Consecration of Bishop Michael Fleming

admin1 News, Press Release 19th October 202219th October 2022BBC, Church on the Street, COTS

What a day! Thanks be to God for all He has done and congratulations to my precious brother Bishop Michael Fleming on his consecration.

A consecration service like no other, with Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Oxborough, who opened the Commonwealth games, an award winning BBC Correspondent, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, and an abrupt interruption from a congregation member.

Our special guest speakers did a wonderful job, they clearly have a deep respect and love for Bishop Michael. Here we are with the BBC’s Special Correspondent Ed Thomas and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Christine Kirk DL

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Christine Kirk DL was interrupted during the service. Two people came to the front of the church shouting and clearly in great need. Bishop Michael embraced them in love and led them to the side. I explained to the congregation that the church is a spiritual hospital so we ought not to be surprised if we encounter some patients. I went on to conclude that we’re all patients, with differing degrees of need. In many ways, the incident was a perfect illustration of what a church could and should be.

Too Poor To Die

admin1 News 10th March 202110th March 2021BBC, bereavement, Burnley, covid-19, pandemic

Our dear TICCN brother Revd. Michael showing the love of God to precious poor people. Loving people as Jesus does!

The video above, by the BBC, features Revd. Michael as he helps families struggling financially at the same time as bereavement.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-56255828?fbclid=IwAR0uuzUac5nb_YjdE6qWO7A-sVkNyQtx2LAus6U4P4mjSbvvNtkfq9A3T6w

TICCN Minister Gaining National Attention for His Work With the Poor

admin1 News 20th January 202120th January 2021BBC, coronavirus pandemic, covid-19, food aid, food support, homeless, low-income families, Poor, The Guardian

Pastor Michael Fleming has been hitting the newspaper headlines, with the BBC and The Guardian running stories on his work helping the homeless, poor, and low-income families in the town of Burnley.

Michael’s charity Church on the Street continues to distribute food parcels and hot meals during the coronavirus pandemic helping those most vulnerable and in need.

“We take food parcels to people, but what’s the point if they can’t cook the food because there’s no gas or electric? So now we provide hot, cooked meals as well.”

Michael’s work featured in a BBC video and the response from the public has been phenomenal, with donations reaching six figures in a matter of days.

Bishop Steven Lyn Evans has spoken of his pride at the huge effort Michael has put in to support people in often-desperate circumstances in the east Lancashire town. He told Wigan Observer “It is thrilling for me to see what he is doing in Burnley. He has such a genuine love for people and his story is a compelling one”.

To read the full articles click on the links below:

Poverty and the Pandemic: Burnley’s Front Line | BBC iPlayer
Burnley: ‘Children ripping bags open for food’ during pandemic | BBC News
Burnley’s Pastor Mick – from dangerous drug dealer to lifesaver | BBC News
Exploitation of the poor borders on evil, say clerics driven to tears by debt crisis | The Guardian

The Remarkable Work of TICCN

admin1 News 9th December 20209th December 2020BBC, Bishop Steven Lyn Evans, Burnley, Church on the Street, COTS, covid-19, GoFundMe, Michael Fleming, Poverty, Revd. Michael Fleming, TICCN, Wigan

This year TICCN ministers have been busier than ever. Around the world our devoted ministers and church members alike have contributed in sacrificial giving to the poor and needy. We have heard some amazing stories of sacrificial love and devotion for those in need. We estimate that since March this year TICCN ministers have given over 250,000 meals to the poor in addition PPE equipment and medical aid to some of the poorest people in our communities.

We feature here the work of TICCN minister Revd. Michael Fleming who has been at the forefront of work amongst the Covid-19 impacted and poor in Burnley. Revd. Michael spoke to Bishop Steven about recent events and the way in which they have been able to offer strategic resources to those most vulnerable and in need. He was also quoted in a BBC interview describing the dramatic scene of ‘Children ripping bags open for food’ during the pandemic.

BBC analysis shows the death rate from all causes between April and June this year in the most deprived areas was nearly double that of deaths in the least deprived parts of England. The majority of the top 10 cities and towns with the highest death rates were in the north of England.
(https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-55133081)

Bishop Steven has confirmed that TICCN will continue to offer support and guidance to all our ministers during this unprecedented time. He also thanked the people who have responded in a remarkable way to the CoTs charity appeals. Currently the Go Fund Me page has received almost £100,000 in just over a week. Bishop Steven concluded by saying that “During these times of great needs TICCN is setting an example of walking in love and service whenever and wherever we can.”

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Cots-Ministries-supporting-the-poor