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 14th November 2024
This has been a big week for the Church of England with the resignation of Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury. He expressed his shame about the historical safeguarding failures and the need to make church a safer place. Many hope this is a watershed moment for bringing about serious and effective changes in culture and leadership so this can be realised. Read more in our Grapevine Weekly Thought.
On more local matters, it will be St Mary's Annual Concert on Saturday with a wonderful line-up assembled by our Music Director, Peter Dart. There are still some tickets available which can be purchased by emailing the
Using your voice to sing 'Joy to the World'
Get ready to lift your voice in joy this Christmas!
Joy to the World (Wargrave Carol Service) is a highlight of the festive season, taking place on Sunday 22nd December at 6pm. We warmly invite additional singers to join our regular choir members and help lead the music for this special occasion. Last year, we had a fantastic choir of around 40 voices, and it was a truly joyful celebration! No need to worry if you can’t sight-read music - we’ll provide all the support you need to learn your parts.
Rehearsals are Fridays at 7pm: Nov 29th, Dec 6th, 13th & 20th and the final dress rehearsal on Sunday 22nd at 4pm. If you would like to join in please contact .
Festive Wreath Workshop
Thursday 5th December
Join us on Thursday 5th December at 7.30pm, for an 8pm start, in St Mary's Church for a festive wreath workshop crafting beautiful wreaths adding a personal touch to your festive decor.
Led by local talented florists, this hands-on workshop will guide you in creating a beautiful, custom-made wreath to adorn your home. Whether you're a beginner or a crafting pro, it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, enjoy some creativity, and take home a gorgeous, handmade wreath.
All materials are provided, and tickets include a glass of prosecco and nibbles, making it a fun and relaxing event for everyone! Don't miss this chance to celebrate the season with some creative flair.
There are two types of wreaths for you to make: traditional oasis or wire. Both are as beautiful as each other, it is all down to your personal preference.
Tickets are £30 per person. Closing date for bookings: 1st December 2024.
Leaf Clearing
Come to our annual Leaf Clearing morning for Mill Green and the Churchyard starting from 9am. If you have some time to spare please join us and bring your own rake or leaf collecting paddles. Bacon baps and a warm drink will be offered at 10am in the Hannen Room as a thank you.
Contact:
PREVIOUS NOTICES
Devotions for Advent 2024
'The Radiant Dawn' by Tom Parsons
'The Radiant Dawn' is a collection of devotions focusing on the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel. Parsons guides the reader through the 25 days of Advent with readings and prayers, pausing at times to peer intently into Luke's best known narratives.
Copies are available now at the discounted price of £2
Email:
CSW - Everyone free to believe
We encourage you to write to someone facing injustics for their beliefs by sending them a Christmas card.
CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) is a human rights organisation specialising in freedom of religion or belief for all people. CSW’s mission, encapsulated in their “Everyone Free to Believe” vision, is to defend, advocate, and stand alongside those who suffer persecution due to their faith or beliefs. Working across over 20 countries, CSW provides advocacy at the highest levels of government and international organisations, as well as legal support, awareness campaigns, and grassroots assistance to individuals and communities facing religious oppression. Through their commitment to a world where everyone is free to believe, CSW highlights the stories of the persecuted, mobilises global support, and drives change towards a future where religious freedom is a protected right for all.
Through their 'Connect & Encourage' programme, you can make a difference by offering an opportunity to send letters of support to religious prisoners and their families. These letters not only provide hope to those facing harassment, violence, or imprisonment but also show prison authorities that the world is watching, often resulting in better treatment for the prisoners.
Many of these individuals, jailed simply for their faith, have little contact with the outside world. A letter from you could be a lifeline, reminding them they are not forgotten.
Your words truly have the power to change lives! Visit CSW for more information.
Prayer Diary
You can also support with prayer. Sign up and start praying for justice. See CSW’s Prayer Diary
Fairtrade Christmas Stall
November 17th & 24th and December 1st
Back again for 2024, members of the Parish will be able to purchase cards, wrapping paper and gifts all in aid of raising vital donations for Fairtrade.
Available will be The Real Advent Calendar. It is the only Advent Calendar with Fairtrade chocolate, a copy of the Christmas story and proceeds used to support charitable projects. Calendars are priced at £5 each.
To order, email
After 8am & 9.45am Services at St Mary's | Back of Church
REGULAR EVENTS
A Quite Space for Prayer
Next Meeting 11th December
Since September a group of us have been meeting regularly for prayer and quiet reflection, focusing principally, by not exclusively, on God's choice of our next vicar. Guided by words of Scripture, images and song, we have laid our concerns for the church and the world at large before God, believing that He hears and answers prayer.
As of November we have been using 'prayer stations' located around St Mary's to pray for different aspects of the church's ministry. These will remain in situ for the time being for everyone to use. If there is support, the fortnightly prayer sessions will continue into the new year.
Hannen Room | 9.30am | 2nd and 4th Wednesday
Butterflies Autumn Term
Wednesday 20th November
Enjoy a delicious breakfast spread, along with tea & coffee, while chatting with other parents.
It’s a perfect chance to relax and connect with other parents and carers of little ones under preschool age.
Next session: 20th November
Alternative Wednesdays
9.30am - 11am | Church Centre
CAMEO 2024
Thursday 21st November - Beetle Drive
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.
The next session will be a beetle drive which will be held on Thursday 21st November.
Future Sessions:
- 21st November - Beetle Drive
- 12th December - Christmas Lunch (time to be advised)
Discover all events here
For more information or to arrange transport, please contact Lesley Bell on 01628 822 500.