St Mary's Monkseaton # 250. February 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.
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 Communion: 2nd before Lent
8am Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion
4.00pm Cafe Church
There is now information at the back of church regarding the replacement of the church windows.
We need to replace all the windows (except the stained glass ones) for several reasons. The two main reasons are:
- Safety. There is a real risk of the current windows breaking and causing damage or injury.
- Heat. New windows will provide much better insulation as we move towards ‘net zero’.
The total cost is going to be between £75,000 and £85,000 depending on the VAT status of the work.
The PCC have agreed that the work should be funded from reserves, grants and the church community.
Please look at the display and look at the the website:
Please think and pray about whether you are able to help towards the cost.
Perhaps donate towards the cost of a window in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate something.
Each window will cost a minimum of £1000 but, of course, just pay what you feel you can.
Details of how to donate will be made available next week.
Thanks
David.
2025 All New Electoral Roll!
Every six years each parish is required to prepare a new electoral roll. This year there will be no automatic update to the roll. Everyone wishing to be on the Electoral Roll must fill in an application form by the 21st of March 2025.
A notice has been displayed on the board by the entrance and on the notice board outside with the details of the process. Forms are available from the table by the notice board or from the office.
Who can be on the electoral roll?
To be on the electoral roll a person needs to have been baptised, be at least 16 years old and either:
· a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it and resident in the parish.
· a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it, not resident in the parish, but habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.
· a member in good standing of a Church not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and also a member of the Church of England and habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.
It is important that the electoral roll properly reflects the membership of the church. It is the best way to have your say on the governance of St Mary's and allows you to vote on representatives at the APCM. Please fill in a form and put it in the box. If you know someone who needs a form but they can't get here before the deadline please either take one or let Nigel, Claire or Liz Hayesknow and we will make sure one is sent out. Thank you.
Funeral of Ruth Wolf
A reminder that Ruth's funeral is on Friday 21st February at 10.45 in church.
The service will be live streamed on: https://www.youtube.com/live/FNmtOQno_4E?si=bj1KvXBO3EoeO6v4
You can use this link to look back at the service also.
Our New Congregation: 'Marianum'
On Saturdays at 1700 we have started a new congregation. The service includes contemporary music, prayer, preaching and food. We are exploring what makes church ‘church’. So far we’ve looked at community and accepting God’s love. In the coming weeks we’ll cover worship, confession, forgiveness and sharing the Gospel please pray for us as we continue to find new ways to build up the ‘Body of Christ’.
Lent Reflections
Following the success of last years joint Lent reflections with St Paul and St Peters, we have put together another joint series of reflections based on reconciliation. These will be on Thursday evenings and so Bible Study will be postponed during Lent. The series will be concluded with a joint Eucharist at St Paul's Whitley Bay on Saturday 12th April at midday with lunch.
Eco Church.
A new year is underway and we have completed a full year of new actions since achieving our Eco Bronze status. This seems a good time to look at what we have achieved over this past year and what will help towards a Silver Eco award:
Both our gas and electricity are now with ethical energy suppliers.
Recycled toilet paper used throughout the buildings.
Many environmentally friendly cleaning products, bought in bulk/refillable containers, now used in church. (aiming for 100%)
Fairtrade, plus eco-friendly products encouraged in the kitchen.
Recycling started, for church members, of empty tablet blister packs.
Reduced plastic oasis sourced by flower team.
Notice sheet continued electronically after covid restrictions, to reduce paper wastage.
Generic service books used to further reduce excess paper.
Grounds redevelopment. Cycle racks, new trees and raised beds with pollinators now in place. (carbon capture hedging, bat or nesting boxes, insect hotel, compost bin/water butt, planned for the future)
Connecting environmental issues with faith and social gatherings; - Prayers, Creationtide, Climate Sunday, Christian Aid, the Autumn Fair.
Monthly Eco church article in notices. (to be expanded for a wider contribution of eco articles)
Car Park resurfacing, (this was done over a year ago, but some fact checking needed before inclusion in Eco Church data) Material used for resurfacing the car park, was partially recycled and two ducts were installed under the car park, for electrical wiring and possible, future electrical car charging points.
The coming year will provide new environmental challenges needing action, whether as individuals, as the church community or involving wider community engagement. Please keep our environmental problems in your prayers and keep caring for God's beautiful creation.
Marion Oakes.
On Saturday 8th March at 6.30pm for 7.00pm in St Mary’s Church Hall
Sue Johnson's daughter is holding a Beetle Drive in support of MIND
Ticket are £10 and include party buffet and drinks or £5 beetle drive only.
Please RSVP to Rachel: 07870481057 or email rachel.johnson17@icloud.com
You can also get more information from Sue on 07817001492
Thank you for all your support!
Dance Rehearsal
From Saturday 22nd February to Sunday 2nd March, Legacy Entertainment Irish Dance group will be rehearsing in either the church hall or church for a show, Emerald Isle, they are performing at Whitley Bay Play House on 5th March at 8pm.
Saturday 22nd February
10.00am Parish Walk From St Mary's Carpark to Cullercotes for coffee and then back.
5.00pm: Marianum
Sunday 23rd February: 2nd Sunday before Lent
8am: Holy Communion
10am:Holy Communion
4pm: Cafe Church
Monday 24th February
9.00am: Morning Prayer
4.30pm: Evening Prayer
Tuesday 25th February
9.00am: Morning Prayer
10.00: Craft Group
4.30pm: Evening Prayer
7.30pm: Church in the Kittiwake
Wednesday 26th February
9.00am: Morning Prayer
10.30am: Holy Communion
4.30pm: Evening Prayer
6pm: Choir
Thursday 27th February
9.00am: Morning Prayer
9.30-11am: Pop in Cafe
4.30pm: Evening Prayer
7.30pm: Bible Group (Ron's House, contact Nigel or Claire for details)
Friday 28th February
Office closed.
Saturday 1st March
5pm: Marianum
Sunday 2nd March
8am: Holy Communion
10am: Holy Communion
4.00pm: Escape
6.30pm: St Mary's Youth Group
Prayers
Your Prayers are requested for:
Sophie, Martin Cooper, John Hughes, Suzanne, Iris Allan, Jennifer Stephenson, and Jill.
Rest in Peace
Ruth Wolf and Nicky Randall
Remembering also those whose anniversaries of death fall at this time:
Vera Winter
We also pray for all residents of St John's Close
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