Dear Readers,

 

There are some practical changes happening at St Mary’s. Some much needed improvements are being made to the ringing room chamber in the bell-tower; this will make being in the tower a much safer experience. We have bell-ringers there at least twice a week, some of whom are children. The extension to the floor and a new screen will mean that all those who participate can do so with greater assurance.

 

Unfortunately it does mean the church building has been closed during the week and will continue to be so until the work is finished, probably in early May. Whilst the building work goes on there are obvious health and safety concerns for anyone who might be inside the building. Please bear with this temporary arrangement. All services on Sunday continue as normal.

 

Secondly, we are excited to be part of an experiment. The Diocese of Ely has asked us to trial a new form of service for children. This is a communion service that is both accessible and meaningful for children. Every First Sunday will be trying out these new forms of communion service concluding in June. Everyone is welcome to these services at 10am. It is an ideal opportunity for families to integrate into the prayers and worship of the church.

 

And finally, at a recent Parochial Church Council we initiated a new ‘taskforce’ to explore the possibilities of improving the inside of the church. There are no formal plans as yet but the vision is to enhance the building so that it can be a more friendly space. There has been a need and a desire for better facilities for some time and so we will be seeking advice from experts and other churches who have made such changes. There will be much to consider and we will need to make sure that we make time for good consultation. Our desire is to make the building as hospitable as possible whilst retaining its historic resonance. This means a concerted time of praying and fund-raising, two things most churches have to be good at!

 

 

Revd Steven Rothwell