This Sunday we welcome Father Stephen back amongst us, as we had a busy day celebrating both St Michael and All Angels, and the Dedication of our beautiful church in the 12th century, and using this occasion to think about our stewardship of our beautiful church to support its functions in our community.
Our service was the Eucharist, and in our prayers we remembered all Christians, but especially those who are persecuted. In his Sermon Father Stephen developed the ideas of giving, regularly with the envelop scheme or by standing order, and asked us to consider that just £1 more each week from everyone would cover our outgoings and allow us opportunity to give to our chosen charities and causes. We have all contributed to our new annex, which will begin to be built next year, but everyone is aware of the increases in electricity and gas charges and we need to cover these as well. Always a difficult subject to speak about, Father Stephen encouraged us to think and act to continue the worship at St Mary's which has been continuous for nearly 1000 years, so that it may continue for a further 1000!
The choir sang Ave Verum in the setting by WA Mozart as the Anthem.

There were a number of notices, Next week is Harvest, the Choir will sing in the Cathedral next Saturday morning for a communion service for the prayer book society. The setting is by Harold Dark in F. this will be at 10:30. Calenders for 2015 that were pre-ordered will be available after church on the next 2 Sundays.

Ours in trust for the future!