A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!

Wishing everyone everywhere a very Happy and Peaceful New Year for 2014.

St Mary's blog will not be updated from now on, but we thank you for watching the blog over the years.  St Mary's Church Re-ordering took place between September and December 2007 when the blog was set up as a record of photographs and information during this time. 

The church was closed and the general public were unable to view what was happening within.  You can still see the photographs taken at that time if you view the blogs from 2007.

If anyone wishes to ask any questions about the procedures and process they are welcome to contact St Mary's through the website.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES at St Mary's Church, East Leake

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

FROM ALL AT ST MARY'S!

COME AND JOIN US AT ST MARY'S FOR ANY OR ALL OF OUR

FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICES!

 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:

 

3.00pm   Blessing of the Crib - Service for the little ones

 

4.00pm   Family Carol Service

 

7.00pm   Traditional Carol Service

 

11.30pm   Christmas Eve 'Midnight' Holy Communion Service

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

10.00am   Family Holy Communion

The end of St Mary's Church blog.

St Mary's Church, East Leake. December 2012.

This blog will finish posting at the end of 2013, having run since 2007 when the church was re-ordered.  The blog gave photographs and descriptions of what was happening when the church was closed in September, right up to when it re-opened in December 2007.

Since then, current events at St Mary's have been posted.  St Mary's is now on Facebook and you can still find out what's on by following our website on http://www.east-leake.co.uk .

The blog will remain for those seeking information on our Re-ordering experience, but will not be updated UNLESS there is a demand from those who follow it.

If you would like it to continue, please contact us via the blog or email us on office@ourbenefice.org. our new email address.

Thank you for your support over the past six years.

St Mary's Church PCC
East Leake

'CHRISTMAS TIME CONCERT'

ST MARY'S PRESENTS:

'CHRISTMAS TIME CONCERT'.

A concert for all the family on
Saturday 14th December, 7.30pm.

Featuring:
Voice, piano and organ solos, choir items, hand bells and seasonal poetry by the W.I

 

Tickets cost: £7.00 per person & £15.00 for a family of 4.

Contact:
Chris Ebbern 0115 9722131,
Steven Barrow 01509 856202 or
Pat Brown 01509 820094 to buy your ticket.

St Mary's Churchyard Garden of Remembrance.

St Mary's Church is applying to the church authorities for a Faculty (equivalent to planning permission) to replace the grass in the Garden of Remembrance with chippings. This work is to ease maintenance of the area.

 

The work will involve laying a weed membrane directly below the memorial stones after skimming off the turf.

There will be no disturbance to the interred ashes.

 

 

Maintenance of the churchyard is the responsibility of the Parish Council, enhanced by the hard work of a small team of volunteers who give up some of their time to maintain it in its current state.

 

Notices are being displayed in the Garden, indicating to whom any representations should be made, together with a closing date for comments.

Please note that the picture is of the churchyard, NOT the Garden of Remembrance.

 

If you wish to have further information, please contact Conrad Oatey: Tel 852549 or email the church on stmarys@eastleake.net .

It's all happening!

The concert last Saturday by the Brian Humpherson Jazz Quintet was a fantastic evening, demonstrating the amazing musical skills of the members.  Again, the church was full and everyone enjoyed the evening.







We're getting closer to Rev'd Tim's Licensing (Wed. at 7.30pm) and expect the church to be packed.  So if you're planning to come, make sure you come early to get a seat as there are lots of specially invited guests. The congregation is looking forward to welcoming Tim and working with him.

Don't forget, that on Friday is our annual Charity Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning from 10.00am-12.00noon held in the church.

November's almost here - get your diary ready!

St Mary's has lots of exciting things going on this month.  We'd love to see you at any or all of them.

 Saturday 2nd November, 7.30pm The Brian Humpherson Jazz Quintet Concert.
This popular quintet is back again to entertain us. Tickets are still available from Steven on 856202 or Pat on 820094 at £8. Children under 16 are free.  Refreshments are available in the interval.






Sunday 3rd November at 9.30am we celebrate the service for All Saints Day.

This will be followed in the afternoon by Messy Church at 4.00pm. 

Wednesday 6th November at 7.30pm the Licensing of our new Priest-in-Charge Rev'd Tim Parker will take place, led by the Bishop of Sherwood and the Archdeacon of Nottingham.

Friday 8th November at 10.00-12.00noon. The Annual Charity Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning is being held at St Mary's. Representative from well known charities will be selling cards, Advent Calendars and small Christmas gifts









Sunday 10th November. Remembrance Day Parade. This will be followed by a short service at the War Memorial at 10.55am









Monday 11th November 2.15-3.45pm. Understanding Alzheimer's Disease.

This is an Open Meeting to the whole Community who is interested in learning more about Alzheimer's Disease. The Speaker is Julia Jefferson from the Alzheimer's Society

There is no charge and refreshments will be provided.

Open Meeting for everyone - Understanding Alzheimer's Disease.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
Monday, Nov 11th, 2.15pm-3.45pm in St Mary's Church.

An Open Meeting for everyone who would like to learn about Alzheimer's Disease.

Speaker: Julia Jefferson from the Alzheimer's Association.
 

 There will be no charge and refreshments will be provided.

The meeting is sponsored by St Mary's Church Mothers' Union.

Tell everyone you know to come and hear this speaker on such an important topic which could be relevant to us all.

Nice surprises!

Well, I never!  This young heron was seen in the brook today, wading through the water looking for food.  You never know what you'll see when you're out and about in East Leake!

If you haven't already seen the posters around East Leake, St Mary's Church is welcoming back The Brian Humpherson Jazz Quintet on November 2nd for a concert at 7.30pm.  Tickets are £8 (£7.50 if you purchase them before October 25th) from either Steven Barrow 856202 or Pat Brown 820094.

Are you ready for October?

There's lots going on at St Mary's, not least preparations for the arrival of our new Priest in Charge, Rev Tim Parker. 
The Rectory is undergoing a makeover somewhat and there have been volunteers working hard in the garden already.
If you'd like to help us out, please contact the Churchwarden, Conrad Oatey.

Quiet Interlude - Tuesday 8th October at 12.00-1.00pm.

The Quiet Interlude will feature an hour of mediation, prayer, music  and reflection as we join together  in a “Prayer Walk”  around the Church,  everyone is welcome to come and enjoy “YOU TIME “,  whether it is for 5 minutes  the whole hour,  OR what- ever time you can give,  come and find out what God is saying to you, he’ll be there, will you?

John O’Nions

 

Check out our forthcoming events on the right and get your diary ready.

 

 

Harvest Festival Service this Sunday 8th September!

It's Harvest Time and hopefully all our farmers are having bumper crops after such a sunny summer.

St Mary's Church will be welcoming everyone to bring their own offerings on Sunday morning, 8th September at 9.30am, Harvest service to be combined with our regular Worship Together Service. Our Area Dean, Rev John Bentham will be taking both the 8am Holy Communion and the 9.30am Services.



We welcome all perishable and none perishable foods, tins and packets, which will be sent to the Friary Drop In Centre who always need our donations.

Any flowers from your garden will also be welcome on Saturday, 7th Sept to help decorate the church.  Please bring them along or better still help our few, hard working volunteers to put them up.

Dates for your diary.

The Sponsored Historic Churches Trust Annual Ride and Stride - Saturday 14th Sept.
Participants are encouraged to visit and gain sponsorship by cycling or walking to as many churches and chapels as they can between 10am and 6pm.  East Leake, Rempstone and West Leake churches will be open for this event and there will be refreshments at Rempstone.  Contact Ian on 852560 for further information and sponsorship forms. Funds raised from your activities make a big difference to churches who need help with maintaining their buildings.

Community Care AGM - Monday, 16th Sept, 7.30pm
The Annual AGM will be held at St Mary's Church where there will be a Cheese and Wine evening for all volunteers and anyone else interested in the Association.  This voluntary group does a lot of work in East Leake for anyone needing help or care.

The Church Big Clean! Tuesday 17th September.
Due to the unavailability of the church in August, we are hoping to get enough volunteers to give the church its annual clean on a Tuesday.  Please contact Avril on 852238 if you can come along.

Julia Jefferson, speaker from the Alzheimer's Society - Monday, 11th November, 2.15pm
This Open Meeting is hosted by the Mothers' Union and held in St Mary's Church and everyone is encouraged to come.  It is an opportunity for everyone in our communities to come and hear more about the society and its work and gain some insight into Alzheimer's.

Rev Tim Parker's Licensing Service - Wednesday, 6th November at 7.30pm!

Good news at last!  Our new Priest-in-Charge, Rev Tim Parker will be coming to St Mary's and the Benefice on Wednesday, 6th November.  His Licensing Service will take place at St Mary's Church at 7.30pm.  This will be a very special service when everyone is invited.

We are very thankful that God has chosen him to lead us so soon after Rev Glynis's retirement.  Our prayers are with him and we hope he will soon feel at home here in East Leake and the Benefice.

Getting ready for new challenges. What will YOU do that's new this year?

Nottingham schools don't start back until Wednesday, September 4th but Leicestershire schools are back in early on Thursday, August 29th, please note.

Therefore, most groups using St Mary's Hall will start the week beginning the 9th Sept. There are one or two groups starting the week before so please check with your group Leader.

St Mary's is also planning to start things afresh.

The Hand Bell Band is practising again on Saturday, 24th August at 11.30am.  Please come along if you'd like to learn and practice with them.

Messy Church meets again on Sunday, September 1st at 4pm. All families with young children are welcome.






The Quiet Interlude, Tuesday 3rd Sept, 12.00-1.00pm - a quiet, peaceful time in church to stop all your busyness for a short while.

The Community Choir is back practising on Tuesday, 3rd Sept at 7.30pm. All new members are welcome.  You don't have to be a churchgoer to join.  Come and meet Chris Ebbern our young Music Director. Chris is running another Choir Workshop on Saturday, 28th, September from 10.00am.  If you want to know what it's all about, come on along.

Don't forget! The Church Big Clean is now on Tuesday, September 17th from 9.00am. We need all willing helpers to do some light dusting and some strong people to help move the chairs so the floor can be cleaned.  PLEASE come and help if only for half an hour as our volunteers are mostly your Grandmas and Great-Grandmas!!!

Revd Tim Parker - no news yet.

Here at St Mary's we're waiting in anticipation of when we can expect Rev Tim Parker to join us.  It's an exciting time and we're fortunate to have been able to appoint a new Priest in Charge so quickly - even if he can't join us just yet.
Rev John Bentham, Area Dean led the services this morning and indicated that we might know in a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile work continues as normal, for Church services and in the Rectory.  There is a great deal of activity 'behind the scenes' as things are cleaned, tidied and have their annual checks.  This includes the Hall, where cleaning and repair work is going on while all the groups are on holiday.

Last week Robin Borrett's Coloured Pencil Workshop went very well in the church as usual and we look forward to having his group with us again in the future.

This Saturday, Hanson's the Auctioneers visited the church to give the general public the opportunity to have their treasures valued - see previous blog.  It was like the Antiques Roadshow with all kinds of objects being brought! 

St Mary's welcomes appropriate groups such as these, who would like to use the church space to provide events for the East Leake community. If you would like to hold a meeting or event in either the church or the hall, please contact the Booking Secretary on 01509 820094.

Beehive Wicker Works, Gotham Road (Lane), East Leake - 1930

Beehive Wicker Works, Gotham Road (Lane), East Leake - 1930

 

We'd like to thank Robin Borrett's Coloured Pencil Workshop students who have kindly donated their version of a picture of Beehive Wicker Works, Gotham Road (Lane), East Leake - 1930 to hang in St Mary's Hall.

 

We hope that everyone who uses the Hall will appreciate that this is not only part of the East Leake heritage, but shows all the hard work and talent gone into this drawing.

 

If you don't already use the Hall and would like to see the picture, please contact Pat Brown (01509 820094) or a member of the Local History Society to arrange to view it.

 

Robin Borrett is holding another workshop on Saturday 3rd Aug in St Mary's Church from 9.00-5.00pm.

A new Priest in Charge has been appointed!

Good news!  Revd Tim Parker, currently curate at Gamston has been appointed to St Mary's and the Benefice!

He has also been helping out at Edwalton during their vacancy.
Tim graduated with an MA in Physics prior to training for the ministry.

 

We will however, have to wait for his installation as Priest in Charge of the Benefice which could be a number of months.

 

We look forward to meeting and working with him at this exciting time and send our congratulations.

 Follow St Mary's website or this blog for further news.

Open Churches weekend

Open Churches Weekend. Saturday 21st and 22nd July all churches in the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese will be open to all visitors, so why not pop in and come and see us?  Refreshments are available and it's usually nice and cool inside.

Our Sunday service is at 9.30am and we have several visiting Ministers covering the services during the interregnum.  This past week there have been interviews for the candidates and we await the exciting outcome.




Coming up!

Aug 3rd, 9am-5.00pm - Robin Borrett will be bringing his Coloured Pencil Workshop to St Mary's Church again.  Please contact him if you'd like to attend. The group's latest addition to their collection of completed pictures can now be found hanging in the entrance to St Mary's Hall.

Aug 6th 12.00noon - 1.00pm!
The Quiet Interlude: A new Beginning. In St. Mary’s Church from 12 noon – 1pm
2 more sessions with different themes August 6th - The Journey; September 3rd - Coming Home.



Saturday 10th August, 11.00-4.00pm. - Hanson's Antiques Valuation Day.

Hansons, the Auctioneers are holding a Valuation Day at St Mary's Church.
The cost for valuing an item is £1, which will be given to the church.

There is no obligation to sell the item. The aim is to educate and advise the owner of an object's identity and history, as well as its value.

 

Items will NOT be purchased at the Valuation Day. However, Hansons can arrange to include suitable items in one of their auctions at a later date, if you discover you own a valuable antique and would prefer to sell it. Light refreshments will be provided.

It's cool!

Finally, summer has arrived but we're not prepared for the mid 20's yet.  If you're looking for something for the family that's fun and really cool, why not come to St Mary's this Sunday.  Why?  Because it's Messy Church week! 

Messy Church time! It's a chance to tell the children about the amazing life of Jesus and what he taught us and there's crafts, songs and refreshments. There's always lots of families there.

And for adults - on Tuesday at 12.00 noon there's the second in the series of The Quiet Interlude, run by John O'Nions.  Everyone is welcome to come and discover just for an hour, the antidote to life’s strains and stresses.

Coming up!
Open Churches Weekend in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham - July 20/21st. St Mary's Church will be open both days to anyone who would like to drop in.  Refreshments will be available. Come on in and meet us, there's no pressure.
Find out what we're doing for YOU in the community and look around. There's something for everyone. 
Don't be a stranger - you don't have to be a Christian, you don't have to be perfect (we're not) or if you'd just like to talk to someone or just generally look around, what are you waiting for?

Have you missed the blog being updated?  It's because we could do with a little help updating it.  Would you like to 'have a go'?  Tell someone at the Open Churches days or a member of our PCC. We'd love to have you on board.

FATHER'S DAY SERVICE
with Rob Taylor, Sport Ambassador for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

Sunday 16th June, 9.30am at St Mary's Church.
A warm welcome to Dads, Grandads, and their Families - and to everyone else as well! Come along and celebrate.

 

 

 

Please note!  Revd Glynis Hetherington's Retirement.

GLYNIS AND RON’S FINAL SUNDAY IN THE BENEFICE

Sunday 30th June will be Glynis and Ron’s final Sunday in the parishes before retirement.
There will be two services for the whole Benefice at St. Mary’s Church, East Leake on that day, and all are welcome, including children, to attend either or both of these services.

The first service will be Parish Communion at 9.30am.

At 4pm that afternoon there will be an informal service for all ages, and after that everyone will be invited to the Rectory garden for a Bring and Share meal, not a BBQ as previously advertised.

Thank you British Gypsum!

 

Over the past few months, volunteers from British Gypsum, East Leake have been released from their work to help with a Community Project at St Mary's Church, instigated and organised by their Environment Manager, Kirsty Greggs (3rd from left). 

The church vestry now has a new insulated ceiling and has been repainted, thanks to the materials, expertise and manpower provided by British Gypsum.
The vestry is bright, clean and warm now.

Today, the Rector of St Mary's met the workers to thank them for all their hard work.

Get ready for Messy Church and Christian Aid!

 

Sunday, 5th May - Messy Church with Baptisms! It start early at 3.30pm for this.
Come and join us!

At the 9.30am Service Will and Jay will share some news about their work in East Leake Academy.

Don't forget!
Sunday 12th 9.30am - Worship Together Christian Aid Service. Please bring mobile phones!

 
Christian Aid Week 12-18th May.
Sat. 11th, 10am. Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church with Plants, cakes and home-made preserves for sale.  Come early!

Advance notice of Revd Glynis's Retirement in June!

GLYNIS AND RON’S FINAL SUNDAY IN THE BENEFICE
Sunday 30^th June will be Glynis and Ron’s final Sunday in the parishes before retirement. 
There will be two services for the whole Benefice at St. Mary’s Church, East Leake on that day, and all are welcome, including children, to attend either or both of these services.
The first service will be Parish Communion at 9.30am.  
At 4pm that afternoon there will be an informal service for all ages, and after that everyone will be invited to the Rectory garden for a barbeque.  We hope to start serving food from 5.30pm.
 

 

 

ARRANGEMENTS DURING THE VACANCY

People are asking what will happen in our parishes during the forthcoming vacancy.  The staff team will, of course, become even smaller.  However, the remaining members of that team are committed to ensuring continuity of worship wherever possible. 

The present pattern of services usually includes three services per month in the smaller villages, and a 9.30am service each week at East Leake, with other services on some Sundays. 

However (as in other years) there are likely to be fewer services during August. There will be some contingency plans in case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances.  Pastoral ministry and funeral services will be covered by other ministers on our team.

 

The parish office will continue to be run from East Leake Rectory during the vacancy and Caroline will pick up messages and deal with various administrative tasks.

We already have many committed members of our churches who are involved in caring for our buildings, preparing for Sunday worship and all manner of other tasks, so these things can carry on as normal. 

In respect of those tasks normally undertaken by the Rector, Glynis is preparing notes for guidance. 

Everyone is hoping and praying that the right appointment will be made sooner rather than later, but in the meantime, if people work together and support one another, there is no reason why everything should not run smoothly during the vacancy.

Thinking about joining a Community Choir?

All day this Saturday, 27th April there is an opportunity for anyone thinking about joining a Community Choir. Come and meet our Director of Music, Chris Ebbern.

East Leake Community Choir is holding a Choir Workshop with Professional coaching starting at 10.00am at St Mary's Church - the charge is £4. 

 A Free Community Choir Open Day will be held from 12.30pm, followed by the evening concert.

 

A Spring Concert by the Community Choir at 7.00pm - featuring Professional Soprano Charlotte, the East Leake Community Choir and Piano and Organ works. Charge of £4 towards charity and costs.

Easter flowers at St Mary's

 We always look forward to the church being full of flowers after Lent when there have been none.  They bring the happiness that Jesus lives and new life all around us.

These are just a few of the floral arrangements created by our Flower Arrangers in the church.

Easter - time for celebration. He lives!

In spite of the wintry weather, the Easter Service was well attended last Sunday and the children had great fun hunting for the hidden Easter eggs.  There were even some mini eggs for the adult chocoholics too. It was a very happy service celebrating Jesus rising from the dead.  Praise the Lord! He's alive!

Have you registered for St Mary's Easter Club next week?  Monday 8th,Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th April, 9.15am-12.00noon there will be fun, crafts and games for the children up to year 7 with the theme of Space Academy this time in both the church and the hall as usual.
For information please contact Tim at timhutton81@googlemail.com  or Brenda at crichardknight@btinternet.com . You can also download a Registration form from our website but contact Tim or Brenda as well because numbers are limited.

See you there!

Spring forward!

Sunday, March 24th was Palm Sunday but the weather continued to be windy, cold and snowy, but unfortunately the donkey from Manor Farm was unable to come to Costock to take part in the procession and service to celebrate Jesus entering Jerusalem in triumph.



We hope the families weren't too disappointed.  Last year was certainly very different - see left!

Don't forget! to move your clocks one hour forward (Spring Forward) this weekend to Daylight Savings Time or you'll arrive at the Easter Services at the wrong time!

 

Check out our listing below or on our website for all the services over Easter.