Pew News - 20 Sept 2026
Last Sunday, it was wonderful to see the church full of people again, with 90 of you joining us - and even Gary the cat made an appearance!
A massive thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such a special occasion. After all the hard work that has gone into the building over the past few months, it was fantastic to finally see it being enjoyed again. What a day — definitely one to remember!
It was also a wonderful opportunity to photograph everyone who attended, creating a special memento of this memorable occasion.
FOR OUR PRAYERS:
Baby Louis, Enid & Jim M, Garry R, Jake C, Poppy S, Hilary & Chris L, Annie G, Michele R, Stella O, Tyler
The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: Contact Claire Buston email: prayer@sholing.church
A BIG THANK YOU
Cathy (E) and her Mum, Ann (J), wish to thank everyone for their prayers and support, passing on the wonderful news that Cathy is now cancer free. Praise the Lord!
A MESSAGE FROM REVD GARRY
Some of you will have noticed that, apart from being with you for our very special service back in church on Sunday, I have been rather absent over the last couple of weeks.
I wanted to let you know a little of why.
As many of you know, the last year has been a particularly difficult one for me personally. I have tried to continue faithfully with parish life alongside everything else that has been happening, but eventually I reached the point where I needed to recognise that I wasn't doing very well and needed some time to stop.
There have also been times during this difficult period when I have felt insufficiently heard and supported by those from whom a parish priest might reasonably expect support. I don't say that to invite criticism of anyone, or because I want to go into the details here, but simply because I want to be truthful about where I am and why I have needed to step away for a while.
Two weeks ago I went to see my GP. Her kindness and care towards me were quite extraordinary. She listened, gave me time, and offered me genuine pastoral care as well as medical support. She signed me off work for two weeks.
I had hoped that would be enough. It mattered enormously to me to return on Sunday and share with you the first service back in St Mary's after everything we have been through together. I am so glad that I was able to be there.
However, having seen my GP again, she has advised me that I am not yet ready to return to work and has signed me off for a further two weeks.
I confess that I find this difficult. I am much more comfortable being the person offering pastoral care than receiving it. There is always another person to visit, another email to answer, another service to prepare and another thing that needs doing. Stepping away from all of that does not come naturally to me.
But perhaps there is something I need to learn in this season too.
We speak a great deal in church about grace: that our worth before God is not found in what we achieve, how useful we are, or how much we manage to carry. Sometimes we have to allow that truth to become more than something we preach to other people.
Jesus says, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
It turns out that invitation is for vicars too.
So, for the next couple of weeks, I am going to try to listen. To my GP, to those who are caring for me, and, above all, to God. I need to give myself permission to rest rather than continually asking whether I ought to be doing something.
Please don't worry about me. I am receiving the help and care I need, and I would value your prayers. Please also pray for and support those within our church family who will inevitably carry some additional responsibility while I am away.
One of the things I have said repeatedly is that the Church is not the vicar and it is not the building. The Church is the people of God: a community of disciples in which every one of us has a part to play.
Perhaps, then, part of my own discipleship at the moment is learning to trust that truth. To let go for a little while, to allow others to carry things, and to remember that ultimately St Mary's belongs not to me, but to God.
Thank you for your kindness, patience and prayers. I look forward to being back among you when I am ready.
FOOD BANK SUPPLIES NEEDED
· Shower gel
· Shampoo
· Biscuits
· Toothbrushes (for the October campaign)
Christmas Volunteers x 15
Our Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 5 December, from 11am–2pm, and we are looking for around 15 volunteers to help make the event a success.
Kirsty has very kindly offered to oversee this year’s Fayre, and we have decided to run as many of the stalls ourselves as possible. This will help us raise the maximum amount of money for the church.
We have a range of stalls planned and would also love to hear any ideas you may have for other stalls or activities.
If you can spare some time to help, or have an idea you’d like to suggest, please speak to Kirsty.
Christmas Gift Donations
As part of our Christmas Fayre, we would be very grateful for donations of new, unused gifts that could be sold on our gift stall.
If you have any suitable items at home that you no longer need or would like to buy something especially for the Fayre, we would be delighted to receive them.
All proceeds from the Fayre will go towards supporting the church.
Donations can be brought to church. Thank you very much for your generosity and support!
Hospitality Refreshments on Sundays
We’d love to offer drinks and biscuits after both the 8:30am and 10am services, creating opportunities to connect and build relationships as a church family.
To make this possible, we need to expand the team who prepare, serve and clear away. This is usually shared between several people, so you wouldn’t be expected to cover the whole session.
Even offering one role, once a month, would make a real difference.
Would you like to be part of this ministry? Please speak to Kirsty.
SINGING GROUP
The group previously known as the church choir has a new name - the Singing Group. This decision has been made as the previous name brings to mind a robed choir singing in four-part harmony and regularly singing as such during services. Our role is to lead the singing during worship and, apart from one bass, we all sing in unison (the tune).
We would love to add to our number. At present we have four men and four ladies, ranging in age from 17 - 85. The only qualifications you need are to sing in tune and love singing. We meet on Thursday evenings from 6-7pm when we practice the music for upcoming services followed by a joyful time singing worship songs. We are a friendly group who always offer a warm welcome.
If you are interested, please contact Claire Buston.
WELCOMERS ROTA
As we return to our newly refurbished church it is an ideal opportunity to review and refresh the welcomers’ rota.
The rota normally covers a three-month period and therefore I intend that a new rota will start on the first Sunday in October and cover the months of October, November and December.
I would like to hold a very short meeting for both existing and new welcomers at 9.30am on the morning of Sunday 20th September in the hall. We can review the role and confirm or otherwise those who would like to be on the list going forward.
I have been made aware of some new volunteers but all who are interested in the role are welcome to attend.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, can you please speak to me separately so that I can make sure that nobody gets missed - Gordon Brakewell.
WELLBEING AT ST MARY’S
AEROBIC & STRENGTHENING - Mon & Wed 6.15pm
As some of you will know, Adrienn holds an aerobic and strengthening class in the hall twice a week. To book, please contact Adrienn on 07761 657311.
OVER 60s KEEP FIT- Wed 9 Sept, 10–11am
Adrienn is now trialling this new class. To book, please contact Adrienn on 07761 657311.
YOGA Beginner friendly - Fri 11 Sept, 7–8.30pm
We now have a Yoga class! Yoga with Becky is trialling a monthly yoga session in the hall. To book, please email Becky becky@beckyyoga.co.uk
SERVICE OF REDEDICATION
Sunday 1 November - 11am
You should now have received your printed invitation from Joyce. If you haven't, please let one of the PCC members know so that we can make sure you receive one.
An RSVP sheet is available at our services. Please let us know if you will be attending and include any dietary requirements. Thank you.
HERITAGE TALKS
We’re delighted to have so many people already registered.
These events are free to attend, but we ask that you register in advance to help us plan seating.
To register your attendance: Tel: 023 8044 8337 or Email: heritage@sholing.church
IKNOW APP
We hope you are all enjoying using the iknow app and receiving reminders for when you are serving.
If you ‘ve not yet signed up for the phone app, there are a few leaflets in the service folders giving instruction or you can email Bev at office@sholing.church
The Parish Giving Scheme - A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.
SHARE YOUR STORIES OF SHOLING & ST MARY’S
We’d really love to hear from you.
As part of our Heritage 160 celebrations, we are collecting stories, memories, and treasures that make up the living history of our parish.
We’d love to hear about your connections to St Mary’s Church Sholing or the wider Parish of Sholing. Your contribution will help preserve our shared heritage for future generations. There are forms and envelopes available in the Hall or you can speak to one of our team or email us at Heritage@Sholing.Church
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