St Mark’s Notes for February 2026

LOOKING BACK….. As usual, we put a Christmas card through every door in Herston – many thanks to our dedicated team. St Mark’s had a good Christmas, with a most enjoyable Christmas Dinner at the Village Inn, a post-Service Christmas party on the Sunday before Christmas (when we also celebrated Anne Roper’s 70th Birthday) and a more than capacity crowd at our immensely popular Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. As usual, we hosted the Team Epiphany Service. A surprising number of people, from all 4 Team churches, and EBC, turned out on a very frosty night. Many thanks to our Choir and Band, and to Colin Burgess, whose vision, skill and patience are endless.

The Junior Choir had a busy Christmas. They sang at the Christmas Tree Festival and a smaller group joined the adult choir to lead the singing at the Carols by Candlelight Service. A particular highlight was when the children joined the adults in singing “The Star Carol” by John Rutter.

LOOKING FORWARD….. We had a very positive Church Committee meeting in January. We fixed dates for special events in 2026 and took further steps towards re-ordering the church to provide a more flexible space. We also set a date for the whole Committee to undertake the basic Safeguarding Training Course, recognising our responsibility to make St Mark’s a safe place for everyone.

Our fortnightly Bible Study transforms into a weekly Lent Group from Shrove Tuesday; this year we will follow the Church of England Prayer Course, developed by 24/7 Prayer International. With reports of a quiet revival gaining ground, prayer is a vital skill for all Christians.

As we look forward to 2026 we are always conscious of our purpose as God’s people. We not guardians of a listed building, not a music or flower-arranging society, not a social club or a self-help group; we are called to be Salt and Light in our community, and witnesses to the Good News of Jesus. We pray that all that we do will further His kingdom.

David Richards, Resident Priest