St Mary's Monkseaton # 236 November 2024
Vicar: Rev Nigel Taylor email: vicar@stmarysmonkseaton.org.uk
Curate: Rev Claire Lewis email: ctfairgrieve.lewis@gmail.com
Please note: Nigel and Claire are not available on their day off which is Friday.
Find out more about our upcoming Services here. If you missed last week's service, or can't make this Sunday, you can catch up online.
Holy CommunionSafeguarding Sunday
8am Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion
2.30pm Big Play in followed by Family@Four
6.30pm St Mary'sYouth
Safeguarding
This coming Sunday is when we think about safeguarding and what it means. As a church we want everyone to be safe in church and in the local community. You may have seen the controversy in the press and on the news about the leadership of the Church of England and our Diocesan Bishop, Helen -Ann, standing up for ensuring the church is a safe place in the future. You can read more of Bishop Helen-Ann's views on Safeguarding in her Ad Clerum published this week:
We hold all victims of abuse in our prayers and with this in mind there is an opportunity to learn more: please see below.
Mothers Union
Mothers Union will be holding an Advent Reflection on Tuesday 19th November at 2.30pm in the Vestry. Why not join us?
Eco Church.
There are some upcoming events over the next few days, which may be of interest to anyone trying to be proactive on the environmental front:-
On Saturday 16th November, there is a rally in Newcastle, (meeting at the Civic Centre 10.45am) to support the Global Day of Action, to urge world leaders at COP29, to agree vital climate action. Details below.
Also on Saturday 16th, 10 – 11.30am, there is a community litter Pick, organised by Whitley Bay Community Clean Team, meeting outside Whitley Bay cemetery at 10am. This is a public event, with details on their Facebook page. Equipment supplied. Happening around the north of Whitley Bay and the Lighthouse.
On Thursday 21st, 7 -8.30pm, there is a meeting at The Big Local, open to anyone who is interested, about food, and the links between food, biodiversity, climate change and social justice.
Marion. (Eco rep)
Bible Study
We have now started to read and think about the book of James in the New Testament. No prior knowledge is needed to join us, just a willingness to listen, ask questions and learn from each other. If you are interested, speak to Nigel or Claire.
Gift Aid
This is the month we set the budget for the following year. In the process we have realised that we may not be taking advantage of Gift Aid. Donating through Gift Aid means as a church and charity we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra. We have therefore provided gift aid forms at the back of church so if you pay tax and donate to church, would you mind filling in a form?
If you give via Parish Giving, there is no need to as this is done automatically for you: A real advantage of the Parish Giving system.
Thank you, Finance Group
'How to Godly Play' Coaching
2 day coaching course to be held at St Mary's Monkseaton:
Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November from 9.30am-4.30pm each day
N.B. these can be attended consecutively to go deeper into the methodology of Godly Play or as separate, stand alone, days to have an initial taster/introduction.
This will be led by Mary Cooper, retired Godly Play U.K. trainer, who will share some of her experience and expertise.
Do come;
· to find out more,
· just to enjoy some Godly Play contemplative story telling,
· to have a refresher in Godly Play methods,
· to enrich your own ministry or parenting.
There are no Course fees for members of St M ary's congregation. Please bring a packed lunch. Drinks will be provided.
Mat 11/19
Invitation, Inclusion and Inspiration.
We continue to meet in the Kittiwake to discuss current issues from a Christian perspective.
Tear Fund Quiz Night: 16th November.
We are holding a quiz night in St Mary's on the evening of Saturday 16th November from 7pm. Tickets can be purchased for £5 each (Children over five years £2.50 each) via the link below, from the office or please put your name on the list at the back of church.
Advent Reflection Series
After the success of the Lent reflections shared between churches of Whitley Bay, we are running a series of reflections on Saturday mornings through Advent. This will be preceded by a simple lunch of soup and bread. Can we therefore have 4 volunteers for soup making when St Mary's is hosting on Saturday 7th December? If you are happy to make a soup, please speak to Claire or Nigel
Craft Group
Craft Group meets every Tuesday morning at 10.00 until 12.00. It's a time to bring your favourite craft and socialise with like minded people or perhaps learn a new skill from one of those attending. Enjoy a hot drink and biscuit and make friends.
Christmas Cards
The Christmas season is fast approaching and you may be starting to think about writing your Christmas cards. Before you do, perhaps you might be interested to know that we will be having our usual Christmas Card Greetings board up in the vestibule from 1st December.
Instead of sending lots of individual Christmas cards perhaps you might think about sending just one card to St Mary’s parishioners. A box will be near the board where you can put your card, and we will see that it is displayed on the Greetings board. Everyone is welcome to read the cards so your greeting will be seen by all your friends at St Mary’s.
This way of exchanging Christmas cards has become more and more popular over recent years. It also adds a festive feel to our church.
Dates for the Diary
The Christmas ads are on TV so here are some dates for your diary.
1st December | Advent Carol Service 4pm Advent Carols, music and readings |
9th December | Toddler Carol Service 9.30am in St Mary’s |
14th December | Community Carols 10.30am outside Whitley Lodge shops. |
15th December | Christingle 4pm Family Service |
15th December | St Mary Outdoor Christmas Event Carols and Nativity on the church carpark. |
19th December | Beer and Carols 8.00pm in the Kittiwake pub.
|
22nd December | Christmas Carol Service Traditional carols and readings. |
Saturday16th November
Office Closed
Sunday 17th November
8am: Holy Communion
10am:Holy Communion (Safeguarding)
2.30pm Big Play In followed by Family@Four
Monday 18th November
9.00am: Morning Prayer
9.30am: Toddlers
1.30pm: Toddlers
Tuesday 19th November
9.00am: Morning Prayer
10am: Craft Group
2.30pm Mothers Union Advent Reflection
7.30pm: Matt 11/9 Kittiwake
Wednesday 20th November
9.00am: Morning Prayer
10.30am: Holy Communion
6pm: Choir
Thursday 21st November
9.00am: Morning Prayer
9.30-11am: Pop in Cafe
7.30pm: Bible Study
Friday 22nd November
Office closed.
Saturday 23rd November
Office Closed
Sunday 24th November
8am: Holy Communion
10am: Holy Communion (Christ the King
4.00pm Cafe Church
6.30pm: St Mary's Youth Club
Prayers
Your Prayers are requested for:
Sophie, Martin Cooper, John Hughes, Maureen Price and Jill.
Rest in Peace
Garry Dawson and Brian Moss
Remembering also those whose anniversaries of death fall at this time:
Norman Searle
We also pray for those who live in
St Martins Close
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