ST MARK’S NOTES FOR AUGUST 2025

As I write (mid-July) we look back on a very successful concert on 29th June. The amazing talents within St Mark’s brought us some Rodgers and Hammerstein and an Abba song from the Junior Singing Club, virtuoso sax playing from Amanda, Rock’n’Roll from the Bell Street Blues, a lively rendition of “Me and My Gal” from Pearl and Tony (who knew our percussionist could sing?), a popular singalong “Sweet Caroline” from St Mark’s Band, Glenn Miller’s “Don’t Sit under the Appletree” from Dave and Pearl, and some John Rutter from the Choir. Most of this was accompanied by the amazing Colin Burgess, who also played an organ piece, a piano duet with Joanna, and played tuba with the Band. Light refreshments rounded off the afternoon and £500 was raised for the Dementia Friendly Purbeck Admiral Nurse Appeal. Many thanks to Colin, who, again, organised us all. We are now looking forward to our popular Pimm’s and Hymns on July 20th. More events are planned for the Autumn.

St Mark’s School Puffins (Reception) class recently visited the Church as part of their topic on Special Places. They rang the bell, spoke from the pulpit, heard a demo of the organ and sang a song, joined in a Bible story, lit a candle and said a prayer, and even practised baptising Dave. The Penguins class also visited and explored the themes of “Peace” and “Forgiveness”. They focused on the Church as a place for quiet and for reflective prayer. Each child wrote a prayer and a selection of children read their prayers, so all could join in.

Rebecca Martin, the Headteacher of St Mark’s School moved on at the end of term. It has been a joy to work with her. We look forward to welcoming Katy Astle as Head, Amy Howe as Deputy, (both shared with St George’s Langton), and Abby Le Roux as Head of School in September. Please pray for the school and for all the changes.

The service will begin at 11am on Sunday 3rd August. This will allow us to have a BBQ lunch together after the service.

We look forward to welcoming Rev. Natalie to celebrate Holy Communion and preach at our Service on 24th August. There will be the usual St Mark’s celebration of her new ministry as a Priest after the service

We are also looking forward to the amazing Swanage Carnival, with lots of Churches Together involvement. It is so good to join in with this great community event.

As part of our commitment to the wider community, St Mark’s aims to pray for Herston. During August our Prayer and Share Group will be going walkabout, with a series of Prayer Walks to cover the whole of Herston. Please see the weekly pewsheet, or the St Mark’s Facebook posts, for exact details of times and meeting places.

Our improvements to the church building continue with new doors for the Meeting Room, making access from the porch easier and safer. With use of this room increasing, we are working hard to make it a more welcoming and comfortable space.

Have a blessed August.

Rev. Dave Richards