St. Mark’s Notes for September 2025

Well, what a wonderful fun packed summer we all had here at St Marks with so many social events and local events happening in church and in the town.

We have had a wonderful concert, our annual Pimm's and Hymns afternoon tea in the garden and, this year, we had a lovely BBQ lunch in the garden with plenty of wonderful refreshments. A lovely event likely to become another St Marks tradition!

We are really blessed in St Marks with so many amazing people who have such an array of talents which makes St Marks such a special place to worship and be a part of. My thanks to everyone who has planned, organised, and supported all our events. Just like the human body, each and every part has a special role to play in keeping us alive and well, so at St Marks, we all have an important part to play, whatever our talent or role may be. We come together in our worship, prayer, and social gatherings to make St Marks so special and welcoming. Our doors are open to everyone.

The weather has been exceptional this summer, although a little rain overnight would be very welcome for the gardens and fields. My allotment has been good this year producing lots of lovely vegetables and fruit. I have walked many miles, back and forth to the nearby water trough, with watering cans trying to keep everything alive. Plus all the extra courgettes I had left in church, by the font, found new homes!

Carnival Week saw hundreds of people arrive in Swanage, starting with the wonderful air display by the Red Arrows on the Saturday. On Sunday morning we joined the Churches Together Worship Service in the Carnival Tent, which was a joyful occasion and was well attended and enjoyed.
In the afternoon was the fantastic Carnival Parade, with several local organisations and groups, including ‘Churches Together in Swanage,’ joining in with the Circus theme, and enjoying seeing the crowds along the route. This year we were thrilled to be awarded the 2nd Prize for a walking entry. No pressure for next year!!!!

Several of us, from St Marks, volunteered in the Churches Together Carnival Tent, with information about all our churches and several free fun activities for the children. We also had water and treats for visiting dogs and their owners!! The tent was extremely popular, and we received lots of positive smiles and comments from visitors and local people.

As I write, (mid-August) we are in the middle of Swanage Lifeboat Week, with many events happening in town and on the Prince Albert Gardens. On Sunday 17th August the crew and lifeboat will be blessed, by Bishop Stephen, at a special ceremony marking 150 years of Swanage Lifeboat.

On Sunday 24th August we will be welcoming Rev. Natalie Davies, when she will be celebrating her first Communion Service with us. We will be sure to give Natalie a very warm welcome on this special Sunday morning.

Looking ahead…..

Ride + Stride: Saturday 13th September. Meet at St Mark’s Church at 10:30am. Option of walk to Worth, back to Acton (4 miles) and bus to Swanage, or walk on from Worth to Kingston (total six miles) and bus back, or walk on to Corfe (total eight miles) and bus back. Donations for Dorset Historic Churches Trust. A chance to come together, as a Parish, as we share a lovely walk in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside.

We look forward to the future and building on our reputation as ‘the Party Church’ …….

May God Bless and Keep You

Anne Roper

Church Warden