Worship with us this Sunday!
This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Advent, and we have three services at St Mary's. You are most welcome at 8am, 10am, and also at our 6pm Christmas Carol service.
Alternatively, click below to find out more about upcoming services. You can also join us via our YouTube Channel > or view our upcoming services here>
This week's Bible Readings:
Hymns: 405, 701, 381
Eucharist setting: Grayston Ives, "Salisbury Service"
Covid Update December 2021
From December 15th it is mandatory for visitors to our church to wear a face covering unless exempt. This includes when we are gathered for worship. We have always recommended the wearing of masks so this constitutes little change in practice. Our pre-existing measures around Holy Communion will not change. Our choir (who sing without a mask) take Covid tests before each service (see below for more information on our choir and Covid safety measures). Please do get in touch with one of our wardens if you would like to discuss our risk assessments.
Community Carols
Saturday 18th December 5pm
Join us at Whitley Lodge shops (Claremont Crescent) on Saturday at 5pm to sing carols and hear the Christmas story. We will be outside so make sure you wrap up warm!
Christmas Carol Service
Sunday 19th December 6pm
Join us on Sunday at 6pm for our traditional candlelit service of readings and Christmas Carols plus beautiful choral pieces from our choir. Stay afterwards for mince pies and mulled wine.
Candle in memory
Throughout Christmas week, candles in memory of loved ones will be lit and placed on the windowsills in church, lasting for 7 days. Should you wish to remember someone in this way, we ask for a £5 donation per candle to the office by Tuesday 21st December (office hours weekdays 10am - 12pm).
Mothers' Union Carol Service
Tuesday 21st December 2pm
You are invited to a service of readings and carols on Tuesday afternoon hosted by St Mary's Mothers' Union. Please stay afterwards if you can for a cup of tea!
Choir update
Questions have been raised by a number of people regarding the numbers in the choir. The number has been for some time 6 with additional numbers during Communion at our 10am Eucharist. There have been numerous discussions as to whether that number should be increased. In the light of increased transmission with the Omicron variant it has been decided that there can be no change at the 10am Eucharist. The Advent Carol Service and the Carol service are special services and are led by the choir, so it was felt the number could be increased to 12. We would like to thank Mike and Penny for all their dedication and hard work in re-establishing the choir and steps taken to keep everyone safe.
~ The Wardens, Sue Johnson and David Tompkins
Toddlers' Carols Thanks
A huge thank you to our Toddler Group team and to Penny for putting together the simple carol service for our little ones. We welcomed almost one hundred toddlers, parents and grandparents!
Services over Christmas
A reminder that there will be no 8am Service on 26th December and no midweek service at 10.30am on Wednesday 29th December.
Office closed over Christmas
The church office will be closed Wednesday 22nd December - Monday 3rd January inclusive.
Toddler Group
There will be no Toddler Group over the holidays - we look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday 10th January 2022.
Diary
Saturday 18th December
5pm Carols at Whitley Lodge Shops
5.30-6.30pm Young Notes practice
Sunday 19th December
4th Sunday of Advent
8am Holy Communion
10am Sung Eucharist
6pm Carol Service by candlelight
Monday 20th December
No Toddler Group
Tuesday 21st December
9am Morning Prayer
Wednesday 22nd December
9am Morning Prayer
10:30am Holy Communion
6pm Choir practice
Thursday 23rd December
9am Morning Prayer
Friday 24th December
Christmas Eve
6pm Crib Service
11.30pm Midnight Mass
Saturday 25th December
Christmas Day
8am Holy Communion
10am Sung Eucharist
Sunday 26th December
Feast of St Stephen
NO 8am Holy Communion
10am Sung Eucharist
For Your Prayers
Your Prayers are requested for
Heather Rivers
Lucinda and children
Anne Otter
Rhona and Douglas Lawrie
Martin Cooper
Alison Young
Ron House
Maggie Hollis
Daniel
Jean Woodruff
Rest in Peace
Stuart Hall RIP
Rest in Peace Anniversary
Riccardo Austoni RIP
Tony Tompkins RIP
Don’t forget, you can add someone to the prayer list by emailing or phoning as usual, but you need to get their permission before adding them to the sick list.
Back to top >
Reminders
Remember that News and notices from previous weeks are all available to read by clicking "notices" at the top of the page.
Christingle for The Children's Society
A huge thank you for your support of this event; we are happy to continue collecting donations and collective candles through Advent.
~ Rick and Sue Channing.
North East Homeless
Over Christmas we are collecting for North East Homeless charity. They provide support to those who vulnerable and homeless in our region. They also provide food and emergency equipment. Find out more about this charity and how to give via the link below.
Sign up below to receive our weekly email by joining our mailing list.