Friday Bible Study Group

See BSG flyer below for Cynthia Lane's new Bible Study Group.

Crafty Church and BCP Matins on Sunday 24 October

Crafty Church on 24 October was the story of the Good Shepherd; the children read the prayers, played the recorder and piano, and then produced amazing sheep during the activity session. The children never have difficulty following the instructions and once again thanks must be given to those who prepare the activities.

The Tower Bells rang before Morning Prayer at 11am. Thanks must be given to Anthony who took over as organist at the eleventh hour as George was, unfortunately, unwell. Not only did Anthony play the organ but he also sang the Versicles. We are most grateful.

Family Praise and BCP Communion on Sunday 17 October

On Sunday 17 October, the services began at St Mary’s with Family Praise and several children reading the bible passages and prayers. The theme was Music in our church, just a very short story before Anthony Hodson led a mini workshop for the Music and Merriment Christmas concert children’s choir. Anthony taught us the music, words and actions for one of the carols to be performed at the concert on 4 December.Some of the children came to the front of the church and took part in the workshop, and learned the music and actions quickly and well.

This was followed at 11am with Holy Communion led by Revd Patrick Mukholi. It was a joy to see Josh Tuffley, once again, at the organ, and he ended the service with a excellent performance of Bach choral prelude 'Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her' (From heaven above to earth I come).

Harvest Festival at St Mary’s 10 October

Once again the Tower Bells welcomed all to the service of Family Matins. The service began with the hymn 'We plough the fields and scatter' accompanied by Anthony. The Bible passage, selected Harvest poem and the prayers were all read, beautifully, by the children. The harvest gifts were taken to the altar during the second hymn, 'Come ye thankful people come'. The sermon slot at this service became a concert, suggested and arranged by one of the young members of the congregation. Sixteen children recited Harvest poems, played the piano, the violin and the recorder. All performed magnificently and it was a wonderful end to the service. However, there was more to come, a cake sale, also suggested by our young member, and this raised £155 for the church, during which Anthony provided organistic background with the Dubois Toccata. A truly memorable morning.

Family Communion, 3 October

Family Communionwas led by Rev Patrick Mukholi on Sunday 3 October. The Stopford communion setting is the one performed at Family Communion and, now that everyone Is allowed to sing the performance, sounded good. Jonathan ended the service with 'Jubilate Deo' by Armstrong Gibbs.

Holy Communion, Crafty Church and Choral Matins at St Mary's, 26 September

Sunday 26 September began with 8am Holy Communion led by the Rev. Patrick Mukholi: a quiet, peaceful start to the day. Crafty Church followed, and told the story of Moses and the 10 Commandments. The children read the bible readings and then several of the children recited the 10 Commandments. The presentation had pictures of the 10 commandments written on the East Wall of the Church. The activity was a very ingenious finger puzzle very successfully put together by everyone. The music was provided by children in the congregation, playing the violin and piano. John Kimbell welcomed everyone to a Choral Matins at 11am. A title, John reminded us, he had not been able to say for many months. Jonathan Holl’s voluntary at the end of the service was ‘Sketch in C’ by Robert Schumann – originally written for pedal-piano. A most attractive piece.

Family Praise and BCP Communion at St Mary's, 19 September

Family Praise on 19 September told the story St Matthew, the Tax Collector and Disciple of Jesus. Instead of singing hymns two of our young congregation members played the violin and piano, with other children taking on the three Bible readings. Holy Communion followed at 11am and was led by the Rev Patrick Mukholi. It was good to see Luke Saint again on the organ. He rehearsed the choir and played for the service ending with an excellent performance of a pièce by Louis Vierne.

Family matins at St Mary's 5 September – Bell Sunday

Today September 12 was Bell Sunday. The Tower bells again welcomed everyone to church. The words of Scripture were read by one of the children and then everyone sang 'Unchanging God' - the Bell Ringers hymn. The reading was the second verse of the Bells by Edgar Allan Poe and was read by Sue Bish, who asked the children how many times she recited 'Bells' – someone got it right!

The Collect for the day and the Collects for Peace and Grace were all read by the children. After the last hymn 'Be thou my guardian and my guide' we handed over to Tony Bish, Bell Tower Captain, who explained all about the bells in St Mary’s Tower and when the first one came into the church, he was followed by Jill Glennerster, Hand Bell Captain, who talked about the hand bells. The Hand Bell Ringers then rang 'All people that on earth do dwell'. After the hymn ended Trevor Scott demonstrated Change Ringing with the Tower Bell Ringers. The children were invited to assist and many went up the tower. A memorable Sunday service.