St Mary’s News Archive
New arrival!
We are pleased to announce we have appointed a Children's and Families' Worker.
Sarah Drakes joined us from Monday, 3 November and heads up our work amongst children and families. Sarah comes to us from Bournemouth where she has gained a great deal of experience in children's work.
Please pray for Sarah as she settles in to her work and new home in Frinton.
Children’s and Families’ Worker Report
In the 3 months that I have been employed at St Mary’s, I have spent time meeting with and getting to know people within the church community and networking within Frinton and the wider local area. In particular I have tried to get to know our own children and families, and the volunteers running each of the groups. I have spent time with all the groups, although on Sunday mornings I have mostly spent time teaching the young people in NRG whilst Becky Hepworth was on maternity leave.
Amongst other things, I have spoken with Transformers children, NRG young people, and some Smallsorts families, completing a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) for each group, to help see how the groups we already have could develop. I have also tried to put together a picture of what is happening for children within the community. Using this and other information, I have created a 3-year Strategy for our children's and families’ work and a Year Plan for 2015. If you would like to see them, copies of these are available at the reception desk. I have tried to design the strategy to be flexible enough to be adapted as God leads and as opportunities arise.
Plans are focused on 3 areas:
-
children’s and families work within the church
-
children’s and families work within the community
-
schools work
Within St Mary’s, in the immediate future, we are planning a half-term Family Sleepover, and an Easter Holiday Bible Club. Look out for more details we will need help! Other plans are for monthly Family Film nights and a Childrens (or Families’) Alpha Course. Since coming to Frinton, I have also attended several training events, which helped both to confirm my ideas and to give me plenty more, for developing our groups. Please pray for us all as we look for God’s ways forward in this exciting work!
Sarah Drakes, St Mary’s Children’s and Families’ worker - February 2015
Keen on photography?
Why not try to capture the worship or community activities taking place at St Mary's!
ChurchCare, in association with the Church Times, is calling photographers of all ages and experience to take part in a competition to celebrate and capture the vast array of worship and community activities that take place within the Church of England's church buildings and churchyards.
The idea is to focus on church activities, rather than buildings - people, not just places. We're looking for images which reveal any kind of human interaction within church spaces.
Competition closes 31 October. - Click here for more details!
Christmas Fayre 2013
This year's Christmas Fayre on 16 November was a great success with over 250 people enjoying all the various stalls and delicious coffee and cake in the tea rooms. Over £1670 was raised for church funds. We would like to thank all those involved in setting up and running the Fayre, all those who gave so generously to the stalls and everyone who came to support us.
Look out for 2014's Christmas Fayre on 22 November!
WoW Pamper Evening – Thursday, 14 November
One cold, wet, dark night, a large group of WoW ladies assembled at Tricia’s lovely bright and warm home.
For our evening together, she had organized a variety of tasty soups, bread, and other food … and Christina, a Beauty Therapist. We spent a relaxed couple of hours chatting, eating, and being pampered – all who chose to, had manicures and massages – enjoying old friendships and, as we were joined by several ladies for the first time, making new friends.
Thank you, Tricia, for a very special evening!
Christianity Explored
The latest CE course here at St Mary's has just finished with 30+ attendees.
We have all gained from the experience and many have been able to deepen their relationship with Jesus as a result. We used the DVD presentations led by Rico Tice from Christianity Explored. These presentations were very helpful where the good news of the gospel is revealed so clearly and with such impact.
Each week of the seven sessions we shared two small group times with the DVD set in the middle. The small group times were especially valuable where friendships were made and others blossomed. Everyone had an opportunity to speak up and ask questions too.
John and Jacquie Moyse have kindly agreed to lead some follow up encounters repeating the material with the session titled “Grace”. In the New Year we also plan to have a CE Reunion and will use some of the material normally used on the Awayday.
We are now thinking and praying about the next step, perhaps Discipleship Explored.
Keep an eye on St Mary's Forthcoming Events!
Open Doors "Save Syria" Campaign
Six ladies from St Mary’s (and a friend) enjoyed, in spite of the rain, a 7-mile sponsored walk from Walton to Clacton pier on Saturday, 19 October to raise funds for persecuted Christians in Syria, in support of the Open Doors "Save Syria" campaign. It was a great time of fellowship and the amount raised will be published here shortly!
For two thousand years there has been a church in Syria. But now its very survival is threatened by violence, conflict and persecution. The church is on its knees.
Open Doors has been active in Syria since before the war. We are helping the church in Syria to care for thousands of families in desperate need. "I believe the Lord has been preparing the church for this day", says Pastor Edward in Damascus. "Who else can give hope and really spread peace other than our Lord?"
Open Doors is now supporting 8,000 families per month and needs help. We raised £1,750 on our walk and are pleased that over half was given from outside St Mary's. Barclays Bank (through Ruth) will also contribute £700 supporting Ruth's involvement! With Gift Aid, the total will be enough to feed three families for a year!
You can see more about Open Doors work on this link, including a video.
A big 'thank you' to all concerned! Jean, Jill, Marilyn, Ruth, Sarah and Tricia (with friend)
A new reader!
On 12 October, Dr. Maggie Wilson was one of seven new lay readers licensed by Bishop Stephen in Chelmsford Cathedral.
Rev Don Smith, along with members of Maggie’s close family, friends, and wider church fellowship were able to attend this very special service.
We look forward to the next chapter of Maggie’s ministry here at St. Mary’s. (Linda Edgell)
WoW Quiet Morning – Saturday, 21 September
About a dozen of us ladies spent the morning in the church, looking at and discussing the Bible stories behind some of our church’s lovely stained-glass windows – which most of us had never really noticed before!
We focused mainly on two, the Presentation of the Baby Jesus in the Temple, and on Jesus cleansing a Leper. Towards the end of the morning, we each wrote a sentence in praise of God, then in turn, read out our own words. The resulting collaborative psalm of praise stunned us, as we felt our hearts stirred in awe and love of God.
We share it here.
Garden Tidy-up!
On Monday, 16 September a small team of stalwarts managed to clear part of the Parish Church Gardens before autumn really set in!
The weather was in our favour for the whole of the morning and a surprising amount was achieved.
Many thanks to all those who turned up to help! (Nesta Ashton)
Stride and Ride - 14 September
A special thank you to all who helped on this Saturday by manning the churches to greet visitors.
Ruth Spellman would like to thank all those who sponsored her.
She visited 23 churches and has raised £700 which will be matched £ for £ by Barclays Bank.
Any outstanding money can be left at the Church Office.
Youth Action Day - 14 September
The day at Tendring Technology College was organized to inspire young people and families by demonstrating the wealth of sports and activities available to them in our community.
St Mary’s had a stall at the College and we aimed to be there to chat to visitors about what we offer at church.
The day started at 10am and finished at 6pm. For more information please get in touch with one of us.
Tricia Hamilton, Mary Norman or Heather Ursell
Grand-piano
I am delighted to report that by the Grace of God, the target to replace the grand-piano has been reached and a Shigeru Kawai SK3C has been purchased.
For further details of this highly recommended grand piano, please contact Duncan Archard who, with our good friend Linda Ang, was instrumental in the choice.
The piano will be delivered to us in the Spring and set up ready for
our 20th Season of Lunch-time Concerts starting in June next year.
Praise the Lord! Clifford Clift – Concert Chairman
Frinton Mission ...
... another wonderful week of team work, with many people of all ages, entertained, edified, and, often, touched by God.
About 500 children and young people attended their age group activities in various venues around the town, with about 300 of them enjoying Doug Horley’s ‘Crazy Science Praise Party’ in the marquee on the Greensward.
Hundreds of adults enjoyed informal, café style, or Bible teaching, mornings, community events in the afternoons and various types of entertainment each evening, ranging from Pam Rhodes (Songs of Praise) through big band music, comedians, quiz, and ‘Abba’ to Gospel singers.
The unexpected visit of Arthur Blessitt plus cross, to our opening service was thrilling for many people who remembered him when he first set out with his cross 33 years ago, to walk around the world, telling people about Jesus.
We thank God, and his people, for answered prayers concerning: safety, weather, numbers attending, age-group team sizes and calibre, catering and finances.
We invite everyone to join us for the monthly mission prayer breakfasts, to pray together as the Planning Group starts to prepare for FM 2014.
Children, Youth and Families’ worker
Members of St Mary’s congregation met in the church on a beautiful summer’s evening on 17 July to enjoy refreshments and welcome Steve Kersys, Diocesan Children’s Work Adviser, and Lea Williams, Children’s Worker from St Michael’s in Braintree.
The evening provided lots of information and tips for St Mary’s, which will be of great help with the current project to appoint a Children, Youth and Families’ worker. Steve Kersys filled in those attending on his work for the Diocese and the current situation for St Mary’s MOF application.
Lea Williams talked engagingly, with humility and evident love for Jesus about his appointment, the interviewing process and the highs and lows of his past three years in the job, both within the church and out in the community. He advised the need to initially take stock and proceed slowly, but to go for a new idea if he felt that God was pushing him in that direction.
After three years as a children’s worker, he now has a contract with St Michael’s and the necessary funds are flowing in from the church as they see the fruits of his passion for his work and application in his role.
Tricia Hamiliton
Knebworth House & Gardens
On Wednesday, 10 July members & friends of St Mary's Parish Church experienced a most enjoyable and informative trip to Knebworth House and Gardens, on a perfect Summer's day.
Knebworth House has been the Hertfordshire home of the Lytton Family since 1490. Its parkland is perhaps best known as one of Britain's largest parkland music venues.
It first became well-known as the home of the Victorian novelist, playwright and politician Edward Lytton, whose son became the Viceroy of India, and his daughter Constance, a militant suffragette.
Our tour guides made our visit to Knebworth - indeed the whole experience - very informative and interesting with regards to the history of the family and the house. A thoroughly enjoyable day out!
Pat Philbrick
Family Naze Walk
Thank you to the few people who sacrificed the earlier part of the Wimbledon men's finals to join us for our WoW! Walk around the Naze on Sunday, 7 July. The hot weather made it extra special, but with a lovely sea-breeze to keep us cool. We very much enjoyed spending the time chatting together as we walked, and raised over £100 for Haven in Romania by doing so! Our own donations were augmented by some generous ones from people who paid for the pleasure of NOT walking!
Café 19 Meal with WoW!
Café 19 did us proud! 32 WoW ladies enjoyed a lovely meal there, with, of course, wonderful company, when we took over the restaurant on 20 June. Steak was the most popular main course, but every variation of every course was just right.
During the meal, we had our minds stretched with a quiz ... to keep them balanced with our waistbands. Thank you to the staff who served us so well, and to all those who helped organise the evening.
St Mary’s School of Prophecy
(Part 2) - 10 to 15 June
The School of Prophecy (Part 2) is now complete. On the three evenings and the full day on the Saturday we saw between 50 – 70 attendees who were keen and open to learn more.
Acts 2 v 17:
"In the last days God will pour out His spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy ..."
David Hepworth led great worship. Our Rector, Rev. Don Smith, headed up the event and Chris Wren-James, all the way from Australia, was our main speaker. Chris led the teaching and used a number of activations to open us up to the prophetic gifting. We were encouraged to visualise our life as a vehicle; we used pictures to prophecy over each other; we prayed asking for dreams and used the results the next day for interpretation. The truth that emerged was amazing as we realised that God speaks to us more than we ever thought possible.
Chris's husband, Steve James, used a prophetic symbolic act of knighting with God’s promises declared over us. Saturday culminated in individual ministry affirming the love of the Father that He has for us all.
Revelation 19 v 10:
"For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
New post at St Mary's
Please let me introduce myself. I am the Vulnerable Person [Adults] Officer for St Mary’s, appointed by the PCC.
I am also looking to start a Disabled Christian Fellowship on an ecumenical basis.
For more information, please contact me,
David Rolph on 674982 or email me.
Prayer for Marriage
Sunday, 2 June was the National Day of Prayer for Marriage.
It was very timely because, later that week, the House of Lords had its first opportunity to vote on the Bill to redefine marriage. We are informed that, on Tuesday evening, the House of Lords voted 390 to 148 to allow the same-sex marriage Bill to progress to the next stage. Some Peers said they were allowing the Bill to proceed because they wanted to take a closer look at it before deciding whether to vote against it at a later stage. The Bill must overcome other votes in the Lords, so it’s not over yet.
Here are some suggestion of what to pray for:
- That marriage will not be redefined, and that it will be promoted in society for the good of all.
- That a majority of Peers will vote against the Bill to redefine marriage.
- For the Coalition for Marriage group as it campaigns to defend the historic meaning of marriage.
- For parliamentarians and others in public life to have the courage to stand up for their convictions.
- For the news media, that they would report the issue widely, fairly, and accurately.
- That the consequences of redefining marriage would be publicly known and properly discussed.
- That people would not face discrimination, in the workplace or elsewhere, because of their sincere beliefs about marriage.
FM Fund-Raiser Concert
The Frinton Mission Fund-Raiser Concert, on 18 May, proved to be a 'resounding success'! The church was full of people, laughter, and music from various well-known musicals and shows. Over £900 was raised to help finance the summer activities for all ages, during FM (Frinton Mission) week. The organisers would like to thank Tendring Music School Concert Band, and their wonderful conductor, Paul, for giving everyone an evening to remember!
Messy Church Fun Afternoon
We had a lovely busy afternoon on Saturday, 18 May with two bouncy castles, face painting, garden games and various other activities on our annual Messy Fun Day.
Lots of you came and enjoyed chatting, playing, refreshments and ice cream, and although we had to stay indoors because of the inclement weather, a good time was had by all.
Thank you for coming.
We are now having a break for the Summer Holidays, but
we hope to see you at our next Messy Church on Wednesday, 2 October.
Thanksgiving and Memorial Services
The Thanksgiving Service for Lily Ward was held on Monday, 29 April. We continue to pray for Lily's family and friends; also Alan New and his family as they mourn Renee. We continue to hold Susan, Bill, Chris, Liz and their families in our prayers as they move forward without George.
London Marathon
The late Jim Clarke's grandson (Jamie, who lives in Frinton) and 3 of Jim's granddaughters who live in Guildford, Hull and Scotland, all ran this year's London Marathon on Sunday, 21 April in memory of their grandfather, with proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.
If you would still like to donate to this cause, please either contact Trevor Cobb, who has a paper list to sign, or if you have access to a computer you can donate online.
As at 24 April, the following amounts have been raised:
Hannah Clarke: £1279 (time - 05:57:58)
Imogen Bloomfield: £659 (time - 06:54:57)
James Watts: £566 (time - 06:34:38)
Katie Clarke: £1596 (time - 05:57:58)
Farewell
to Bishop Christopher
Bishop Christopher (Bishop of Colchester) is retiring in July after serving as our area bishop for the past eleven years. We have all benefited in numerous ways from his ministry amongst us. He, of course, led our most recent Confirmation Service last November here at St Mary’s. We have been asked by the Archdeacon to consider two ways in which we can respond with a fitting farewell gift and here at St Mary’s we hope to support this with your help please.
Firstly, a book of memories is being created to present to the Bishop, a "This is Your Life in the Colchester Area" book. Do you have any written memories or thanks to give the Bishop? Photos would be really good too.
Secondly, it would be good if we could contribute money to a suitable leaving gift for Bishop Christopher.
Please could you pass on to me anything that falls into the above two categories and I will forward, on behalf of St Mary’s, to the Archdeacon in good time for the Bishop’s farewell service and presentation.
The service will be held at 3.30pm on Saturday, 29 June 2013 at St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall.
Thank you very much for considering this appeal.
Peter Wood, Churchwarden - 01255 677075 or email
Curry Night
On Saturday, 23 March members of one of our housegroups served up a Curry Night in aid of The Yashua Sanctuary.
The Yashua Sanctuary is a Christian organisation in India dedicated to saving new born baby girls, who have either been abandoned or will die because of ancient prejudices and extreme poverty. The sanctuary is based in Vasco Da Gama, Goa and currently looks after 9 girls, who all arrived in poor health in the early weeks of their life and needed a lot of medical and tender loving care. The children are currently between 9 and 5 years old.
The cost of supporting a child in India is £35.00 a month, if you would like to know more please get in touch with us via the Church Office.
Cate Wilby & Sue Jenkins
Alison Eldridge
The Memorial Service for Alison was held at 10.30am on Wednesday, 23 March in St. Mary's. It was preceded by cremation at Weeley at 9.30am.
After the service there were refreshments in the Church Hall, Old Road, to which everyone was warmly welcomed. Alison was a long time member of St Mary's and a hard working servant for the Lord.
Please remember her sister Mary and her many friends in your prayers during this time of mourning.
“Called Before Birth”
Helen Lawrence’s recently published autobiography, “Called Before Birth”, is now available, price £8.
There are copies and flyers at the back of the church.
If you would like to order a copy, please contact Andrew & Jenny on 677238.
Easter Cards
The folding of the Easter Cards on Monday morning was completed in near-record time!
On Saturday, 16 March over 30 people turned up at 10.00 am to help with the delivery of over 3500 Easter cards to every house in the Parish.
Coffee, hot-cross buns and prayer sent them on their way!
It's not too late to read Don the Rector's Easter Message even now!
Saturday, 9 March - The Kingfisher Ensemble
The Kingfisher Ensemble with Nigel Clayton presented a concert, proceeds from which will go to the New Piano Fund.
- Grieg Violin Sonata No.1 in F
- Mozart Piano Concerto in A
- Dvorak Piano Quintet in A
We delighted to report that the concert raised the magnificent sum of £665 for the grand piano fund, the artists having given their services without charge!
Clifford Clift
Update of Jaywick Project
From the cake stall on 2 March £92.55 was raised and we have donations of £30 as well as some tins in our dustbin at the back of the Church.
Before Easter we will be buying more tins to make food parcels for Jaywick at Easter. If you would like to bring tins towards this, one of our Church Members will be delivering the parcels to Jaywick on 21 March.
If you can help with the Jaywick Project, please contact Eleanor Young.
Other good causes also benefitted from the Coffee Morning as follows:
|
Tearfund - £71 |
Rwandan families - £81 |
Yashua Sanctuary - £10 |
|
MacMillan - £140 |
Kayleigh's Goa trip - £35 |
Haven in Romania - £72 |
Food Parcels for Jaywick Project
In early 2012 we began collecting tins, month by month, in order to make Christmas food parcels for families in Jaywick.
Only 8 miles away, Jaywick is one of the poorest areas in the country and was not provided with support like this. By the end of November we had at least three bin-fulls of tins and a colleague and I were able to make twenty six bags of tins. The bags were half full but with donations from individuals and £100 from the Tuesday Fellowship Group we were able to fill the bags with Christmas items like Christmas cake, puddings, cream crackers and custard. I delivered the bags to the Barnardo’s ‘Sure Start’ centre in Jaywick and, together with the health visitors, they were able to deliver them to families in need.
Following this, people were still giving tins and donations and so I was able to make one more food package for a family in Walton, who were so hard up at the time that the children were sleeping on the floor, so with a visit to the recycling furniture scheme near Clacton Common I managed to get them some beds with donations from the health visitors.
Thank you to all the church family who have supported this project over the last year, it would not have been possible to make it happen without your help. God has been so good to us in giving us so much and in giving us the ability to support others.
Eleanor Young
Haven in Romania
24 November to 1 December
Maggie Wilson, Matt Bingham and Linda Edgell recently visited the Silvia Day Centre again, in Piatra Neamt, Northern Romania.
They were able to help staff with training and planning learning programmes for the children.
There were some encouraging stories of how the children are progressing.
For more details about the charity,
visit their website at: haveninromania.co.uk
Christmas Shoebox Appeal - 2012
Thank you to everyone who filled a shoebox with gifts as part of this year's Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. I am very pleased to report that 117 boxes from St Mary's are now on their way to bring Christmas joy to children in desperately needy situations overseas. To learn more about how the scheme works, watch Bishop Steven's video!
Thank you all. Helen Whybrew
To find out more, visit:
samaritanspurse.uk.com/operation-christmas-child
The charity itself, Samaritan's Purse, does far more than just their famous Shoebox Appeal.
See www.samaritanspurse.uk.com or contact Helen - tel. 672779