The children, once again, took part in The Family Matins service at St Mary’s yesterday, the First Sunday after Epiphany. Epiphany is sometimes called 'The Three Kings Day' and so we began the service with once verse of “We Three Kings of Orient are! played on the organ by Anthony. Nine young members of the congregation told the story of 'The flight into Egypt' beautifully and another youngster gave two excellent piano performances. Anthony ended the service with one more verse of 'We Three Kings'

In this popular service, the children are encouraged to participate in craft activities that help them remember a particular bible truth or story. Usually there are between 6 – 8 activities. Obviously at this time we cannot continue that arrangement so we are trying a new format 'Activity in the Pew'. All youngsters will collect a bag as they enter the church containing all they need for the activity. The service will begin and when it is time for the activity the instructions will be shown on the screen. The themes are:-

• August – Jonah and the Whale
• September – Noah’s Ark
• October – Parable of the Weeds
• November – The Lord’s Prayer
• December - Christmas

Unfortunately it is with great regret that this has been cancelled. Luke Saint who has been one of the organists at St Mary’s for several years was conductor of the Founders Choir of Royal Holloway College and had agreed to a concert at St Mary’s. I was very fortunate and had attended a performance of the choir at Holloway and thought the sound quite magical and Luke an exceedingly polished performer. We hope there may be an opportunity for the choir to perform at St Mary’s later in the year.