At this week’s PCC meeting we had lots to discuss and we made some notable decisions: We have now decided on the design and wording for our new noticeboard. The publicity group will now investigate prices ready for us to order our new noticeboard for delivery. We also decided on a design for a new logo, based on our beautiful building. Once the designer has got back to us with we’ll be ready to … [Read more...]

Our talented embroiders have been working on something new for us: a dalmatic, the vestment that the deacon wears, to match the green chasuble and stole that I wear in Ordinary Time, the weeks after Trinity. On Sunday we will bless this beautiful new addition to our treasured vestments. And it will be worn for the first time, too, because Revd Angela Schrimshaw will be serving as deacon on Sunday. … [Read more...]

Last Sunday I mentioned in the notices that I was going to be taking a funeral on Monday where there was expected to be only one mourner, and said that if anyone was free it would be lovely if a couple of people could come to support the deceased man’s widow. I was stunned and extremely moved that fifteen people came. It was really something to see that people had come to support someone they had … [Read more...]

Despite a rather ominous downpour at lunchtime, by the afternoon the weather turned fine for Cottingham Day, and it was wonderful to see so many people coming to St Mary’s and taking part in our Cottingham Day activities. The Eclectic Wind Orchestra gave an excellent concert, the book stall had a better selection than some bookshops, the jigsaw stall had something for everyone; many teddies sailed … [Read more...]

I often wonder what visitors to St Mary’s think as they open the door, step inside and take a few steps into the church. Do they stop for a few seconds, to let the eyes adjust to the darkness; or walk down the aisle towards the glowing colours of the great east window? Do they listen for the small creaks and movements of the building, do they breathe in the smell? Do they look up to the ceiling, … [Read more...]