This edition of St Mary’s News starts with a report from a pilgrimage, and continues with other news on Licensing of Liz Dixon, Afternoon Tea, Summer Holiday activities and the usual listings of services and contacts.
Pilgrimage for the Homeless – Alan Murray Tells his story
I have just walked the 74-mile Pilgrimage from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London to Canterbury Cathedral, with about 100 other pilgrims, sleeping on the floors of churches and halls. This took four full days and was a great experience, walking with some of the homeless people, as well as helpers and supporters of this homeless charity.
Getting to know their problems was enlightening. Some good news was that during the Covid pandemic, with the homeless in hotels, the volunteers knew exactly where they all were, and could help with medical, social and mental health problems. This resulted in the numbers sleeping on the streets falling by half. The charity uses donations to the full.
Thanks to everyone who has helped, including our friends at St Mary’s. If any others with a comfortable bed and food enough would like to help, donations are still welcome. The Pilgrims have so far encouraged friends and neighbours to donate over £15,000 in much needed support.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-murray21
Thank You from Liz Dixon, new Licensed Lay Minister (LLM)
Last weekend, I was privileged to have been licensed by the Bishop of Chelmsford as a Lay Minister. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone from St Mary’s who has supported me through my 3 years of training and who were able to help me mark the occasion last weekend.
I am excited about becoming part of the Ministry Team at St Mary’s, West Bergholt and I am looking forward to serving the parish. I particularly enjoy creating spaces for people to connect with God in creative ways, particularly in Messy Church. I am passionate about caring for God’s creation, and also about developing the relationship between St Mary’s and Heathlands School, where I have recently become a foundation Governor.
Blessings, Liz Dixon
Afternoon Tea
This event is taking place to raise funds towards the cost of replacing the church heating. Indulge in a Full Afternoon Tea in the Rectory Garden (1 Church Close) on Saturday 23rd July between 2:30 – 5 pm. Tickets are £15 per head (under-16’s £5).
To book, please contact Rev Heather Wilcox on 01206 240906 or email [email protected].
Food and Fun for All Families
Looking for something to do with your children on Mondays during the school holiday? All parents/carers and children are invited to come to St Mary’s to enjoy a two course lunch and games and crafts between 11.30 am and 2 pm on the following dates: 25 July; 1, 8, 15 & 22 August.
All Children must be accompanied by an adult.
There’s no charge but please book in advance so that we know how many people to cater for. To book, please contact the church office at [email protected] or 01206 243683. We look forward to welcoming you.
Services & Other Dates
| 3rd July | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 10th July | 9:30 am | Messy Church |
| 17th July | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 24th July | 9:30 pm | Café Church |
| 31st July | 10 am | Joint Parishes Service at St Peter’s, Boxted with guest speaker Rev Paul Norrington |
| 7th August | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 14th August | 9:30 am | Messy Church |
| 21st August | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
| 28th August | 9:30 am | Café Church |
| 3rd September | Afternoon Garden Party in the Rectory Garden—details to be confirmed in August | |
| 4th September | 9:30 am | Holy Communion |
Our Team at St Mary’s
- Priest in Charge: Revd. Heather Wilcox
email: [email protected]
tel: 01206 240906 or 07503 151715 - Assistant Curate: 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:
Jo Rassell — 01206 243683,
email: [email protected].
Church Office Hours — Monday 9 am—12:30 pm, Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 1 pm. - 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.