Community Page

St Chrysostom's is at the heart of the local community

Our parish is a wonderfully diverse area with people of different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and ages – we have much to celebrate.
We also have great needs, socially and economically.

St Chrysostom's seeks to serve our community in whatever way we can.

We seek to work together with all people, our schools, our institutions, our local businesses and other community bodies for the good of
our local area. We seek to encourage one another and to support one another, building bonds of friendship and support.
Here are some ways that our church is active amongst our local community.

Homes and Institutions

Victoria Park has many homes and institutions which care for
those in need, and St Chrysostom’s enjoys good relationships
with many of these places. In particular, we offer pastoral
support Richmond Court, a home offering sheltered
accommodation to the over 55’s. We hold a service of Holy
Communion once a month in the resident’s lounge, as well as
joining in at coffee mornings and organising a game or two of
bingo!

We also offer support to Newbury House, a home for 16 men
and women with alcohol dependency.We offer pastoral care
to staff and residents, as well as organising events such as
poetry evenings and pool tournaments. Many residents also
come to work at Church on a voluntary basis, as part of their
recovery programme.

The Student Community

St Chrysostom’s Parish is a home to
thousands of students, many of whom
live in Halls of Residence. Church
serves a Chaplaincy to two Halls,
Dalton Ellis and Hulme, as well as
having informal contact with others,
such as Methodist International
House, which hosts our monthly film
group.

Services for Remembrance Sunday
and Christmas take place in Hulme
Hall Chapel, and social events are
also held, such as cheese and wine
evenings, often in aid of charity. We
seek to be a supportive presence in
these communities.

Posada

During the season of advent, Church
organises a Posada journey around the
Parish, inviting homes and businesses
to welcome in the figures of Mary and
Joseph. Posada is a wonderful way to
engage with the local community in an
imaginative way, and we always receive
a positive response from those who
take part. Taking the Christmas story to
people helps us to build up
relationships with the wider community
during the rest of the year.

Children and Schools

Children are a very important part of the life of the Church,
and not just on Sunday mornings. Good relationships are
enjoyed with our local schools,

Members of the congregation serve on at least
six School Governing bodies

On Tuesday mornings at St Chrysostom’s School, children
are invited to Munamato, a time together to explore Christian
prayer and spirituality through stories and activities.

During the School half terms we invite children to Church for
activity days, learning and having fun together
through games, sports, music and trips out.

The Church’s Parish Assistants also work one day a week in
both Parish Schools, assisting in the classroom and with
school administration.
The clergy regularly visit and lead assemblies.

Serving

We have an active part in serving our local community, here are some
examples of what we do:

Church members run a conversation class for women at St John’s School,
to help them improve their English

Another member serves as a volunteer Chaplain at Manchester Royal Infirmary

We hold on Wednesday afternoons Café Olympias, a time for tea coffee and
fellowship.

Members also organise and participate in the Victoria Park Festival, which runs
through the summer months, to celebrate the history and diversity of our local
area.