Wishing you a Joyful and Peaceful New Year.

All at St Mary's wish you all the blessings that God can bring you in the New Year.

 

Happy Christmas to you all!

Everyone at St Mary's Church, East Leake wishes you all A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS, celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Please come along to any of our Christmas Services, starting with the Blessing of the Crib at 3.00pm tomorrow, Christmas Eve.  This service is especially for the little ones when the figures are placed in the Crib in church.

4.30pm Family Carol Service.

7.00pm Traditional Carol Service

11.30pm Holy Communion Midnight Service.

Christmas Day
10.00am Family Communion Service when our Children's Choir will be singing.

Everyone is welcome.

Come along to sing your favourite carols!

Carol Singing outside 'The Shoes'.
Come along on Thursday, 20th Dec. at 7.00pm and join us singing your favourite carols with our Music Group outside the Three Horseshoes Pub on Main Street, East Leake.

St Mary's Nativity Play and Christmas Concert.

Nativity Play.

The children provided us all with a wonderful Nativity Play, told from the aspect of the animals.  All the mothers must have worked very hard with the costumes and those who narrated the story spoke clearly just like professionals! 

Well done to everyone who took part, and to the Mums and to Barbara Wright who organised it all.  It was a truly special morning service.

 

Christmas Concert. The day was finished off with a wonderful Christmas concert led by our Director of Music, Chris Ebbern. 

There was an eclectic mix of carols, classical music and popular music both sung and played. The audience thoroughly enjoyed all the music and even had to join in.  It was the first time we had heard the Community Choir too. 


If you would like to join them, please contact Chris or come along to St Mary's Hall on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm.

Fun on Sundays

Everyone had great fun last Sunday, the first of Advent - a great way to celebrate the coming of our Lord. 
It started with several of our young people being admitted to Holy Communion at the 9.30am Service accompanied by their sponsors and families.

In the afternoon it was a happy, noisy, messy craft fun time for adults and children.  There were approximately 50-60 children and their families coming to join in with the crafts and games before Messy Church.








Next Sunday, 9th Dec. it's even busier. 
8.00am Holy Communion Service
9.30am Worship Together with a Nativity. 
We're hoping that lots of children will come and join in the Nativity as angels or shepherds.
3.00pm there is a Carol Concert with solos and duets, led by our Music Director, Chris Ebbern.
6.00pm Holy Communion Service.



The week following there is:
Monday 10th, 2.15pm - Mothers' Union
Wednesday 12th, 2.00pm - W.I. Carol Service.
Thursday 13th, 1.30pm - Games Afternoon at St Mary's Church.
Friday, 14th, 10.00-12.00noon - Weekly Coffee Morning.

Everyone is welcome to any or all of these events.  We look forward to meeting and getting to know you.

CAP Money Course for everyone!

Christians Against Poverty - We're here to help YOU!

A new year? Start with a CAP Money Course

Christmas can be an expensive time, with many people finding their finances stretched or ending up in debt to cover the cost. Help is at hand to help people have a happy start to the New Year and get a grip on their spending for 2013. 

St Luke's Church in Gamston is running a CAP money course this January to help local people manage their money and gain a better understanding of what they earn and what they spend. The course is provided by Christian's Against Poverty (CAP) and is full of practical tips to help people budget, understand where their money goes and learn how to save. The evening course runs over three weeks on Tuesdays (22, 29 January and 5 February) all starting at 8pm at St Luke's on Leahurst Road, Gamston.

This course is for everyone, not just those who go to church, and is an ideal opportunity to invite friends or those you may know who would benefit. 
Booking is essential - please contact Christine at St Luke's church office on 0115 974 5024 to reserve your place. St Luke's receives fantastic feedback each time it runs a CAP Money Course from people who have found new confidence in managing their finances - for more information take a look at www.capmoney.org.

Calling all Children!

St Mary's Church welcomes all children who would like to take part in our Nativity Play on Sunday, 9th December, 9.30am as part of our Worship Together Service.

Just come along on the morning and you can be an angel or a shepherd!  And bring your families.

 

 

 

Don't forget to come and sing you heart out too at the Carol Concert in the afternoon at 3.00pm led by our Musical Director, Chris Ebbern.

 

 

Singing in the Rain!

Loughborough Ladies' Choir weren't exactly singing in the rain, but they certainly travelled through it and sang about it on Saturday night at their concert at St Mary's Church, East Leake.

The programme was a 'Musical Miscellany' of the choir's musical repertoire - a truly relaxing evening of beautiful music, enhanced by the beautiful voice of Maria Veretenina.  Maria is a native of Estonia, who now lives in Loughborough.  She is an international opera soprano, singing most recently with the Finnish State Opera and we were very pleased to welcome her back unexpectedly due to the previous soloist's illness.


Coming up......

Next Sunday, 2nd Dec. is the 1st Sunday in Advent when the Christmas season REALLY begins.
9.30am there is the Parish Communion Service

3.00pm Christmas Craft Event for Families

4.00pm Messy Church, also for Families, so why not stay on?


Sunday 9th Dec. will be:
8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am Worship Together with a Nativity Play by our younger members. Come and join us, the more children, the better!

3.00pm Christmas Concert led by our Musical Director, Chris Ebbern, to include solos and duets.

6.00pm Holy Communion

Do you like singing - then this is for YOU!

Saturday, 24th Nov at 7.30pm we welcome Loughborough Ladies' Choir to St Mary's Church.  There are still some tickets available at £5 adults, £2.50 children from Pat Brown 820094. We hope to have a most enjoyable evening on Saturday.

 

Coming up on the first Sunday in Advent, 2nd Dec. at 2.00-4.00pm before Messy Church is a Christmas Craft Event for the whole family. Bring the children for some afternoon fun.



Christmas Concert, Sunday 9th Dec. at 3.00-4.00pm!
Come along and join in with some well known Christmas Carols -Solo Piano and Organ and Voice Duets too!

There will be a retiring collection for Wish upon a Star and St Mary's church funds.
We hope you can come along.
For more details, contact Chris Ebbern: 0115 9722131

The Games Afternoon, 1.30pm in St Mary's Church is on again this Thursday, 22nd Nov.

Vestry. While exciting things are being planned, work began today in the vestry to install an insulated, dropped ceiling.  The equipment and manpower is being kindly donated by British Gypsum.  This will ensure that the vestry will be warm and can be used more often.

 

A BIG THANKYOU!

 

Shoebox Appeal. A Very Big Thank you to everyone who filled a shoebox with small gifts for underprivileged children.  The Churches Together Team have sent off 220 boxes this year to the children of Kosovo, who I'm sure will enjoy their surprise package.

 

 

Loughborough Ladies Choir Concert - November 24th at 7.30m



Tickets are now being sold for our last concert before Christmas at £5 Adults and £2.50 children. Come and enjoy the music for a relaxing evening at St Mary's Church. 
Contact Pat on 820094 or via email: stmarys@eastleake.net

Christmas Card Fair and Jazz Concert

The Christmas Card Fair last Friday was very successful with many charities providing their cards for sale.  A steady number of customers came to St Mary's throughout the morning and stocked up ready for Christmas, not to mention those who enjoyed their cuppa.

On Saturday, the capacity audience enjoyed a lively, professional concert by the Brian Humpherson Quintet providing us with a variety of jazz music.  The Quintet have had vast experience in their musical careers, which showed in the solo sessions.  The soloist, Nicole van de Kuinder demonstrated her considerable vocal range in a number of well known songs too.
We'd like to thank them for a truly wonderful evening and hope that they can come back again.

Thank you to all who attended as the funds raised will go to the church and its charities.

Busy weekend.

Friday, 2nd Nov, 10.00-12.00noon - St Mary's Annual Charity Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning. Are you always looking for 'proper' Christmas Cards each year? Come and see our Cards and calendars of all kinds on sale - everyone welcome.

Saturday, 3rd Nov, 7.30pm - Concert by the Brian Humpherson Quintet featuring vocalist, Nicole van de Kuinder at St Mary's Church. Hurry and get your tickets, they're nearly all gone!  Call Steven on 856202 or Pat on 820094.






Sunday, 4th Nov, 9.30am - Service for All Saints Day at St Mary's.  After All Hallow's Eve (Halloween) comes the real celebration of All the Saints.

Clocks go BACK this weekend!

Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend for Daylight Savings Time!  This Sunday's Service will be Encounters at 9.30am and Holy Communion at 11.00am, but don't forget that hour.

There is also the Thanksgiving for Departed Loved Ones at 6.00pm, which will take place at West Leake church this year.

November Concerts at St Mary's

Tickets are now available for both these concerts.  Admission is by advance tickets only, so get your tickets NOW!

Saturday 3rd November, 7.30pm -Concert by the Brian Humpherson Jazz Quintet, featuring vocalist Nicole van de Kuinder. An evening of Swinging Sophistication. Admission by ticket only £7 adults, £3 children from Steven 856202 or Pat 820094. Tickets now available.

 
Saturday, 24th November, 7.30pm - Concert by Loughborough Ladies Choir. Admission by ticket only. £5 adults, £2.50 children. Tickets from Pat Brown 820094.




Also coming soon!
Friday 2nd November, 10-12noon at St Mary's - Sale of Charity Christmas Cards and Coffee Morning. Come and buy your Christmas Cards from a large selection of Charity cards.
If you would like to sell cards for your favourite charity, please contact Ann on 852885 to book a stall now.

This week is the beginning of One World Week, 21st-28th Oct.
Sunday 21st October at 6.00pm, One World Week Service of Churches Together at St Mary's Church - speaker Lucy Connell of Christian Aid. Everyone is welcome!

DON'T FORGET TO FILL YOUR SHOEBOXES FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL.
Christmas Shoe Box appeal: Pick up a leaflet and fill a shoebox to make a child very happy this Christmas. Boxes to be back in church by Sunday, 4th November!

Invitation from Wilford Church.

Called to live life to the full....because God's not finished with you yet!

You are invited to St Wilfrid's Church, Wilford on Thursday 18th October at 12.45pm.
12.45pm: Soup and sandwich lunch in St Wilfrid's church hall (2)
2.00pm: Celebration service in church
3.00pm: Tea and cake in the church hall
Details in the back of church.

If you would like to join us...RSVP to Margaret Kidger 0115 9816159 or email: mkidger@btinternet.com

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Abi and Chris on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Rowan Dorothy Parker, born on 14th September, weighing 9lbs.4ozs! Mother and baby are doing fine.

 

                  THE COMMUNITY CHOIR IS BACK!

If you missed out on the last session, you'll be pleased to know that the choir is starting up again, this time with our new Music Director, Chris Ebbern.

Come along and meet him every Tuesday evening, 6.00-8.00pm.

Please note that it will be held in ST MARY'S HALL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Friday, a small group from Nottingham's Centre, National Trust Local & Family History Group are visiting St Mary's during our weekly Coffee Morning. They are coming to look around the church and are being met by Keith Hodgkinson, Chair of the East Leake History Society.  Why not come along and join everyone for refreshments?  The Coffee Morning, 10-12noon, welcomes all visitors and local people who just pop in for a drink and chat.


You're very welcome to come along on Sunday, when our new Associate Priest, Revd Pat Edwards will be taking her first service at 9.30am in Revd Glynis's absence.

The new 'Start' Course begins at St Mary's on Tuesday 2nd October at 7.30pm (October already?) if you'd like to find out what being a Christian is all about. If you're already a Christian, bring a friend.

For those who have been on the Cursillo Course in the past, there is an Ultreya get together on Saturday, 6th at 1.45pm in the church. This is always a very happy affair.  If you'd like to know about Cursillo, come along and we'll be glad to tell you.

It's Harvest Thanksgiving Time!

Welcome to the Harvest Thanksgiving Service this Sunday, 23rd September at 9.30am at St Mary's. Revd Glyn Jones will be speaking about World Share.  

There will be an opportunity to donate to that and to bring harvest produce which will be sent to the Friary Drop-in. There will also be a baptism to follow at 11.30am.

Tuesday 16th October, 7.30pm Celebration of Youth Ministry. Put in your diary this celebration for and with all our young people.  It is everyone's role to encourage and support them. The preacher will be Richard Dawson, Director of Youth For Christ, Nottingham.

 

Thank you! We have had a message of thanks to everyone who helped her reach her fund raising total from Becky Butcher. She left on 11th September to work in a Women's and Children's Refuge in Mauritius for one year.  She will be in touch during the year to let us know how she's getting on. We send our prayers and good wishes to her.

 



Summer's end?

It's September - almost! The children are back to school, the weather has a definite feeling of Autumn about it.  Could it be that Summer is over? I'm sure there have been memorable events to put in our memory banks.  Visiting friends and family, trips to the coast or the mountains or watching the Olympics.  Time is precious and one thing we can't get back, so enjoy the day NOW.

St Mary's has many changes but we are so pleased to have had Abi and Cora with us for some time.  The arrival of Revd Pat Edwards and Chris Ebbern are exciting changes, celebrating the Harvest and beginning new things e.g. START, a new 6 part course for beginners to Christianity. First session is at St Mary's Church on Tuesday 2nd October, 7.30pm.  Watch out for further details.

Whatever the season, God has lots of surprises and blessings for us all, so why not thank Him in advance?

Why not try something new?  St Mary's new Webmaster or write the Blog; Learn how to use the sound and projection system at St Mary's for our lively family-friendly services.
If you're a technophobe, there is always room for folks who like working with the children, making or serving refreshments, reading out loud, singing or bell ringing.  If you fancy working with the people who book our Church Hall, there is a role for you.
Whatever your skill or age, you can be sure you will be welcome.  We especially welcome teens or young adults to learn a skill and there is always someone to help you.
God has given everyone talents no matter how large or small and He wants us to use them.

Watch out for our upcoming events.  We have two concerts planned for this Autumn already!

All change at St Mary's!

Abi Parker, our Director of Music has left to start a family, so we said a sad farewell but she will be back to visit us, she promised.
The Children's Choir will especially miss her.
***
Chris Ebbern will commence his role as the new Director of Music in September but has already been playing for services at St Mary's.
The choir is looking forward to working with him.
***
As mentioned earlier we will welcome a new member of the Staff Team, Revd Pat Edwards currently Associate Priest in the Benefice of Edwalton, in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, to be Associate Priest in the Benefice of East Leake.
Pat’s licensing by the Archdeacon of Nottingham will take place on Sunday 16th September 2012 during the 9.30am Parish Communion service at St. Mary’s, East Leake.
We look forward to welcoming Pat to our Benefice.
***
Cora Fryer our Outreach Worker, will be leaving us at the end of August to start her training for the Ministry and we will miss her but wish her well in this new stage of her life.
Her last service with us will be on Sunday September 9th at 9.30am, and we'll be wishing her well at a party the evening before.
***
Coleen Betts has retired from leading the Flower arrangers group, having led them for several decades. We are indebted to her for all her hard work, talent and dedication to providing the church with such wonderful displays. We are now looking for additional flower arrangers.
If you enjoy this work, please contact any member of St Mary's.
***
Ann Harris is another very dedicated member of St Mary's who has stepped down as the Editor of Compass magazine after many years too. We thank her for all her hard work needed to put together a magazine, which takes a large amount of voluntary time.
Ann has now retired and the Editor's role has been taken on by John Cooper who is also our Bell Captain.
***
We are also looking for a new Webmaster, someone who enjoys working on a computer to update our website and blog and has some fresh ideas.
If you are interested, please contact anyone at St Mary's.
***
If you are new to St Mary's you will not be alone taking on any of these roles as there are people to help you. Give them a go! Your Parish Church needs YOU!

Are you in Olympic mode?

An Olympic Challenge.
So after Friday's amazing Opening Ceremony in London, we are all in Olympic mode, whether we follow sport or not.  St Mary's held a sports-based BBQ and Quiz yesterday attended by a good number of families taking part at the brook, in the churchyard, as well as indoors. The weather was good and the children certainly enjoyed themselves.

Sunday morning, we welcomed Canon Haydock who spoke about transformation and challenged us, as the athletes are being, and think about how we will show people and transform their lives as Christians.

Now is your opportunity during the holidays to meet new people, talk to them and make them welcome wherever you may be - holidaying abroad, in the UK or here in East Leake.

Wanted. New Webmaster! St Mary's has a challenge for you too. The Webmaster is stepping down and we are looking for someone who would like to keep our website and blog going.  There is an opportunity to change the look of our website/blog and use some fresh ideas.

YOU might just be the person who has been wanting to try out your ideas.  NOW is your chance!

Please contact us either by email: stmarys@eastleake.net or contact Pat Brown on 820094 or anyone on the P.C.C.

Bye Abi and best wishes.



Last Sunday at the 9.30am service there were lots of gifts and good wishes for Abi, our Director of Music, Organist and Choir Leader who has left to have a baby in September.  We held a small tea party for people to say farewell and thank you to her that afternoon too.

In September, we will be welcoming Chris Ebbern to take on this role. Chris is already known to our congregation as he has covered for Abi on several occasions.

We also had a visiting speaker, James Archer of the Church Army at the morning service. He told us of the work of one of the Street Pastors and how he has helped those who wander and sleep on the streets and have no-one who cares about them. We all have a role to fill as Jesus' representatives in our world, caring for one another no matter how small our contribution.

School finishes for the summer this Friday for schools in Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire schools have already finished.

This Sunday is our Encounters service at 9.30am for all ages.  For those who prefer a more traditional Holy Communion Service there is one at 11.00am.

Don't forget!  Your tickets for the Family Olympics Quiz on Saturday 28th July, 5.00-7.30pm at st Mary's to celebrate the start of the Olympics. £5 per family, £2 per adult. Contact Cora or Steph.
Open to anyone from East Leake!

Everyone welcome - we mean it!

St Mary's Church, East Leake welcomes you all!
Forget about the rainy weather and come along at 9.30am this Sunday, 8th July with your family for our lively Worship Together service.

On Sunday, 15th it will be Open Churches Day for all churches in the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese when everyone is welcome to come into the churches.  You are welcome to our 9.30am service at St Mary's Church, East Leake or just pop in, in the afternoon.







Coming up! Olympic Family Quiz and BBQ
Saturday, 28th July, from 5.00-7.30pm at St Mary's Church.
Tickets £5 per family, £2 per adult and £1 per child. Contact: stephanie.hutton@gmail.com or Cora Fryer: 07855635374.

East Leake Carnival

Don't forget, it's East Leake Carnival this Saturday, 23rd.  See the Village website for details.  This time there will be a stall for the Children's Society called Granny's Attic.  There will be lots of things for sale to raise funds.  Check it out - there could be just what you always wanted on the stall.

Churches Together are decorating the Methodist Minister's bike, which he will ride in the procession. Give him a wave!

Father's Day breakfast with Tim Friend!
This turned out to be a very successful gathering of families with their fathers, sampling the warm bacon or sausage rolls.  Each father received a Jubilee New Testament, a chocolate bar, and hand drawn pictures by their children. Everyone appreciated and enjoyed the presentation by Tim Friend who brought his wife and two young children with him. His talk was based on believing in yourself and achieving your potential without becoming arrogant. God wants us all to achieve what we are capable of, supported by our families, especially fathers.

New member of the Staff Ministry Team!
Revd Pat Edwards is to be Associate Priest in the Benefice of East Leake, West Leake, Stanford on Soar, Rempstone and Costock. Her licensing by the Archdeacon of Nottingham will take place on Sunday 16th September furing the 9.30am service at St Mary's, East Leake.  We look forward to welcoming Pat to our Benefice.

Youth for Christ Key Worker, Rebecca Mockett.
You may have already met Rebecca if you attend Harry Carlton School as she works among young people. She joins in some of the lessons looking at a wide range of topics, from road safety to capital punishment to immigration. Especially popular is the Rock Solid lunch club where they have lots of games, giving the young people a chance during breaks to chat to her.

Father's Day at St Mary's!

This Sunday, 17th June at 9.30am there will be a special cafe-style Father's Day Service at St Mary's Church. 

Bring your Dad to our All-Age Worship on Father's Day.

TIM FRIEND, the Diocesan Sports Ambassador will be here with a special service.

Come early because there will be bacon rolls and sausages for everyone.

Changes to our Services.

Please note!  The second and third Sunday services have been changed.
This Sunday, 10th June will be Parish Communion at 9.30am.
The Worship Together, All-Age Service will be held on Sunday 17th June at 9.30am to celebrate Father's Day with Tim Friend, the Diocesan Sports Ambassador.  Everyone is welcome.

Sat. 9th June, 3.30-5.00pm - Newcomers' Afternoon Tea at the Rectory. If you have started attending St Mary's in the last year or two and would like to come, please see Cora or Glynis.

Mon, 11th June, 2.15pm - Mothers' Union - Quiet afternoon at the Convent.