Hello,A number of people have asked if St Mary's is co-ordinating help for Ukraine. In order for resources to get to where they are needed in the most efficient way we are promoting Christian Aid's as part of the Disasters Emergency Committee for online giving. We also have envelopes for cash donations in church. This link take you to Christian Aids page which includes donations, prayers and the chance to sign a petition asking our givernment to be more generous to refugees.Christian Aid
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.
