Notices
Keep up-to-date with all the news from the Parish. Our emails are sent out on Thursdays with details of the up and coming services and notices for the week.
Weekly Notices: Thursday 6th February 2025
The world can often feel uncertain - wars, disasters, and hardships can leave us wondering where hope is found. But even in the darkest times, God is near. The Bible reminds us that 'He is our refuge and strength, always ready to help' (Psalm 46:1).
One way we have seen His light shine is in the release of Pastor Lorenzo! Many of you wrote cards at Christmas to show your support and offer prayers of hope. Thank you for being part of this - your kindness and faith made a difference. See the moment he was reunited with his family below.
This week, let’s continue to pray for those in need and look for ways to share love and light in our own lives.
Sunday Services this Week
St Mary's Church, Wargrave
8am Holy Communion
9.45am Holy Communion & Junior Church
Quiet children's activities available at the back of church
St Paul's Church, Warren Row
11.15am Holy Communion
Answering your questions about faith
Lent 2025: Come and See
Over the next few weeks we want to offer a warm, open welcome to everybody in the Parish to explore the Christian faith, or to look again at the foundations of your faith.
This year, the Diocese of Oxford are inviting you to 'Come and See' what it means to be human, exploring baptism through the beautiful pictures of earth, water, wind and fire.
'Come and See' is a free online experience. How does it work? Adults get daily emails through Lent, with reflections, readings and encouragements. Each Sunday, there's a video from Bishop Steven, unpacking another aspect of baptism. Come and See is suitable for all ages - children and young people get a weekly email with a film from kids their own age, plus an invitation to try a contemplative practice, if they like.
More than 2,750 individuals took part in 2024. We hope you'll join us for 2025!
For more details contact .
A Message from CSW
On 17th January 2025, Pastor Lorenzo was released from prison!
This incredible news came as the result of negotiations to release 553 political prisoners between Cuba, the Vatican and the administration of former US President Joe Biden.
We were fortunate enough to receive a video from Pastor Lorenzo’s family of the exact moment he stepped out of the prison gates and was reunited with his wife, daughter and son. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of sustained advocacy and prayer, which we all have been undertaking since his arrest in July 2021.
You signed petitions, wrote letters to Members of Parliament, and protested with us outside the Cuban Embassy in London. Countless prayers were prayed and words of encouragement were sent to the family throughout that time. Thank you!
Prayers for the DRC
In our Prayers
Please join us in praying for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in Goma, where ongoing conflict continues to bring suffering and instability.
We lift up Tearfund’s staff, partners, and their families, asking for God’s protection over them and the communities they serve. Let us also pray for the churches they work with, that they may be a source of hope and strength in these difficult times.
May God bring lasting peace, justice, and restoration to the region.
PREVIOUS NOTICES...
Electoral Roll
Opens Soon - 28.02.2025
Every year, all parishes in the Church of England are required to prepare a new Electoral Roll as part of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) process. This year, the Electoral Roll must undergo a complete renewal, not just a revision.
This means that everyone who wishes to remain on the Electoral Roll must reapply. More details to be shared in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Coming Soon
A Fresh Online Presence
We’re thrilled to announce that we will be launching our brand-new website in the next coming months. This will be a hub for all things Parish-related, making it easier than ever to stay informed about events, services, and resources. Whether you’re at home or on the go, our new website will keep you connected and up to date with the latest happenings.
In light of this new development, we will be updating our database. As a result, you will soon receive email invitations asking you to review your details, provide consent, and, we hope, sign up for the Electoral Roll. Keep an eye out for the first communications next week!
Prayer Tree at St Mary's
Share your prayer
Our Prayer Tree is a space for you to share your prayers, hopes, and reflections. Whether you’re giving thanks, seeking comfort, or praying for others, you’re invited to write your prayer on a tag and tie it on the tree. Each prayer will be held in the quiet of our church and lifted up in our prayers especially during our monthly Quiet Space for Prayer.
May this tree be a symbol of faith, love, and support for our community.
Available at the back of St Mary's
Join our AV Team
Be a part of something bigger!
Do you have a heart for serving and a willingness to learn? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our AV (Audio-Visual) team at church!
What’s involved? - Helping to manage sound and visuals during services and events. Supporting the church’s mission by creating a seamless worship experience.
What do you need? - A desire to give your time and talents to serve the church. No experience? No problem! Full training will be provided.
Commitment? - Typically once a month, but we’re flexible to suit your schedule.
Why join? - Be part of a team that makes a real difference. Learn new skills and grow in your faith through serving.
If you’re ready to make an impact and join the AV team, contact .
EVENTS
Environment Study Day
Wednesday 26th February
The Oxford Diocese is hosting an enriching and inspiring Environmental Theology Study Day led by the Revd. Margot Hodson, Dr. Martin Hodson, Hannah Mann, and Alison Riggs, offering a valuable opportunity to explore climate science, environmental theology, and practical steps for church action. Many of you may remember Dr. Martin and Revd. Margot Hodson from their insightful talk during our 2017 Lent series.
The day begins with a morning session covering key environmental issues and biblical responses, followed by an afternoon focused on the Oxford Diocese Environment Action Programme, featuring examples from parishes and group discussions about next steps. This event is free to attend, and car travel costs can be claimed from our Stewarding Budget.
Booking is essential, so secure your spot now. (For the booking form, curate-specific fields can be marked as 'N/A'.)
Don't miss this chance to grow your knowledge and passion for environmental action.
Church House, Kidlington | OX5 1GF | Registration from 9.30am - 4pm
REGULAR ACTIVITIES
A Quiet Space for Prayer 2025
Dates for 2025
We warmly invite you to reconnect with our Quiet Space for Prayer sessions, now meeting monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. This peaceful time offers a chance to step away from the busyness of life and enter into stillness with God. Whether you’ve joined us before or are looking for a fresh way to nurture your spiritual journey, these sessions provide a gentle, supportive atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Take this opportunity to pause, pray, and renew your spirit.
Dates: 12th February, 12th March, 9th April
2nd Wednesday until April | 9.30am | Hannen Room
Butterflies Spring Term 2025
Wednesday 29th January 2025
Butterflies is a welcoming space for parents and their little ones to connect, share, and grow together. Our group offers a supportive community where parents can find friendship, advice, and fun, while toddlers engage in activities that foster early learning and development.
Sessions: 8th, 15th & 29th January, 5th & 26th February, 5th March, 2nd April
9.30am - 11am | Church Centre
CAMEO 2025
Thursday 20th February 2025
Every third Thursday of the month at 2.30pm, CAMEO meet in the Knowl Hill Village Hall to host various activities allowing you to have some fun and to take the time to meet and chat with others over tea & coffee.
February is an afternoon for card games.
Discover all events here.
To RSVP or to arrange transport, please contact Lesley Bell on 01628 822 500.
