Every Day Faith - Places please!

Churches across the deaneries of Stockport, Chadkirk and Mottram were invited to St Mark's Church, Bredbury for a live recording of the Chester Diocese’s Everyday Faith Podcast—an honest and inspiring conversation about living out faith in daily life. (Wednesday 14 May)

Hosted by Ruth Bull from Transforming Lives Together, the panel featured three Christians at different stages of their Christian journeys who each bring their faith into the heart of their work and communities.

Paul Smikle, Church Warden and worship team member at Holy Trinity Church, Stalybridge, brings his faith into the world of tech sales. “I’m an ambassador for the Kingdom—and for a manufacturing company that makes circuit boards. Whether I’m at church or with clients, I’m always looking for ways to share the Good News.”

Clair Connor of St Mary’s Church, Stockport, works with children at Disley Primary School. She describes a moment that sticks with her:  “A mum sent in a video of her daughter singing ‘Amazing Grace’ which she learned while drying dishes. She said, ‘She learned this from you.’ It reminded me that small seeds of faith grow in unexpected ways.”

Gayle Cross from St Mark’s Church, Bredbury, is new to faith. She is a Group People and Development Manager in the construction industry. “My faith shapes how I support people in tough times—both at work and personally. It’s helped shift how managers think about leadership: with compassion, grace, and dignity.”

The panel explored how everyday discipleship—small shifts in mindset and action—can transform our relationships at home, at work, and in the world around us. There was also a chance for the audience to ask questions and share their own stories.

Host, Ruth Bull said: “Jesus is constantly at work in the day-to-day. Hearing these stories will inspire us to understand how faith isn’t just for Sundays—it’s for school gates, office desks, and factory floors.”

Archdeacon Mike Gilbertson, Chair of the Everyday Faith group at Church House, says, “‘I am constantly encouraged by hearing how Jesus is at work in our daily lives, to share his love and hope with others. I was great to hear from Gayle, Clair and Paul and to be inspired as we live out our own faith day by day.”

The Everyday Faith Group is looking for venues to host forthcoming podcasts which will take place monthly from September 2025 into Spring 2026. They are also looking for volunteers to be part of the planning team and panelists. If you would like more information or can offer a venue please email comms@chester.anglican.org