This morning we came together to celebrate the feast of St Valentine with a special Eucharist. Many of those who were married at St Marys in the last year,and those who plan to marry here this summer joined us for the service. In his sermon, Father Stephen told us about St Valentine, a third century martyr in Rome. Little is known about him, but legend recalls that he helped his jailer's daughter to write love letters to her beloved,and hence he became associated with those who are in love with each other, His love for Christ lead him to martyrdom and it is the love of Christ that sustains us through life. Father Stephen then talked to Beverly and David, members of our congregation who were married in 2012,they described the joy of their day and the continuing strength that their marriage gave to their relationship. We said a special collect of Reaffirmation of Love and Commitment to mark the day.

'Heavenly Father,
we offer you our souls and bodies
our thoughts our words and deeds
our love for one another;
unite our wills with your will,
that we may grow together
in love and peace
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord  Amen

We sang specially selected hymns,including 'Love Divide all Loves Excelling' so often sung at weddings. The Choir sang 'Arise, my Love' words from the Song of Songs, set to music by Joel Martinson, as the Anthem.
After the service there was coffee,and Beverly and David shared the photographs of their wedding with us.


On Saturday evening we had a marvelous feast of food from Hilary Platts and her team who produced delicious casseroles, chicken or beef, baked potatoes and a choice of puddings!! Following the wonderful food, we sang some well known folk songs to the accompaniment of the accordion, and listened appreciatively to several poems. It was a delightful evening and raised over £400 towards the new rooms. A big thank you to Hilary, Michael, and the team

This morning we came to our Family Service at 10;00 am on a bright cold winters morning, cheered by the sight of daffodils and snowdrops already flowering in the church yard. We had two causes of celebration this morning, Candlemas, with the blessing of the church candles to be used this year, and the lighting of candles in the service to commemorate our purification by the light Our Lord brings to the world, as his presentation in the Temple was a symbol of purification. Secondly we welcomed our newest member to the choir, we welcomed Emily Bell to be a full member of the choir. The service started with the lighting of Candles and the readings from Malacci and St Luke, the latter describing the presentation itself. The Sunday School then gave us a presentation on the idea of light with in the world, and how the light of Christ informs our whole lives. After the intercessions, also read by a Sunday School member, and the peace, we had the formal induction of Emily who was presented to Father Stephen by Mrs Chivers-Gibb and Miss Rod, who train the Junior Choristers.The junior choristers then sang the solo in 'Lead me Lord' words from psalm 5 setting by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, joined by the whole choir for the harmony sections.
The Eucharist was then celebrated, and the Candles to be used this year were blessed. After the service there was coffee in the  North transept, and a Choir Photograph was taken as seen below. A splendid Sunday morning celebration alive with the hope of Christs love and anticipation of the year to come.

Candlemas

Emily joins the Choir

St Mary Our Lady Choir February 2015

Don't forget that in two weeks time on February 14th we are having a Casserole Supper in the Church Hall. Once again Hilary Platts is preparing a heart warming meal to follow last year's successful Pie and Mash event. It will be Valentines day so come along and celebrate! Tickets from the church wardens.On Sunday 15th also to mark St Valentine we are having a special service to celebrate with those who have been married at St Mary's recently and those who will be married during this year, all are welcome of course!!