St. Mary's Church, Gillingham, Dorset - what's new:

Services and Events in August

Sat, 1 Aug 2009

See full particulars of what is happening in August - a quiet month during holidays but including the Parish Barbecue

KIDZ Club

Fri, 27 Mar 2009

Fun for children in the Easter holidays

News from St. Mary's School

Sat, 1 Aug 2009

The article from the August edition of Impact celebrates the "outstanding" received in the recent OFSTED inspection, as well as describing the "Standards in Anglican Schools inspection" for which results were still awaited when August "Impact" went to print.

In the June article the special activities of the summer term are mentioned, as well as the "Open the Book" project being developed with St. Marys and the "Light the Candle" which develops children's knowledge and understanding of collective worship.

St. Mary's School

Sat, 1 Aug 2009

The main page introducing St. Mary's School and its church links has been updated to have information about Foundation Governors (that is, those appointed by the church).

Confirmation

Sun, 29 Mar 2009

There is an opportunity to be prepared for confirmation at Salisbury Cathedral on 9th May - information about this and confirmation generally.

The Panto

Sat, 4 Apr 2009

Did you enjoy the pantomime in January? - see some pictures here.
Didn't attend? - see what you missed!

The Royal Arms

Fri, 27 Mar 2009

Why are they in the Church? And did you know these are nearly 400 years old? You can now find out on the history section of the website.

The leading article from May to August's "Impact"

Sat, 1 Aug 2009

In May Jeffrey Hall spoke of the awe-inspiring cathedrals of this country, but also of the message of Coventry Cathedral, all but destroyed during the Second World War. The cross of nails found in the ruins and the ruin with prayers of forgiveness and reconciliation on its broken walls speak of the glory and love of God in the face of human hatred, violence and destruction. Whatever people try to do to God, he rises again and lives. The crucifixion and the events of Easter are evidence of that. People may abuse and kill others but they can never kill the love that Jesus showed when he died on the cross and rose to new life. Easter may have been in April but for Christians every day is Easter Day. Every day is a reminder that each one of us has a particular and unique significance to God.

In June Jane Hedges considered some of the dilemmas that face in living our lives so that they do not have a negative impact on the environment or on others. But she reminded us that we can't take all the cares and dilemmas of the world onto our own shoulders, while still trying to act responsibly. And in the beautiful Blackmore Vale in summer she reminded us to value and enjoy God's beautiful creation.

In July David Frayne discussed the imminent "Gillingham Miracle Plays" and the origin of mystery plays, their function and the understanding of God that influenced them and that we should bear in mind as a Bible "health warning" when seeing these old plays now.

Now in August Jeffrey Hall thinks about the wedding season, and the experience of church for those not used to attending. We need to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The appointment of a new priest-in-charge

Fri, 24 Jul 2009

The Rev Peter Greenwood has accepted the position and will be licensed on 27 September - read an introductory message from him here.

Annual meetings

Fri, 27 Mar 2009

Read the outcome of the 2009 Annual Meetings.

Annual Report - 2008

Sat, 25 Apr 2009

The report for 2008, as presented at the 2009 APCM (pdf, 265k).