St Mary’s@900

Find out the latest information on 900@stmary’s events

Outline to our 900 year celebrations: Information about what’s on during September 2008 - to keep you informed!

900 years is a long time by anyone’s reckoning! The actual date of founding of St Mary’s church is lost in time but we have chosen to celebrate this significant anniversary in September 2008. Here are the contents of a leaflet, which can be picked up from our churches, which outlines what is planned over this period.

There are events for all ages and the Church will be open for visits or simply quiet reflection and prayer throughout the two weeks. We hope that you will come along and support these events and it will enrich your faith knowing that you are part of a modern day church that has such a rich history.

General: The church will be open between 10am - 4pm on most days - see chart for full details. If there is an evening event that needs setting up, the afternoon open visits on that day may close earlier.

There will be additional displays around the church, illustrating how we have contributed to the local community across the years.

Events: A wide range of afternoon/evening events are planned for all ages. Some of these are by invitation only or ticketed events and a charge may be made for entry. Please check in advance if you are unsure about this. Further details of individual events will be published well in advance. This leaflet is to indicate the types of events on offer so you can plan what to come along to.

Harvest: A joint Parish Harvest supper will be held on Saturday 27th September. Watch out for details and come along! A Parish Harvest Praise, with Bishop David Hawkins, will be celebrated on Sunday 28th in the evening at 6.30pm. Please come along and support this final closing event.

A Young people’s event will take place on Mon 2nd (evening). Watch out for further details.

The events below are by invitation only:

• Newcomers Supper  If you are new and would like to come along (Mon 15th, evening), please let David Baker or Simon Heathfield know.
• Tea and Chat (Wed 24th afternoon) is for the over 60’s across the Parish. Please let Janice Collier know, (via Ruth in the office) if you wish to come along.
• The Welcome Reunion (Fri, 26th) is by invitation only - a chance for past members to visit the Church. (It is impossible to know the contact details of all our past members.  If you, or someone you know, has been a member of St Mary’s Church in the past and has not received an invitation, or you want to know more, contact Janice Collier via the Parish Office.)

Special Events in September

• Meet the bellringers - Ever wanted to find out how the bells are rung? Now is your chance! Wed 24th in the evening.
• The history of St Mary’s with Dr Neil Houghton and David Baker - Tues16th at 7:45pm.
• Music in the Village - Evening classical concert - professional musicians. Tickets £9 (concessions£4.50) Wine or soft drink at the interval! Thurs 25th doors open at 7:00pm.
• Comedy night - Top drawer stand up comedy on Tues 23rd in the evening. Tickets available soon - watch out for details!
• Prayer event - Prayer is central in our church life, so it fits in the centre of our celebrations! Come along on Friday 19th and take part in this life changing event!

During the day

• During the first week, the church will be open to all visitors - see plan for details of opening hours. Tea and coffee will be available. There will be a range of displays and a quiet area set side for personal prayer and reflection.
• During the second week, local schools will be invited to come along in the morning which Sam Lee (our Community Development Worker for Younger Teens) will be co-ordinating, during which time the church will not be open to the general public. In the afternoon, some specific events are planned or the church will again be open to local visitors.
• Open House: The Church will again be taking part in this event (Sat 20/Sun 21) and will be open, plus tours up the tower will take place (weather permitting).
• Joel Edwards (National Director of Evangelical Alliance) will be speaking at our morning service on 21st. Do not miss this opportunity to hear him!
• Local Medieval walk - Sat 27th at 10:00am. Walk around the village area with Dr Neil Houghton. Tour lasts 2 hours, returning to St Mary’s for refreshments. Tickets cost £2 (concessions £1) available on the day.

Stewards will be needed throughout - folk who will be available to welcome visitors and serve tea and coffee whilst the church is open. You do not have to be an expert as full support and information will be available to all who volunteer. Sheets are at the back of church, indicating the sessions that need covering (morning 10am-1pm, afternoon 1pm-4pm) – please sign up for any sessions at which you are able to help.

More details on all events will be available soon. This information is to help you plan what you want to come along to in September.

Your church - Your celebration!

Weddings and baptisms  If you, or a member of your family were married or baptised in St Mary’s Church, please pass a photograph on to David or Jackie Baker for display during the celebrations. These types of events are central in family and community life and it would be great to have a range of photos on display from across the decades for visitors to look at and admire! Please mark your photos with the name/s of those shown and the date of the occasion. If you include your name, we can ensure it is returned to you! A display will be organised over the summer, so please look through your albums and see if there are any photos you would wish to include.  Read more about our search for wedding and baptism pictures.

For more information about these events contact David Baker via the Parish Office

Plan of Events (click to enlarge)

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July/August 2008