Friday Bible Study Group

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

16 January at St Mary's

Family Praise on 16 January began to tell the story of Candlemas; this story will continue with the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple at Crafty Church on 23 January; the activity then will be preparing and decorating candles and drip-mats that will be presented and blessed at Crafty Choral Matins on 30 January, a special service at which we will celebrate Candlemas.

Several of the children led the bible readings. Holy Communion followed and was led by Rev. Patrick Mukholi. We also welcomed a young organ scholar from Holloway College, who ended the service with a wonderful performance of Marche Triomphale by Callaerts, the Belgian organist and composer.

First Sunday of New Year 2022

How splendid to hear the Tower Bells as we arrived for the first service of the New Year, Epiphany Sunday!

Rev Patrick Mukholi led the service of Family Communion, the choir and congregation sang the Stopford Communion setting. Jonathan Holl ended the service with a wonderful performance of ‘In dir ist Freude’--- J.S. Bach. (In Thee is gladness, Bach’s New Year Chorale Prelude).

Christmas services 24, 25 December

On Christmas Eve, three 'Carols and Candlelight services' were held at St Mary’s. It was wonderful to be able to sing the carols. Unfortunately last year, we were not able to. The children once again told the Christmas story beautifully as the candles were lit around the church. Later on, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was taken by Rev Mukholi while the choir led the singing. Jonathan Holl was the organist and ended the service with a wonderful performance of Noel Suisse – Lasceux.

The Christmas Matins service was led by John Kimbell, and Anthony Hodson accompanied the singing. He ended the service with a joyous performance of Dubois' Toccata (A of ABA). This service was followed by Said Communion, taken by Rev. Patrick Mukholi.

Nine lessons and carols

The Fourth Sunday in Advent, 19 December, began with Family Praise at 9.30am. The theme was the lighting of the candle for Joy otherwise known as the Shepherd Candle. Children read the lessons and prayers and a young member played the Guitar. This was followed by 'said' Holy Communion at 11am, led by Revd Patrick Mukholi.

At 4pm John Kimbell led the service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Several of our 'extra' singers joined with us, and Luke Saint made a welcome return to rehearse the singers and conduct during the service. This was a glorious musical occasion for St Mary's church: a celebration of the Christmas story that transcended the gloom of Covid-affected times. The church looked wonderful with so many Christmas trees on display and all candles lit. Jonathan Holl ended the service with the Chorale Prelude 'In dulci jubilo' by J S Bach. An excellent start to the Christmas season.

Christmas Tree Festival

The Festival was in memory of Doreen Potter, who was so concerned to beautify the church when she was chief flower-arranger. It opened on Saturday 18 December. There were 15 excellently decorated trees displayed either inside the church or in the church grounds. Each sponsor decorated their own tree.

The Crafty Church Tree had some wonderful decorations all made by the children who attended Crafty Church in November. There were 5 stalls set up in the church; the Nativity and Crib service videoed on 12 December was available to watch, and Daniel Potter, Doreen’s grandson, sang 'O Holy Night' beautifully during the morning. William Taylor accompanied and later played the organ. Refreshments were available, coffee and tea to begin with, and later, mulled-wine and mince pies were available. A day to remember.