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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!