On Tuesday evening, the Revd Andy Bird was officially licensed as Assistant Curate at William Temple Church in Wythenshawe. Andy will lead a team sent from St Werburgh’s and will work alongside the Wythenshawe Team with a shared goal: to revitalise William Temple Church and contribute to a thriving mission and ministry in the area.
St Werburgh’s, itself revitalised in 2020/21, is one of several resource churches in the Diocese of Manchester. These churches are established with the purpose of planting and revitalising other churches across the region. This marks the first planting team to be sent out from St Werburgh’s.
Reflecting on this new venture, Andy shared:
“Beth and I are really excited to serve in Wythenshawe and help lead this new initiative, with a team from St Werburgh’s. This large area was originally built as a ‘garden city’, and our vision today is to be “Restoring the Garden City of Wythenshawe and beyond”. It’s a picture which speaks of loving Jesus, discovering God’s purposes in our lives day by day, and building up the community. Along with the wider team in local churches we’re excited for a new season of life at William Temple.”
Bishop Matthew, who oversees church planting and revitalisation in the Diocese, expressed his gratitude:
“William Temple Church has a rich heritage, and we’re so grateful to all who’ve served there before. I’m especially thankful to the Revd Ian Fellows, Team Rector of Wythenshawe, for opening the door to this mission opportunity.”
Speaking at the licensing service, Bishop Mark added:
“I am thrilled to be here at William Temple in Wythenshawe to license Andy and to pray for him as he begins this exciting new chapter of mission and ministry. Resource churches like this one are a vital part of our diocesan vision for growth and transformation. Rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, sustained by prayer and worship, and committed to serving their communities with Christ-filled love, they represent our shared hope for renewal. As a diocesan family, we stand together to support, encourage, and pray for them, their leaders, and all those they serve.”
Please join us in praying for Andy, his wife the Revd Beth Bird and the team as they begin this new season of ministry at William Temple Church.
