Thieves in the churchyard again!

Thefts from the churchyard. Please be aware if you are leaving Christmas wreaths for your loved ones in St Mary's churchyard that thieves are continuing to help themselves.  The Police have once again been made aware and are checking the area frequently.  We appreciate that this is most distressing and ask that everyone keeps their eyes open for anything suspicious and report it to the Police.

New Year's Day Services

• A short said Holy Communion service will be held on Saturday, 1st January 2011 at 10.00am at St Mary's.
• Sat. 1st Jan 2011, 12noon - Short service for New Year, followed by Bring and Share lunch at Stanford Church.

Sunday, 2nd January
8.00am Holy Communion
9.30am Parish Communion
11.15am Let's Praise
N.B. There will be NO Teatime Sunday.

As usual, all the Christmas Services were well attended in spite of the cold weather and we thank you all for coming.  An enormous amount of work goes into these services and thanks go to everyone involved especially the Rector. We wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful New Year. 

If you make New Year's Resolutions, why not make one to do something good for someone else each day. It can make all the difference to their lives.

A very happy Christmas wherever you are!



St Mary's Parish Church, East Leake.



St Mary's Church, East Leake wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas to celebrate the coming of the Saviour of the world.

We especially think of those less fortunate than ourselves and Christians everywhere who may not be able to worship with the same freedoms we have.

Joy to the world, the Saviour comes

Let earth receive her King.

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and Nature sing.

The last candle on the Advent wreath will be lit on Christmas Eve representing Jesus, the Light of the World.

Please take a little time out to come to one of our Christmas Services to acknowledge and celebrate his coming. 

Harry Carlton School Carol Service Cancelled.

Cancellation! Due to the heavy snow Harry Carlton School has closed, therefore the 1.30pm Carol Service at St Mary's Church will NOT be going ahead today.

What is Christmas? Jesus is the reason for the season!

The pink Advent candle was lit on Sunday. 19th to remember Mary, the young girl who gave birth to Jesus, the Holy Child. It must have been a shock to her, being a virgin to know she was pregnant and to be told that the child would be the special one prophesied in Isaiah - Immanuel (God with us). The important thing is that she gladly accepted it - if that was what God wanted of her, she would obey.

*Carolling at the Three Horseshoes Pub at 6.30pm tonight Tuesday, 21st, raising money for the Friary Drop-In Centre. Please note that this will take place inside the pub, due to the freezing weather! There are many homeless people out in this sub zero cold who desperately need a warm place to go, some hot food and a shower.  Will you help this support this worthy charity?

Please note! St Mary's Coffee Morning will still be held on Friday morning, 24th Dec at 10.00-12.00noon HOWEVER it will be held in St Mary's HALL instead, just this week!
Please be aware that water has been running down the road and created a sheet of ice outside the hall. Salt and grit have been put down but it's difficult to continue to keep clear. The authorities have been notified.

Lots to do before Christmas Eve

If you're getting tired of being indoors and want to DO something why not join us for some of St Mary's Events this weekend and the run-up to Christmas Eve. We have things to occupy the children and opportunities if you're a flower arranger or just want to be involved in the excitement of Advent with us.

Sat. 18th Dec. 10.30am - Come and help DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE AT ST MARYS CHURCH. The church is being decorated with lights this year too.

Sun. 19th Dec. 9.30am - All Stars (Sunday School) Christmas Party in St Mary's Hall.
Services: 8.00am Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Communion. We'd love to see you.

Mon. 20th Dec. 6.15pm – Carol Singing at Derbyshire House. Please join us to sing carols and share the joys of the festive season with the residents and staff.



Carol Singing in 2009

Tues. 21st Dec. 6.30pm – Carol Singing at The Three Horseshoes  - come well wrapped up!We hope that a large crowd will join us outside the pub. There will be a collection for charity. Afterwards we shall have an opportunity to meet socially for a meal, or just for a drink.

Wed 22nd Dec. 1.30pm - Harry Carlton School Year 7 Carol Service at St. Mary’s, East Leake.

Thursday 23rd December from 9.15am-11.30am - Christmas Flowers.

We will be decorating the church with flowers and candles. Any help you can give would be most welcome.

Uniformed Organisations' Carol Service.

Don't forget!  Tonight is the annual Carol Service for the Scouts and Guides Uniformed Organisations at St Mary's Church at 7.00pm.

Do you have a child who would like to help decorate the Christmas Tree inside St Mary's?  If so, come along this Saturday, 18th Dec at 10.30am. 

Acorns' Sunday School will hold their Christmas Party on Sunday, 19th at 9.30am. 

Advent week three and Christmas Day gets nearer.

Christmas Day is coming closer and while people are busy sending cards and buying gifts, the church calendar is busy too.
Tomorrow is the 3rd week of Advent when the next candle will be lit on our Advent wreath.  Last week we remembered the Prophets and lit the second candle. This week we remember John the Baptist and will light the third one. This Sunday is also Worship Together Sunday and there is always something for the children. You are welcome to bring your pram, pushchair or wheelchair too.

Monday 13th Dec. the Mothers' Union will hold their Advent Service at 2.15pm in St Mary's Church.

Tuesday 14th Dec. at 7.00pm the Uniformed Organisations from the Guide and Scout Associations will hold their Annual Carol Service at St Mary's.

Friday, 17th Dec. the South Notts. Bell Ringing District Assoc. will be holding their meeting at St Mary's at 6.45pm.



St Mary's Christmas Tree 2009

 Don't forget! Saturday 18th Dec. 10.30am the children are invited to come and decorate St Mary's Christmas Tree inside the church.

Turkey and Tinsel Event photos. There are more photos of this fun event held on 25th November on our website.  We wish to thank all of those who attended, and to wish them a very Merry Christmas from all at St Mary's.

Fun for the children

We have special events coming up for children of all ages.  If you'd like to come along, just contact anyone from St Mary's.

Just gone! Sat. 4th Dec. - Christmas Crafts Day.  Children from babies to 10 year olds who came to St Mary's on Saturday with their families enjoyed making a variety of crafts in spite of the icy conditions. The crafts were then used to illustrate the Nativity story afterwards.

Sun. 12th Dec. 9.30am. - Worship Together. This family friendly service is for everyone. Prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs welcome.

Tues. 14th Dec. 7.00pm - Young People's Uniformed Organisations Carol Service at St Mary's, East Leake. All members of the Scout and Guide Association are invited to this special annual service next week.

Sat. 18th Dec. 10.30am - Decorating the Christmas Tree at St Mary's Church. Children, we need your help! You are invited to come and help decorate the tree inside the church.  The big tree outside the church is already up and waiting to be switched on, and the Christmas lights at St Mary's Hall will be on this week.

Sun. 19th Dec. 9.30am in St Mary's Hall - Sunday School Christmas Party. Don't miss this.  Put it in your diary NOW.

For further events please see the list on the right, or see our website: www.east-leake.co.uk/stmarys.html.
If you would like to book a party for a birthday or any other special event, St Mary's Hall is available for private bookings and you can view availability via our on-line calendar (see the link on the right).

Winter weather cancellations

Do you need to cancel your class in the church hall?
During this exceptional cold and snowy spell, if you need to cancel a class, you can contact the Booking Secretary on 820094 or via email on stmarys@eastleake.net.  The information will be placed on this blog and the website for information for those attending.

St Mary's Church Services.
All services will be going ahead as usual, but it may feel colder than normal inside this ancient building in spite of the under floor heating, so wrap up warm. The paths have been cleared of snow for access, see photo taken this morning.

If you would like to comment or contact us through the blog, you can do so by clicking on the link under each posting.

Christmas Crafts Fun afternoon, Sat. 4th 2.00-4.00pm, St Mary's Church.
This will still be going ahead as planned.

Christmas crafts.

Saturday, 4th Dec. 2.00-4.00pm in St Mary's Church there will be a Christmas Crafts Fun afternoon for all the family, especially the children.  Come along and join the fun. It's free!

On Sunday, the first day of Advent, the first candle was lit to remember the Patriarchs.  The children helped with the lighting then went to make their own Advent wreaths during the service.

Please remember your neighbours! Not everyone is able to join in the fun and excitement. The severe, cold and snowy weather causes many problems, so please don't forget to check on your neighbours to see if they need any help, especially those who live alone. Someone checking on them could make all the difference.  As Christians, we must take care of each other and treat one another as we would like to be treated ourselves. That means everyone, not just those who are already friends.

This time of year charities who help the homeless are desperate for your help. Imagine not having your home to keep you warm in this cold weather.  Which of us would change places with them?

Fun and laughter at Turkey and Tinsel today

We welcomed fourteen guests from the East Leake community to our first Turkey and Tinsel event today and great fun was had by all. 

There were games with prizes, a most delicious Christmas dinner and dessert at the Three Horseshoes Pub, followed by entertainment and singing before 'Santa Claus' with an elf came to hand out gifts to all the guests.

Everyone went home after having refreshments including home-made mince pies. We'd like to thank everyone for making it such an enjoyable day, especially to Canon Philip Humphries who expertly played the piano and sang for us.  Watch out for more photos.

Advent begins this Sunday, 28th November.

This marks the beginning of the church looking forward to the coming of Jesus as a baby, the Messiah.  He came to show us how to live so that we might have a close, loving relationship with God who loves us all.  It also reminds us that we are looking forward to Jesus coming again.

Are you using your talents?

Plans are going ahead for all the services and events in Advent up to Christmas. Whatever your skill or talent you could be using it for the benefit of the community, and we all DO have talents or skills.  God gave us all talents, some greater than others but you mustn't waste them.  You could be good at making friends or be a good listener - they're in very short supply these days!

If you're not a regular churchgoer but would like to be part of this exciting time, you're very welcome to join us for whatever time you can contribute. Even our churches in East Leake pool their talents e.g. the talented embroidery Banner Group. 

It's a great way to make new friends in a fun and friendly atmosphere, we'll always be glad to see you and use 'many hands to make light work'.  All are welcome, men, women or children and all ages.

Just check the list in the Forthcoming Events column. Are you good at crafts, carpentry, bellringing, singing, sewing, baking, drama, photography, or do you have lots of good ideas and are very organised?  Or would you just like to come along and help with whatever's needed?

Ringing the bell in Madagascar and thanks.

The bell can ring again in a Madagascan church. The picture is of the new "sally" bell rope at our Mission partners Sam and Violette Beeton's church in Madagascar, which was made and donated by Phil Stanley of Ellis Ropes. Little did they know when they visited us this year that the Stanley family had the answer to their prayers, when they mentioned that their bell rope had worn out. Many thanks to the Stanley family for their kind donation.  As you can see it's already in good use.

Turkey and Tinsel, Thursday 25th November, 10.30am-3.00pm. 
Time is running out if you'd like to join us next Thursday for our special day of fun and entertainment.  Spaces are still available, but we need the final numbers by tomorrow, Sunday for the Christmas lunch at the Three Horseshoes (cost £5).  We hope to fill the church with laughter. Folks from the Residential homes in East Leake have been invited as well as those who live alone.  If you need transport, please contact Doris on 852778 or Sue on 820252.
Watch for photos from the event on the blog or website.
 
Forthcoming events.

• It's the beginning of Advent on Sunday, 28th November already!

• Following the service at 9.30am will be the Parish Council's Thankyou getogether, with refreshments for all our volunteers who have maintained St Mary's Churchyard in the past year. This event also includes a thank you to those on the Church Cleaning rota for all their hard work.

A BIG THANKYOU! There are other rotas within the church who take care of the church and its services, so thank you to all the teams as well for:
Flower Arranging
Brass Cleaning
Bell Ringing
Choir Music Group
Audio systems
Fund Raising
Social Events
Youth Work
The list doesn't include the Staff Team, Sacristan and Verger, Churchwardens and PCC of course who do an enormous amount of work.
I'm sure someone will say if I've forgotten someone as there is a lot of work to be done and many people involved in keeping things running.
ST MARY'S CHURCH COULDN'T FULFILL IT'S MISSION WITHOUT YOU!

Good news!

St Mary's Church Hall roof.
We have just been promised funding from Grass Roots charity to repair the Church Hall roof following recent vandalism.  Work could begin as early as next week, but for those who use the hall regularly can be assured that things will continue as usual and any disruption will be kept to a minimum.  We appreciate your patience while this work is being done.

Samaritan's Purse. This is the Christmas Box Appeal for poor and needy children.  Over 300 shoe boxes containing small gifts and sweets are on their way to Romania from East Leake this year!  A big thank you to all who filled a box. You will make a child very happy this Christmas.

Posada. This tradition started in Mexico to represent the trials Mary and Joseph had trying to find a place at an inn on their journey to Bethlehem. The Mary and Joseph figurines from our church nativity scene, are invited into our own homes for a night during Advent.  Would you like to invite them into your home?  If so, please sign the list at the back of church as it's filling up quickly.

Autumn's here!

Christmas Card Fair & Coffee Morning, Friday November 5th. The clocks have changed, the gales have brought most of the leaves down and the shops are full of Christmas goodies.  Our own Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning brought many folks in to buy the various cards, Advent calendars and delicious cakes.


'TURKEY AND TINSEL' event at St Mary's Church, Thursday, 25th November, starting at 10.30am-3.00pm approx.  This event is for older/young at heart persons.  £5 inclusive.  Coffee, lunch and entertainment. Please contact Gill, Doris, Pam or Jan to sign up and for further details. If you can't get away for a holiday, come and join the fun for a day.  Transport can be provided for those with mobility problems.

PARISH WEEKEND 28th - 30th JANUARY 2011 at WILLERSLEY CASTLE, DERBYSHIRE.
If you are planning to go to this weekend, payments are now due. The final date is DECEMBER 12th.
The cost is £121, less your £20 deposit for adults. Spare places are available - would you like one?
Please contact Judith for details.

Church Cleaning - we need your help.
There is a small rota of people who clean the church for a couple of hours approximately every other month - mainly sweeping and dusting.
With more helpers it would be less. Can you help?
The work is not hard and you would be working with another person.
For details please call Avril on 852238.

Time to change your clocks back this weekend!

It's that time of year again when we change the clocks back one hour.  Don't forget to move your clocks BACK this Sunday, October 31st.

The Community Choir is coming along nicely after two weeks of practice.  Next Thursday, at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church will be the last week, before rehearsals start for the Christmas services and events.  We hope to continue and encourage anyone from the East Leake community to come and join us, as it's not just for St Mary's people.  Wouldn't it be great if we could have an East Leake Choir?

Next Friday, 5th November might be Bonfire Night but it's also the day when St Mary's will be holding its Annual Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning from 10,00-12 noon.  There is a wide choice of Christmas cards, Advent calendars and for those with a sweet tooth, a Cake Sale.  All proceeds of the cake sale will go to St Mary's church funds, so if you're able to bake and contribute a cake to this sale, it would be much appreciated.

Other upcoming events are as follows:

• We welcome a visit from pupils and their teachers from Brookside School to the church on Tuesday morning, 2nd Nov.
• The Banner Group meets at the Catholic Church at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 2nd Nov.
• The Abbot Club meets at the Nags Head on Wednesday, 3rd Nov. at 8.00pm
• On Saturday, 6th Nov from 9.30am onwards, the churchyard teams will gather to combine efforts to clean and tidy up the churchyard for the winter.  If it's wet, they will meet the following week on the 13th Nov.  If you enjoy gardening, the teams will be glad of your help. 
• Sunday, 7th Nov is the 1st Sunday of the month when there is a second service held at 11.15am at St Mary's which is less formal.  If you can't get up early enough but miss the service, come on along.
• Also every 1st Sunday is 'Teatime Sunday' at 4.00pm in St Mary's Hall.
• Sun 7th Commemoration of the Departed. Our annual service to remember our departed loved ones will be held at 6pm in St. Helena’s Church, West Leake.

The week beginning 8th Nov is as follows:

• Mon 8th 2.15pm Mothers’ Union – in St Mary’s Church, Report on York Service
• Tues 9th 1.30pm - Acorns meet in St Mary’s Hall

Service of celebration and thanks for the life of Gill Sprake

On Monday 1st November at 12 noon, there will be a service of celebration and thanks for Gill's life at St Mary's Church, East Leake.

The family will attend a private cremation at Loughborough then arrive at St Mary's for the service. 

It is John's wish that people attending should wear colours, not black.

Making plans for Christmas already?

I know, I know, it's too early to plan for Christmas just yet, but there are some things which DO need thinking about before Advent is upon us. We have received the annual request from HOST, the organisation which tries to help those who are at University and away from home at Christmas. See below:

Home for Christmas
Are you spending Christmas at home this year? Would you consider including an international student from a university in the UK in your plans? There are so many students here from China, India, and many other countries, who are unable to go back at Christmas. They would love to spend two or three days in a real home, rather than an empty hall of residence.

For many, Christmas will be an entirely new experience. Staying with you, they could find out what it is all about, as well as enjoying home-cooked food, joining in with your activities, and seeing a little of the country away from the campus. You do not need to live near a university, as many students are happy to travel to have this opportunity.
Your link with a student will be arranged by one of HOST’s voluntary regional organisers, who do their best to match hosts and guests who will enjoy one another’s company. HOST is a long-established national charity, founded by the British Council. Every HOST visit, whether for Christmas or for a weekend during the year, is a one-off, although sometimes lasting friendships are formed. The cultural exchange, and the contribution to international goodwill, are what make it all worthwhile.
If you would like to know more about volunteering as a host, please see www.hostuk.org or call HOST’s regional organiser Mandy Talbott on 01472 851084.

Sad news.

Gill Sprake.
We have just received some very sad news. During the weekend of 9th/10th October Gill had been taken ill while taking a holiday with John, her husband and the family. On the afternoon of Monday 11th October John telephoned with the sad news that Gill had died.
Gill was a deeply committed Christian and over the years she has helped and encouraged many people in their faith. She served as a Reader in the Benefice and was a much loved and valued member of our staff team. Gill will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the family.

October already and Half Term!

Jewellery-Making Evening at St Mary's Church. Tuesday, 12th, 7.30pm - £5 fee. This is another opportunity to try your hand at making your own jewellery or making some as Christmas gifts. Please contact Cora to book your place on 856435.  Please note that this session takes place in St Mary's Church! Come along for good company and learn how to do it.  All the tools and beads are provided and you will be shown how to do it, if you've never tried before.

Half Term holiday starts next week, 18th Oct. for Leics. schools and Notts. schools the week after, 25th Oct. How time flies!

Would folks please be aware that potted plants, flowers and sometimes with their vases are being taken from St Mary's churchyard?  This has been happening for several weeks now and has been extremely upsetting for those who wish to remember their loved ones with flowers.  Please let the churchwardens or the police know if you see anyone taking flowers from the churchyard.

Where are we going? What are we doing? How do we do it?

There are so many decisions to make when you're planning the future, in your personal life, your work or in your church.  In the past year, we have been busy gathering information, ideas, planning and praying for the future of St Mary's and our role in the community.  Part of the church development will be explained at two  Presentations planned for October 3rd and 10th after the 9.30am services.  All members of the congregation and supporters have been invited and we look forward to seeing you at one of these important meetings.

Our events are open to the East Leake Community - see below and we'd love to see you at any of them.  We have something for every age and are looking for YOU to join us, especially if you are looking for companionship, new friends, new activities or just someone to talk to if you need help or need to share a problem.  Christians are just like you - our lives are no different EXCEPT we have God's love to help and support us, and that enables us to do the same for others.

Harvest Thanksgiving Service this Sunday.

St Mary's Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held this Sunday, 26th September at 9.30am.

All harvest gifts may be presented at the service.
We shall especially be pleased to receive non-perishable foods and toiletries, which will be donated to the Friary Drop-In Centre at West Bridgford, helping homeless people.

Harvest Walk, 2.30pm. Something new this year for the whole community!

There is a circular walk for all ages of about 3 miles, finishing at St Mary's for tea, sandwiches and cake at 4.00pm. If you can come and/or contribute towards the refreshments please sign the form at the back of church to give an idea of numbers.

We're nearing the end of September already and there's lots of things happening in October. See our website for details.

• Sat. Oct 2nd 10.00-3.30pm there is 'God's Word in Movement', a Liturgical Dance Workshop at St Mary's Church.
• Churches Together One World Week is 17th - 24th Oct.
• ‘Seasons of Giving’ at Rectory, Tues 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th Oct. 7.30pm - Study group.
•  Deanery Synod - Open Meeting Wed. 6th at 7.30 at St. Lawrence Church, Gotham.
• Jewellery-Making Evening at St Mary's Church. Tuesday, 12th, 7.30pm - £5 fee. Please contact Cora to book your place on 856435.

Incidents in Church and Churchyard

If you have tried to visit St. Mary’s Church and found the door locked on a few occasions recently, this is because there have been reports of people acting suspiciously in and around the church. There has also been some petty theft and vandalism in the church and in the Garden of Remembrance. Many people, reading this, will be upset and even outraged to think of the distress caused to bereaved persons. It is also upsetting to learn of people causing damage in a church building and not treating God’s house with respect. I hope that we can resume our practice of keeping the church open during the daytime, so that those who wish to slip into church to pray or just to sit quietly can continue to do so. To help us to achieve that aim, I should be grateful if people who visit or go past the church and churchyard would be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

                                       Glynis Hetherington

EAST LEAKE AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
The society is always on the lookout for photographs and documents, memorabilia relating to the history and people in our parish, for example the current form of the parish magazine ‘Compass’ started in 1979 but there was another format prior to that one. Are there any copies hidden away anywhere? There were over 200 editions – if there was one printed each month that is nearly twenty years so does anyone know anything about them?? Or anything even older. If so please contact Tony Grundy on 820646.

Young People's Service this weekend!

On Sunday, 19th Sept there is to be a special Cluster service for and by our young people at St Lawrence Church, Gotham at 10.30am.  Please come along and support them in this newly re-ordered church.  The theme of the service is 'Come Celebrate - We are Family'.

Please note that there will only be a said service on the 19th Sept. at St Mary's Church at 9.00am.

Acorns. Tuesday afternoons every two weeks on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in St Mary's Hall, E Leake from 1.45-2.45pm.  This group is for pre-schoolers, Mums and Carers.  Do come along and enjoy crafts, songs, stories, chat and a cup of coffee/tea.  The group will be meeting today, 14th Sept for the new session - the theme is 'Lost Sheep'.

Harvest. The season of Harvest is upon us and St Mary's Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, 26th Sept.  All harvest gifts may be presented at the service.  We shall especially be pleased to receive non-perishable foods and toiletries, which will be donated to the Friary Drop-In Centre at West Bridgford, helping homeless people.

If you would like to go on the Harvest Walk at 2.30pm afterwards, you will be pleased to know that it will be followed by tea, sandwiches and cake.  If you can help provide some refreshments, please sign the list at the back of church to give an idea of numbers. Everyone from the community is welcome to join us.

What have the young people been up to over the summer?

Our young people came together recently to meet up after the summer, share news and to give some ideas about what they would like to do in the future. For some it has been the summer of exam results and they’ve done well so we offer them our congratulations. One person even managed to score 100% in her A S Level politics exam!

Some of our young people went to Soul Survivor for a week and apart from all of them saying, “It was wet!” they saw some amazing things and grew in their faith. 'Awesome' seemed to be the favourite comment.

One of our young people spent three weeks in London working and performing with The National Youth Theatre in a mega street performance that travelled along the South Bank.

We have been struggling to decide what would be best to offer our young people in terms of a replacement for Sunday Sanctuary, which is no longer meeting on a Sunday night at St Mary's, East Leake.  Watch out for more information on the when and where they're going next.

If you would like to join them or have some good ideas of your own, contact Colin or Brenda Knight for further details.

We regret to announce that St Mary's Church is locked temporarily while not in use during the day.  If you need access, please contact the Churchwardens.

Back to School!

School is back in and St Mary's Hall is busy again.  The usual uniformed organisations are starting back this week, and we have other groups starting too.

• Mondays, starting on 13th Sept. Street Dance classes will begin at 1.00pm.  This a continuation of the classes which ran at the Leisure Centre some time ago.
• Tuesdays - Twinkle Tots are back at 9.15am-11.15am.
• Tuesdays - Acorns are back every two weeks starting today, 7th Sept at 1.30-3.30pm
• Tuesdays - Slimming World at 6.00pm which runs year round.
• Wednesdays - EL & District Local History Group are back monthly, starting on 15th Sept at 7.30pm
• Fridays - Craft Class at 9.00-11.00am is starting again.

Cora Fryer, our Outreach Worker also has some plans up her sleeve.  Watch the blog and website for further details.

The leaking roof has been patched up on the outside.  Once we know it is weatherproof, work will being on the inside of the Gents toilet ceiling.

Don't forget the Ride and Stride Event on Saturday 11th Sept.  See the website for further details.

An enlightening visit.

On Sunday, we were pleased to welcome Sam and Violette Beeton for a special United Benefice Service at 10.00am, along with two representatives of the Church Mission Society (CMS).  We were treated to a presentation of photographs showing what Madasgascar is like, where Sam and Violette live and work and what they do there.  We were even invited to visit Madagascar for our holidays!

We were especially pleased to hear that the funds St Mary's gives to CMS have indeed made their work possible. One of Violette's roles is to teach some of the women to sew; there is training for farmers on how to take care of their crops and Sam's role is in education, training people for the ministry.  Some of those recently ordained have a tough life ahead of them, working in remote places.

After the service and talking to the congregation during refreshments, about 20 people went to the Rectory for a Bring and Share lunch. It was a good opportunity to find out more about Violette and Sam's life in Madagascar. The inclement weather made it difficult to decide where to hold it, but inside the Rectory was the favourite.  Many thanks to everyone who helped provide the banquet and to the Rector for the use of the Rectory at VERY short notice.  We thank Violette and Sam for a wonderful visit and send them our best wishes and prayers.

No plans for the Bank Holiday weekend? Come and join us.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who turned up on Saturday to give the church its annual clean. Special thanks to Avril for organising and co-ordinating all the work and to those who provided very welcome refreshments midway through the morning. 

If anyone is available next Saturday, 28th around 10.00am (the Bank Holiday) we would appreciate any help cleaning the Hall ready for the start of term. 

For those not visiting family and having no plans for the Bank Holiday weekend in the community, why not join us and meet our Mission Partners, Sam and Violette Beeton who are working in Madagascar, at the Sunday 10.00am United Parish Service (please note NOT at the usual time of 9.30am). This is an opportunity for everyone from our five parishes to get together socially and to meet Sam and Violette.

Then there is a Bring and Share lunch in the Rectory garden (weather permitting) at 12.30pm.  Bring any plate or dish of food to share with others e.g. filled rolls, a cake/s, fruit or snacks.  We always end up being blessed with a real feast!  In fact, whenever we get together we are truly blessed by God.