A Happy New Year to everyone!

Jesus is the Light of the World, - let us celebrate His coming.  Give your heart to Him and live your life in 2012 with Jesus.

St Mary's welcomes you all and has many things to do as the New year begins. 
You are welcome to any or all of our regular Sunday and Wednesday services. 

We also have some new events and some of our regular popular events in church to put into your diaries:

Messy Church - 1st Sunday in the month, starting again in February!
Fun and Games afternoons - Thurs. 12th and 26th January, Thurs. 9th and 23rd February.
Coffee Mornings - Every Friday 10.00am - 12noon.
Christingle - Sunday, 15th Jan, 2.45pm

See new events in our Forthcoming Events column on the right.
Please note: Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir with special soloist - Sat. 21st Jan, 7.30pm. Tickets now on sale.

Friday 27th-Sunday 29th Jan. - Parish Weekend at Willersley Castle, Derbyshire.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES!

If you haven't seen our notices, there has been a change in the time for our

Traditional Carol Service this year. 

It will be at 6.30pm instead of 7.45pm,
so note the change if you're coming.......or you'll miss it!

3.00pm - Crib Service

4.30pm - Family Carol Service

6.30pm - Traditional Carol Service.

Come and share the birth of Jesus with us.  See you there!

Merry Christmas to everyone, whether near or far! God bless you all.

The pink Advent candle was lit for Mary on Sunday, remembering her role as Mother of our Lord and her obedience to God. We light the white one for Jesus on Christmas Day, the day of His birth.

Our All Stars enjoyed their Christmas Party in the Hall, while the 9.30am Service was held in church.

In the afternoon we welcomed two families whose babies were baptised into the church, filling the church with happy noise.

On Saturday, the Family Advent Fun Afternoon was held in church when over 40 youngsters made crafts, enjoyed lots of goodies and had lots of fun.  The also decorated the Church Christmas Tree which takes pride of place in the Lady Chapel ready for Christmas. 

These are the highlights before Christmas:

Mon 19th Dec. 7.00pm Carol Singing at Derbyshire House. Come and join us for carols with the Residents.

Tues 20th Dec. 1.30pm Harry Carlton Year 7 Carol Service in Church

Tues 20th Dec. 6.30pm Carol Singing at the Three Horse Shoes - Another chance to sing your favourite carols, this time inside the pub.

Wed 21st Dec. 10.00am Holy Communion at St Mary's Church.
Please note!  There is NO Holy Communion on Wed. 28th December!

Sat. 24th Dec. Christmas Eve.
3.00pm Blessing of the Crib - for all families with small children.

4.30pm Family Carol Service

6.30pm Traditional Carol Service
(Please Note the earlier time of 6.30pm!)

11.30pm First Communion of Christmas (Midnight Service)

Christmas Day

10.00am Parish Communion - (Please note the time.)

Don't forget! Advent Family Fun Afternoon

Saturday, 17th Dec., 2.30-4.30pm. - Advent Family Fun Afternoon.

DON'T FORGET! Bring the children to decorate St Mary's Christmas Tree, make crafts and have fun.  Everyone is welcome.

It's also ALL STARS CHRISTMAS PARTY on Sunday, 18th Dec. at 9.30am in St Mary's Hall. Adults are welcome to join the church service celebrating the 4th Sunday in Advent.

The small number of folks who set up the layouts in church would appreciate any help setting up and putting the seating back after the events.  Please contact anyone in the church if you're willing to help.

What a Nativity Play!

Yesterday St Mary's held the most wonderful Nativity Play as part of our 9.30am Worship Together Service.  The children were amazing and played their parts beautifully.  There were two very clear Narrators, the Christmas Star and the Super(intendent) Star.  Everyone was dressed in their lovely costumes with very cute angels, kings, shepherds, sheep and of course Mary and Joseph. Thank you to everyone who took part, including Revd David Gorick who was the Angel Gabriel.  The Mums of all the children certainly worked very hard too and especially Revd Glynis and Cora. Even the congregation took part, waving their stars. Congratulations and well done.
Can we have another one next year please?

The third candle was lit on the Advent wreath yesterday to represent John, the Baptist.

These are the highlights for this week.

Mon. 12th, 2.15pm - Mothers' Union Advent Service at St Mary's.  Other churches are invited too.

Tues. 13th, 7pm - Uniformed Organisations Carol Service in St Mary's Church.

Wed. 14th, 10am - Holy Communion. M.U. Corporate

Fri. 16th, 9.30-10.30am - Mini Music Christmas Party in the Hall.
Fri. 16th 10-12noon - Coffee Morning in Church.

Sat. 17th, 2.30-4.30pm - CHRISTMAS ADVENT FAMILY FUN AFTERNOON + DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE!

Join us next week Carol Singing at Derbyshire House on Mon. 7pm or at the Three Horseshoes Pub on Tues. at 6.30pm.

Check our on-line calendar as well as the website and blog for what's on and where. See the links.

Advent, Week 2 - the Prophets.

On Sunday, the second candle of the Advent ring was lit to remember the Prophets who foretold of the birth of our Saviour. Who could have imagined that they could have prophesied hundreds of years before the arrival of Jesus?

In among all the busyness before Christmas, please remember to make time for Jesus and give thanks.

If you would like to join in some of the events which are taking place you can find them on our On-Line calendars for both the Church and St Mary's Hall.

These are the highlights for the week.

*Tues. 6th, 7.45pm - Parenting group in church

*Wed. 7th, 10.00am - Holy Communion Service
  

*Please note that Thurs. 8th, 2.00pm, the GAMES AFTERNOON will be held in the Hall as the church is required for a Funeral Service!

*Fri. 9th, 9.30-10.30am - Mini Music in St Mary's Hall.

*Fri. 9th, 10.00-12noon - Coffee Morning in Church.

*Sat. 10th, 10.00-12noon - Nativity Play Rehearsal in church.

*Sat. 10th, 10.00am - Banner Group Xmas Stall for Rainbows at the Methodist Church.

*Sat. 10th/Sun. 11th - Costock Christmas Tree Festival.

*Sun. 11th, 9.30am - Worship Together + Nativity Play.

Holy Communion Services at 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Please note that the Advent Family Fun Day will be on 17th Dec. to include decorating the Church Christmas Tree.

Last Saturday's Concert by the Radcliffe Chorale raised over £800 for Save the Children Charity!

Calling ALL children! We need YOU!

It's time for Messy Church held on Sunday, 4th Dec. at 4.00pm in the church. Bring all the children along for some fun with them.

Don't forget!  Next week on Sunday, 11th Dec at 9.30am there will be a Nativity Play as part of the Worship Together Service and we're looking for budding actors of the Junior kind to take part. Come along on Saturday 10th at 10am to practise or just come along on Sunday morning. There will be parts for everyone.

Please note! Thursday 8th December 2.00-4.00pm the GAMES AFTERNOON will be held in St Mary's Hall, due to the church being required for a funeral.

The season of Advent is here!

Yesterday we celebrated the first week of Advent - the Coming, by lighting the first candle on the Advent wreath for the Patriarchs. During this period up to Christmas we learn of the message of the Coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  He arrived in a time of global turmoil just like now and came with an important message to answer all our questions - Trust in God, our Heavenly Father who loves us all. 
Join us at any of our services to learn and give your heart to Him.

WANTED! Children to join our youngsters taking part in our Nativity Play at St Mary's Church on Sunday, 11th Dec. at 9.30am! Come along to practice on Saturday, 10th at 10am, or just turn up on Sunday. Parts for ALL the CHILDREN!

On Saturday, 10th Dec. why not continue on down to Costock church for their Christmas Tree Festival after the Nativity rehearsal?

Concert this weekend!

This weekend, on Saturday night at 7.30pm Ratcliffe Chorale will once again be giving a concert at St Mary's in aid of Save the Children Fund, organised by the Catholic Church.  You'll have to hurry if you want tickets to this popular concert.

This will be the only concert open to the public before Christmas at St Mary's, but there are plenty more coming up in the New Year.

Our own Community Choir has been busy practising too.  The last two session are on 5th & 12th December at 7.15pm at St Mary's.  Come along and join them.  Singing is good for you!

Please note that the Advent Family Fun Afternoon has been moved to Saturday 17th December 2.30-4.30pm at St Mary's.

November Events.

Getting ready for the Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning on November 11th. 

All activities ceased for two minutes in respect and remembrance for those who have died in all the wars to date. Our prayers go with all their families and for those who are still on active service.

The Service of Remembrance was held this year in East Leake by the Memorial on Sunday, Nov 13th.

Delicious home made cakes were for sale too!

The Games afternoons are becoming popular so why not come along to the last one this on Dec 8th if you'd like to make new friends and have a little fun playing board games. Refreshments are available as usual too.

Don't forget! The Ratcliffe Chorale Concert next Saturday at 7.30pm.  Tickets are going fast.



All Saints Day.

November 1st is All Saint's Day or All Hallows Day, when we celebrate all the Saints in history particularly those who do not have a special feast day. We will be holding a Commemoration of the Departed Service at St Mary's on Sunday, 6th November at 6.00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Messy Church will meet again on Sunday, 6th November at 4.00pm but will have refreshments in the Hall at 5.00pm to allow time to prepare for the 6.00pm service.

Friday, 11th November is St Mary's Annual Charity Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning, 10.00-12.00noon.  Come along and purchase your Christmas cards and support charities.  Home made cakes will also be for sale.Please put this in your diary. Please note that there will be two minutes silence at 11.00am as a respect for all those who lost their lives fighting for their country.

Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial.
Following the Worship Together service on Sunday, 13th November at 9.30am there will be the service at the War Memorial at 10.55am. Everyone is welcome to come along and show your respect for the fallen.

Clocks turn back one hour tonight!

DON'T FORGET!Turn your clocks BACK one hour tonight.

Also please note that Sunday's United Benefice Service at St Mary's Church is at 10.00am not 9.30am.

Bible Sunday

Yesterday was Bible Sunday and was especially interesting this year because of the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible.  As our Area Dean, Revd John Bentham said, it was the first Bible to be translated into English, ordered by King James to be read to and by EVERYONE. It is now read world-wide. Imagine not being able to read or permitted to read the Bible! 
We have the education, freedom and understanding to read for ourselves and we are missing such important information and messages if we do not read our Bibles. It has had a profound influence on our language too.

Do you have a Bible?  If you haven't read it for a while or never read it, try starting with the New Testament, which is all about Jesus e.g. the book of Mark.  A well translated Bible in modern language can help too. Ask the clergy for advice.
Set aside a quiet time to read it, because you need to concentrate and wait for God to speak to you through His words.  Man may have written the words, but they were inspired by God.
This will be THE most important book you have ever read!

Next Monday 31st Oct - 1st Nov. 5.30-7.30pm - 'Light Party event' - The Archbishop of York, John Santamu will visit Southwell Minster.  Contact Nick Harding on nick@southwell.anglican.org.

'Celebrating the 400^th Anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible.'
A series of three public lectures in the Great Hall at the University of Nottingham
Wednesday 2^nd November 7.30 p.m, Wednesday 9^th November 7.30 p.m. Wednesday 16^th November 7.30 p.m. Contact: Revd Canon John Bentham john.bentham@nottingham.ac.uk. These lectures are open to everyone ,who would like to know about the history and the importance of the Bible.

This Thursday, 27th Oct. will be the first of our Fun and Games afternoons at St Mary's Church from 2.00-4.00pm.  Come along and meet some friends and play board and table games for the afternoon.

All Saints Sunday, 30th Oct. 10.00am United Benefice service.
This will be the 5th Sunday of the month when everyone from the Benefice is invited to share the service at St Mary's.  Please note the change of time: 10.00am!

Churches Together in East Leake and South Notts.

The Churches in East Leake often work together and this week 'Churches Together' will be sharing and celebrating One World Week, and the World DOES need to work together.

Wed. 19th Oct. 7.00pm One World Week Supper at the Catholic Church Hall, East Leake. Tickets £3.50 from Pam Peacock or Gill Richards.

Sun. 23rd Oct. 6.00pm There is an invitation to join Churches Together at the Methodist Church, East Leake too.

The Churches together in the South Notts Cluster (East Leake and the 4 Benefice churches, Gotham and their group of churches, Normanton on Soar and Sutton Bonington) will be getting together tomorrow to welcome our new Community Youth Worker at Gotham.

Wed. 19th Oct. 7.30pm Celebration and Commissioning for Rebecca Mockett, new community youth worker in partnership with Nottingham Youth for Christ.

We may worship in different churches but we all worship the same loving God who wants us all to work and pray together, as well as help those who have not yet joined us to discover that Jesus is the Way to our God. God loves everyone and wants us to have a close relationship with Him.

This weekend is Bible Sunday when we will be using the word of God to share with each other and praise God.  Come along and join us when our Area Dean, Revd John Bentham will be speaking at the 8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Encounters Service and the 11.00am Book of Common Prayer Service.

Worried? Let go, and let God.

Yesterday, Sunday 9th, we welcomed lots of families for the theme for Worship Together which was 'Worrying' with an excellent sketch by the Wright family. 
Yes, we're all worried from time to time, but statistics say that only 8% of our worries are worth worrying about, as most will either disappear, resolve themselves or never happen.
Revd Peter Hill, our Archdeacon gave the address/talk and quoted from the Bible 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'
So...let your worries go, give thanks and trust that God will give you the answers you need.

Tonight, the Quiz and Curry night is being held at the Heat restaurant.  Contact Cora if you still haven't bought your ticket.  Numbers are limited.

Positive Parenting sessions at St Mary's Church. On November 1st a new group is starting up on Tuesday evenings for six weeks at 7.45pm for parents of young children. It's an opportunity for young parents to get together and share experiences. Watch out for more details.

Keep on going.

Yesterday we welcomed Revd Philip Humphreys to St Mary's and were encouraged to 'keep on going to the end'. Sometimes life seems very difficult, but God will help us through.  It could be that someone comes along to help, someone to talk to, or an unexpected pleasant surprise. Our reward waits for us in heaven, so we can't give up. Maybe YOU are the someone that God is sending. Often the best way to get through hard times is to help someone else.

Next Sunday we welcome Revd Peter Hill, our Archdeacon.  Come along at 9.30am to our Worship Together Service and make sure your bring the children.

St Mary's is planning lots of events and we hope that you will come to some, if not all of them - see the list under 'Forthcoming Events' and on our website.  Everyone is always welcome whether you are a regular churchgoer or not. Watch out for further details.

Thanks for the Harvest!

Yesterday's service of Harvest Thanksgiving welcomed lots of children and their families bringing harvest gifts for the needy and the Friary Drop-In Centre. Thank you to you all from St Mary's and from whoever receives your gifts. Many people are struggling hard to make ends meet and your gifts are much appreciated.

The Jewellery-making evening last Thursday at St Mary's, was another fun time for those involved. 

And now there's something the men in your family might enjoy!  On Monday, October 10th at 7.30pm, there will be a Sports Quiz and Curry at the Heat Restaurant, in the centre of East Leake. 
Tickets are £10 for the whole meal ((popadom, curry selection and rice & naan). Come as a team or join one on the night.
There are limited numbers to 35, so get your ticket soon from Cora or contact us at  stmarys@eastleake.net .

This weekend we welcome Revd Philip Humphreys to the Sunday morning 9.30am service. Come along and listen to the Good News from another of our visiting clergy while Revd Glynis is away.  It's proving to be a very interesting and informative time for the congregation.

Thursday, 22nd Sept. - Jewellery making evening at St Mary's!

JEWELLERY MAKING EVENING AT ST MARY'S CHURCH!
Thursday, 22nd September at 7.30pm.
Come along to another of St Mary's very successful jewellery making evenings and make ear-rings, necklaces, bracelets for your self or your friends. Contact Cora for details.

Harvest and thanksgiving time!

September is Harvest time and time for us all to be thankful for everything that God has provided for us. Thanks for the harvest in the fields, in the hedgerows, in the gardens and what we produce from all this goodness; baking, bottling and jam making.  Have you taken a walk lately and looked for blackberries, or picked plums or apples? Don't let it go to waste.

Please come along and share the Harvest Thanksgiving Services at St Mary's and the Benefice as follows:

St Mary's Church, East Leake: Sunday 25th Sept, 9.30am (instead of 'Encounters').
Holy Communion at 8.00am
N.B. No 11.00am Service

Fruit and vegetables will gratefully received, especially non-perishable foods which will be donated to the Friary Drop-in, West Bridgford, which helps homeless people.
SOS Friary Drop In. - Urgently needed non perishable food for this centre.  Please donate tins, packets etc. in the box at the back of church.  Use your BOGOF or 2 for 1's purchases to help. Thank you.

St Giles Church, Costock: Sunday 25th Sept 3.00pm
Monday 26th Sept. 7.00pm: Harvest Supper in Costock Village Hall. Price is £8.50 to include wines, soft drinks and food. Contact Mary on 852118 or Joan on 853244. An auction of the harvest produce and a raffle will be held. Contributions and helpers very much welcomed.

All Saints Church, Rempstone: Sunday 2nd Oct. 3.00pm
Monday, 3rd Oct. 7.00pm: Traditional Harvest Supper in Rempstone Village Hall. Price £6.00 (adults) £3.50 (children under 11yrs) for three course hot meal. Bring your own drinks. Contact 880171 or 880749 for tickets.

St John the Baptist Church, Stanford on Soar and St Helena's Church, West Leake sharing the Thanksgiving Service: Sunday 18th Sept. 6.00pm
Both churches will share a Bring and Share Harvest Tea at 4.30pm before the service. All contributions of produce will be for sale to members of the congregation and the remainder will be donated to the Carpenters Arms, as last year.

Each church will be decorating for Harvest the Saturday before their service, so come along and join in the fun.

We also give thanks for all those happy children who came along for our first 'Messy Church' gathering last Sunday.  50 youngsters came along and had lots of fun.  Messy Church will be held every 1st Sunday afternoon in the month. Come along with the children next month or join us tomorrow at Worship Together for all the family. Our Archdeacon, Revd Peter Hill will be joining us too.

Revd Ken Wayne.

We regret to announce that the Revd Ken Wayne died on Tuesday, 30th August.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow, Daphne, their daughter, Elizabeth and her husband. 
The funeral will be held this Thursday, 8th Sept. at St Mary's Church, East Leake at 1.45pm.

Messy Church!

Messy Church comes to St Mary's Church next week starting on Sunday, September 4th at 4.00pm, in St Mary's Church. It will be held on the first Sunday on the month.For more details see www.messychurch.org.uk  or call Phil or Amanda on 856628 or Cora on 07885 635374.
Messy Church was originally one church's attempt to be church for families who might want to meet Jesus, belong to their local church and bring up their children as Christians but can't cope with traditional Sunday morning church services.

Watch out for notices about all the Harvest Thanksgiving Services going on in September in our Benefice!

Please note! St Mary's is on-line! While Revd Glynis is away some of our services have been changed.  You can check what's on and where on our on-line calendar - see the link on the right of the blog page or on our website. Or come along to the services and keep the pew sheet with details of the following week's services. See you there!

All ready to go!

Many thanks to all those who helped with the Church and Hall Annual Clean last weekend.  The hard work was so much easier with so many volunteers.  We can now enjoy the nice, clean facilities and all will be ready for the start of term which is coming fast.

Last Sunday, we welcomed our Area Dean, Revd Canon John Bentham who will be taking some of our services while Revd Glynis is away on Sabbatical/Study Leave for the next two months.  The service was followed by a very warm, sunny Bring and Share lunch in the Rectory garden enjoyed by approx. 30 members of the Benefice.
We wish Glynis every good wish for a beneficial break away from her very busy schedule, peace and quiet for reflection and study.

Please note:

Sun. 28th Aug, August Bank Holiday weekend services.

There is NO 8.00am Holy Communion,

There will still be: 

9.30am Encounters service and
11.00am Parish Communion.

Special weekend coming up on 20th and 21st August.

Saturday morning, 20th Aug. The Church Big Clean! This Saturday we are calling all volunteers to come and give a little of their time to give the church its annual clean.  If we have sufficient volunteers we would also like to give the Hall its annual clean too.  Please bring your rubber gloves and cleaning equipment.

Sun. 21st Aug. 10.00am. - At the Parish Communion United Service, the preacher will be Revd Canon John Bentham. This will be the last service Revd Glynis conducts before her sabbatical/study leave and we're taking the opportunity to get together. There will be a Bring and Share lunch in the Rectory garden starting at 12 noon.

As usual, if the weather doesn't behave the event will be held in St Mary's Hall.

THANK YOU! A big thank you to all those involved in the Landlubber's Children's Summer Club taking place in St Mary's Church and Hall.  It was the first time that Churches Together had combined efforts to provide the children from the community some fun during the summer holidays.  55 children were registered and had a wonderful time.

Taking care.

Riots. We pray for all those communities affected by the riots, arson and thefts - losing homes, businesses and their calm surroundings.  God wants us to care for each other not destroy everything. May all those involved search their conscience and make amends.


Sunday, 14th Aug. - Worship Together and baptisms.  This Sunday there will be a special Worship Together service including two baptisms.  Come along and welcome the new little ones. 

Annual Clean. Saturday, 20th August. 9.00am -12noon at St Mary's we will be giving the church and the hall their annual clean ready to welcome everyone.  If you can spare a little time we would appreciate all volunteers.  Having clean facilities makes them a safe and welcoming environment and we try to keep them that way.

Mini Music, Fridays 9.30-11.00am. Please note that Mini Music is continuing throughout August.

Fun in the sun!

We're on the second day of the Landlubbers Children's Summer Club at St Mary's and lots of youngsters are having fun in the church and the hall.  This is the first year that Churches Together in East Leake have organised a Summer Club and there has been lots of fun working together.

Petition to include R.E. in the new Baccalaureate  We regret to inform you that the Department for Education confirmed this week that Religious Education will not be included in the new English Baccalaureate for a second year. 

The decision to exclude Religious Education in favour of music, art and IT was made despite a nationwide campaign by Christian groups and objections from some MPs.

In a survey of nearly 2,000 state-maintained secondary schools, it found that a quarter were not providing statutory RE for 14 to 16-year-olds, and it expects this figure to rise. 
This is devastating for a country based on Christian principles and the faith. 
PLEASE write to your MP and ask that they reconsider!  It really is important!

Do you enjoy working on a computer? Then St Mary's 'Compass' needs YOU!
Ann Harris, our hardworking Editor of Compass feels it is time to step down after more years than most of us can remember in the job.
We are looking for one or more people with up-to-date IT skills e.g. Desk Top Publishing and who are creative and imaginative with a few hours to spare, to take over as Editor.
This change of editor offers an opportunity to enhance communications between our churches and our communities, potentially using on-line media as well as paper. 
If you interested in exploring what role you could play, please contact Conrad Oatey asap on 852549 or email: conrad@eastleake.net.

Landlubber's Summer Club - register NOW!

Ahoy maties!

Just a quick note about Landlubbers Holiday Club. This summer the Landlubbers team are all busy preparing for our first Churches Together in East Leake Holiday Club. It is pirate themed holiday club and will be happening at 9.15am - 12.15pm on the 2nd - 5th August.

Shiver me timbers - at the moment we have lots of spare places. The Registration form can be found on St Mary's website: http://www.east-leake.co.uk/stmarys.html so that you can register your kids/ invite friends kids/ neighbour/ grandchildren.

Everyone aged 5 - 11 is invited! No one will have to walk the plank! Aargh!

It would be great to be full to capacity again like Easter and the kids will have a great time! Aargh! Ahoy maties!

Please return any Registration forms to Cora c/o St Mary's Church or email back to cora.fryer@googlemail.com .