St Mary's church is able to be a vibrantand flourishing village church, in part, through generous donations. If you would like to support our building, our community work or our church as a whole, please have a look at our attached Gift Day Brouchure. Lorraine, our vicar and Alan, our treasurer will be in church on Saturday 23rd October between 10am and 3pm to answer questions and help in any way we can.If you are interested in the overall finances of the diocese the 2020 report is available here
Our Christmas services offer a range of experiences to suit those with differring approaches to covid. These are outlined below together with our ongoing advice to help you make decisions regarding safety.Safety and Singing in Christmas WorshipCarol Service 19th December 6.30... congregational singing throughout the service. The Lady Chapel will be reserved for non-singers.Christingle 2pm/4pmChristmas Eve: Congregational singing throughout. The 2pm service often has a smaller congregation. For the 4pm service we will aim to fit as many safely distanced households in as possible and offer an additional 5pm service if the church becomes full.Midnight in Bethlehem Mass 9pm Christmas Eve: Congregational singing throughout. Lady Chapel reserved for non-singers.Christmas Morning 10am Family Communion: Our normal pattern of leaving congregational singing until after the blessing to allow non-singers to leave without missing part of the service.1st Sunday of Christmas 8am BCP communion: The safest service for the most cautious people. No singing and a small congregation.<div>1st Sunday of Christmas 10.30 Christmas Worship: A short service with singing after the blessing as above.In order that people feel safe in church, please follow the advice below. If you have any concerns or wish to take further precautions, please call me on 01732 882447. God Bless, LorraineGeneral Advice1. Please stay at home if you have any of the government identified Covid -19 symptoms.2. Please maintain the general covid guidelines, ‘Hands, face, space’.3. Please sanitize (for more than 20s) on entry and exit, and after touching frequently touched surfaces.4. Please wear a mask unless exempt or singing or eating/drinking.5. Please leave a two chair gap between yourselves and household/bubbles already seated.6. Our ‘Extra Care’ rows by the main door are for those who would like the additional reassurance of 2m spacing between rows. 7. The remaining rows, ‘Normal Care’ are at 1.5m spacing and you may remove your mask once seated. 8. Please don’t belt out the hymns during congregational singing. 9. Remember to wash your hands when you get home.
Drama for Wellbeing Summer Holiday Thursday Programme St Mary’s Church, Platt 29<sup>th</sup> July; 5th August; 12th August; 19<sup>th</sup> August; 22<sup>nd</sup> August; 26<sup>th</sup> August; 2nd September. Morning Programme: 10.30-12noon, 6 sessions on Thursday mornings (children) Or Afternoon Programme: 1pm-2.30, 6 sessions on Thursday afternoons (Children/families) Or Afternoon Programme: 3pm-4.30, 6 sessions on Thursday afternoons (Adults) This summer programme is a gift to the wider community from St Mary’s church to contribute to wellbeing as we move out of lockdown. There is no charge. In the family sessions any parents who want to stay with their children and be part of the drama activities they are very welcome, just let me know. I hope that those who sign up will be able to come to most of the sessions but I know that life happens, do have a chat with me if this is a concern for you. Please pass this information on to anyone who might be interested. If you would like to book a place/places please email me or have a word. rev.lorraine@btinternet.com 01732 882 447 What is Drama for Wellbeing? Come and play, make stories, characters and improvise to connect with your community. Drama for Wellbeing uses creative techniques, such as stories, characters, play, and improvisation as a way to connect with likeminded people. It’s a safe and welcoming place where you can break free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and maybe even learn something new about yourself! Freya Briley and Helena Burton- Jones met on the MA Dramatherapy course at the University of Roehampton in 2019. They are about to finish their final year in June 2021 and plan to bring Dramatherapy to Kent and London. This summer they are offering Drama for Wellbeing sessions through the Places of Welcome and Wellbeing Cafes. Between them they have a wealth of experience working with a variety of clients including older adults, children and young people, offenders, refugees and much more. They are excited to bring their passion for drama and wellbeing to places near you this summer!
