A huge thank you to all those who donated their unwanted useable tools.
They were collected this week and will be taken to be refurbished, sorted
into tool kits and sent to developing communities in Africa. Last year these
included Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and DR Congo.
Category: Uncategorized
Listen to Choral Evensong for Advent from St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Choir and Organist Richard Fairhurst offered Choral Evensong on Advent Sunday, 1st December at 6pm in St Mary’s Church. The service was led by our Vicar Fergus.
A recording of this service is now available here.
The Giving Tree – sponsor a local child
Christmas Tree Festival – information and registration
We are excited about holding our 6th Christmas tree festival this year and hope you will participate by decorating a tree. The festival will run from 13th December – 2nd January 2025
As in previous years, there will be competitions and events to enjoy.
● The Festival Celebration will take place on Friday, 13th December, at St Mary’s from 5:00 PM- 6:30 PM. There will be music from the Children’s School Choir, free food and drink, and we will switch on the Christmas lights!
● Test your festive knowledge at the Christmas Quiz, which will take place on Saturday, 14 December, at 6:30 PM.
● Enjoy a Carol Service at Shorthampton on Sunday, 15 December from 3:00 – 4:00 PM.
If you or your organisation want to participate in the festival this year, support us, or have any queries, please register through the link (https://forms.gle/QJDwZR3XYeQAGtZa8), the QR Code on the poster, or contact Anna.
The money raised will be donated to the St Mary’s appeal and will contribute to the parish’s outreach work. We would love to hear from you if you would like to be involved.
This year, we will collaborate with Cornerstone to support local families struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children with the Giving Tree. Please consider stopping by the Community Centre, Cornerstone, or St Marys to help support a local kid in need!
Anna – charlburyctf@gmail.com
St Mary’s Church Office – parishoffice@charlburychurch.uk
Christmas Quiz on 14 December – book now!
Please join us for a Quiz with a Dash(er) of Christmas cheer on Saturday, 14thDecember at St. Mary’s Church as part of the Christmas Tree Festival.
Teams will be made up of six people each, and tickets will be £12 per person. Doors will open at 6pm, and the Quiz will start at 630pm and finish by 8pm. We will be serving festive snacks, and there will be a bar, raffle, and a silent auction (so bring cash or card). It will be a great way to kick-off your evening.
To reserve your spot, please use this form which includes payment details. All proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s and its local initiatives.
Christmas Services
Christingle Service Sunday 1st December
Safeguarding Sunday Talk from Louise Whitehead
Louise Whitehead spoke to the congregation at the end of the 10am service on 17th November, Safeguarding Sunday. Louise is our Parish Safeguarding Officer and also the Head of Safeguarding for Oxford Diocese. In her talk, Louise made reference to the difficult events surrounding the horrific abuse by John Smyth and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent resignation. Our thanks to Louise.
Listen to Louise’s talk here.
Children’s Society Annual Count of Savings Boxes
