This morning, the first Sunday in September, was our family service, and so we also celebrated the Nativity of St Mary as our Patronal Festival. We had a guest preacher, Father Toby Boutle from St George's Church at Wyke in Chichester. He gave us a very interesting talk about Birthday Parties!
As this was St Mary's birthday he asked the Children about what we need at a birthday party, invitations, presents, cake etc. Our Gospel reading from St Luke was the story of the Annunciation-Mary's invitation to be the mother of Our Lord, the acceptance of which changed her life forever. He went on to point out that Our Lord was our present, offering ourselves to him and following him was our life and our witness. The Children read the intercessions and the Eucharist was celebrated by Father Stephen, who thanked Father Toby for coming to join us!

There was coffee in the new rooms after the service, and we went home in glorious sunshine.

down the lane to Church!