Annual Shoebox Appeal
The last drop off day for Shoeboxes at church is this Sunday 17 November.
Thanks for all the boxes given so far, physical and online, if you took a box from church please return it, preferably filled, but empty if you’re not going to use it.
It’s not too late to donate a Shoebox online please go to teams4u.com – please let us know if you do it this way otherwise we don’t hear about it.
For more info please go to the Teams4U website: teams4u.com
Annual Toy Service
Our annual Toy Service, in aid of the Salvation Army Toy Appeal, is Sunday 1 December at 10:40am 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.
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.
The Posada this Advent
You are invited to join in the Posada this Advent by having ‘knitted’ Mary & Joseph to stay in your home overnight and then take them to the next person on the list. You can be a part of it by signing up on the Posada Sheet in the Rota file in the porch.
Christmas Services at St Mary’s & St Luke’s
Our Christmas Services are available on our website and in our church porches, leaflets will be available in church soon.
Please put the dates on your calendars and think about who you might invite to Follow the Star this year.
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 Christingle Orange with you, see how to make one here: bit.ly/makeachristingle, we’ll give you a candle on the night.
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.
Ladies Afternoon Group News
Looking forward to seeing you on 28th November when Chance Changing Lives will be speaking about the work that they do.
If anyone still wants to join us for the LAG Christmas Lunch on 6th December at the College please see Frances or Pam asap.
Just a heads up for the LAG Summer trip on 4th July 2025. We are going to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and boat trip with afternoon tea. Please express interest as places will be booked up. Thank you, Frances.
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.
