Candlemas – First before Lent. Year A Sunday 1st February 2026
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Service
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Morning Worship
Friday 6th February 26 – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 8th February 2026
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT: God of heaven, you send the gospel to the ends of the earth and your messengers to every nation: send your Holy Spirit to transform us by the good news of everlasting life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1st Reading: Malachi 3.1–5. Thus says the LORD God: See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. Hebrews 2.14–18. Since the children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 2.22–40. ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER: Generous Lord, in word and eucharist we have proclaimed the mystery of your love: help us so to live out our days that we may be signs of your wonders in the world; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Mike P, Marian B, Andrew P, Liz, Mary H, Babette, Sue D, Carrie, Michael and Jill, Vaughan W, Mike H, April and Ella and Freda R.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AND THEIR FAMILIES. Please pray for Lindsey Pannell who passed away last week and for Mike, for Larry and the family.
The prayer list is now being reviewed monthly. Anyone who wishes to have their name added is invited to contact the office by email mbhcbeneficeoffice@gmail.com for inclusion for as long as necessary, but names will not automatically be taken forward. The clergy can also be contacted as per the monthly diary.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Medical supplies and pain killers ( non-prescription), Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Dry Food, Tinned and dried Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE JANUARY DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 21st February 2026 at Holy Cross. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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Epiphany Year A Sunday 4th January 2026
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Morning Worship
Sunday 11th January 2026
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
Tuesday 13th Messy Church in Reculver School 3.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
COLLECT: God our Father, in love you sent your Son that the world may have life: lead us to seek him among the outcast and to find him in those in need, for Jesus Christ’s sake.
1st Reading: Isaiah 60 :1-6. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come. Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12. God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Matthew 2: 1-12. ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER: All praise to you, almighty God and heavenly king, who sent your Son into the world to take our nature upon him and to be born of a pure virgin: grant that, as we are born again in him, so he may continually dwell in us and reign on earth as he reigns in heaven,
now and for ever. Amen
Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as
judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
Advance notice that we shall start a new prayer list in January 26 and it will be renewed each month. Anyone is welcome to email the office ( mbhcbeneficeoffice@gmail.com) for inclusion for as long as necessary, but names will not automatically be taken forward.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE DECEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 17th January 2026 at St. Mary’s. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Year A Sunday 28TH December 2025
Holy Cross 10.00 JOINT PARISH SERVICE.
Sunday 3rd January 2026
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Family Special
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Morning Worship
COLLECT. God in Trinity, eternal unity of perfect love: gather the nations to be one family, and draw us into your holy life through the birth of Emmanuel, our Lord Jesus Christ.
1st Reading Jeremiah 31: 15-17 This is what the Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.” This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy.
So, there is hope for your descendants,” declares the Lord. “Your children will return to their own land. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to. Matthew 2: 13-18 ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. The Escape to Egypt When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So, he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son shared at Nazareth the life of an earthly home: help your Church to live as one family, united in love and obedience, and bring us all at last to our home in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as
judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
Advance notice that we shall start a new prayer list in January 26 and it will be renewed each month. Anyone is welcome to email the office ( mbhcbeneficeoffice@gmail.com) for inclusion for as long as necessary, but names will not automatically be taken forward.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE DECEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 20TH December at Jenny’s House. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year A Sunday 21st December 2025
Sunday 21st December 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 6 p.m. Carol Service
Wednesday 24th December
Christingles at all three churches at 4 p.m.
St. Mary’s 11.30 p.m. – JOINT PARISH MIDNIGHT MASS
Thursday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY
St. Bartholomew’s 10.00 a.m. JOINT PARISH COMMUNION
No Parish Prayers on Friday 26th December
Sunday 28th December 2025
Holy Cross 10.00 JOINT PARISH SERVICE.
COLLECT. Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son, so we wait for his coming in glory;
bring us through the birth pangs of this present age to see, with her, our great salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading Isaiah 7.10-16. Again, the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading Romans 1.1-7. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to. Matthew 1: 18-25 ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised saviour: fill us your servants with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as
judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
Advance notice that we shall start a new prayer list in January 26 and it will be renewed each month. Anyone is welcome to email the office ( mbhcbeneficeoffice@gmail.com) for inclusion for as long as necessary, but names will not automatically be taken forward.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE DECEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 20TH December at Jenny’s House. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year A Sunday 14th December 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 6 p.m Carol Service followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
Friday 19th December 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 21st December 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 6 p.m. Carol Service
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. All Age Worship
COLLECT. God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right,
with Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading: Isaiah 35.1-10. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. James 5.7-10 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew11: 2-11. ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. We give you thanks, O Lord, for these heavenly gifts; kindle in us the fire of your Spirit that when your Christ comes again we may shine as lights before his face;
who is alive and reigns now and for ever. Amen
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
Advance notice that we shall start a new prayer list in January 26 and it will be renewed each month. Anyone is welcome to email the office ( mbhcbeneficeoffice@gmail.com) for inclusion for as long as necessary, but names will not automatically be taken forward.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE DECEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 20TH December at Jenny’s House. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year A Sunday 7th December 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Family Special
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Morning Worship
6 p.m. Carol Service.
Friday 12th December 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 14th December 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT. O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever.
1st Reading: Isaiah 11.1-10. A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. Romans 15.4-13 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, ‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name’; and again he says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’; and again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him’; and again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Matthew 3:1-12. ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”’ Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord and King: keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE DECEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 20TH December at Jenny’s House. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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ADVENT SUNDAY Year C Sunday 30th November 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
Friday 5th December 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 7th December 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Family Special
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Morning Worship
6 p.m. Carol Service.
COLLECT. Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
1st Reading: Isaiah 2.1-5.
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. Romans 13.11-end.
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL. Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Matthew 24: 36-44.
ALL; Glory be to you O Lord.
‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service and joyful in his praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that when he shall appear in power and great glory we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church: Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE DECEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 20TH December at Jenny’s House. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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LOOK OUT IN THE DECEMBER DIARY FOR ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS FAIR ON
6TH DECEMBER IN ST. MARY’S CH URCH 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. SEE YOU THERE!!!
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SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT - Christ the King Year C Sunday 23rd November 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
Friday 28th November 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 30th November 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT. God the Father, help us to hear the call of Christ the King and to follow in his service,
whose kingdom has no end; for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, one glory.
1st Reading: Jeremiah 23.1-6.
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So, I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. Colossians 1.11-20.
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Luke 23: 33-43 ALL; Glory be to you O Lord.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Lord God, hear our prayer for all in pain and vulnerability: dispel their darkness and loneliness with your everlasting light, so that they can recover their self-confidence
and through your grace and mercy find their true selves again, healed and strengthened by your unconditional love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
RECULVER : PRAYER FOR A PRIEST
Loving Father, You call your children to special tasks and roles in your church:
Look graciously on Reculver Parish and send us a priest filled with your Holy Spirit
to inspire, teach and lead us in our shared discipleship of Jesus Christ through lives of ministry, witness and mission. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey & Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael and Jill, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags..
ALSO SEE DETAILS OF WHAT IS NEEDED IN THE NOVEMBER DIARY.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 20TH December at Jenny’s House. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
-----------------------------------
LOOK OUT IN THE DECEMBER DIARY FOR ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS FAIR ON
6TH DECEMBER IN ST. MARY’S CHURCH 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. SEE YOU THERE!!!
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SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT Year C Sunday 16th November 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. All Age Worship
Friday 21st November 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 23rd November 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
Holy Cross 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT. Heavenly Lord, you long for the world’s salvation: stir us from apathy, restrain us from excess and revive in us new hope that all creation will one day be healed in Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading: Malachi 4.1-2a. See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13. Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Luke 21:5-19 ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’ They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and “The time is near!” Do not go after them. ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. ‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So, make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament you give substance to our hope:
bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
PARISH PRAYER FOR THE INTERREGNUM.
DEAR GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR LOVING FATHER. PLEASE MAY YOU BLESS OUR PARISH DURING THE INTERREGNUM AND GUIDE US FORWARD ONE DAY AT A TIME. MAY WE WORK TOGETHER AS A UNITED COMMUNITY, SERVING YOU AND ONE ANOTHER WITH RESPECT AND LOVE. AMEN
Loving God, we pray that our diocese may be a place of welcome, security and compassion.
Keep us watchful yet caring, trusting yet ready to question, that all who worship with us may do so in safety and in the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey and Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags. Just a bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste will be OK.
Also see details in the November Diary.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 15TH November at Holy Cross. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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Ann Collier would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, flowers and good wishes.
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Year C Sunday 9TH November 2025
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
St. Mary’s 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 10.00 a.m. Morning Worship
Holy Cross 10.45 a.m. Holy Communion
Friday 14th November 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 16th November 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Morning Worship
COLLECT. God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
1st Reading: Job 19.23-27a. ‘O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock for ever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading. 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-end. As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you? But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose, he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Luke 20: 27-38. ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally, the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed, they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’ This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. God of peace, whose Son Jesus Christ proclaimed the kingdom and restored the broken to wholeness of life: look with compassion on the anguish of the world, and by your healing power make whole both people and nations; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
PARISH PRAYER FOR THE INTERREGNUM.
DEAR GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR LOVING FATHER. PLEASE MAY YOU BLESS OUR PARISH DURING THE INTERREGNUM AND GUIDE US FORWARD ONE DAY AT A TIME. MAY WE WORK TOGETHER AS A UNITED COMMUNITY, SERVING YOU AND ONE ANOTHER WITH RESPECT AND LOVE. AMEN
God, our judge and saviour, teach us to be open to your truth and to trust in your love,
that we may live each day with confidence in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey and Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Debbie T, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags. Just a bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste will be OK.
Also see details in the October Diary.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 15TH November at Holy Cross. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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Ann Collier would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, flowers and good wishes.
This is an appeal for Pringle tubes or similar, small or large , to be used at Messy Church on the 11th Nov. Please give to Ann Collier or Janet Hosking or leave at the back of church. Thanks in advance.
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All Saints Sunday Year C Sunday 2nd November 2025
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Family Special
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Morning Worship
St. Mary’s 3 p.m. Memorial Service for departed loved ones.
There is a list at the back of each church for you to have your loved one remembered at the service. Please put the name of the deceased and the number of people attending.
Friday 7th November 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 9th November 2025
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
St. Mary’s 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 10.00 a.m. Morning Worship
Holy Cross 10.45 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT: God of glory, touch our lips with the fire of your Spirit, that we with all creation
may rejoice to sing your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
1st Reading: Daniel 7.1–3, 15–18. In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So, he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: ‘As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever – for ever and ever.’
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading Ephesians 1.11–23. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Luke 6: 20-31 ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.’
This is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Lord of heaven, in this eucharist you have brought us near to an innumerable company of angels and to the spirits of the saints made perfect: as in this food of our earthly pilgrimage we have shared their fellowship, so may we come to share their joy in heaven;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
PARISH PRAYER FOR THE INTERREGNUM.
DEAR GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR LOVING FATHER. PLEASE MAY YOU BLESS OUR PARISH DURING THE INTERREGNUM AND GUIDE US FORWARD ONE DAY AT A TIME. MAY WE WORK TOGETHER AS A UNITED COMMUNITY, SERVING YOU AND ONE ANOTHER WITH RESPECT AND LOVE. AMEN
God, our judge and saviour, teach us to be open to your truth and to trust in your love,
that we may live each day with confidence in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey and Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Debbie T, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C, and Mike H.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags. Just a bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste will be OK.
Also see details in the October Diary.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on 15TH November at Holy Cross. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
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Ann Collier would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, flowers and good wishes.
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15th Sunday after Trinity Year C Sunday 5th October 2025
HARVEST FESTIVAL
St. Mary’s 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Family Special
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Morning Worship followed by lunch in the village hall at 12.30 p.m.
Friday 10th October 2025- 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Parish Prayers in Holy Cross
Sunday 12th October 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bartholomew’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT: Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us: open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
1st Reading Deuteronomy 26 : 1-11. When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the first fruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name and say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” The priest shall take the basket from your hands and set it down in front of the altar of the Lord your God. Then you shall declare before the Lord your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to harsh labour. Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So, the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the first fruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
2nd Reading: Revelations 14: 14-18. I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So, he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.”
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to John. ALL; Glory be to you O Lord. John 6: 25-35. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
So, they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’]” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
is the gospel of the Lord. All; Praise to You O, Christ.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER. Almighty God, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law: grant that we may love you with our whole heart and our neighbours as yourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
PARISH PRAYER FOR THE INTERREGNUM.
DEAR GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR LOVING FATHER. PLEASE MAY YOU BLESS OUR PARISH DURING THE INTERREGNUM AND GUIDE US FORWARD ONE DAY AT A TIME. MAY WE WORK TOGETHER AS A UNITED COMMUNITY, SERVING YOU AND ONE ANOTHER WITH RESPECT AND LOVE. AMEN
Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey and Mike P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Carrie, Toby, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N, George S, Alison, Mary H, Tony A, Debbie T, Jean de J, Vaughan W and Ann and Mike C.
HOPE YOU HAVE BROUGHT DONATIONS FOR THE FOOD BANK TO GIVE AT HARVEST. Don’t worry if you have not, the yellow bins are always at the back of church for the food bank so please bring something next week.
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR UKRAINE,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries, Sleeping bags.
Just a bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste will be OK.
Also see details in the October Diary.
Prayer Breakfasts
Prayer Breakfasts are held every third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. They are held at three venues – St. Mary’s, Holy Cross and Jenny’s House. The next one is on Oct 18th at St. Mary’s. Please come and join as for breakfast and prayer.
Flower Arrangers
If you would like to help arrange flowers in St. Mary’s please speak to Sue Kennedy on 07751594625 who can give you more information and who would like to put you on the rota. She will need help for Harvest arrangements– also donations for flowers.
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Did you look out for the following in the OCT diary!!!!!?
11th Oct 2025 Amateur Photo Competition at St. Mary’s .
12 noon to 2 p.m.
Come and share your favourite photo/s ( framed or not) that you have taken and share with others and you may win a prize! There will be ploughman’s lunches available and those who come can vote for their favourite photo. Please let me know if you would like a ploughman’s lunch £7.50 – my number is in the October diary or on list at back of church on 5th October 2025. Janet.
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Wanted 'Tubs (i.e. Pringle tubes) any size & pictures of food'. for October Messy Church craft on 14th October. Can be left in St.Mary's or given to Ann Collier or Janet Hosking. Thank you in advance.