• News

    Lilies of Remembrance

    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.

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    Thought for The Day – We Shall Not be Overcome

    It has been suggested that it might be helpful to have the occasional Thought for the Day on the website which can be used for personal reflection during this time of crisis.  The following is the first of these. ‘We shall not be overcome’ is one of the revelations of Julian of Norwich.  The poem ‘Spirit of Affirmation’ is offered as an encouragement to all of us as we continue our journey through Lent, a journey which is increasingly difficult this year.  As each line begins ‘I am …’, it’s worth remembering that in John’s Gospel, which contains all the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus, (I am the way, the…

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    REVISED: Announcement about suspension of activities and services

    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…

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    Coronavirus and Emergency Preparedness

    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…

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    Lent Books – Seven books to choose from!

    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…

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    Christmas Services 2019

    Tuesday 24 Dec – Christmas Eve 2:00pm A Christmas Nativity Service and carols with a play by St Mary’s children 4:00pm The Arrival at Bethlehem Traditional Christmas story is told and carols are sung 11:15pm Midnight Mass Atmospheric choral service sung by the parish choir (with Christmas music sung by the parish choir from 10:45pm). Wednesday 25 Dec – Christmas Day 8:30am Holy Communion A simple said service 10:00am All-age Sung Eucharist Our usual festive service with Christmas carols and craft activities for children