St Thomas’ has been a focal point in the community of Somercotes for some 170 years. In addition to our regular weekly worship, the church is a centre for the family rituals of christenings, weddings and funerals; for community services on Remembrance Sunday and at Christmas; for school celebrations, arts festivals and concerts. It also offers, inside the chuch and in its extensive churchyard, a place of quiet reflection for all. The church building is Victorian, much admired by those who visit; it has been lovingly maintained over the years by generations of local people. Forty years ago, it was badly damaged by fire and much of the roof was replaced: this was made possible by the generosity of local people and businesses, as well as insurance cover. Unfortunately, once again, owing to its age, the roof is in need of substantial repair, and we are turning to our local community to help us meet some of the cost. The full cost of the most urgent repairs is in the region of £50,000; while we have some funds for maintaining the building, we are hoping to raise £25,000 of that total through donations. We are well aware that times are difficult for all and we know it is a big ask to expect people to help; but unless we can keep the church watertight, it will be of little use to anyone. Any donation would be acceptable and gratefully received, be that monetary, an item for us to sell or raffle, your time or expertise, or support at our fundraising events.To donate, or for more information, please contact:The Revd Imogen Black (01773) 603793Mrs Rachel Watson (01773) 607131
I am delighted to announce that, as of next Sunday (July 26th), St Thomas' is open again for public worship.We have completed a detailed risk assessment, and received formal permission to open from the Archdeacon. As might be expected, there are various temporary changes in place - the seating has been "socially-distanced"; there will be no singing (though there will be organ music); Communion will be in one kind; there will be no refreshments served; there will be no Sunday School. Sunday Mass will be recorded; it will be possible both to watch it live on Zoom, and later in the week. If you would like access to the recording, please contact Mother Imogen.Initially, we are open only for Sunday Mass and funerals; funerals are currently limited to 30 people.If you are hoping to be married, or have your child christened, unless there is an urgent reason otherwise, we strongly encourage you to wait until the safety guidance is eased (when it will be possible to have a bigger and livelier celebration).We appreciate that these changes are less than ideal; they will be reviewed at the start of September, and regularly after that. We will bring back other acts of worship, and other church events, as and when it is safe to do so.We do not, as yet, have a starting date for our regular Saturday Coffee Morning and Sale, but will publicise it as soon as we do.
It is with great joy that we announce that, from June 24th, we have been given permission to open for private prayer and reflection.Initially, we will be open from 3pm to 4pm every Sunday. However, we are permitted to open for longer, or at other times...If you are keen to come to the church and pray - or simply to sit and think - please come. And if 3pm on a Sunday is not possible, please contact Mother Imogen - by phone, or via the messaging system on this site. We are very happy to open at other times if there is a demand for us to do so.You may have heard that the Government has announced that public worship can start again from 4th July. We are unlikely to recommence public worship as early as this, as there are many health and safety issues that need to be considered... but please watch this space. Be assured that we are working on this, and that, in the meantime, prayers are still being said, and the Mass offered, in private.
