Notes from St Mary’s Church
Flowery friends...
Flowers.
I’ve heard it said recently that they bring hope, joy and a reminder to live in the moment. Perhaps then that’s why flowers form such as important part of our church environment and services?
At St Mary’s there’s a devoted group of volunteers that come together regularly as ‘Flowery Friends’, to ensure we can enjoy the beauty of blooms in and around the church.
For over 10 years’ they have created unique displays to reflect seasons, religious festivals, church celebrations and special occasions such as weddings and funerals.
The flowers also help to create a welcoming, vibrant and engaging environment for our many visitors to the church.
With arrangements ranging from flower-filled wellington boots and musical instruments to a full-size flamingo and on one occasion, even a toilet – each display is worthy of a Flower Show award when it comes to creativity. Considering most of the Flowery Friends came to the group with zero previous experience of floral design, that’s pretty impressive.
But Ruth White who leads the group is keen to let people know that it’s about far more than the flowers, “It’s about coming together as friends. It’s a lovely group and the atmosphere is relaxed as we work together and enjoy each other’s company.”
Many of those that get involved are regular churchgoers, but equally a similar number are not. And that’s fine too. Everyone is encouraged to join in – all that’s needed is a passion for flowers and a desire to work with them to help spread joy and peace.
It’s all pretty laid-back. The only thing that is serious is the group’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact, given the ever-increasing need to demonstrate care for our precious World.
The group forage where they can (responsibly of course), reduce their use of plastic and use sustainable alternatives to floral foam – all of which is helping to contribute to the Church’s application for a Bronze Eco award which is currently underway.
Flowers themselves, with the fleeting nature of their seasons, are not only a reminder to appreciate the here and now, but also to protect the gifts of creation.
In return flowers are joyous and uplift us, with blossoms symbolising vitality. So, it’s hardly surprising then that they happen to be absolutely perfect for communicating the Word of Lord and bringing us together as a church, as a community, and as friends.