Celebrate our Patronal with us ….Traditionally Churches celebrate ‘Patronal Festivals’ on the Saint’s day after which their church is named.Each year we celebrate around 15th August – the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary- and we do so by giving thanks for our community and celebrating the life we share together. This year we will be hosting a range of events and we hope there will be something for everyone to be able to come and celebrate with us.Do Something Different Day on Wednesday August 10th from 10.30am till 4pm An opportunity for those who may be living on their own, or unable to get away for a break to spend some time with other people and enjoying one another’s company. There will be a range of craft, games and activities in the morning – or just the chance to sit and chat over tea and coffee. There will then be a lunch and a film – and the day will end with afternoon tea and cake. If people want more information or would like to book a place then please phone 023 92 814444 – the cost of the refreshments and lunch is £5.Music and Dancing to a live bandOn Friday August 12th from 7.30pm onwards a local band ‘Limited S’ will be performing in the Church – and we hope people will both enjoy the music and join in dancing! Tickets are £5 adults (children are free) and those attending need to bring their own refreshments and drinks,Sunday August 14th Our Parish service at 10am (which we hope to hold outdoors in the Churchyard) Afterwards we will be hosting a picnic in the Churchyard (bring your own food) and a celebration of cycling. From 11.30am there will entertainment from the Mary Rose and Royal George Morris dancers (with Andrew and Alice!) and Pompey Pluckers and then at 2pm a short service when we will bless cyclists and their bikes. If you enjoy cycling come and join the celebration and give thanks for all who work to improve road safety as well as remembering those injured or killed on our roads.Monday Aug 15th Monday Men will meet wth Fr Rajiv at St Mary’s at 7pm.If you would be interested in joining this group or have some ideas as to what you would like the group to do in the Autumn then come along or contact Fr RajivWednesday Aug 17th 7pm Zoom Book ClubThe last of our Summer monthly gatherings to reflect on a book – contact Marie Lambert or Revd Sam for details of this month’s book and how to joinLooking ahead note for your diarySunday Aug 28th there will only be 2 Parish services at 8 & 10am at St Mary’s on that day (no services at St Faith’s or St Wilfrid’s)Saturday Sept 3rd There will be a Monday Men Pitch and Putt at the 10th Hole starting at 8am and followed by Breakfast …Saturday Sept 10th There will be Coffee Mornings at St Faith’ sand St Wilfrid’s from 10am – Noon and a Nearly New Sale and Tower Open at St Mary’s for the Historic Churches Bikes Ride (sponsor some of our Ministry Team as they cycle on the Sunday – or even join them!)Sunday Sept 11th Noon Parish Bar B Q at St Mary’s Hope to see you at one or more of these celebrationsBest wishesFather Bob
There has been our celebrations of Holy Week and Easter with a re-establishing of elements of our liturgy (including at St Mary’s the first use of the High Altar on Holy Saturday). Thank you to all who contributed to the services and preparation of the Churches – and to our preachers in Holy week and the Archdeacon over the Tridium. There has been the much awaited return of the May Fayre – a great event. Many have commented on the atmosphere and the number of people there – St John’s Ambulance estimated 15,000! Thank you to the huge Army of volunteers (nearly 90) from across the Parish who worked together to hep us raise over £12K! Then this weekend sees the first of our Summer weddings – with 2 couples who have been waiting since 2020! – and the joy those services bring ... Please read the attached PDF newsletter to get the full news content.
We will be welcoming some guest preachers to help us reflect on this journey and how we have over last months been building communities on love. On Monday April 11th – at the end of the 7pm service –Revd Dawn Banting, who leads the QA Chaplaincy team, will reflecton her experiences of COVID. Tuesday 12th – at the same time – we welcome Revd Tracey Ansell, from North End Baptist church, willspeak from her experience of leading Hope into Action in the city and establishing the North End Pantry. Finally on the Wednesday, Revd Bryan Stevenson, from St Luke’s, will consider our theme in the light of his work with Bridgeway, a project for young people.At St Mary’s from Maundy Thursday to Easter Day our Archdeacon, Jenny Rowley, will join us as our preacher. St Wilfrid’s and St Faith’s will have their own pattern for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday – but those who wish will be able to celebrate the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday together at St Mary’s at 8.30pm.To learn more on how we will Build a Community Base on Love in Holy Week read the attached newsletter.
