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ST. MARY'S MATTERS
Beautiful June weather!
Dear Friends
This week we have news from our Nurture Room at St. Mary's Primary School, an invitation to join our church database system "ChurchSuite", and a brilliant book recommendation from a grandparent.

Praying that wherever you are this week, you know God's delight in you.

“Do not fear, Zion;
    do not let your hands hang limp.
The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:16-17

NEWS FROM THE NURTURE ROOM
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

It has been such a joy to be back in the Nurture Room in a more consistent way this term. Thirty-five children a week come down for sessions as a group or 1:1 and it has been evident that it continues to be an important aspect of school for them. Before half term we were looking at identity – celebrating differences, having confidence in recognising strengths and gifts, and thinking about how to work as a team or overcome difficulties in friendships.

One exercise I gave two groups of eight and nine-year-olds was to create a self-portrait. A challenge for most people, I know, but they threw themselves into it. I encouraged them to include on the picture those things that are special to them and make them who they are. I was struck that several of them drew God, or a symbol of God, and eagerly told me why God is vital in their lives and their sense of identity.
One of the greatest pleasures for me is seeing how each one of these children is their own being and finding ways to bring that out – find the hidden treasure, remind them that they are precious and allow them to shine.

When I walk into the room I feel such a sense of peace and that the Spirit is present and it is striking how this is so often verbalised by the children that come. My prayer is that this space continues to be a place of hope, love and nurture for these children who have much to contend with and that the team can have real wisdom and clarity in how to encourage and allow these precious children to thrive.
-Catherine

ALL ABOUT CHURCHSUITE

Everyone in the church family is welcome to join "ChurchSuite". On ChurchSuite you can:

  • Find emails and phone numbers of other church members;
  • Check when you're serving on a rota;
  • Sign up to events;
  • Update your contact details; and
  • Look at your small group information and message your group.

The best way to see what ChurchSuite does is to log in and try it. As church opens up again it will become more and more useful.

If you're new (or even if you're not) and would like a login please email: office@stmaryscnorton.com.

Click below to find out more about what it does and how to use it.
All about ChurchSuite

SETTING A WATCH
We continue to meet to pray via Zoom at 6am and 6pm daily for Building to Serve, as well as our world, nation, community, church and each other.

Topic: 'Setting a Watch' prayer time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98265036092?pwd=VEZqNEl5K0t2T1NYU1k0OXBkV0NIUT09

Meeting ID: 982 6503 6092
Passcode: SetAWatch

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a1VRI10kA

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones - recommended by Muriel

Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly original, "Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing" is a devotional for the whole family to enjoy. It has stories, facts and ideas that will intrigue young imaginations, bring Biblical concepts to life and inspire young and old.
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing
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What's happening soon?

BCP Holy Communion Sun 21st Apr St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton More info
Sunday Service in Church Sun 21st Apr St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton More info
Welcome Lunch Sun 21st Apr The Parish Rooms More info
View the full calendar