Dear friends,
This time last year, during one of Alec`s sermons, Maggie had a vision. She was looking round church and thought that a flower festival would be a lovely idea in church. She gathered a team and the theme was agreed upon, “The Joys of a Rural Parish” and it was decided that everyone would choose a hymn as the theme for their arrangements. A whole range of individuals and groups agreed to take part and the enthusiasm just kept growing. Regular meetings were held and jobs shared out. A concert was planned together with a Songs of Praise service. There was to be an art exhibition and Jane agreed to do a history exhibition. The George and Dragon agreed to get involved and many volunteered for stewarding, serving teas and tower tours.
The community came together in quite a wonderful way and over the 3 days, 100’s of people visited the festival and were overwhelmed by the various displays. It was to be a fundraiser for church funds but it was so much more than that. People were so interested about what goes on in our church and there were many fruitful conversations. The church was drawing people in from so many places – seeing so many people in and around church – it seemed like the church was at the very heart of things. It was an utterly joyful event. Our building is beautiful at the best of times, but it was “heavenly” – in the words of one of the visitors.
At the music event, we had such a range of talent volunteering their talent to raise funds for St Luke`s and WF for Ukraine, singers, pianists, a flautist, a trumpeter, we had a folk vocalist and comic songs and such a wide range of ages came to listen. Again it was so joyful.
We are so thankful to everyone who came along and the many people who took part in a range of ways.
We have so much to be joyful about at St Mary`s and St Mark`s.
We are blessed with the most extraordinary people who are part of our church family, we have the widest range of service types from BCP to Forest Church, we have two fabulous church schools – who won the people`s choice at the festival for their teddy bears extravaganza in the Lady Chapel and we have a building that has been soaked in prayer over the centuries which draws people closer to God……..what brings you joy at St Mary`s?
Our buildings are incredible so if at any time you have a vision or thoughts as to how they could be used then please let us know. I read a book about how village churches thrive which was challenging, and in the autumn, we hope to get together as a parish to look to the future. What are we doing well? What do we do badly? Are there groups we do not reach? How is our welcome? How can our church building engage visitors who have questions about faith So many questions. Your prayers would be valued together with your input
We also pray for all teachers and staff as they take time out – what you do is extraordinary so take time for you this summer. For those children who are leaving us and moving to high school you go with our love and prayers.
It has however been such a busy time for all of us that there should be some time for rest. Jesus was often found asleep – even in the middle of a storm. It is the summer time = an ideal time for rest. Don`t feel you always have to be busy – be like Jesus – take naps.
Love Christina