Grace Thomas

^^^This!!!

😭😭 It, rather ironically, smashes

Front of ceramic mug with words Smash the patriarchy not the planet.

Back of the same mug showing how it has been smashed

Gutted

a man is sitting on a couch smoking a cigarette and drinking a glass of wine . Alt: a man is sitting on a couch genuflecting with the caption amen to that

Several people in the train carriage I am on agreeing loudly with the conductor's announcement that 'noone sitting near you wants to hear the YouTube tutorial you are watching, so wear earphones please'

Not a thing in the UK!

Thanks for the pointer to the podcast, Rach. Will listen

An extremely good morning!

BBC Radio 4 - Daily Service, Candlemas - God's Promise Fulfilled Christian worship with a Bible reading, prayer and music led by Reverend Grace Thomas

If you would like something that is still Candlemas themed, in today's Daily Service, I reflect on Simeon's words, repeated in churches and cathedrals around the world every single day

BBC Radio 4: Daily Service, Candlemas - God's Promise Fulfilled share.google/JaLW3UXftFkY...

My sermon for said Eucharist was on the joy of the light of Christ, expressed so poignantly by Simeon and Anna. A light that transcends the current age, drawing us into hope even when things seem bleak

Very much preached that to myself as I look around at *waves arms* all of this

The nave of the cathedral with a statue of the holy family surrounded by candles.

A beautiful evening

The Eucharist for Candlemas followed by an incredible organ recital of Messiaen's La Nativité du Seigneur, played by our Organist @mancathedral.bsky.social, Chris Stokes, with narration in both French and English

The absolute perfect way to end Christmas

#Candlemas

It is isn't it! Hope your youngest gets the place she wants

Liverpool metropolitan cathedral from the outside

Inside the nave of the cathedral

Another early morning, another city, another medical school interview for youngest

Fortuitously located next door to this beauty

Quoted this beautiful poem by @malcolmguite.bsky.social in my sermon today for #Candlemas

Book Mike Berners-Lee A Climate of Truth

I found this too hard to read at times. It offers little to be optimistic about, even if Berners-Lee says it contains realistic hope

But it is important, and I was taken by the statement that 'unless we tackle the spiritual poverty of the over-rich, we can never eradicate physical poverty'
#Booksky

Snowy landscape by road. Taken on the snake pass

Cup of tea with pot, on wooden table in cafe

Continuing the tour of British medical schools for youngest, with a snowy trip over the Pennines to Sheffield

Grateful for a small independent cafe situated next to the school, for refreshment while she does her thing in interview 🙏🏽

A PRAYER FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF ELECTION OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY Almighty God, you call your Church in every age to proclaim the Gospel of Christ: look with mercy upon your servant Sarah, and grant that, as deacon, she may care for those in need, as priest, sustain us with the ministry of word and sacrament, and as bishop, guard the faith and build up the body of Christ in holiness. Giver her wisdom and kindness that as archbishop, she may promote unity, seek truth, and lead us in the way of righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

My feed is full of joyful posts about our new Archbishop of Canterbury and it is a wonderful thing to behold

International Women's Day Manchester Cathedral JOIN US FOR TWO EVENTS TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2026 Shakers, Rule Breakers, History Makers Women of Manchester Cathedral Saturday 7th March 2pm Alongside our exhibition (20th Feb - 9th March), join us to hear more about the lives of some incredible women associated with the Cathedral. Historical archives and stories will be shared about Ann Lee, subject of a new Hollywood film 'The Testament of Ann Lee', Margaret Traherne, stained glass pioneer and creator of our Flame Window, and many more. There will be contributions via video from our friends at The People's History Museum Which Women? Whose Experience? Diversity and Women's Experiences in Feminist Theologies Monday 9th March, 7pm Dr Faith Van Horne will lead a theological conversation. Faith received her PhD in Theology and Religion from the University of Birmingham. Her work explores the intersections of Pentecostal and feminist theologies, embodied spiritual praxis as a theological resource, and the lived consequences of Christian doctrine Free to attend, no need to book canon.missioner@manchestercathedral.org

Two special events for International Women's Day

More to follow about the 'Shakers, Rule Breakers, History Makers' exhibition

This will coincide with 'The Testament of Ann Lee'- a new film telling the story of Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers, who was baptised & married at Manchester Cathedral
#IWD

Ugh, Graeme I'm glad you got home safely but that's a very unpleasant experience for you

A black leather bound book with gold lettering 'The book of strange preachers at the collegiate church in Manchester commencing AD 1716

This is one of the many treasures in our archives @mancathedral.bsky.social

Within it is the signature of Thomas Clarkson, a campaigner for the abolition of slavery. Clarkson came to Manchester in 1787 and preached a pivotal sermon to a packed nave about the evils of the slave trade

Cover of the book 'The Door' by Paul Bayes

This book is beautiful, but I would expect nothing less from the wonderful +Paul Bayes

#TheDoor #Booksky

The nave of the cathedral lit up in blue

The nave of the cathedral lit in multiple colours

The nave of the cathedral lit in purple and blue to look like stained glass

If you get a chance, go to the Luminescence show @mancathedral.bsky.social. it's incredible and tells the story of Manchester and the cathedral beautifully through music and prose

#proudmanc #proudcathedralcanon

Photo of my lounge, with our Christmas tree lit and decorated in the foreground

Sermon writing this afternoon

#ItsStillChristmas

Love this!

The Dean and his wife Celia at the front of church giving thanks

Various people standing behind a table which has a special cake on it the Dean is right of centre

The Dean and his wife, Celia, cutting the cake

Large square cake with Dean of Manchester 20 years congratulations Rogers written on it

20 years ago this week, Dean Rogers Govender was installed as the Dean of Manchester. We were delighted to be joined by many dignitaries from the city for the morning service.

The order of service included a hymn that the Dean requested for his installation - Beauty for Brokenness

BBC Radio 4 - Daily Service, Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Epiphany Christian worship with a Bible reading, prayer and music from St Ann's Church, Manchester

Tomorrow's Daily Service is a delightful collaboration with the fabulous people at St. Ann's Church. Loved giving an Epiphany reflection about how Isaiah compels us to lift up our eyes and notice God's loving presence, even when under the darkest of skies

share.google/t87x4irtLMDP...

Selfie of me in bottom left corner wearing a red cope, next to three people dressed as Magi with crowns and gold copes

Just me hanging out with some Magi, as you do!
#Epiphany

I love doing these walks. It's a great way to notice what is happening on our doorstep and to get to know one another! The walks planned for Winter/Spring are 2-3miles max and involve a cafe stop. All welcome! Details below

#Manchester #Walking #Parish

Selfie of me with friend, both wearing heats and sunglasses. Hills in background

Country path with dry stone wall. Hills in background. Blue sky

Hills and blue sky

Met a donkey on the walk, seen here in a field by a tree

Started the New Year by completing another stage of the #GMRingway @gojauntly.bsky.social

Absolute scenes
#ItsGrimUpNorth

Dining table with red table cloth and festive runner. Christmas crackers on plates and fairy lights in background

As it's still Christmas, getting the table ready for a celebration with friends! Curries on the menu tonight though!

#ItsStillChristmas #TenthDayOfChristmas

Happy New Year, Rachel. I'm so very glad you are in the world and that I get to call you my friend. Here's praying for a much better 2026 x