🌾 Wonderful Community Harvest Thanksgiving Services and Faith Lunch 🌾On Sunday 11th October we gathered for a joyful and heartfelt Harvest Thanksgiving Service at St Martin’s, celebrating God’s goodness and the blessings of the season. The church was filled with warmth, colour and community spirit as we came together to give thanks for all of God’s good gifts. We were also delighted to welcome Bracken Edge Primary School, who came in for their harvest celebration on Monday 12th October and brought in crates of foodstuffs to donate. It was a hugely joyful occasion, with around 300 attending from the school and singing their hearts out in thanksgiving. Their enthusiasm and gratitude filled the church with life and joy. We are deeply grateful for the generous donations of dry and tinned food brought in by members of the congregation and by the school community. These gifts will be shared locally to support individuals and families in need, we thank everyone who contributed, and your kindness will make a real difference. Harvest reminds us of the importance of generosity, togetherness and gratitude. Sunday’s service and lunch and the school service reflected the heart of St Martin’s, a community that cares, shares and supports one another. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, decorated the church with beautiful autumnal harvest displays, cooked, served and helped create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere that made both days so special. We look forward to gathering again soon. 🌾
✝️💙Mary Sumner - a vicar’s wife, was the founder of mothers’ Union. Mothers’ Union is an international movement dedicated to ending poverty, violence and social injustice in communities in the UK and around the world. These aims are pursued through Prayers, Care and Practical Action. This year, MU celebrates 150 years with over 4 million members in 84 countries. St Martin’s Mothers’ Union celebrated at the Sunday Parish Eucharist service. Members chose the hymns, did the readings (Doris and Ann), the Prayers of Intercession (Reverend Sonia) and talked about what Mothers’ Union does both nationally and locally at our branch level (Jennie). The talk concluded with a short prayer. The flowers in church reflected our joy and happiness in celebrating Mothers’ Union 150th Anniversary on Mary Sumner Day. ✝️💙
The St Martin’s annual summer garden party on 20 June 2026 was blessed with glorious sunshine and a fantastic community turnout. We are absolutely thrilled to share that the event raised just over £2,000!A huge thank you to our wonderful, welcoming stallholders who offered everything from delicious Caribbean food and ice cream to beautiful plants, handmade cards, books, and bric-a-brac. Children loved the dedicated activity stalls, while the tombolas and raffle kept the excitement high. Inside the church, visitors enjoyed a peaceful spot for cake and a chat.The entire afternoon was filled with music, including a spectacular live performance by Reggie’s Reggae Choir. This incredible result wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers who helped set up, pack away, and support us in countless ways. Thank you all so much for your generosity!
