Hot Stuff! - Stanford's Pentecost Event

Sun. 31st May. Why not finish off the holiday with an outdoor Holy Communion service of Pentecost at Stanford on Soar? Hopefully, the weather will be behaving for the bonfire and FREE hog roast to follow. There will also be games for the youngsters too. Come along for 1.00pm for the lighting of the bonfire.

If Classical music appeals to you more, there will be a Benefit Concert in aid of the church organ appeal at St. Peter's Nottingham on Sat. 30th May. See http://nottinghamchurches.org/ . Tel: 01159 483658.

Or maybe sport is your favourite? On Sun 14th June there will be a celebration of Sport evening service at St Michael's, Linby. The speaker will be Bill Bygroves, the chaplain at Liverpool FC. See Colin for more details.

Don't forget St Mary's Coffee Morning every Friday 10-12noon!

Travel rugs? Churches are not known for being the warmest of places. St John the Baptist Church, Stanford on Soar sends out a plea for anyone who is willing to donate travel rugs they no longer need to prepare for Autumn and Winter services in their church.

Cluster Confirmation - May 21st 09

The church was full for the Confirmation of 17 Candidates from the Cluster of S Notts. churches, by Tony Porter, Bishop of Sherwood last night at St Mary's.

By the time the service began, over 160 people were in the congregation including the candidates and the clergy from their parishes.

Many had brought family and friends to support them, including some delightful, well behaved small children.

The Benefice choir and St Mary's Music group led the hymns. It was a very happy, joyful occasion ending with the Bishop leading the candidates holding their Confirmation candles, clergy and choir out of the church

Churchwardens & Ascension Day

On Tuesday, 19th May, Gill Richards and Graham Brown attended the Archdeacon's Visitation with Revd Glynis at St Mary's Church, Lace Market, Nottingham to be sworn in as Churchwardens for 2009/10.

They have been busily preparing for the Confirmation to be held later today at 7.30pm at St Mary's when we welcome all the Candidates, their sponsors, families and friends, not forgetting the Bishop of Sherwood.

ConcertAid

On Saturday night we were entertained by the Charnwood Concert Band who provided a medley of music from the shows, some classical and some novelties e.g. the Wallace and Gromit theme and the Pink Panther theme. The Band of approximately 30 members consisted of people of all ages, led by Judy Nicol. Virtuoso performances of 'Trumpeter's Holiday were given by the trumpet section, and we were treated once again to some fun from 'Sax Sensation', including our own Elizabeth Holland. We wish them well for their forthcoming trip to Holland. If you haven't heard Charnwood Concert Bank, you're missing a real treat and a fun evening. Check out their website: http://www.charnwoodconcertbands.co.uk/

• This week, the Women's Group hold their AGM in St Mary's Hall on Monday, 18th at 8.00pm.
• N.B. Tues. 19th the Banner Group meeting has been CANCELLED.
• On Tues. 19th at 7.30pm our Churchwardens, Gill Richards and Graham Brown will be attending the Archdeacon's Visitation Service at St Mary's Church in the Lace Market Nottingham. Why not go along and support them?
• Wed. 20th at 3.00pm - 'Open Your Bible' is at 10 Lantern Lane
• Thurs. 21st at 7.30pm - Cluster Confirmation Service at St Mary's with Bishop Tony. Why not come along and support them?
• Fri. 22nd 10-12noon - Come and share your news at the Coffee Morning in St Mary's.
• Robin Borrett's Coloured Pencil Workshop - Sat. June 6th 10-4.30pm. Contact Robin on 01509 856940.

Check other forthcoming events on our website. See the link on the right.

Cluster Confirmation

Cluster Confirmation Service, Thurs. 21st May at 7.30pm We are looking forward to the visit of Bishop Tony next week for the Confirmation Service of approximately 20 candidates from the Cluster of South Notts. Anglican Churches. Visiting clergy, family and friends of the candidates will be joining members of the congregations, so it will be a wonderful evening to celebrate. Our prayers are with those being confirmed and we welcome them. News of decreasing Christian numbers is not all bad. Praise the Lord! We are here to care for one another in place of Jesus, and that means everyone, not just Christians. Please note: The EL Guides are also holding a meeting in the Hall, to include other Guiding groups and parents that same evening, so parking spaces will be in short supply.

Wedding Fair at Stanford Hall & Christian Aid Week

A big thank you to those who took turns yesterday on the stand for St Mary's Church and Benefice at the Stanford Hall Wedding Fair, especially Chris and John O'Nions, Gwen and Peter Edwards and Margaret Sutton. Throughout the afternoon it was well attended by over 200 people, many of whom stopped at our stand to chat and ask questions.

There were 44 stands in total and several very smart cars (and a bus!) parked out front on display.

For those interested in the Hall, many of the rooms have been beautifully decorated, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Christian Aid Week 10-16th May. You are likely to receive a Christian Aid envelope through your door this week. Please contribute whatever you can to this worthy charity. Don't forget there will be a concert by Sax Sensation, in aid of the charity this Saturday at 7.30pm too at St Mary's Church.

The blog is back with lots more happenings!

The blog is back, ready to update you on the latest happenings at St Mary's and the Benefice.

This Sunday, members of St Mary's and the Benefice will be attending the Wedding Fair at Stanford Hall between 11.00am-4.oopm. We will be based in the Art Deco Room for anyone planning a wedding and who would like to know more about getting married in church. It is also the Grand Opening of Stanford Hall after being closed for some years. Come along and have a look and meet us.

The first of our Tea Time Sunday meetings for young families was attended by approximately 30 people, including the church helpers. We look forward to meeting more of you throughout the summer (except August). The event will be held on the first Sunday of the month.

This weekend starts a week of fundraising for Christian Aid. Please be generous and put something in your envelope being collected by volunteers giving up their time for this worthy cause. There will be a Cake and Plant sale on Saturday, 9th at the Methodist Church 10-12noon and a Christian Aid Concert at St Mary's on the following Saturday 16th too.

St Mary's Church blog and website have been entered in the 2009 Church Website of the Year, run by the Christian Aid website, Surefish. If you use and enjoy our blog and website, and would like to encourage us and support the parish of East Leake, please vote for our blog and website. Please check on www. surefish.co.uk to vote in June. Thank you.