During this national lockdown, the government has allowed churches to stay open for worship. For the safety of all, we have decided to only have one in-person Holy Communion service on Sundays at 9.30. This will a simple, shortened, service, with additional social distancing measures in place. 

On Saturday 26th September Leila, our Curate, was ordained as a deacon in Salisbury Cathedral by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev'd Nicholas Holtham.  It was a small and very intimate service because of restrictions but a lovely one. 

A deacon is the person who stands with Christ in the gap between the church and the local community. We serve those around us by embodying Christ's self-giving love. We're called to preach the Gospel, teach the faith, and to seek out and serve the vulnerable and those on the fringes of society.

Well done to all those who took part in this year's ride and stride!

Particular congratulations to Andy and Jane for making it around all 6 parishes in our benefices.

St Mary's Church has been awarded a Bronze Eco-Church award by Arocha Uk. We see caring for and safeguarding God's creation as part of our worship and an integral part of our church life. 

We're already working towards our silver award! If you'd like to find out more about Eco Church, click on the badge below!

Come and Chat!

Drop in at St Mary's West Door between 4.30 and 7pm on Tuesday evenings to chat to rev'd Mark and Leila, or just cheer them on in their weekly backgammon tournament! We will be there whenever the weather permits!

The Foy family have once again served our local community by taking our wonderful organ apart pipe-by-pipe, cleaning it and putting it back together again. The refreshed organ sounds wonderful, and was cleaned just in time to welcome the return of music into our services after lockdown!

The Church continues to be alive and active, but our buildings must close

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of new government instructions on Monday evening, I am sorry to say that the Archbishop has instructed that all churches are now to remain closed. Therefore, as well as public worship being suspended, ours and all church buildings in the Church of England are now closed.
 This is a very sad step, but one which is vital for the safety and wellbeing of us all. We look forward to being able to open our doors again once restrictions have been lifted.
Our worship of God and our care for each other continue but cannot be done in our church buildings.

Please remember that we are here for you. If you have any concerns, wish to talk, or would like someone to pray with you, please feel free to call me (01305 262477) or email - revdmarkphillips@outlook.com

or contact Pene Kennedy (01305 251422) – revpenekennedy@yahoo.com

While our churches are closed, you might like to set aside a time or a place in your home for prayer and reflection. On the Pew News, (which will be emailed weekly Saturdays to everyone on the church Electoral Roll ), there will be a simple format for Morning Prayer. It is a daily office from the Northumbria Community, and I encourage all of us to join in with it. We shall be saying it at 9.15 every morning, but you can of course say it whenever you like.

Alternatively, you might like to access daily internet prayer resources, such as the Scripture Union’s website www.wordlive.org

Please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all in the community.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength . . . Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
 

May the peace of the Lord be with you

Revd Mark Phillips