By Rev Stewart

As the days begin to turn into Autumn (the leaves on the “Christmas light” trees outside St Mary’s are dropping incredibly early already!) it is a good time to reflect on how the summer has gone in our Parish. It is also time to get ready for some great new things in the next season of the year.

Our monthly Cream Teas began at the end of June – thanks to everyone for the hard work done to produce the tasty treats, and serve them as excellent witness to all our local community, who come along and enjoy a good time.

July saw a well-attended and enjoyable Quiz Night in aid of Link to Hope Christmas Boxes. Also, there was an excellent Flower Festival at All Saints’- with a packed out Festival Evensong.

In August, All Saints’ hosted the Annual Walkers and Cyclists Service during the great weather, and St Mary’s was visited by Andy and Lynne from Spain and a speaker from St Clare Hospice. We raised an amazing amount during the August Appeal for St Clare’s Dementia Care Kits.

In September we will be launching two new Fellowship Groups. These are opportunities to come together in small groups to deepen our faith through Bible Study and prayer. There will be two taking place fortnightly – on Tuesday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. Please be in touch with Stewart if you would like to join either of the groups. Do also be in touch if you would like to join a potential third group, if Tuesdays do not suit (day to be decided by demand!)

Our long running outreach to High Ongar Primary School – Harmony Club – sees a new venture as we move to try an After-School Club for the first time in a number of years. Do pray for the success of this initiative.

And of course from September 2025 we will be hosting a new toddler group for all parents, grandparents, childminders, and carers to bring their pre-school little ones for a time of play at St Mary’s. There’ll be free play, snack time, crafts, story time and singing, and a large safe baby play area for tiny tots. The new group will be completely free of charge, at 1.30p.m. to 3.00p.m. on a Wednesday during school term times, starting 17th September 2025. The group will be led by Della Milne and  Katherine Garner. 

Do give thanks for all that has happened over the Summer, and do  ask God for his blessings on our parish in the months to come.

Rev. Stewart