Operation Shoebox & Harvest News
Operation Shoebox makes its’ return for Xmas 2021, other news includes:
… and the usual listings of services and contacts but first:
Operation Shoebox
As in previous years, St Mary’s will be partnering with Operation Christmas Child by filling empty shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The shoeboxes will be delivered to children overseas and represent a tangible expression of God’s love to those in need.
This year’s appeal is being organised by Tim Clarke, who is based at Boxted Church, but you can deliver your filled shoeboxes to the church office at St Mary’s West Bergholt from 4 October up until 15 November. (Please see opposite for office opening times).
You can also donate individual items if you are not able to fill a whole shoebox, and there will be a donation box in the church office. A list of suggested items is below. Alternatively, you may like to make a donation to help with the costs of transporting the shoeboxes overseas by visiting Tim’s JustGiving page.
Packing Party
There is also an opportunity to join in with a shoebox packing party at St Peter’s Church on Sunday 21 November. For more details please contact Tim on 07792 060597 or [email protected]
Gift ideas:
- Toys—A football and pump, cuddly toys, dolls, toy cars, small musical instruments, yo-yos, skipping ropes, balls, small puzzles etc.
- School supplies—Pens, pencils & sharpeners, crayons or felt pens, stamps & ink pad sets, writing pads or notebooks, solar calculators, colouring & picture books etc.
- Hygiene Items—Toothbrush, bars of wrapped soap, comb or hairbrush, flannel etc.
- Other Items—Hat, gloves, scarf, sunglasses, cap, socks, T-shirt, flip-flops, hair accessories, jewellery set, watch, wind-up torch etc.
- Please don’t include—Toothpaste, sweets, lotions and liquids; used or damaged items; war-related items; seeds, gum, chocolate or food items; religious or political literature; medicines, aerosol cans, sharp or fragile items.
Harvest Service
Harvest can be an opportunity to pause from the busyness of our daily lives and give thanks for all the good things we enjoy. There will be a harvest celebration service on Sun 3 Oct at 10am, followed by coffee and pastries. All are welcome!
Harvest is also a time to remember those people who are less fortunate. Donations of dried goods, tinned or packaged items are welcome and can be brought to the church on Sat 2 Oct between 9am and 1pm, or at the service on Sunday. These will be donated to some of the sheltered living projects in Colchester.
Welcoming New Priest
Our new Priest in Charge, Rev Heather Wilcox, will be licensed at a special service on Thursday 11 November @ 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Wormingford. All are welcome to attend. If you would like a lift please contact the church wardens (see contacts below).
Following her licensing on 11 November, Heather will be leading her first service in the six parishes on Sunday 21 November at All Saints’ Church in Great Horkesley. This will be followed by lunch at St Mary’s West Bergholt. More details to follow in due course but please pencil the date in your diaries.
More Normal Activities Resume
Gathered Bible Study Groups Back
We have two Bible study groups meeting fortnightly, one on Tuesday afternoons and one on Tuesday evenings. For details contact [email protected].
Cake Church is Back!
On Thursday mornings in term time, between 9 am and 11 am—coffee, homemade cake and chat in the church. All welcome.
5T’s Friendship Group
A reminder that our Thursday afternoon friendship group is also back in the church hall every Thursday between 2.30 pm and 4 pm. Come and enjoy a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a natter. All welcome.
Services & Other Dates
| 3rd October | 10:00 am | Harvest Praise Service followed by coffee and pastries |
| 10th October | 10:00 am | Messy Church |
| 17th October | 11:15 am | Morning Praise Service with a baptism, followed by optional Communion |
| 24th October | 10:00 am | Praise on 4 Service, coffee served from 9.45am |
| 31st October | Joint Parishes Service at All Saints’ Great Horkesley (if you would like a lift please contact the church wardens) | |
| 7th November | 10:00 am | Communion Service |
| 11th November (Thursday) | Licensing of our new Priest in Charge, Rev. Heather Wilcox | |
| 14th November | Remembrance Sunday Service— details TBC |
Our Team at St Mary’s
- Assistant Curate:Revd Anne Mason
email: [email protected].
tel: 07895 970834 (Sunday & Tuesday – Thursdays). - Church Wardens:
Peter & Caroline Finlay, — [email protected] or 07926 387551 and
Kate & Stephen Penrose, — 07973 421306 - Lay Readers:
Richard Chadborn—01206 240541;
Michael Foster—01206 241022;
Joy Budden—01206 241871. - 3 Parish Families’ Worker:
Jo Jeffery—07853 586683. - Parish Evangelist
Ron Seymour—01206 272579. - Church Administrator:
Jo Rassell — 01206 243683,
email: [email protected].
Church Office Hours — Monday 9 am—12 pm, Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 1 pm. - Hall Bookings:
Nicole Long—01206 240443. - Newsletter Editor:
email: [email protected]. - Website: Stmaryswestbergholt.co.uk
- Follow us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/stmaryswestbergholt.