Hello Walkers

Not long now until it will be light enough to start our Summer Monday evening Walks. In the meantime, the Winter Weekday walks continue.

Last week we enjoyed stunning views on the Beer to Branscombe walk

We are a welcoming walking and rambling group  based in Chard, in our 44th year

You would be very welcome  to join as we explore some of the beautiful coast and countryside the South West has to offer. .

If you would like to join us please visit the website at stmaryswalks.org.uk

Hilary

Ally Barrett

We may struggle to find the ‘right’ words for prayer; be assured that God hears the inarticulate thoughts of our hearts as well as those things we have found the words for Scripture is also full of examples of God’s people crying out in anger at the suffering they experience and witness in the world; we, too, are encouraged to offer God our sorrow and anger as well as our requests. 

We may wish to include in our prayers:

• those who are injured or bereaved, who have lost their home or fled their homeland; those who are far from and afraid for their loved ones;
• peace and justice in Ukraine and all places of conflict and violence;
• wisdom and courage for the leaders of the nations and all whose decisions will have significant repercussions in Ukraine and beyond;
• a cessation of violence and the protection of human life;
• those who are offering humanitarian aid, and churches and other organisations in Ukraine who are supporting their local communities;
• those working to gather and share news and information, that truth may prevail and be a force for good, and that those who are speaking the truth would be protected from harm;
• those who are ashamed of their own nation’s actions or inactions.

I am incredibly pleased to have been given the opportunity to take on house box network here at St. Mary’s; also, to be able to continue the tradition of selling The Children Society Christmas Cards here in the Church and at The Annual Christmas Fair.

It was such good fun to be involved with the Christingle preparation too, where all monies raised go to The Children’s Society.

HOUSE BOXES – This year there were 24 house boxes returned which once counted, amounted to £528.00. It has been a difficult time for the house boxes following the covid 19 pandemic but hopefully things will be getting back to “normal” for 2022.

I have spare boxes that are looking for a home so if anyone would like a house box to put their spare change into, please contact me on 01460 221356 and I will pop in to see you with a box or give it to you at church.

If any box holders find they no longer deal with cash, I have new Direct Debit forms, which I can give to anyone who would like to switch to this way of giving and it means that the donation will still be considered part of our network.

CHRISTMAS FAIR – we had a stall at the Christmas fair where we sold £118.25 worth of Christmas Cards which added to the grand total of £207.25 of cards sold this year.

 We also had stocking fillers for 50p each plus June brought along some lovely things to sell for the Children’s society. Both of these ventures raised £41 for The Children’s Society.

CHRISTMAS CARDS – This year I ordered 80 packs of cards on the Sale or Return order form. 59 packs were sold raising £207.25 for the Children Society.

DONATIONS – People were very generous with donations so a very big thank you goes to them.

CHRISTINGLE – There were a total of 47 money candles returned at the Christingle Services held on Christmas Eve which raised £123 plus a further £32 which had been donated after the event. Grand total of £157.

Monica

St. Mary’s Christian Meditation Group

Every Thursday at 7pm in St. Mary’s Church.

Our meetings are open to all; you do not need to be a member of St. Mary’s Church.

The meditation begins with a short reading and short Taize recording, followed by twenty minutes of silent contemplative prayer, also known as meditation.

If you would like to join us please let me know in order that I may keep you updated regarding venue.  If you have no experience of Christian meditation or you would like to discuss anything about this please feel free to contact me. Meanwhile I look forward to   welcoming you at our meetings.      Robin