The first week in October saw Manchester hosting the Tory Party Conference, and from that you'll have seen all the headline hitting topics.

At the same time, Christians Against Poverty and The Joint Public Issues Team were holding prayer events in the city centre, praying for an end to poverty. You didn't see that in the news did you!

It was a brilliant opportunity for Central Hall and Mosaic to host different parts of the event, and also for all three of the Ministry Team to play their part in the gatherings.

Revd Ian and Deacon Jenny joined a number of other Christians for a prayer breakfast at 7:30 on Monday morning. This was followed by a brilliant day program of discussion with people who had lived experience, a time of prayer and a Policy Panel discussion which Jenny played an active role in.

The evening saw Revd Ian and Karen joining with the group for fellowship over a meal, and then having conversations about where we are seeing poverty and how it is affecting those we work with.

At 12:45 on Tuesday Jenny joined a group on the steps of the Friends Meeting House to hold a silent prayer vigil. In Jennys own words 'All around us was the noise of protest but our message was simple and clear'.

Christians Against Poverty and The Joint Public Issues Team are holding a similar event for the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Keep an eye out for news around that event.