Although we have to postpone our Annual Parochial Church Meeting, we are making available a draft of our annual report now. Click below to download.

As with most churches and charities, the current situation has hit us hard financially. Thank you to all those whose regular giving continues to support St Mary’s: it is much appreciated. Usually the cash collection on Easter Day is a significant source of income for us. If you would normally make a cash donation, would you consider giving online this Easter weekend? Perhaps you are appreciating the online ministry, or want to support all we are doing in the community, or would like to make a special gift in memory of someone. I know many people are struggling financially at the present time, but if you are able to give,…

Thank you to all those who sponsored Easter lilies in memory of departed loved ones. Sadly, we have not been able to arrange any flowers in church this year, but instead we offer this slideshow of lilies from previous years as a means of remembering. All the names have also been remembered by the Vicar at the Eucharist celebrated privately at home. Please click on the image below.

Dear friends, Since my message earlier this afternoon, the Prime Minister has made a statement. “Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel. We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. And you should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.” Because of this, as of now, all of our weekday services and activities are suspended. This includes Saturday’s concert, but Jonathan is hoping to put the concert on Youtube instead. At the present time I expect funerals we have currently booked in to go ahead. I will await guidance from the Church of…

At St Mary’s, we are making sure we are properly prepared for any emergencies, in particular Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are keeping up to date with the Government and the Church of England’s guidance as it is issued, especially in terms of services and pastoral visiting. We want to make sure everyone, especially the most vulnerable, know they can safely and with confidence come to church during this time. If you sign up for our general mailing list here we will let you know about any last minute changes or emergency plans. We’ll also post on Facebook. The Church of England is encouraging people to wash hands when they arrive at…

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Book for Lent 2020. A book about the environment written by Ruth Valerio of Tear Fund. In ‘Saying Yes to Life’ Ruth Valerio imaginatively draws on the seven days of creation (Genesis 1) as she uses the themes of light, water, land, the seasons, human kind and creatures to help us consider the Christian obligation to the planet. There are six chapters, each with topics to reflect on and a prayer, as well as practical ideas.   A Lent Book with the Archbishop of York designate as one of the co-authors. A book co-written by Stephen Cottrell, currently Bishop of Chelmsford, Philip North, the Bishop of…