*|MC:SUBJECT|*

ST. MARY'S MATTERS
Preparing for harvest celebrations at church!
Dear Friends
This week we say hello to our newest staff member, Abi, and wave goodbye to our final Covid food delivery. (There are more of those amazing delivery statistics below!)

If you're new to church (or even if you're not) you might be wondering how you can become more involved. Joining a serving team is a great way to cement friendships, try something different and give something back. The children's church team are a lovely, friendly bunch, and are looking for some extra helpers to join in on some of the Sunday sessions.

Please talk to Bekah if you're interested in finding out more. She'd love to hear from you!

Now be strong... all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD. ‘Go to work, because I am with you,’ declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Haggai 2:4

Setting a Watch

continues daily at 6am and 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88489690256?pwd=RG85M1pPbGRnbkhEaFVlKytCZmhTdz09

Meeting ID: 884 8969 0256
Passcode: SetAWatch

INTRODUCING ABI
We are delighted to introduce our newest member of staff.  Abi lives in Chipping Norton with her three children Morgan, Leah & Alex.

Abi has joined us to work alongside our various teams to oversee a creche, enabling more parents with young children to participate on our courses.  

Abi will also be joining us on Sundays to help with Sparklers - it will be great to have a familiar face to greet the youngest in our church family each week.

You may also see Abi setting up, making coffee and preparing for groups, so please do make her feel welcome and pray that she soon settles in to the team and enjoys her new role.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH TEAM
John 3 1:4 "I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth."

At St Mary's we truly value our children and the work we do to encourage them in their journeys of faith. Our Sunday morning sessions with these children bring so much joy. Each week we aim to plant, nurture and inspire a hunger for more of our living God.

The Children's ministry team is a rewarding place to serve. Not only do we see children grow into faith but we learn so much from them, it really is a two way street of abundant blessings. 
One volunteer said:

"Seeing the children grow in their knowledge of the bible and build friendships with each other is so rewarding - we’re so blessed to go to a church full of the next generation of believers and it’s a real privilege to spend time on a Sunday helping them get to know Jesus. They often ask questions that none of us have thought of and their joy and sense of fun is infectious. There’s a reason why Jesus told us that we should become like children if we want to see the kingdom of heaven!"

If you would be interested in volunteering to serve in the Children's ministry we would love to hear from you.

Please email rebekah.wiseman@stmaryscnorton.com or speak to Bekah.
Email Bekah

FINAL DELIVERY!
Today our final Covid delivery has gone out.

Since March 2020 over 7,000 Mary Meals deliveries have been made, containing over 45,000 individual meal portions as well as all the weekly staples such as cheese, eggs, milk, veg and fruit. That is 1,264 boot loads prepared and delivered by our amazing team.

We know that there is lots to celebrate in how the community have pulled together to reach those most affected by Covid - but we are also aware that the impact of the pandemic will continue to profoundly affect people for years to come.

Whilst the food deliveries will stop, there are numerous other ways that St Mary’s & The Branch are able to offer support, through signposting, courses and other practical ways.  

If you are struggling, or know someone who is finding life difficult please do contact the Church Office (01608 646202)

BOYS' HIKE - TOMORROW
The first Boys’ Hike of the Autumn Term is THIS SATURDAY! 

We hope that lots of keen young walkers (and/or eaters of fried breakfasts!) will turn up at 9.00am in the coach park outside Chipping Norton School.  As ever, we finish at 12.00 noon after the breakfast and talk in St Mary’s Parish Rooms, Church Street. 

If you're coming for the first time, please bring a completed consent form.

For more information phone John Marshall on 07733036741.
Consent Form

THURSDAY WORSHIP
Come and join us at 11:00 for a short service of worship (Communion on 1st & 3rd Thursdays).

We are now able to stay for a chat and refreshments afterwards. We’d love to welcome you!

MOONRAKERS CONCERT

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Pray as You Go - recommended by various busy people at church!

"Pray as You Go" is a daily prayer resource made up of 10 minutes of music, reading and reflection.

One busy mum said:

"I don't know if people have been struggling to find the time they need with God but someone at church told me about the 'pray as you go' app and it's been great for me! 

Don't be put off if the first thing you hear are Benedictine monks singing. Every day a new piece of music is played at the beginning (contemporary, traditional, monks etc.) followed by a verse and a short bit of reflection. 10 minutes long and perfect to do 'on the go'!"
Pray as You Go
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.






This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
*|LIST:ADDRESSLINE|*

*|REWARDS|*

What's happening soon?

Connect Café Tue 23rd Sep The Branch, Market Place More info
Minis Wed 24th Sep The Branch, Market Place More info
Thursday Worship Thu 25th Sep St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton More info
View the full calendar