Skip to content
Posted on by dave

St Mary’s News – The Change in the Seasons Edition

St Mary’s News – Change in the Seasons, Harvest & Halloween

We start with Revd. Anne’s message this month which reflects on the Change in the Seasons. This is followed by:

Harvest bounty

… the usual listings of services and contacts.

Enjoying the Change in the Seasons

It’s that time of year again – a sense of slowing down, of conserving energy – a pause perhaps in the busyness of life. 

Seeds lay dormant in the ground, squirrels bury supplies of nuts and other food to keep them going through the winter, hedgehogs lower their body temperature and slow down their heart rates as they hibernate. It might seem that it’s a bit gloomy but it’s only a time of waiting, for the cycle of the seasons to move onwards through winter and into spring.

Seasonal Cycle

And just as nature has a seasonal cycle to follow, many people will be looking towards Advent (it’s on 1st December this year).  It’s that pivotal moment when Christians enter a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas.  And I expect there will be a last-minute dash to the supermarkets to get a chocolate Advent calendar to open each day! 

It’s a time to give thanks for what has been, and prepare for what lies ahead – to find contentment in the little things and enjoy every moment of the season.  In a contemporary version of the Bible, Jesus says, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”  I love that phrase ‘the unforced rhythms of grace’ – each time I read it I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, and pause to listen to my breathing and my heartbeat.

Let’s not hibernate

Instead of ‘hibernating’, let’s breath deeply and enjoy the change in the seasons – kicking up the leaves as you walk through the woods, enjoying the freshness of the cold air as you see your breath, being thankful that the sun is shining above the clouds.

And on gloomy days – remember that Jesus is the light of the world.  Even if we don’t give him a second thought, we are always on his heart and he surrounds us with his love. 

May we all know God’s constant love and peace, even as the seasons change around us.
Revd Anne

Bible Study Home Groups

Holy Bible

St Mary’s has 2 home groups which meet fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons or evening. The evening group, led by Ian Hilton, meets at the Rectory at 7.45pm; the afternoon group, led by Richard Chadborn, meets at 2pm at 143 Chapel Road. Ian writes “None of us are experts, but we seek to share our thoughts, observations and wisdom on the bible and how it applies to our daily lives. You do not need to prepare anything, just come on the evening and we can give you any additional information. You are very welcome to join us”. Contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Vision Study Away Day follow-up

This event takes place at St Mary’s on Saturday 12th October from 10 am – 1:30 pm.

Join us as we revisit the data gathered at the Away Day in Elmstead Market at the end of July, and plan the next steps for our parishes. This meeting is open to everyone across the six parishes, even if you didn’t attend the first day itself. Lunch will be provided: please let the parish administrators know if you are planning to attend and indicate any dietary requirements (contact details below).

Big Breakfast and the Shepherd & Dog

Big Breakfast

This event takes place on Saturday 19th October at 9 am.

Come along to the Shepherd and Dog at Langham for a 6 Parishes Big Breakfast with guest speaker Sam Fowler from CYO (Christian Youth Outreach). The cost of the breakfast is £10 per person: please let the parish administrators know if you are coming (contact details below).

Harvest Festival & Halloween Events

New Church Hall Plans—Cheese & Wine Evening

Outline design of proposed new Church Hall at St Mary's

This takes place on 4th October at 7pm. You are warmly invited to come and have a look at the plans and a scale model of the proposed new church hall, whilst enjoying some cheese & wine.

It’s a chance to see what’s happening, ask any questions you might have, and find out how you can get involved in turning the plans into reality!  All welcome.

These plans will be on view in the Church after this event.

Harvest Café & Fun Morning

Taking place on Saturday 5th October from 10am-12pm

Harvest bounty
  • Bacon Butties & homemade cakes served in the church hall
  • Craft Activities and flower displays in the church

Harvest Celebration Service

Taking place on Sunday 6th October @ 9.30am

  • All-age service to celebrate Harvest.
  • Donations of non-perishable foodstuffs welcomed, to support the foodbank.

The Harvest decorations will remain on display in the church for the following week.

Church Open on Halloween

The church will be open on Halloween evening between approximately 5.30pm and 7.00pm to serve hot chocolate and provide a safe space for trick or treaters to come and chill out in.

Services

6 October9.30amHarvest Celebration Service
5.00 pm Taize Style Worship
13 October9.30amMessy Church & 5pm Evening Worship
20 October9.30amHoly Communion
27 October9.30amCafé Church

Our Team at St Mary’s