Latest News From The Benefice
My name is Richard Crowley. Part of my ministry is to go out regularly and feed the homeless on the streets bringing the Gospel and engaging in meaningful conversation.
It would really bless me if anyone has the following to donate:
Sleeping bags
Tents
Blankets
Gloves
Comfortable Shoes and socks
New Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Second-hand smartphones
And funding for food if possible.
Please call me, if you can help on 07986 469467
Flowers speak louder than words. Flowers can speak louder than words and evoke emotions and memories. From earliest times, worshippers have brought wild or garden flowers to their place of worship as an offering. They have used branches of trees and flowers to decorate their churches when celebrating weddings, new births, anniversaries or to commemorate the passing of a loved one. Today, at St Mary’s, a small team of flower lovers place two arrangements in the church every week to enhance the Sunday worship. During the week, the church may be visited by people wanting to see the names of their loved one in the Book of Remembrance so there is always an arrangement beside it. At times of national celebration such as the Coronation of King Charles III or Remembrance Sunday, we try to echo the occasion with our arrangements. Only during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent are flowers not placed in church. Their absence enhances the sense of preparation and inward reflection of these seasons; their return at Christmas and Easter expresses the joy of the Festival. What about Harvest Festival? It may not be a major festival within the Church calendar but it is a time of thanksgiving for all the earth has given us, so flower arrangers make the most of the occasion and enjoy using fruits and vegetables as well as flowers to enhance the occasion. Flower arranging is fun! You could call it “disposable art” as, however fresh the flowers, they will eventually die - and then you can throw away your mistakes and start again with new ideas and fresh flowers! If you fancy trying your hand at flower arranging, call Jocelyn Wright on 07786 454811. No experience needed, but a pair of scissors and a willingness to have a go is all that’s needed. Jocelyn Wright
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