From the Church Wardens
St. Mary's Newchurch
Suddenly 2023 is at an end and even though we know about this, it still takes some of us a bit by surprise having to write 2024. It has been such a year – recovering from the impact of Covid, major international wars, economic problems, weather which has gone from one extreme to another, and many more changes in our lives.
At St. Mary’s we now have a church with a toilet, kitchen, and meeting area, and it has made life so much easier. It has given us more opportunities to talk and plan, and share food and ideas. Julie has left us to go back to her home area and we have benefitted from the guiding presence of Fr Paul for a year, indefatigable and enthusiastic and setting us on the path for choosing a new vicar for our Benefice. Suddenly so much is happening around our churches – shared PCC meetings, music, free gifts (Gospel of Mark and coffee stirrers!), church gardening club, flower displays, an Easter sunrise service, a new boiler capable of using bio-oil, upgraded speakers and projector, children from the school planting bulbs and bug houses and lots more. Is there a sense of optimism?
It feels good to be planning for the year ahead, with attention especially on ecological issues, looking after God’s world in practical ways we can all try out. Watch out for climate change events, a lambing service, rush-bearing, a rogation walk, the flower fairies and also Ruth White’s Churchyard Gardening Club gradually working its way through our churchyard,( both groups always looking for people to help with the work!), and celebratory musical events- concerts, ceilidhs, musical workshops – as well as our regular Sunday services. 9.30 most Sundays, everyone welcome. Check our Benefice Facebook page for updates.
Onwards and upwards!
The Church Wardens would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you, to everyone who has supported our Church this year.