St Mary's Notices

As we celebrate Harvest in a different way this year let us respond with generosity towards others in practical ways.
‘Creator God, you made the goodness of the land, the riches of the sea and the rhythm of the seasons; as we thank you for the harvest, may we cherish and respect this planet and its peoples, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’

On Saturday 17th October 3- 4.30pm we will again provide time be in God’s creation and think about what it means to truly rest and refresh ourselves as we progress to a 'new normal' . Details in Adele's letter of 11th October and it would be useful to contact Matt in advance on matt@stmaryincharnwood.org.uk

Evening Worship on Zoom is now established. It is at 6pm and lasts around half an hour including prayer, Bible readings and the opportunity to discuss together. At the end of the service there is time to stay on and chat for a while for those who would like to.

St Mary’s is open for a short service of Communion (30 minutes) on Sunday mornings at 9.30am and 10.30am. If you would like to attend, please pre-book your place by contacting the Parish Office – admin@stmaryincharnwood.org.uk or call 07901 581716 before midday on the Thursday before the Sunday you wish to attend. Places are limited and COVID restrictions will be in place. On booking, you will receive an email detailing the regulations for attending for the safety of all. The online service will continue as previously.

As we recognise God's generosity and grace, through observing creation, let us respond in the same spirit with our time, money and relationships towards one another.
"Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them." Matthew 6:26

Even at night when worries can magnify be calmed by knowing God's hand is holding us firm as we enter through Autumn and the shortening days.

“ When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalm 8: 3-4

The new rules are a challenge to us all - maybe we could all think about which 6 we might apply to ourselves such as pray, eat, sleep, get outdoors, laugh and do something kind?
" Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.." Hebrews 4:16

Bishops Martyn and Guli are exploring how God is reshaping us and the diocesan family of communities now and for the future - all our thoughts and ideas are requested using the link in Adele's letter 13th September.

“Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.” Psalm 89:8-9

We begin our next sermon series on Creation with a particular focus provided by Ruth Valerio and the World Council of Churches on bringing freedom and rest for the earth and addressing injustice and inequality
"The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1 vv 4-5 (New Living Translation)

Matt Lax is keen to have as many voices as possible to make a congregational sound for St Marys - if you didn't receive the original email please contact him on mail@matlax.co.uk as soon as possible

Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust grants aid to historic churches and chapels of all Christian denominations for repairs, restoration and some community facilities and the main fund raising is the annual sponsored Ride + Stride event.
St Marys will be open from 10am to 4pm so please contact John on 01509 557651 if you are able to help steward at the Church - full details in Adele's letter of 30th August.

A timely reminder to keep pressing on to aim for our goals as God has wonderful promises in store.
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10 vv 35-36