do.”

In that place there were six stone water jars that the Jews used in their washing ceremony. Each jar held about twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled the jars to the top. Then he said to them, “Now take some out and give it to the master of the feast.” So they took the water to the master. When he tasted it, the water had become wine. He did not know where the wine came from, but the servants who had brought the water knew. The master of the wedding called the bridegroom and said to him, “People always serve the best wine first. Later, after the guests have been drinking awhile, they serve the cheaper wine. But you have saved the best wine till now.” So in Cana of Galilee Jesus did his first miracle. There he showed his glory, and his followers believed in him.

Video 1

This video shows a chemical reaction, and not actually turning one liquid into another, but it recreates the magic that the people at the wedding in Cana would have experienced. It was a miracle that is marvellous to behold.

Some might say that turning water to wine is frivolous, and not as worthy an act or as impressive as healing or raising someone from the dead. However, the result of the miracle is secondary to the image of the water turning to wine. Jesus offers the water of life (the tasty drink from Psalm 36) so we will never thirst again. The act is a symbol of God's love, and a precursor to the last supper.

Activity 2

You will need:
a cup or glass, a tea bag or some cordial, some hot or cold water, an internet connection and an email account

We are going to create our own little miracle. You are going to change water into a different drink.

- If you prefer hot drinks, pour hot water into a cup and add the tea bag or cordial, watch as the colour changes, from clear to orange-brown (or whatever colour your cordial is).

- If you prefer cold drinks, fill a glass with cold water and add the cordial, watch as the colour fills the glass until all the clear water has vanished.

The clear water is your church, your family, your friendship groups. Like water, these groups nourish you, give you strength and are vital for our well being.

You are the thing that changes the colour of the water, your individuality adds colour and uniqueness, it contributes new benefits that only you can provide.

We encourage you to take a 'selfie' (a photo of yourself) with your drink, and send it to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can add it to the end of this webpage. As we build up the images on the page, and the collection of faces (and drinks) grow, you will see the diversity and vibrancy of this community, your community, the group you are a part of and know that you make an impression, just as the other individuals you see make an impression on you.

Video 2

Firstly, another science video for you, looking at another liquid, of another element vital for life. This is oxygen.

And finally, a video of a liquid unlike any others we have seen so far.

We can draw much from learning about the elements that make up our world. It is vast and complex, satisfying our instinctive curiosity. We value those who invest their time in studying the elements, so that we can benefit from their efforts and have a better understanding of our universe.

Likewise, we need our communities, to gain a deeper knowledge of ourselves as well as the world around us, both physical and spiritual. Sanctus 1 exists as a means of discovery - we are the scientists, the explorers, the deep thinkers and discoverers. Together, as we share our uniqueness, our beliefs and knowledge, we grow in our understanding of each other, of God and our place in the world He has created.

Activity 3

You will need:
an internet connection and an email account

Think on the different liquids that you have seen today, their properties and what makes each of them different. What kind of liquid are you? What characteristics best describe you? Are you an element that nourishes? Are you magnetic? May be you feel that you are clear like water or strong like a long-brewed cup of tea. Then think on Sanctus 1 and what kind of liquid it is too.

Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (subject heading ‘Liquid’) sharing that liquid you believe you are and the liquid you believe Sanctus 1 is. Receive emails from others and see what other people think, and know that you are part of a complex and unique community, that your individuality contributes to what makes Sanctus 1 what it is.

Close

As you blow out the candles, think about your Sanctus 1 family, and how you are a vital, integral part of the community. Think about all the different colours we each bring. Think about what you can do to enrich that family.

- With the first candle, we thank God for our individuality

- With the second candle, we think on Jesus, the revolutionary who broke with the traditions of his birth land to bring us a new way to be

- With the third candle, we thank the Holy Spirit for bringing our community of individuals together

Thank you for taking part in this Virtual Service. We hope you found it to be interesting and useful. If you have any questions or would like to develop a conversation that has been inspired by this service, please send a message out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will respond to you.

Virtual Service 1

Introduction

Welcome and thank you for choosing to take part in the first ever Sanctus 1 virtual service!

If you would prefer to print a copy of this service and run it offline, we have included a PDF of this page for you to download.

You will need to allow 20-30 minutes for the service, and it can be at any time and any location that suits you. The service could require a few optional items, which you can pick up from a local supermarket if you would like a more immersive experience, these include:

  • candles
  • lighter/matches
  • pen/pencil
  • paper
  • internet connection and email account
  • self-raising flour
  • sugar or sugar substitute
  • cocoa
  • 1 egg
  • skimmed milk
  • vegetable or sunflower oil
  • a microwave-safe mug
  • microwave

Before we begin

Take a moment to bring inner calm and aid reflection.

breathe in, pause, breathe out.

breathe in, pause, breathe out.

Feel connected to everyone in Sanctus 1, who is doing this service, somewhere, at sometime, who is breathing in, and breathing out with you.

Lighting of the candles

You will need:
3 candles (any size, colour or fragrance is fine) and a means to light them

Please place the candles on a flat, non-flammable surface, out of reach of small children and animals. If you prefer, you can leave the candles unlit, or watch this video instead.

As you light each candle, read out loud or to yourself the following:

- I light this candle for the father, the benevolent

- I light this candle for the son, the friend

- I light this candle for the spirit, the protector

- God be with me here, now, and with everyone, everywhere, Amen

Video 1

Think about our community at Sanctus 1, the different people, every one of them unique and with something to contribute, playing the different roles of a family, or a team. Try to remember as many community members as possible, writing down as many as you can think of. Then watch this video.

Activity 1

You will need:
a pen or pencil, and a piece of paper or card

Spend a couple of minutes writing down all of the 'teams' you are a part of in your life. This can be anything, from work and family, to book groups, running clubs, choirs, anything where you are part of a group of people, and don't forget to include Sanctus 1.

When you have your list, take a moment for each 'team' and consider the reasons that you are a part of them, and what you are thankful for about each one.

Reading 1

Matthew 18:20 (Amplified Bible)

For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.

Jesus is saying in this passage that if we connect with fellow believers and those who are drawn together in faith, then He will be there, as a comforter, a healer and a friend. In this modern age where distance and communication are no longer mutually exclusive, we can be together as a community, and know God is with us, through the cables, satellites and transmissions surrounding us. We are gathered, and God is here.

Activity 2

You will need:
an internet connection and an email account

Send an email with a subject heading of ‘Hello Sanctus 1’ to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Let us know you are with us.

Tell us of anything you would like to share, or pray about.

Start a conversation, on anything you like.

Let us know if you would like replies (you will get at least one, guaranteed!)

Reading 2

1 Corinthians 10:17 (NIV)

And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.

We, Sanctus 1, are part of a bigger community, the Christian church, a family that spans the entire world. Every time we eat the bread at communion, we share an experience with millions of others, all acknowledging that we are a global team, part of something great and diverse.

Activity 3

You will need:
4 tablespoons self raising flour
4 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
2 tablespoons cocoa
3 tablespoons skimmed milk
1 egg
3 tbsp vegetable/sunflower oil
A microwave-safe mug
A microwave

To symbolise the sharing of the sacrament and eating together across the world, we have provided a recipe for a cake that you can bake and enjoy. However, you can choose to make bread, or cookies, or anything else you like, or you can simply watch this video, and imagine making the food instead.

Directions:

  1. In a large mug, mix all the dry ingredients together and then mix in all the wet ingredients
  2. Microwave for about 4 minutes (may be more or less depending on microwave power) and watch it rise
  3. Enjoy!

Activity 3.5

You will need:
an internet connection and an email account

Send us photos of your mug cake! Take a picture and send by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (subject heading ‘Cake’) or tweet it to @sanctus1mcr

Share your success (or horror stories!) and describe the taste. And as you eat your cake (or other food item) know that others are doing the same, in different places, and at different times, but together in this way.

Reading 3

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (CEV)

The body of Christ has many different parts, just as any other body does. Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God’s Spirit baptised each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit.

Our bodies don’t have just one part. They have many parts. Suppose a foot says, “I’m not a hand, and so I’m not part of the body.” Wouldn’t the foot still belong to the body? Or suppose an ear says, “I’m not an eye, and so I’m not part of the body.” Wouldn’t the ear still belong to the body? If our bodies were only an eye, we couldn’t hear a thing. And if they were only an ear, we couldn’t smell a thing. But God has put all parts of our body together in the way that he decided is best.

A body isn’t really a body, unless there is more than one part. It takes many parts to make a single body. That’s why the eyes cannot say they don’t need the hands. That’s also why the head cannot say it doesn’t need the feet. In fact, we cannot get along without the parts of the body that seem to be the weakest. We take special care to dress up some parts of our bodies. We are modest about our personal parts, but we don’t have to be modest about other parts.

God put our bodies together in such a way that even the parts that seem the least important are valuable. He did this to make all parts of the body work together smoothly, with each part caring about the others. If one part of our body hurts, we hurt all over. If one part of our body is honoured, the whole body will be happy.

Close

Look again at the names on your list of Sanctus 1 community members and pray for each, one by one. As you blow out the candles, think about your Sanctus 1 family, and how you are a vital, integral part of the community. Think about what you can do to enrich that family.

- With the first candle, contemplate the people you see on a regular basis

- With the second candle, consider those who you don't see much, either on Sunday or Wednesday

- With the third candle, think about you, and your place in this body of Christ

Thank you for taking part in this inaugural Virtual Service. We hope you have gained something from it and we look forward to spending time with you again soon.