Links between the church and the community.

St Margaret’s has forged strong links with the local community and other local churches and this enhances our efforts to place the face, heart and mind of Jesus in our local environment. The other Churches in the area (1 Catholic, 1 Free Evangelical Church, and 1 United Reformed Church worshipping in 3 buildings) make up Christians Together in Burnage (CTIB) and via this route we present an Ecumenical image to the community (we have a joint motto card each year). St Margaret’s are an active and leading member of CTIB and we participate jointly in lent groups, carol singing and prayer during both the week of Prayer for Christian Unity and at Pentecost. Within the local Deanery we are geographically somewhat on a limb being some 4 miles distant from the other churches in our Deanery. We have 3 Deanery representatives.

Burnage Multi Agency Group (BMAG) is a group of organisations involved in initiatives for the improvement of the area of Burnage. Our previous Rector as chair of BMAG from its inception has been instrumental in directing the views and opinions of BMAG. Other BMAG members include the local police, Library, community association, councillors, schools and the health centre. They recently received a grant of over £200,000 to be spent on schemes that are appropriate and they now employ a fulltime youth work team.  We see our involvement in this group as an important link with the community and the way it develops.

Our hall premises are used for various community groups including a dancing school, pottery class, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Brownies and Guides and a Coffee Morning Drop In run by members of the Mothers Union. Our ABC Group, (Adults, Babies & Children) plays a pivotal role in our interaction with that section of the community and provides opportunity for evangelism and strengthening family values.

 There are three primary schools and two secondary schools in the parish and some members of the congregation serve as school governors. There are also links with Trinity Church of England High School in Manchester. Work in the local schools has been limited of late but this is an area we would want to see developed and indications are that the schools would welcome this.