Candlemas

Yesterday was the beginning of Candlemas and the church season of Epiphany is finished. We remember the presentation of Christ in the Temple to Simeon who had been promised sight of the Christ before he died.
As we pray, please let us remember those less fortunate than ourselves, particularly those in countries where the weather is showing its worst side.
There is a rhyme:
If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, winter will have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter is gone and will not come again. As usual we have all four seasons mixed up together, so who knows what we'll have. Our brothers and sisters in Scotland, Australia and America are having snow or cyclones.  We also remember all those in countries in conflict.  We have much for which to be thankful.

It was very cold but dry for our weekend at Willersley Castle, Derbyshire and there were lots of activities both inside and outdoors. It's always a good weekend to share with our friends, or to make new ones.

• The Abbot Club will meet tonight at the Nags Head at 8pm
• The Community Choir will also meet tonight in church at 7.15pm. Please note the next meeting of the choir will be next MONDAY, not Thursday for that week only.

Do you like singing?

Do you like singing but never had the chance to join a choir? If you do, come along to the Community Choir practices starting tomorrow night, Thursday at St Mary's Church at 7.30pm. 

This is open to everyone from the East Leake area, young or young at heart. Come early at 7.15pm for a coffee and a chat if you'd like.
Abi, will be very pleased to see you.

Practices will continue to March 3rd and there will be a concert for friends and family on Sunday March 13th. Don't be bashful, come on in.

Sunday, 30th January, 8.00am at St Mary's Church, Archdeacon of Nottingham, Revd Peter Hill will be preaching.

There will also be 10.00am United Parish Communion at Costock.

Have you kept your Christmas Cards or do you use a list?
Do you only ever keep in touch at Christmas through cards but never seem to get in touch any other time?  Why not pick a card or name a day and call or write and say a prayer for that person.  Make someone's day to say that they're in your thoughts.

Feeling the winter blues? Come and join us.

Friday, 28th January-Sunday 30th January many of the congregation will be going to Willersley Castle in Derbyshire for the Parish Weekend.  We always enjoy the weekend, getting to know one another with music, games, crafts, prayers, contemplation and Sunday morning service along with great food and the friendly staff.  There's lots to do whether you like walking in the grounds or further afield, swimming in the Castle's pool, shopping or visiting local places of interest either as a group or by yourself.

The Community Choir is back! Rehearsals will be in St Mary's 7.30-9pm, starting on Thursday 27th January for six weeks. Arrive from 7.15pm for rehearsals, for a coffee and chat first.

Please bring any other people who want to give it a try
(children are welcome, especially teenagers? but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult or signed in)

For your diary - Gotham Church is hosting two concerts:
Friday 25th March 7.30pm Celtic Treasure Tour
Friday 6th May 7.30pm Contemporary Christian Music

Christingle this Sunday!

This Sunday, 16th January, 3.00pm at St Mary's Church is the annual Christingle Service for all youngsters.  Come & make your own Christingle - see left.
After the short service there will be a tea party for the children, their family & friends. Christingle is sponsored by the Children's Society and all donations will be given to this worthy charity on Sunday.

There will also be:
Holy Communion at 8.00am and
Parish Communion at 9.30am as usual.

Last Saturday, as expected, there was much fun and laughter at Gotham church for 'Puss in Boots' our pantomime, acted by members of our cluster of churches in South Nottinghamshire.  Given that there is no time for rehearsals, the ad-libbing is as good as the script!  A big thank you to all who took part and especially to Revd Glynis for writing the script during her 'resting time' after all the Christmas services.

Coming up:
Sun. 16-23rd Jan. - Churches Together Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Special Prayer for Christian Unity Service at St Mary's on 23rd at 6.00pm.

28-30th Parish Weekend at Willersley Castle, Derbyshire.

It's Panto time this weekend!

Oh no it isn't!  Oh yes it is! Has it been a long time since you saw a pantomime?  This Saturday 8th, Jan. at 6.00pm you can see a variation on 'Puss in Boots' at St Lawrence's Church, Gotham with a cast from the members of the churches in the South Notts. Cluster. 
There will be family party games and a Bring and Share supper too.  There is always lots to eat, so just bring something to share on the buffet tables. We don't often get a chance to meet each other so come and join us all for some fun and lots of laughter at our 'home-grown' pantomime.  (If you need transport please contact the Rector).

We have some changes coming up in February which might interest those families who enjoy our Worship Together Service on the 2nd Sunday.  Watch for further details.

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.