In this edition Revd Heather reflects on Summer Holidays
After discussing Summer Holidays, this edition continues with:
- Afternoon Tea at the Rectory (to heat the Church),
- Food in School Holidays Club (FiSH),
- Songs of Praise at the Old Church,
- Café @ St Mary’s, and
- the usual listings of services and contacts.
Rev. Heather’s Summer Message
It is that time of year when, for many of us, our minds turn to summer holidays.
Whether we are escaping to far flung places and the promise of hours of uninterrupted sunshine, sweltering temperatures, and beautiful beaches, or opting to take our chances with the British weather, staying in this country, whilst also being assured that wherever we go we are blessed with a beautiful country with plenty to see and to learn about. For me and the family this year it is a holiday in Northumberland that we are looking forward to.
Rhythm in Life
Wherever we are heading to this summer, there is something about having a rhythm in life, that balance between the time to work and the time to rest, a time for refreshment, a time to step back from the frenetic every day activity of our lives, to see something new, to be absorbed in a different way of being.
Different holidays
For some of us a holiday is all about stopping, laying for hours on the beach or by a pool, reading a book, or simply soaking up the sun with the occasional swim to cool down. Others might think that sounds like some sort of torture. They might see a holiday is an opportunity to learn something new, to discover new places, and the first thing they do on arriving is to find the pile of leaflets that tell them about all the places just waiting to be visited.
Whichever group we are in, or whether we sit between the two extremes, simply being away from our normal environment, soaking up something new, is a holiday, it is a break, it is a rest … as long as we remember to switch off the works mobile and set the out of office email message.
Time to rest
The rhythm of work and rest is at the heart of our faith as Christians. When God created the world, for 6 days he laboured, and on the 7th day he called a sabbath rest. A time to rest and enjoy the fruits of his labours and an instruction for us to do the same. To take those moments, where we can to stop and to rest.
And so, if you are fortunate enough this summer to be going away on holiday, I hope you enjoy your break away, I hope there is time for refreshment, and time for learning something new and that it provides you with a chance to stop and rest and to simply be.
May God bless you
Heather
Afternoon Tea at the Rectory
This Afternoon Tea is to help raise money for St Mary’s Church Heating Project. This is taking place on Saturday 22nd July between 2:30 – 5 pm. £12 per head for Full Afternoon Tea, children under 16 just £4.
All dietary requirements catered for on request
To book contact Rev Heather 01206 240906 or email: [email protected]
Food in School Holidays Club (FiSH)
During the summer holidays, we will be running sessions at St Mary’s Church between 11:30 am – 2 pm on the following dates:
- Monday 24 July & 31 July
- Monday 7, 14 & 21 August
- Friday 1 September (not 28 Aug due to BH)
The activities and meal are free but it is helpful if you can book your place through the church administrator to help with catering and any dietary requirements (contact details opposite). All Families Welcome!
Songs of Praise at St Mary’s Old Church
Join us as we sing a selection of everyone’s favourite hymns, in the tranquil surroundings of the Old church on Sunday 9th July at 3 pm. If you have a hymn request please let Heather know as soon as possible. The service will be followed by light refreshments.
Café @ St Mary’s
Saturday 1 July & 5 August – 10am—12 noon in the church hall
Tea, coffee, cake, bacon butties, games, newspapers, and a craft activity.
Do come along. All are welcome!
Services & Other Dates
| 1 July | 10:00 am | Café @ St Mary’s in the Church Hall |
| 2 July | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 9 July | 9:30 am | Messy Church |
| 3:00 pm | Songs of Praise at St Mary’s Old Church | |
| 16 July | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 22 July | 2:30 pm | Afternoon Tea at the Rectory |
| 23 July | 9:30 am | Café Church |
| 30 July | 10:20 am | Joint Service at St Andrew’s Wormingford followed by light lunch |
| 5 August | 10:00 am | Café @ St Mary’s in the Church Hall |
| 6 August | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 13 August | 9:30 am | Messy Church |
| 20 August | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 27 August | 9:30 am | Café Church |
Our Team at St Mary’s
- Priest in Charge: Revd. Heather Wilcox
email: [email protected]
tel: 01206 240906 or 07503 151715 - Assistant Priest: Revd Anne Mason
email: [email protected].
tel: 07895 970834 (Sunday & Tuesday – Thursday). - Church Wardens:
Peter & Caroline Finlay, — [email protected] or 07926 387551 and
Kate & Stephen Penrose, — 07973 421306 - Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs):
Richard Chadborn—01206 240541;
Michael Foster—01206 241022;
Joy Budden—01206 241871;
Liz Dixon—07914 001212. - Parish Evangelist
Ron Seymour—01206 272579. - Church Administrator:
Donna Luxton — 01206 243683,
email: [email protected].
Church Office Hours — Monday – Friday 10 am – midday. - Hall Bookings:
Nicole Long—01206 240443. - Newsletter Editor:
Liz Dixon
tel: 07914 001212
email: [email protected]. - Website: Stmaryswestbergholt.co.uk
- Follow us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/stmaryswestbergholt.