We are delighted to announce that the Revd Andy Bird, Curate at St Werburgh’s Chorlton will be moving in 2025 to take up a new post at William Temple Church in Wythenshawe. Andy will lead a team sent from St Werburgh’s, aiming to see the renewal of William Temple’s mission and ministry in the coming years. St Werburgh’s was itself revitalised in 2020/1 and is one of a number of resource churches in the Diocese of Manchester which exist to regularly plant other churches; this will be the first planting team sent from St Werburgh’s.
Andy says: "Beth and I are really excited to go to Wythenshawe and help lead this new initiative, with a team from St Werburgh’s."
Bishop Matthew, who is responsible for church planting and revitalisation in the Diocese of Manchester is thankful to all who have helped make this possible both at William Temple and St Werburgh’s, stating: "William Temple Church has a rich heritage and we’re so grateful to all who’ve served there before, as well as to Ian Fellows, Team Rector of Wythenshawe for opening the door to this mission opportunity."
It is hoped that Andy will begin at William Temple around Easter 2025 and a team join him later in the year, probably around September. Please do pray for this strategic initiative and for all involved.