Lent, Holy Week and Easter at St Mary's

At this special time of year, there are many activities and services and we look forward to seeing you at some of them. Perhaps you'd like to come to a new service, maybe you'd like to make new friends at one of our Coffee (or something stronger) Gatherings. You'll be most welcome.

PS - Please return your palm crosses to church by 14th February so that they can be burned to make the ash for Ash Wednesday.

Dare to make a difference: in your life, in your community, in your world

An initiative this Lent for everyone in the Diocese of St Albans. Are you up for it?

You can find out more at www.challenge2010.org

Retreat on the Street: London, 16th March [more...]

Retreat on the Street is a powerful activity that enables you to spend a day on the streets with just 50p in your pocket and freedom from your usual preoccupations and busyness. The purpose is to experience what's going on, observe the people and patterns of the city and to pray and reflect.

An event for Lent organised by the Church Urban Fund.

Thank you to everyone involved in the magnificent performance of Handel's 'Messiah'.

£1,700 was raised towards the Church Centre Refurbishment Appeal.

You can now book for Greenbelt 2010 - the Christian Festival that takes place each year at Cheltenham Racecourse over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It is attended by thousands of all ages, denominations, churchmanship persuasions and of none. This is an event for everyone.

Speak to Karen Walton or Deborah to find out more.

Retiring Collections in aid of the DEC Appeal for the victims of the Haiti earthquake

Thank you to everyone for their generous support. £1,000 was raised which will be supplemented by a donation from our Emergency Charitable Giving Fund.

The 'Big Brew' 2010: Saturday 6th March, 2.00 - 5.00pm at The Vicarage

Sponsored by the Diocese and Traidcraft, this is an opportunity to celebrate our status as a FairTrade Church and to participate in FairTrade Fortnight (22 February - 7 March). A chance to socialist, sample FairTrade products and browse a Traidcraft stall. Drop in for a while and chill out!

You can now sign up for the Coffee (or something stronger) Gatherings in Lent. Lists are at the back of church.

Lent Lunch: Sunday 21st March

A `Deborah Special` soup with bread, butter, cheese and fruit. No charge, but a collection for WaterAid. Bring your friends and sign up on the list at the back of Church so that we know roughly how many to cater for (and how much soup to brew). 

Holy Ground - Encountering God through a Retreat in Daily Life: 16-23 May 2010

More information also available in Link and from Brenda Bell (01923 772482) [more...]

Messy Church reaches out to families as they grow in Christ. It is an informal gathering where everyone ‘gets creative’. There is also fellowship, teaching about the Gospel, prayer and worship – as well as food!

We are planning to bring this venture to St Mary's. You can find out more from Messy Church.