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ST. MARY'S MATTERS
Service at Penhurst Gardens Care Home
Dear Friends
This week we hear some really uplifting news about how some of the youngest members of our community (many of whom were born during lockdown) are getting on.

There are some opportunities to get more involved and help out with some practical tasks.

And there is some exciting news about our Whole Congregation Away Day, which will take place in September. You are all invited!

Whether you're at home this week or exploring new places, may you sense something of God's majesty.

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

1 Chronicles 29:11

MINI MOMENTS
Imagine walking into a room and seeing endless fun! That’s what we hope every family saw as they walked into the Parish Rooms on a Wednesday morning for the last few months.

Mini Moments has now finished for the summer and we have had such a wonderful time over the last 12 weeks of being able to meet in person, that I wanted to share some of our adventures with you.

Since starting in person from April we have been joined by 30 children aged 0-3 for our Wednesday morning activity sessions. Many of the children were timid at first and it took some time for them to warm up and venture out beyond their grown ups radius. Because of all the lockdowns, for most of them, this was their first group ever! Every week we watched as the little ones grew in confidence and curiosity, exploring the space and interacting with not just the other children but the adults too. It turns out 12 weeks is a long time in the life of a toddler. Over their time with us, some went from crawling to walking, walking to running. They found their favourite activities and showed off their favourite toys. I often ended up with an entire grocery shop in my lap, lovingly delivered by multiple children. 
For each session we tried to do something a little different. We had everything from edible sand to moon rocks, fishing in blue rice to feeding farm animals, even the adults enjoyed getting stuck into these. Mini Moments had such a relaxed atmosphere that while the children played, the grown ups were able to chat and get to know each other over a hot drink and a snack (stolen many a time by a cheeky child). The room was full of laughter and excitement which I know spread to myself and the lovely volunteers who gave their time and energy to keep this going. Wednesday mornings have been a place of love and support for everyone involved. 

To keep track of all our adventures, we created memory books filled with all the mini moments of joy that we captured every week. These books are full of photos and bible verses and comments on everything that each child did. After our last session the families have been able to take their books away with them to look back at and share with the rest of their families and friends. So many of them have found these books a real gift and were so grateful for the time and effort put in to making them personal. It was so important to us that everyone took away something from these sessions, whether it was just the fond memories, new friendships or the joy of seeing the children grow so much over such a short period of time. We wanted everyone to know how valuable and loved they are, and I hope and pray that this was felt by everyone that came along.
It was quite emotional having our last session before the summer. Some of the children will not be returning in September as they start playgroups or pre-school and they will truly be missed. It didn’t take long for Mini Moments to become a big family, every new person that joined was welcomed with open arms and I am so thankful that God provided a way for us to make such great connections at such an uncertain time. I am very much looking forward to September and seeing how God will work through these groups over the next academic year.
-Bekah

CAN YOU HELP?
We could do with a helping hand. If you'd be willing to help we'd love you to get in touch:

Emma Says:
 

Might you have a few spare hours where you could share your skills?
There are a couple of jobs that we would love a little bit of help with over the summer - perhaps this is your area of expertise?

Firstly, there are a number of items at The Branch which need taking to the local dump.  These are smaller items, and probably fill a hatchback car.  Maybe one or two loads.

Secondly, are you any good at ebay-ing?  We have been donated a number of higher value items of clothing & fabric that the person who donated would like us to put on ebay and then receive the cash to donate towards the building project.  Might you have a few hours where you could take pictures and upload the details of these items?

If you are interested in helping with either of these “jobs” then please do get in touch with Emma Kennedy at emma.kennedy@stmaryscnorton.com.

Judith says:


As we come together again with restrictions easing, there are some of our more elderly congregation who would value being able to return to church on a Sunday morning, but the walk is just too far for them.

If you are driving to church and have a spare seat in your car, would you be able to help by picking someone up, bringing them down the hill and then taking them home again?

If you could offer this service even once a month, it would be hugely appreciated
Please contact Judith judith.marshall@stmaryscnorton.com

SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Please join us in praying for the recipients of the 20 school uniforms that will be delivered this week to children starting school in September.  

We believe that every child should feel proud of their new uniform and shiny shoes on their very first day of school, but for many in our community that would not be a reality.  So over the past 5 years we have worked with the Health Visitors and partnered with the amazing Charity Thrive to put together boxes filled with everything you need for that first week at school - from the new book bag and shoe vouchers, down to new knickers and socks!

I wish you could see the smiles on some of the children’s faces when they are delivered!

Thank you so much for your support in this - just one of the many ways that you share the love of Jesus with our community.

SAVE THE DATE
Church Away Day
Sunday 5th September 2021
11am - 3pm
Look out for the videos in church.

Let's Celebrate Being Together!

A chance to relax, eat a delicious lunch, and worship together away from the usual routine of church. With crafts, creativity, climbing wall and bouncy castle, lawn games and tea & cakes.

Everyone is welcome and we'd love you to join us. Bring camping chairs/blankets and come ready to celebrate!

Save the date!
Sign-up for the Away Day

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Book: The Oak Inside The Acorn - recommended by Hannah and Emily

'Little Acorn was afraid.
"Just be the tree God made you to be", said Mother Oak.'

This beautifully told tale explores themes of identity and purpose, and is guaranteed to warm the hearts of readers of every age.
The Oak Inside the Acorn
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What's happening soon?

Connect Café Tue 9th Dec The Branch, Market Place More info
Minis Wed 10th Dec The Branch, Market Place More info
Thursday Worship Thu 11th Dec Parish Rooms More info
View the full calendar