Notes from a Churchwarden
Church changes and a wedding...
On Sunday 6th August around twenty members of St Mary’s and St Thomas’s congregation went along to the Diocese of York, Celebration of Ministry, with the collation and induction of The Reverend Julie Lesley Smith as Vicar of the Parish of St Mark, Marske-in-Cleveland. I am sure everyone enjoyed the service, with rousing hymns, plus lovely refreshments afterwards.
At St Mary’s we have been experiencing quite a lot of changes in church – a brand new boiler fitted in the tower area, several pews have been removed at the back of church, a new floor put down and reflagged over and a mini kitchen has been built, along with a toilet facility. There will be a screen fitted the width of the church to make the narthex. The Churchwardens pew has had to be re-housed at the other side of the building, under the gallery.
Last week we members of the church spent some considerable time cleaning up ready for Holly and Alex’s wedding ceremony on Saturday 19th August. The service was taken by Rev David Hargreaves, and with over a hundred guests the church was really full. The weather was kind and the flowers were beautiful. We wish them all the very best in their new life together.
Until the end of October we shall be having different vicars or readers to take the services at St Mary’s. At the end of October we shall be welcoming back Rev Paul Peyton, who came to us from February until August in 2017 after Rev John Hallows retired. Not long to wait!
On Sunday 3rd September 2023 The Right Rev Bishop of Blackburn Philip North will be coming to bless the new arrangements at St Mary’s Newchurch, at 3pm, with a service in church.
All are welcome.
Creative God
We thank you that you give us gifts
Which enable us to share
In your work of creativity.Help us to use the gifts we have
To enrich the lives of those around us
And to give glory to you;
We ask this in the name of
Jesus our Lord.