This year there have been many transitions. We started Easter with a lovely donkey for Psalm Sunday who came into church and stood still to listen to the sermon and then gave donkey rides in the grounds after church. We arranged an Easter egg hunt after church on Easter Sunday which went down well in spite of the rain.
In May, we had to say goodbye to Charlie with big celebrations and a great send-off including messages from many children and parents and much love.
In June, Sunday club organised a BBQ and picnic for everyone to join after one service and in July the older children ran a stall selling slime at the Summer Fair and refreshments in the church grounds. It was a beautiful day and much enjoyed by all.
In September, our beloved Julie Ann left us to join Richard in Jerusalem and we again gave her a really great send off! She will also be missed greatly.
Harvest and October brought the wonderful pretzels-making team back for the Harvest Lunch ably managed by Kim and her family. We had the Christingle service (at a new time of 4pm) in November and the Christmas Fair where many biscuits were decorated and Santa was knocked off the chimney by many snow balls.
In December, the Nativity was superb once again, thanks largely to Alison McMillan and her team of parents. We had just 5 rehearsals (and lots of tea and coffee) before our dress rehearsal on the 22nd and two performances on the 24th December. It was standing room only and a great opportunity to celebrate our very special church family by showcasing our wonderful children.
February was Pancake Day and Sunday Club made pancakes for everyone after the 10am service which were much appreciated, especially by the older folk. It was lovely to see the little ones feeling so confident around the older members of the congregation and testimony to their commitment to our church.
We now have more than 50 children on our registers, many of which have taken part in all of the events I have listed above. I am now stepping back as the Sunday Club lead and we are very excited to have recently appointed 2 officials; A Sunday Club leader and a Youth worker for St. Mary’s Church; namely Jackie and Julie. Jackie and Julie were appointed just before the lock down and Coronavirus so have unfortunately been furloughed for the time being, but they are both amazing and we are so excited that they, with James’ support, will be helping the young people of St. Mary’s to continue to grow spiritually and encouraging them to be hungry for opportunities to explore their faith. I thank all of the parents, you know who you are, who have supported me practically and emotionally with their energy, commitment and love to ensure that the young people of St. Mary’s have been supported through this very challenging year. Thank you all so much. I really could not have done it without you. Cate Summers
