News & Notices 20th July 2025
- St Mary's Parish Office
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
St Mary's Monkseaton # 271 July 2025
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.
If you missed last week's service, or can't make this Sunday, you can catch up online.
Services: Trinity 5
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion
4,00pm Family@4
In Memory
The flowers this Sunday have been donated by Margaret Pettitt in memory of her husband Stephen.
Also, during the intercessions at the 10am service, the choir will sing Tebe Poem by Dmytro Bortnianski, a particular favourite of Stephen's.
100 Club July Winners
£50 Keith Higgins
£30 Thelma Gilhespy
£20 Ann Elliott
Changes to Format of Services
There has been a lot going on lately with the installation of the new projector and getting used to the technology in church, so we would really appreciate your feedback on the recent changes, and other possible tweaks.
Please click the button for more information about the changes and a form to submit your thoughts...
Eco Tip for the Week
Time to remember the basic ‘3Rs’ - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reduce consumption, reuse items instead of discarding them, and recycle materials to minimize the need for new resource extraction.
This year, Earth Overshoot Day is July 24th, the date when humanity’s resource consumption exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in a year. By 24th July, we have used up all our resources for the entire year that can naturally be replenished. Ecosystems need time to recover.
Giving
Have you reviewed your regular giving recently? An increase of just £2.50 per week would make a massive difference in the face of rising costs. Click the button for more information.
If anyone requires a Gift Aid certificate for their accounts, please contact our treasurer at stmarysmonkseatontreasurer@gmail.com
Choir Windows Fundraising Concert
Our choir will be kicking-off a series of Windows Appeal fundraising events with a concert featuring over a thousand years of sacred choral music.
Saturday 26th July at 6.30pm
Whitley Bay Churches Together Picnic
Join our brothers and sisters from other Whitley Bay churches for a fun afternoon at Churchill Fields.
Saturday 26th July 1-4pm
Notes from PCC 16th July 2025
From our meeting of 16th July, these are some of the key points that were discussed and decisions made. The Parish Safeguarding Officer reported that we are continuing to improve our systems, and the focus is now on ‘GDPR’ policy. The clergy reported that work is ongoing in considering the structure of the parish in terms of the groups that make recommendations to the PCC. The PCC were pleased with the new projector and camera but were concerned that there had been issues with the sound system which had pushed the spend £1,500 over the original budget. Future works will be needed to the speaker cables, but this will be accounted for in the budget for 2026.
On the Eco policy and progress against the action plan, it was reported that the Eco Fair will go ahead on 20th September. In addition the PCC were asked to consider if they were committed to St Mary’s being an Eco church and the PCC agreed they were and recognized this will mean some further changes and potential sacrifices. This linked to a report from the Buildings and resources group on grounds maintenance and some excellent ideas on how we can be more environmentally friendly by leaving areas of grass to grow and not removing moss from the lawns. In addition there will be a ‘bug hotel’ built during the holiday club and a compost bin purchased that will use worms for composting.
The half year performance against the budget was considered. The church costs are rising significantly with increased cost of gas and electricity and there have been a number of maintenance issues and improvements that have eaten into the reserves. This is in light of our income staying at the same level with minimal increase following the plea for review of personal giving. The PCC will monitor this closely. To help the finances, a Christmas Fair is being planned led by Andrew and Imogen Potter on 29th November which was well received by the PCC.
Fund raising for the windows continues and we are one step closer with the Diocese approving the faculty application. There are grant applications in for further funding and we should be hearing in the next 3 months whether we are to be considered for funding. The PCC would like to express their thanks to all who have donated so far brining the renewal of windows a step closer.
OWLS Outing July 11th 2025
On a very hot day our annual outing was to Hexham Abbey with an excellent guided tour, and as you can see ended with a lovely afternoon tea.
We all came home warm but happy!
Older, Wiser, Living Spiritually
Church Windows Update
Another step forward!
We have this week heard that the ‘Faculty’ for the work has been approved by the diocese. This means we have been told that we can go ahead once we’re in a position to do so.
Meanwhile, the donation thermometer has been updated and stands at approximately £47000. Thanks to everyone who has donated so generously.
We’re still waiting to hear about our various grant applications though.
And finally, please support our fundraising events. Details of the choir concert are above, and there are more to come.
You can contribute by:
- cheque payable to "St Mary's Monkseaton" or cash (envelopes in church, with Gift Aid slips, into the wall-safe)
- by bank transfer to: Sort Code: 403418, Account: 04502086 Please give your surname as the 'reference'.
Please also email office@stmarysmonkseaton.org.uk if you are able to Gift Aid your donation
Saturday 19th July
5.00pm: Marianum
Sunday 20th July: Trinity 5
8.00am: Holy Communion
10.00am: Sung Eucharist
4.00pm: Family@4
Monday 21st July
9.00am: Morning Prayer
Tuesday 22nd July
9.30am: Holiday Club
7.30pm: Church in the Kittiwake
Wednesday 23rd July
9.30am: Holiday Club
Thursday 24th July
9.30am: Holiday Club
7.30pm: Bible study at Ron's house
Friday 25th July
Saturday 26th July
No Marianum
6.30pm: Choir Fundraising Concert
Sunday 27th July - Trinity 6
8.00am: Holy Communion
10.00am: Holy Communion
4.00pm: Cafe Church
Prayers
Your Prayers are requested for:
Martin Cooper, John Hughes, Jennifer Stephenson, Jill, Graham Cooper, Janet Minto, Johan Gordon and family, Don and Helen Bulmer, Amelia Moyano, and Abby.
Rest in peace
John Daniels
Those whose anniversaries of death fall at this time
Tina Tompkins
Terry Taylor
Doreen Morris
Ann Dodgson
Ian Nicholas Gilfillan
We also pray for
Linton Road
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