News from St.Mary’s, Alderley from the Rector – the Reverend Jon Hale
St.Mary’s Church is the friendly church, hidden away at the end of Church Lane in Nether Alderley SK10 4TW. Sunday services are at 9.45am and 6.30pm.
Starting 1st January the Sunday 9.45am service pattern is changing to:
1st Sunday in the month: Holy Communion (traditional)
2nd Sunday in the month: Family Service
3rd Sunday in the month: Holy Communion (contemporary)
4th Sunday in the month: Family Service
5th Sunday in the month: Holy Communion (contemporary)
At all services there is a children’s play area and colouring-in sheet. WCs at the Parish Hall are always open when there is a service in church.
Baptisms (Christenings) are held by arrangement with the Rector on Sundays in the 9.45am Family Service or at 12.45pm.
Who likes Messy Church? Who will join a team to get Messy Church started at St.Mary’s Church? Messy Church is a great way for families with pre-school children and children in Key Stages 1 & 2 to meet. Messy Church provides a range of art & craft based activities, all with the same Bible story theme. There are also quieter activities like a prayer-writing table and a table with quiet games and books. These activities run for the 50 to 60 minutes of Messy Church. Then ‘story time’ is held, when the theme Bible story is told – and maybe other stories too, and the art & craft works of the afternoon are part of telling the story. The prayers that have been written are said and an attractive song or two are sung. That lasts for about 20 minutes. While ‘story time’ is taking place at one end of the Hall, the tables are being set up for tea. After ‘story time’ we all enjoy tea and chat together. I will lead Messy Church, and I am looking to establish a team of about 6 people to run it. Please email me on alderleyandbirtles@gmail.com to let me know you’d like to join the team. Full Safeguarding procedures will be followed at Messy Church. https://www.messychurch.org.uk/
The St.Mary’s Church Christmas Fair is on Saturday 7th December mid-morning and into lunch time at Nether Alderley Parish Hall, next to St.Mary’s Church. And there’s Carol Singing in the church as well. It’s a great way to get in the mood for Christmas and meet friends and family. Come along!
The Service of Lessons and Carols is a traditional carol service in St.Mary’s Church on Sunday 15th December. It’s so good, we hold it twice – at 9.45am and at 6.30pm. See you there. Arrive early to get a seat!
Christmas Eve at St.Mary’s Church is full of anticipation of Christmas. The church is always decorated exquisitely, thanks to the St.Mary’s Flower team and many generous donations. Come at 3.00pm to the Family Service and Blessing of the Crib. Come at 11.00pm for the ‘midnight’ Holy Communion.
Christmas Day’s morning service at St.Mary’s is at 9.45am: Holy Communion. If you don’t come to church at any other time, come to church on Christmas morning!
Have you ever thought about being Baptised (Christened)? Are you Baptised (Christened) but not Confirmed? Have a word with me if you would like to be Baptised / Confirmed.
Christian Basics. When there are five of us I will run a short course of Christian Basics. ‘Everything you wanted to know about faith but were afraid to ask’. Let me know.
Who pays for St.Mary’s Church? All those who worship at St.Mary’s Church or who otherwise support St.Mary’s Church, and who make their offering. To donate to St.Mary’s Church go towww.alderleychurch.co.uk and click on Donate. Please contact the Church Treasurer – Will Ablett – to make a direct bank transfer, email: treasurer@alderleychurch.co.uk .
St.Mary’s Church has a lively Facebook page. Go to ‘St.Mary’s Church’ Nether Alderley’ and join us.
If you would like to receive a monthly emailing with news from St.Mary’s Church please email the Rector at alderleyandbirtles@gmail.com
Christmas Day is a day like no other: a day that holds within it the power of a deep mystery. Embodied within that name of the day, even – ‘Christmas Day’ – deep emotional resonance sounds, and something rings that is at the same time both far away and deep inside us.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9: 6
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any queries on email alderleyandbirtles@gmail.com or 01625 585440.
Revd Jon Hale, The Rectory, Church Lane, Nether Alderley.