Welcoming the Risen Lord

Maurice recalled how very fortunate he was to survive while friends of his did not

St Mary’s Churchwardens, Alyson & Avis, before the festivities began! Alyson baked a celebration cake which looked amazing.

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

Bishop of Kirkstall and St Mary’s new Rector - Revd Andie Shaw.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.