Gearing up for our AGM 2020

St Mary's Church Web Portal • 26 September 2020

ST MARY'S ANNUAL MEETING

will be held on Saturday 14th November 2020 at 10.30am.

Normally, of course, we would hold our Annual Meeting in person, but this year we are unable to do so.It will be held over Zoom video meeting, with phone-in options.We are investigating ways to make voting as inclusive as possible.

As we begin the preparations for the meeting, we are required to give notice of the revision of our Electoral Roll - that is the list of people who are members of St Mary's and able to vote at our Annual Meeting. Being on the Electoral Roll demonstrates belonging and commitment to St Mary's Church.

You can join St Mary’s electoral roll if you are baptised and aged 16 or over. You also need to be a member of the Church of England (or a Church in communion with it) and resident in the parish or regularly attending St Mary’s (more details of exactly what this means can be found on the form).

Each year we review our electoral roll before our Annual Meeting, usually held in May, but delayed this year for obvious reasons. We now need to give notice that the Church Electoral Roll will be revised, beginning on Saturday the Tenth day of October 2020, and ending on Saturday the Twenty Fourth day of October 2020.

The official notice is available here.

If you would like to request a form to join the Electoral Roll, please email: secretary.stmarysgarforth@gmail.com

More information about the Annual Meeting will follow in due course.

Maurice Norman on Remembrance Day 2025

by Witsend3 • 10 November 2025
Maurice recalled how very fortunate he was to survive while friends of his did not

After the licensing service, a light supper was held in the Parish Centre

by Witsend3 • 8 November 2025
St Mary’s Churchwardens, Alyson & Avis, before the festivities began! Alyson baked a celebration cake which looked amazing.

Revd Andie's Licensing Service & Celebration

by PH825839 • 8 November 2025
The licensing service was very well attended and was a joyful occasion for everyone. After the licensing service, a light supper was held in the Parish Centre

Revd Andie's Licensing

by PH825839 • 8 November 2025
Bishop of Kirkstall and St Mary’s new Rector - Revd Andie Shaw.

Celebrating our childrens faith

by St Mary's Web Portal • 16 May 2022
On Sunday 15th May, we had a very special Family Communion service, as welcomed three of our children to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. Imogen, Isabel and Jack had all spent time preparing for this special day and we were delighted to welcome them into this new stage of their life of faith. Children are invited to participate in our separate FunDay Sunday activities at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and attend our more family-friendly services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month (5th Sundays vary).

Welcome to our new robed Choir

by St Mary's Web • 13 February 2022
It was such a joy to have the Choir leading our singing again today. We welcomed back many of our former Choir members with the addition of several new members. The Choir will sing at our more traditional services of Holy Communion at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.

St Mary's supports 'Rise to the moment' Campaign for COP26

by St Mary's Online Network • 4 September 2021
Christian Aid will be making a display of boats at COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Everyone is invited to contribute a boat, with a prayer or message to world leaders. There will also be a display in Leeds, to which MPs will be invited. Here, at St Mary’s, we have decided to join in with this important installation to demonstrate the depths of people’s concern about the climate change emergency and, as Christians, to stress the responsibilities we share as stewards of God’s creation. So we will be providing opportunities at Church events to make your boat, but we have also included details below if you would rather make one at home. You could also sign the Christian Aid climate justice petition here: www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/climate-justice-2021

Keeping Church Open

by St Mary's Web Portal • 18 July 2021
You may not have realised it, but a dedicated group of volunteer supervisors have been enabling us to open Church to provide a place for people to come to pray, to weep or to give thanks, for the last year (whenever restrictions have allowed). Apart from a few regulars, we have seen many members of the wider Garforth community come in, often in times of desperate need. It has been such an important service to local people, so thank you to everyone who has been involved. Tomorrow, 19th July, we will be able to resume our practice of having Church open every day from Monday to Saturday, 9am-3pm. Please do come into Church at any time during these hours, if you need a space to be quiet, to open your heart to God, to pray or light a candle. All are welcome.

Belated Ordination Gift For Revd Jonathan

by St Mary's Web Portal • 18 July 2021
In our main service today, we presented Revd Jonathan for the gift from St Mary’s in celebration of his ordination to the priesthood on 26th June. The chalice, paton and candleholder had been specially made for him and inscribed underneath with the words ‘Ordained Priest 26/6/21’. It may have been 3 weeks late, but we hope it was worth the wait! Congratulations Jonathan and thank you for your ministry here over the last year.

REVD JANE OFFERS REVIEW OF 2020

by St Mary's Web Portal • 1 May 2021
At our Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 25th April, Revd Jane offered a review of 2020 and encouraged us to look forward with hope and confidence. A copy of the full text may be downloaded HERE .