This week in St Mary's

Last Sunday, the Morning Service was conducted by a local retired Priest the Rev Judi Clarke, leading our monthly Choral Holy Communion Service. In her sermon, the Rev Judi, as it was the first Sunday of Epiphany, talked of it’s origins and the meaning of it in today’s church. In the current run of morning services while we don’t have an incumbent at St Mary’s, this was the Rev Judi’s first service with us, we hope we made her welcome. The vacant position of the Rector is now being advertised and it is hoped in the coming weeks, a new incumbent is found. It is quite a slow process though so it could still be sometime before a new Rector actually starts their new life with us. The Morning Service next Sunday is the shorter format Holy Communion with the Children’s Treasure Boxes, and will be conducted by another of our retired priest team, the Rev Margaret Marshall. The following Sunday, January 26th, it is St Mary’s Patronal Festival service when we celebrate the life of our Patron Saint, St Mary.

Our First Steps toddler and baby group will be meeting on Friday in the church hall at the usual time of 9.30am. Further details about the group from Sandy on 01767 260430. Morning Prayer services will be held next week, at Sutton Church on Thursday, and on Tuesday and Friday at St Mary’s, all services at 9am. These services maybe cancelled at short notice if no leader is available. Every Friday afternoon at 2.45pm, a service is held at Sutton Church for all those in the Benefice who want to end the week with quiet prayer and communion with others. All are welcome.

Next Friday, January 24th, we once again will welcome our church organist, Nick Wilson to the local airwaves as he is giving his “Thought for the Day” at 8.15am on BigglesFM, 104.8 on the dial. Nick has some great stories and anecdotes and is well worth listening to! He will also give details of forthcoming events if they are available. Nick now does his talk every two weeks.

Services at St Mary’s Church, unless shown otherwise, for Sunday January 19th: 9am Benefice Holy Communion (Said) at Sutton Church with Archdeacon Dave 9am Morning Prayer 10.30am Shorter Holy Communion with Children’s Treasure Boxes 3pm Evensong at Cockayne Hatley Church