Skip to content
Posted on by dave

St Mary’s News – The Month of Light Edition

St Mary’s News – A Month of Light, Love and New Beginnings

A month of light reflecting the John 1:5 quote

This month’s news with Revd Emma’s Message on the a Month of Light, Love & New Beginnings.  Following this you can find out about:

… the usual listings of services and contacts.

Message from Revd Emma – February: A Month of Light, Love, and New Beginnings

As February unfolds, we find ourselves moving further into the promise of lighter days and the hope of new growth.  Winter may still hold a chill in the air, but beneath the surface, life is stirring.  Snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils are beginning to pierce through the earth, their delicate heads reaching for the sun.  It’s a reminder that even in the coldest of seasons, new life is emerging, and God’s creative power is at work in the world around us.

God’s light shining into the world

In the Bible, we are reminded of God’s light shining into the world, a light that dispels darkness and brings hope.  The Gospel of John opens with the words: 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” 
(John 1:5).

In these words, we are called to see the presence of Christ as a beacon of light in our lives, a light that shines even when circumstances feel cold or uncertain.

As we enter February, we can take joy in the increasing daylight. The days are growing longer, offering us more opportunities to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with the beauty of creation. Just as the bulbs emerge from the soil, our hearts too can begin to bloom with renewed hope and energy, ready to share love and kindness with others.

Embrace the power of community

This is a month where we can embrace the power of community.  As the days lighten, so too does our ability to reach out to one another in love.

Let’s take inspiration from the early spring flowers and cultivate kindness, warmth, and support in our relationships. Whether it’s a simple word of encouragement, a heartfelt gesture, or an act of service, every small act of love reflects God’s light in the world.

So, as we move through February, let’s remember that the increasing light not only signals the change of seasons but also calls us to shine brighter in love, kindness, and community. In doing so, we reflect the very heart of God, whose light never fades.

God Bless, Reverend Emma

The King’s Ridge Parishes Big Breakfast at St Mary’s

The next joint 6 parishes (now known collectively as The King’s Ridge Parishes) Big Breakfast is taking place at St Mary’s on Saturday 15th February between 9am-11am.

 The guest speaker will be Revd Janet Nicholls who is the Rural Advisor and Agricultural Chaplain for the Diocese of Chelmsford. Janet grew up on a family farm and is passionate about supporting local farmers. The breakfast will include locally sourced products. A donation of £10 per head is suggested, with any surplus monies going to a charity supporting local farmers. Book your place via [email protected]!

Wedding Celebration Service

Two wedding rings tied together with pink ribbon

This year’s Wedding Preparation afternoon, for couples getting married in the King’s Ridge Parishes churches in 2023, will be taking place on 23 February in St. Mary’s Church hall. This will be followed by a special service celebrating marriage, at 6pm in the church, and all are very welcome to come to that service.

Lent Lunches in March

The Lent soup lunches will be returning again this year, with the money raised going to buy a new school bus for the Utugi Children’s Home in Kenya. Dates and venues are as follows, all at 11.45am-1.15pm:

  • Tuesday 11 March—St John’s, Gt Horkesley
  • Tuesday 18 March—St Andrew’s, Wormingford
  • Tuesday 25 March—St Peter’s, Boxted
  • Tuesday 1 April—St John’s, Mount Bures
  • Tuesday 8 April—St Mary’s, West Bergholt

Thank you from the FiSH Team!

A huge “Thank You” to everyone who donated to the FiSH Christmas lunch and hampers, which were absolutely overflowing.  Our congregation donated generously together with our corporate sponsors, Fairfield Farms, Stourgarden, the Co-Op & Bookers.

World Day of Prayer

World Day of Prayer 2025 Poster. A service for everyone from the Cook Islands.

This year’s World Day of Prayer Service will be held at St Mary’s on Friday 7th March.  Starting with a soup lunch at 1pm which will be followed by a Service at 2pm.   The Service will follow the theme of ‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ It has been prepared by an ecumenical group of Christian women from the Cook Islands.

All are welcome to join us for the soup lunch and the service. It would be helpful to have an idea of numbers for the lunch, so please could you let the parish office know if you are planning to come.

Services

2nd February9:30 amHoly Communion
 5:00 pmTaize Service
9th February9:30 amMessy Church
16th February9:30 amHolly Communion
23rd February9:30 amCafé Church
 6:00 pmWedding Celebration Service
4th March1:00 pmWorld Day of Prayer Service

Our Team at St Mary’s