In the light of the sad news of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, our beloved Queen, we are holding a vigil on Friday 16 September 7:00pm at St Mary’s church. As we gather together we will take this opportunity to remember Queen Elizabeth’s wonderful life and service which was executed with the most extraordinary stamina, diligence and commitment. Throughout this period of mourning the church remains open for visitors from 9am to 8pm to offer space for prayer and reflection. We have set up a of Table of Remembrance where you are welcome to write in the book of remembrance and light a candle. In addition, the Church of England has opened a book of remembrance online should you wish to write something there.
Community Fridge and Coffee Shop closed on Mon 19 Sept: In conjunction with the state bank holiday on Monday 19 September for the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II the Community Fridge and Coffee Shop will not be open.
Message from Mary King : I would like to thank the congregation of St Mary’s for their prayers following my recent accident. My recovery has been so much faster than was anticipated and I believe it was down to the power of prayer. Also thank you so much to those who have given support and encouragement. Our Church family is truly fantastic.
Weekly Live Streaming has been unplugged early: Following the announcement that the 11.15 live stream would stop at the end of September, the decision was made to unplug straight away following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. It was felt that the congregation attending the service would more comfortable knowing that any shared thoughts or emotions would not be online.
Skip in driveway: Beware when driving and exiting the church. There is a skip located on the side of The Bothy following an unexpected fly-tipping on Thursday. As we have a skip, we have an opportunity to remove some of the excess soil/chalk that is currently displaced by the last burials. If anyone is fit and willing to barrow a few loads and deposit in the skip over the weekend that would be greatly appreciated. The skip will be collected next week. Thank you!
Harvest Celebration – Sun 2 Oct: Join us for a special harvest service to give thanks for the good gifts in our community, and the many ways we use them to serve others. Join us from 10:30am for a half hour celebration at Barracks Farm in Fetcham followed by an opportunity to chat over brunch as we are also offering sausages and bacon rolls cooked on the premises, including vegetarian option. There will also be tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Everyone is welcome, but to get an idea of numbers expected please sign up. Please let us know if you require a specific dietary requirement.
Because this is a working farm we do request that children are supervised at all times. We will be located in one of the barns, but please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. If you would like to bring a gift of food, please feel free to do so. We will have a table out to receive donations. Non-perishable food will be donated to Foodbank (their wish list : https://epsomewell.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/) and fresh food will be taken to our Community Fridge the following day (https://stmarysfetcham.org.uk/connect-us/mission-charitable-links/)
Parking is limited so we encourage you to walk. If you require a lift please do let us know. In the meantime, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact office@stmarysfetcham.org.uk or call 01372 375000. Please share with friends and neighbours. Everyone is welcome!
Monday Morning Prayers starting Mon 3 Oct, 8-8:30am: We welcome you to join us for Morning Prayer in church from 8am to 8:30am every Monday starting from Mon 3 Oct.
Who Let The Dads Out? – Sat 17 Sept, 9-11:30am: Any men folk are welcome to join the team and enjoy a bacon sandwiches, hot drinks and the chance to chat. Come along with or without children! There are lots of activities to keep everyone occupied. No charge, but donations welcome. Please contact office@stmarysfetcham.org.uk if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Choral Evensong – Sun 18 Sept, 6.30pm: This is a service that’s traditionally held as the sun goes down, marking the passing of another day in faith. It’s fairly short, usually around 40 minutes, and features choral music, readings and prayers. We hope you can join us.
Afternoon Tea Party – Sat 24 Sept, 3-4.40pm: We are taking bookings for this popular monthly social get-together for the senior community.
Evangalism Course – Tus 27 Sept, 7.30-9pm: Anyone is welcome to join us. This session will include practical ways to share our faith while facing cultural barriers and personal insecurities. To find out more and to sign up click here
Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning – Fri 30 Sept, 10-11.30am: Come along to the church hall and enjoy a cuppa and some gorgeous treats – and the money you raise at the Coffee Morning will help make sure no one has to face cancer alone. People all over the UK host their own Coffee Morning and donations raised on the day are made to Macmillan. To find out more about Macmillan visit: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do
Cecilia Singers – Sat 8 Oct, 7pm: We are delighted that the Cecilia Singers will be performing at St Mary’s ‘Something Old, Something New, Something Jazzy, with A Touch Of Blues’. The Cecilia Singers is a group of friends of all ages who love to sing a really wide range of repertoire in order to raise money for charities. Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the church funds. To find out more and to sign up please go to Cecilia Singers
Church Inventory Working Party – Sat 8 Oct, 9.30 – 11.30am: Can you count? If so, would you be able to put your skills to the test? We will be taking stock of all the items within the church and surrounding buildings. This is a necessary requirement under the Archdeacon’s Visitation, and we would be delighted to have all the help we can. Refreshments will be available to bribe you into accepting this invitation as many hands make light work. So, please pop this date into your diary, even if you can only make some of the time. We look forward to seeing you then, Janet and Jennie.
Women’s Breakfast: Sat 8 Oct, 9.30-11am – Don’t forget to book early – spaces are filling up!. We are once again delighted to invite ladies to our Women’s Breakfast. Along with our speaker we will offer the usual a delicious breakfast for a suggested donation of £4.50. Please book through MyChurchSuite, via the website or contact the Parish Office. Numbers are limited to 60 places so please booked early to avoid disappointment. We’d love to have more people on the team helping on the day. If you are able to help, please contact julie@stmarysfetcham.org.uk. As always, we look forward to meeting old friends, and making new ones!
Churchyard Working Party – Sat 15 Oct, 9am-12pm: There is a change of time to the working party due to a hall booking in the afternoon. We can still get a lot of work done in the morning, so please join us to help maintain our churchyard. Come along for as much time as you can and help keep the weeds at bay, trim back overgrown hedges, tidy the car park and much more… There will be ample supply of refreshments.
Heritage Open Day / Ride and Stride: 15 cyclists and walkers ventured out on a perfect day last Saturday to visit some of our beautiful local churches. St Mary’s had a youth group cycling for the first time in several years. Thanks to Ed and Charity for organising a safe fun trip. Do please try to collect your sponsor money and send it by BACs to The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust before the end of the month. Ask Sarah Mackay or one of the wardens if you’re not sure who sponsored you. Huge thanks to David Slater for organising a hugely successful Heritage Open Day. Many thanks to, to everyone that welcome hundreds of visitors, baked cakes or directed people to the memorial for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
Church Growth Conference with J John – Wed 16 Nov, 9:30am-3:30pm at St Paul’s Howell Hill: This full day conference is primarily intended for clergy, staff teams and PCCs, though all are welcome. Speakers include international evangelist J John who will speak on how to share our faith. Also, sessions on attracting more children, families and young people with, among others, Lucy Moore, Head of the Growing Faith Foundation and Aike Kennett-Brown, national lead for Messy Church who will share research into what makes children’s and youth ministries grow. Stephen Hance, who leads for the national church on evangelism, speaks on Growing missional disciples. To book click here
Parish Away Day: Thank you to the team who organised the recent social. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves and spending time together. Huge thanks to Manor House School for allowing us to use their beautiful premises.
Prayers
We continue to pray for those who are unwell: Anais Featherstone. Lynn Alsop, John Cooper, Vera Cameron, Elaine Mead and Don Lamberth. We also pray for Hazel Reid.
And for those is residential care: June Williams and Tony Day.
Usual Sunday Services
8am Communion Sunday Service : said Book of Common Prayer
9:30am Communion Service : sung Common Worship
11:15am Worship Service : no longer live-streamed
Monday Morning Prayer (starting 3rd Oct) : 8-8:30am
10am Thursday : Communion Service
Private Prayer in Church : Monday to Saturday 09:00 -16:00.
Saturday Morning Prayer : 9:00-9:30am in the Lady Chapel
Foodbank: urgent needs list – 15 September2022:
They have complete fun out of: Tinned meat, Adult toothbrush / toothpaste, Female/Male deodorant, Shampoo / Conditioner
They urgently need: Tinned fruit, Tinned fish, Tinned tomatoes, Tea bags, Coffee, Baby wipes / Nappies (age : 6+), Jam, Rice, Long life fruit juice, Custard, Chocolate/Treats,
They would also appreciate any bags for life/very strong bags!
Please no more of these items as they are fully stocked: Non dairy milk, Weetabix, Pasta, Pulses, Dog and cat food, Peanut butter, Washing up liquid, Baby wash.
* Please make sure all donations are sealed, in date and do not contain alcohol*
Diary Dates:
Check your MyChurchSuite to see what’s going on and to get more details or prebook. Here’s a brief summary:
Sat 17 Sept – Who Let The Dads Out?!
Sun 18 Sept – Choral Evensong, 6.30pm
Sat 24 Sept – Afternoon Tea, 3-4.30pm (sign up here)
Tues 27 Sept – Evangelism Court, 7.30-9pm (sign up here)
Fri 30 Sept – Macmillan Coffee Morning, 10-11.30am
Sun 2 Oct – Harvest Celebration, 10.30am Barracks Farm (sign up here)
Mon 3 Oct – Monday Morning Prayers in church, 8-8:30am
Wed 5 Oct – Bereavement Café, 10-11.30am
Sat 8 Oct – Church Inventory Working Party, 9.30-11.30am
Sat 8 Oct – Women’s Breakfast, 9.30-11am (sign up here)
Sat 8 Oct – Cecilia Singers, 7pm (sign up here)
Sun 9 Oct – Homemade Stall and Secondhand Books
Sun 9 Oct – The Well Reflective Service, 6pm
Fri 14 Oct – FM Life Breakfast, 8:30-9:30am
Sat 15 Oct – Churchyard Working Party, 9-12noon
Sun 30 Oct – Bereavement Service, 3pm
Fri 4 Nov – FM Life, 10-11:30am
Sat 12 Nov – FM Life Quiz evening
Sun 13 Nov – Remembrance Sunday
Weekly Regulars
Mondays – Community Fridge 10-11am (not open on Bank Holiday)
Mondays – Community Coffee Shop 10-11.30am (not open on Bank Holiday)
Running in Term Time
Mondays – The Drop-In (ages 11-16) 4-5.30pm
Tuesdays – Youth Night (ages 11-16) 7.30-9pm
Fridays – Footprints Baby & Toddlers 10-11.30am
Friday – Messy Church (all the family) 2nd of the month 3.30-5.30pm
Sundays – Activ8 for under 11s and Sunday Youth for 11+ during 11.15 service