Annual Toy Service
This Sunday (1 December) is our annual Toy Service, in aid of the Salvation Army Toy Appeal at St Mary’s. The SA are asking for new toys, art items, children’s books, games etc. They always struggle for teenage stocking fillers so any toiletry sets, make up, adult colouring books would be gratefully received. Last year they supported over 2705 vulnerable children & adults living in our community. Financial donations can be made here: bit.ly/satoyservice.
Join in the Posada this Advent!
You are invited to host our ‘knitted’ Mary & Joseph in your home overnight and then take them to the next person on the list. The sign-up sheet is in the Rota file in the porch.
Rachel Davies is coordinating the Posada this year and if needed she can be contacted on rachel.hands29@gmail.com or 07947 280551.
We encourage you to make contact with who you’re collecting/dropping from/to on the Sunday beforehand.
We would love to see and share your Posada photos, please share on Socials using #stmarysposada and/or email to revd.mike@stmaryswistaston.org.uk
Advent Bible Study
We are running a 3 week Advent Bible Study on Tuesday 3, 10 & 17 December, 7:30pm-9pm, at the Rectory. The study is called ‘Because of Bethlehem’ and will be led by Rachael Rivers. All materials will be provided, please bring a Bible with you.
Advent Resources from the Church of England
Daily Reflections via email
Sign up for Christmas reflection emails and receive daily messages straight to your inbox. Our daily emails will offer Bible readings, short reflections and a practical challenge, as well as prayers linked to weekly themes.
You can sign up for the reflections here.
Daily reflections via Everyday Faith app
You can read and listen to daily Advent and Christmas reflections from 1 December through the Everyday Faith app. You can download the everyday Faith App from here.
Other resources to order and download can be found here – scroll down the page to ‘Resources for individuals‘.
Christingle Service in aid of the Children’s Society
Our Uniformed Organisations Christingle Service on 8 December at 6pm is open to all church families. Bring a ready made Christingle Orange with you, see how to make one here: bit.ly/makeachristingle, and we’ll give you a candle on the night if you need one.
Christmas Services at St Mary’s & St Luke’s
Our Christmas Services are available on our website and in our church porches, leaflets are available at both churches for you to use to invite family, friends and neighbours to our services this year.
Please put the dates on your calendars and think about who you might invite to Follow the Star this year.
Christmas Concert in the Church Hall
Wistaston Community Council are holding their annual Christmas Concert in the Church Hall on Friday 6 December at 6pm. Entry is by cash donation on the door.
This year there will music from Wells Green Church Choir and Crewe Brass Band and a special visit from Father Christmas! Should be a good night.
Ladies Afternoon Group News
LAG Christmas Meal 6th December at Cheshire College, Danebank Ave, Crewe CW2 8AB – Meet at College Reception at 12 noon.
Carol Service at St Mary’s on Wednesday 11 December at 2pm.
The LAG Summer trip on 4th July 2025 to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and boat trip with afternoon tea. Please express interest as places will be booked up. Frances.
Shoebox Appeal – thank you!
Thanks to all who donated a physical box, an online box or who gave a donation! We had 31 boxes, plus another 10 (that we know of) that were donated online.
It’s not too late to donate a Shoebox online please go to teams4u.com
Christmas Lunch at Richmond Village Nantwich
If you’re on your own and are looking for some companionship this Christmas, we’ve saved you a seat at our table.
Enjoy a FREE festive meal on
Friday 13th December, at 12.30pm, in the company of our staff and residents!
To book or for more information call us on
01270 629 080 or visit richmond-villages.com
Christmas Produce
Mike and Chris Horne are holding their produce sale on Sunday 15 December in the Church Hall following the morning service. Order forms available now at St Mary’s
Join Sarah & Mike at the Rectory
Sarah & Mike invite you to join them at the Rectory on Friday 20 December. Please feel free to drop in between
2pm-3:30pm for Mince Pies & a Cuppa,
or between
7pm-9pm for Mince Pies & Mulled Wine, soft drinks will be available too.
Parish Prayer Calendar
Our Parish Prayer Calendar has been updated and is available in our churches and online to view/download here: stmaryswistaston.org.uk/prayerresources.html
Please use it in your daily prayers to pray for the Parish.
Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer this week is on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30am on Zoom: bit.ly/930mp
There is also the Church of England Daily Prayer at bit.ly/cofeprayer and Daily Prayer app – search your device’s App Store to find it and Daily Hope: a free phone line of hymns, reflections and prayers you can call at any time on 0800 804 8044.
Online Service Resources
Service Orders at St Mary’s can be viewed/downloaded at bit.ly/serviceorders.
The Weekly Sheet is available at the top of this Blog page. We will continue have printed Weekly Sheets available, but if you can do it electronically, it means we can print less and not throw as much away.
Easyfundraising
Thanks to all who support us this way, it costs you nothing, please consider using it for online and click and collect, visit here for more info: bit.ly/stmaryseasyfundraising
Giving
Our church relies upon personal giving to keep going. To give quickly & securely online click here or scan the QR Code below or Click Here to see all the ways you can support the church financially.
