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Maurice Norman on Remembrance Day 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:06:33 GMT

Maurice recalled how very fortunate he was to survive while friends of his did not

After the licensing service, a light supper was held in the Parish Centre

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:55:33 GMT

St Mary’s Churchwardens, Alyson & Avis, before the festivities began! Alyson baked a celebration cake which looked amazing.

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Revd Andie's Licensing Service & Celebration

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:49:16 GMT

The licensing service was very well attended and was a joyful occasion for everyone. After the licensing service, a light supper was held in the Parish Centre

The licensing service was very well attended and was a joyful occasion for everyone.

Revd Andie's Licensing

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:21:11 GMT

Bishop of Kirkstall and St Mary’s new Rector - Revd Andie Shaw.

Celebrating our childrens faith

Mon, 16 May 2022 12:51:26 GMT

On Sunday 15th May, we had a very special Family Communion service, as welcomed three of our children to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. Imogen, Isabel and Jack had all spent time preparing for this special day and we were delighted to welcome them into this new stage of their life of faith.

Children are invited to participate in our separate FunDay Sunday activities at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and attend our more family-friendly services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month (5th Sundays vary).

Welcome to our new robed Choir

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 12:41:19 GMT

It was such a joy to have the Choir leading our singing again today. We welcomed back many of our former Choir members with the addition of several new members.

The Choir will sing at our more traditional services of Holy Communion at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.

St Mary's supports 'Rise to the moment' Campaign for COP26

Sat, 04 Sep 2021 14:34:02 GMT

Make a prayer boat!

Christian Aid will be making a display of boats at COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Everyone is invited to contribute a boat, with a prayer or message to world leaders.

There will also be a display in Leeds, to which MPs will be invited. Here, at St Mary’s, we have decided to join in with this important installation to demonstrate the depths of people’s concern about the climate change emergency and, as Christians, to stress the responsibilities we share as stewards of God’s creation.

So we will be providing opportunities at Church events to make your boat, but we have also included details below if you would rather make one at home.

You could also sign the Christian Aid climate justice petition here:

www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/climate-justice-2021

Keeping Church Open

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 17:59:25 GMT

You may not have realised it, but a dedicated group of volunteer supervisors have been enabling us to open Church to provide a place for people to come to pray, to weep or to give thanks, for the last year (whenever restrictions have allowed). Apart from a few regulars, we have seen many members of the wider Garforth community come in, often in times of desperate need. It has been such an important service to local people, so thank you to everyone who has been involved.

Tomorrow, 19th July, we will be able to resume our practice of having Church open every day from Monday to Saturday, 9am-3pm.

Please do come into Church at any time during these hours, if you need a space to be quiet, to open your heart to God, to pray or light a candle. All are welcome.

Belated Ordination Gift For Revd Jonathan

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 17:55:44 GMT

In our main service today, we presented Revd Jonathan for the gift from St Mary’s in celebration of his ordination to the priesthood on 26th June. The chalice, paton and candleholder had been specially made for him and inscribed underneath with the words ‘Ordained Priest 26/6/21’.

It may have been 3 weeks late, but we hope it was worth the wait!

Congratulations Jonathan and thank you for your ministry here over the last year.

REVD JANE OFFERS REVIEW OF 2020

Sat, 01 May 2021 13:17:33 GMT

At our Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 25th April, Revd Jane offered a review of 2020 and encouraged us to look forward with hope and confidence.

A copy of the full text may be downloaded HERE .

Peckfield Colliery 125th Anniversary

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 09:16:03 GMT

On Friday April 30th 2021, it is the 125th anniversary of the Peckfield Mine Disaster. The memorial to the 63 men and boys who died in the explosion is in the Churchyard at St Mary’s, Micklefield. As well as the 43 victims who lived in Micklefield there are recorded those who travelled to work at Peckfield Colliery from the surrounding villages, 8 of whom were from Garforth.

Edward Goodall (42)

Joseph Jackson (30)

Walter Jackson (28)

Raynor Scrimshaw (27)

Arthur Simpson (24)

John Simpson (26)

George Simpson (21)

Henry Tallett (30)

Each of the 63 victims has been researched and information about them is now on display in St Mary’s Church, Micklefield (open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm).

The first explosion ripped through the mine at 7am, followed at 7.20am by the second and largest explosion. At 7.20am on Friday 30th April, the church bells at St Mary’s Church, Micklefield and at St Mary’s Church, Garforth, will be tolled 63 times in memory of those who died.

St Mary’s Church, Micklefield are holding three separate services to remember those who died. All are welcome to attend

Friday 30th April

7am Act of Remembrance at the Memorial, St. Mary’s Church, Mickefield.

7:30pm Outdoor* Memorial Service for victims and their families. Wreaths laid and candles placed around the Memorial.

Preacher: Archbishop of York. (*weather permitting)

Sunday 2nd May

9:30am Requiem Eucharist for all who have died in the Mining Industry.

A Season of Remembering in 2020

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 10:06:32 GMT

A Season of Remembering in 2020

November is traditionally a time of remembering, when we would gather in church to think about those we have loved but see no longer and also to honour those who have died or been injured in active service.

But this year, we will be doing things differently, and although it will be different, it does not mean that we will not still be remembering them. We can take time to stop, think, and remember, wherever we are; it need not be in the church building.

St Mary’s Church, Garforth, extends an invitation for you to:

· Join us online for A Time to Remember service - streamed live on Facebook @stmarysgarforth on Sunday 1st November at 4pm . If you have lost someone in the last year and you would like their name to be read out, please get in touch (see below). The service will also be available after 6pm on our website and YouTube channel.

· Join us online for A Community Act of Remembrance - online on Remembrance Sunday 8th November at 10.45am , involving local community representatives. Tune in to watch on FaceBook or YouTube by searching for St Mary’s Church, Garforth, or visit our website: stmarysgarforth.co.uk/service-videos.

· Drop in to our church to find a quiet place to remember, pray and light and candle, between 10am and 12noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (NB we occasionally need to close on Wednesdays for funerals).

· Visit churchofengland.org/prayers-for-the-moment to help you pray and remember those who you knew and loved but have lost, either recently or long ago.

· Visit churchofengland.org/prayers-for-remembrance to help you pray and remember the fallen wherever you may be.

· Light the Spire in memory of a loved one. Requests can be made via our website: stmarysgarforth.co.uk/support-us.

· Request a prayer card for yourself, or someone you know, to use at home.

· Get in touch if we can help at all, even just in providing a listening ear.

To contact us, please email us at admin@stmarysgarforth.co.uk or call Revd Jane Brown on 0113 286 3737.

We hope you can join us, in some way, and experience the love and peace of God at this special, if difficult, time of year.

Gearing up for our AGM 2020

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 14:11:24 GMT

ST MARY'S ANNUAL MEETING

will be held on Saturday 14th November 2020 at 10.30am.

Normally, of course, we would hold our Annual Meeting in person, but this year we are unable to do so. It will be held over Zoom video meeting, with phone-in options. We are investigating ways to make voting as inclusive as possible.

As we begin the preparations for the meeting, we are required to give notice of the revision of our Electoral Roll - that is the list of people who are members of St Mary's and able to vote at our Annual Meeting. Being on the Electoral Roll demonstrates belonging and commitment to St Mary's Church.

You can join St Mary’s electoral roll if you are baptised and aged 16 or over. You also need to be a member of the Church of England (or a Church in communion with it) and resident in the parish or regularly attending St Mary’s (more details of exactly what this means can be found on the form).

Each year we review our electoral roll before our Annual Meeting, usually held in May, but delayed this year for obvious reasons. We now need to give notice that the Church Electoral Roll will be revised, beginning on Saturday the Tenth day of October 2020, and ending on Saturday the Twenty Fourth day of October 2020.

The official notice is available here .

If you would like to request a form to join the Electoral Roll, please email: secretary.stmarysgarforth@gmail.com

More information about the Annual Meeting will follow in due course.

Good News!

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 10:36:56 GMT

WE ARE GRADUALLY RE-OPENING FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP IN OUR CHURCH BUILDING

We will also continue with our services online and over the phone. Please bear with us over the next months or so, as we adapt to the new arrangements. We have set out the service times for the next few weeks below:

SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

8am Holy Communion

9am Phone-in Service

10am Morning Worship, live on Facebook (and uploaded later to the web

and YouTube)

SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

8am Holy Communion, in Church

9am Phone-in Service

10am Morning Worship, live on Facebook etc…

SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER (subject to the arrangements having worked as planned)

8am Holy Communion, in Church

9am Phone-in Service

9.30am Holy Communion, in Church

11.15am Morning Worship, live on Facebook etc.

Once we are happy that the arrangements for the two earlier services are working well, the 8am, 9.30am and 11.15am services will all be open for people to attend in Church.

The phone-in service will continue and we will still live-stream the 11.15am service.

MID WEEK

From 16th September onwards, our midweek services will follow a set format:

WEDNESDAYS

9.30am Holy Communion, in Church

8pm Night Prayer, live on Facebook

THURSDAYS

8pm Phone-in Night Prayer

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND A SERVICE IN CHURCH

As we can only fit a small proportion of those who normally join us on a Sunday, we will need to operate a booking system (for Sunday services only) to ensure that we can manage capacity safely.

We have worked hard to develop a system that allows fair access to all.

To book a place at a service in Church on a Sunday morning, please either :

1. TELEPHONE 0113 287 7553 and leave a message clearly stating:

a. your name,

b. telephone number,

c. which service you wish to attend (you may wish to say you will attend any, but give a clear preference for one)

d. and how many places you wish to book for your household.

2. EMAIL servicebooking@stmarysgarforth.co.uk stating:

a. your name,

b. which service you wish to attend (you may wish to say you will attend any, but give a clear preference for one)

c. and how many places you wish to book for your household.

- You must leave your message by 6pm on the Wednesday before the Sunday in which you wish to attend.

- You may only book for one week at a time and only for one household.

- Please assume you have a place, for your preferred service, unless someone calls/emails to let you know we have no space.

Worship @ St Mary's - Your views

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 10:17:16 GMT

RESULTS OF SURVEYS: WORSHIP AT ST MARY’S – SUMMER 2020

We were really pleased how many of you took the time to respond to our surveys – thank you!

We had 56 response forms from people who were already ‘regulars’ at St Mary’s before lockdown. As one form may be from a couple or family, we estimate the number of people covered by responses to be 80+ in total. That is a good response rate.

We had 3 response forms from people who had only joined us online since lockdown.

Many comments were received, with a wide cross-section of views. This summary seeks to express a range of those views and to help us all understand each other and how we might go forward as a Church.

Direct quotations are indicated in italics and are not attributed, however should any individuals be identifiable, please be sensitive when discussing with others.

EXISTING MEMBERS

Profile of respondents:

Most respondents (31) were over 70 years of age. 11 were between 45 and 69 years. Another 11 were between 17 and 44 years. One was 16 years or under and 2 preferred not to say.

Of those responding, 30 forms came from people who attended Church as an individual; 16 from those who came as a couple and 8 from those who came to Church as a household or bubble of more than two.

Families with children:

Of the respondents 7 told us they brought children to Church with them; 6 of those brought children of primary school age and 3 brought children of secondary school age.

Attendance at services if we were to open for worship in September:

Around two thirds of respondents were ready to return to services. More people than usual were considering attending the Wednesday Communion service.

Those saying that they would not attend public worship yet, the following reasons were given:

- ‘still be happy to use ‘Phone-in’ services’

- ‘we are still unsure of September being too early’

- ‘I would like to enjoy the organ and the choir and hymns’

- ‘we prefer formal service of communion and to keep to on line worship for other services’

- ‘I am concerned that if we move too quickly to get back together for any events we are putting everyone at risk. I am quite happy to worship via zoom and Facebook. I do not feel I need to take communion at this time’.

- ‘unsure how much we'll be able to participate in services with no children's activities, so we might come some weeks but probably not as regularly as before lockdown.’

- ‘don’t want to take up places if space is limited and someone else can’t go’

The activities you would like to see continue longer-term:

21 forms asked for phone-in services to continue; 21 for online Sunday services to continue; and 25 for online night prayer to continue.

What you hope might change in our services, after the experience of lockdown:

We had a wide range of differing (and sometimes competing) views.

Some (7) hoped for no change, just a return to things as they were.

Other comments included:

- ‘More parishioners would be drawn to the Church and God’

- ‘I like having readings in advance to read and think about’

- ‘As social distancing will be in place ….I think the services will be more devout and prayerful’

- ‘A critical review of how we worship on a monthly cycle ranging from very formal to very informal.’

- ‘Get those screens in! Hymns and songs could be on this media.’

- ‘A bigger variety of services to appeal to wider audience. We need to encourage more young families into the church.’

- ‘No robes for clergy, don't mind robes for choir, more from Music Group, less formality.’

- ‘Go back to formal attire e.g. cassock worn for services’

- ‘Services need to be a little shorter.’

- ‘More informality and more variety in the music……….. without Communion, on more than one Sunday a month. Our "traditions" can and do create barriers.’

- ‘Mix of old and new approaches’

- ‘It would be great to continue streaming/recording services, even when we can meet in person’.

- ‘We need a variety of styles of worship to suit all.’

- ‘More creativity and flexibility in the service structure’.

- ‘More participation in the services by the lay congregation such as music, prayers, and reflections.’

What you have really been missing that you hope we will return to:

Here there was much more unity in the responses with three areas coming up consistently: Holy Communion; fellowship (in worship and in conversation); music/singing. In addition several people specifically mentioned Sunday Club.

Your ideas about what more we could be doing to keep our community together online or in other ways:

Several people said they could not think of anything, and many people were full of praise for what had been done during lockdown (thank you!).

Areas we might be able to work on included:

- Exploring ways in which we could help the congregation connect with each other (“pairing and sharing?) so as not to lose the benefits gained during lockdown – ‘ if we are a "church family" then we need to look after each other’.

- ‘Continue with online coffee mornings. Something similar in the evenings for people who are working. More encouragement for people to contribute on the Facebook group’.

- ‘review and extend our pastoral work’ and ‘include families, not just the older and housebound’

- ‘offer more for children and younger families online’

- ‘reducing cliques over coffee’ (when we are allowed to return to it)

- whether we can hold outside socially distanced events (within legal limits)

A small number of people offered to help in some way.

NEWER PEOPLE

All 3 of the respondents were individuals and were in the 45-69 years age bracket. They had all had pastoral contact with St Mary’s in the past and had found that online services enabled them to participate in worship. All 3 indicated a desire to try out services in the Church building, but also wanted online services to continue. One had tried the 10am service in the past but found it overwhelming. One expressed a desire to know more about the Christian faith.

Help us plan for worship @ St Mary's

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 12:29:45 GMT

We are busy planning for our return to holding worship in our Church building. There are a lot of things to consider, and we would love to know what you think about it. We cannot just 'go back to normal' - 'normal' is not normal anymore! Many aspects of Church life have changed over the last few months. Some aspects of our previous life we need to restore and some we need to set aside. There are aspects of our approach since lockdown that we will want to sustain and others we will want to leave behind. Help us to find God's way through all the dilemmas of this time.

We would like to invite you to complete a survey to help us as we plan our way forward as a Church, particularly around public worship. There are two short surveys, taking only 5-10 minutes to complete – one for those who were members of St Mary’s before lockdown and another for those who have only joined our services online since then.

We would be really very grateful if you could spare the time to respond, using the links below. If you would prefer a paper copy to complete, just let Jonathan Brennan know either by tel 07480 065354 or email jonathan.brennan@leeds.anglican.org .

FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN ST MARY’S BEFORE LOCKDOWN

LINK TO SURVEY

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ONLY JOINED US ONLINE SINCE

LINK TO SURVEY

Phone In Night Prayer

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 13:34:05 GMT

Welcome to our new Curate

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 13:24:43 GMT

We are so pleased to welcome our new Curate, Jonathan, and his wife Diane. Jonathan will be with us here at St Mary's for the next 3 or 4 years, completing his training for ministry. It is a very strange time for him to start but we hope he, and Diane, will quickly feel at home with us.

Moving ahead with our plans

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:24:26 GMT

MOVING AHEAD WITH OUR PLANS… Even though our Church building is closed we are still looking ahead to developments that had been in progress before the lockdown, as follows:

INSTALLATION OF AUDIO-VISUAL SCREENS IN CHURCH - we undertook consultation about this with our congregation in January and obtained general support for the installation of screens. A copy of the consultation leaflet circulated then is attached. Since then, of course, we have experienced the Coronavirus pandemic and the need for ‘touch-free’ facilities has become evident. Once back in church, it is likely that we will not be able to share service books, hymn books etc for some time. It is for this reason that we wish to proceed with the installation, as soon as we are able.
INSTALLATION OF A LOCKABLE GATE TO THE GAP IN THE CHURCH BOUNDARY WALL FROM THE CHURCHYARD TO CROFT FOULDS COURT – this is proposed for security reasons because of repeated thefts from that area of the churchyard.

Attached to this news item is a copy of the Public Notice, which we are required to make available for a period of 28 days. Copies have been posted around the churchyard, but in the spirit of fair consultation in this strange time, we are making it available here as well. The Public Notice advises you of how to comment should you wish to do so.

To view documents CLICK HERE

Anyone requiring further details of the plans should contact Revd Jane on 0113 286 3737.

Computer Cafe @ St Mary's

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:43:51 GMT

Hygiene Reminder

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:28:30 GMT

HOLY COMMUNION HYGIENE REMINDER

The CofE has issued guidance in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. Our local practice already adheres to the measures advised. A reminder then that anyone with coughs and sneezes should receive Communion by taking the bread only. Please be sensible too in The Peace.

Also a reminder that we do not intinct ‘dip’ the bread in the wine.Servers will follow good hand hygiene and use alcohol-based hand-sanitiser before Communion

Further information from:

Church of England

NHS

Spring Harvest Harrogate 2020

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:14:11 GMT

A national event run within easy travel distance. A chance to hear excellent Bible teaching and seek God’s presence through modern, lively worship. Great for families and people of all ages. Flyers available from back of church.

If you are interested let Revd Jane know as we may get group discount.

Options to attend all week or for just for a day.

St Mary's Toilets Twinned

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 14:43:06 GMT

2.3 billion people don’t have somewhere safe and hygienic to go to the toilet. What a shocking statistic! Imagine the hygiene risks and the safety issues, particularly for women alone, plus the indignity.

So we’ve twinned all 4 toilets at St Mary’s Church to help fund toilets in areas without them – in 4 different countries: Côte d’Ivoire; Uganda; Zambia; and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Find out how you can twin your home or work toilets at: www.toilettwinning.org

Each toilet now has a framed certificate giving details of the toilet it is twinned with. Next time you visit one of our loos, take a look!

St Mary's WiFi Extended

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:32:19 GMT

We have increased the footprint of our Wireless connectivity to include the Parish Centre and the Church.

Do give it a go....

Confirming Faith

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Angela, one of our Church family, who chose to publicly affirm her faith by being Confirmed on Sunday 19th January.

Like many, Angela, had been baptized at a christening as a baby. Her parents and godparents made promises on her behalf. After coming to faith as an adult, Angela chose to ‘confirm’ these promises for herself at a special church service. In that service, our local bishop, The Rt Revd Paul Slater, Bishop of Kirkstall, laid his hands on her head and asked God’s Holy Spirit to give her the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of her life.

We continue to pray for Angela and her family, that they may all grow in faith together.

Garforth Angels

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 13:50:56 GMT

800 members of the angelic host descended on Garforth in the early hours of Saturday 14th December. They came proclaiming good news.
These angels had been knitted by people from Churches Together and were left in public places to pick up and take home.
If you see one, take it home and send us a picture...

Carols @ Cielo

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 13:36:57 GMT

It was great to be part of the first Churches Together carols at Cielo. Lots of old favorite plus a few unusual versions and some new ones too.

O Little Town of Bethlehem to the tune of House of the Rising Sun was a particular favorite... Link to video

Walking in their shoes

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 19:03:28 GMT

Walking in their shoes….

On Sunday 24th November, we showed our support for all those who are affected by violence, because of their gender, and our desire to see this abuse come to an end. Both our regular services were themed around the issues covered by the global ’16 Days of Activism against gender based violence’ campaign - issues of domestic abuse and modern slavery particularly. We committed to take these issues seriously, rather than to hide from them.

Powerful messages were offered around church, in 16 pairs of shoes. Each contain messages or stories about the path some people have been forced to lead due to gender based violence. Some of the shoes were easy to see and some were hidden; just like the violence.

Samaritans Purse 2019

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:47:57 GMT

Samaritans Purse 2019

A total of 228 shoe-boxes have been collected. They will be going to either Albania or Liberia.

A huge thank you to all those who gave of their time in making this possible.

Further details on their website

https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/

Remembrance

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 16:41:30 GMT

On Sunday 10th November, hundreds of local people gathered at the War Memorial to honour the fallen of Garforth and to commit themselves to work together for peace. Amongst them were young and old, people of faith and no faith, people who have served in our armed forces and those who never will. Our uniformed youth organisations - Scouts and Guides - turned out, as did members of many other community organisations and local services. Our thanks to all who helped on the day.

Newsletter Editorial Change

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:32:38 GMT

Anne Payne is taking a break from editing and printing our weekly newsletter, after years of service.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to her for her dedication and commitment to this weekly task.

She will be replaced by Paul Brown, for the time being, who also edits our website and weekly ‘Stay Connected’ email

Curate to join St Mary's team

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 11:09:15 GMT

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW CURATE WILL BE JOINING US IN JULY 2020.

Jonathan Brennan will be ordained Deacon on Saturday 4th July 2020 and will start his post as Assistant Curate here at St Mary’s on Sunday 5th July. His time here will be the final stages of his training (his curacy) in readiness for him taking on a post of responsibility elsewhere, three to four years later.

He will work alongside our Rector, Revd Jane Brown, who is looking forward to his appointment:

“I am very excited that Jonathan will be joining us. Garforth is such a great place to minister and we have a lot to offer him, as a place of learning and exploration. I am sure he will also make a great contribution to our work as we seek to grow our church in numbers, faith and service to our local community. He brings wide-ranging skills and experience, plus a passion for sharing the love of Christ.”

Jonathan writes:

“It is a pleasure to introduce myself as your new Curate. My name is Jonathan, and I have been married to Diane for 32 years and we have two grown-up children and a Collie-Labrador cross called Ben. I have spent nearly all of my working career in the legal profession, whilst remaining an active member of All Saints Parish Church in Normanton. At Normanton, I was Church Warden on three separate occasions and for a total of sixteen years, and also actively involved in the Music Group. With Diane, I led a Pathfinder Venture for ten years, which was an amazing opportunity to share my faith with young people and my passion for rock climbing and kayaking. I believe that I recognised a calling to the ministry some time ago but felt this was for ‘later in life’. When I eventually did reach that later life, I explored the calling a little deeper and was subsequently accepted for Ordination training. I am very excited to be coming to serve you at St Mary’s. I have a real passion to share the Gospel and to come alongside people to see their lives transformed through the love of Jesus, so that we can make a difference in our community.”

It's a long way ahead but keep the 4th July 2020 free. It would be good for some of us to celebrate Jonathan’s ordination with him!

Churches Together - One World Service

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 14:30:38 GMT

Churches Together in Garforth held a One World service this week to thank God for the wonder of his creation and to ask his forgiveness for our failings in caring for it. We were challenged to consider how we might better look after our environment, care for our global family and for future generations. Over lunch, we reflected on how even small lifestyle changes can, when taken by many of us, have a significant impact. We encouraged each other to do whatever we could.

Books for St Benedict's

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 14:21:32 GMT

Revd Jane and Margaret Bentley, Mothers' Union Branch Leader, visited St Benedict's Roman Catholic Primary School on Tuesday to present them with a selection of books. These books are aimed to help children who are experiencing difficult life events, such as the death or serious illness of a family member, parental separation or divorce, or the loss of a beloved pet.

Pet Service @ St Mary's

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 14:41:59 GMT

It was wonderful to welcome some more of God's creatures (other than just humans) into Church for our first pet service. Every animal that attended received God's personal blessing from Revd Jane.

Of course, The Rectory Cat (aka Stowaway Squish) was the guest of honour, and we heard the story of God's provision during her unexpected trip to France. It may have been an amusing story, but it was really quite a worrying time, with temperatures inside the caravan (in which Squish had to be confined) reaching 51 degrees! It was touch and go, but along the way there were so many times when God seems to intervene.

The service ended with a specially adapted version of "he's got the whole world in his hands". God has the dogs and cats, hamsters and gerbils, fish and reptiles, rabbits and parrots, and all creatures.... in his hands. He's got his eyes on Squish the stowaway cat and he had his eyes on Squish in the van!

Going For Growth

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 14:10:50 GMT

Revd Jane, one of our licensed Readers, Hazel and our Churchwarden Alyson, spent this week at the national Leading your Church into Growth conference.

They have come back bubbling with enthusiasm, full of ideas and raring to go...

St Mary’s is Going For Growth!!

Growth in numbers

Growth in spiritual commitment

Growth in service to our local community

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:40:56 GMT

A big thanks to everyone who supplied, supported and helped out this morning. The note below is a thank you from Macmillan Coffee Morning team.

St Mary`s Church Garforth Leeds, the World's Biggest Coffee Morning is nothing without you. Thank you so much for donating a gift of £200.

We hope you felt proud as everyone came together to tuck into all those delicious treats. Whether it was with cake, a cuppa or clinking glasses, you did something extraordinary.

Every penny raised will help Macmillan be right there for people living with cancer, as we continue to offer physical, financial and emotional support to those who need us.

Look out for a special thank you in the post, which should arrive within 15 working days. Your donation reference is 36124040.

Thank you once again. Your Coffee Morning means so much,

The Coffee Morning Team

Operation Christmas Child

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 09:25:32 GMT

St Mary's Church Mothers Union is again supporting this fantastic work from Samaritan's Purse. The covering of shoe boxes starts on Tuesday 24th September 7pm followed by packing on 22nd October.

If you would like to be involved, just come along on either date or contact Margaret Bentley on margaret.bentley.1947@gmail.com

Further information on https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/

Renewal of Wedding Vows 25years on...

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 13:30:59 GMT

We had the pleasure of welcoming Lynn and Chris Dobson at our 10am service today. They joined us to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary and to renew their marriage vows. They were married at St Mary's, by one of our previous Rectors, Revd Nick Plant, and wanted to hold this special celebration because the vows they had taken all those years ago had meant so much to them.

The Church of England marriage vows can only be taken in church, and they hold such powerful commitments to each other - to 'have and to hold from this day forward; for better for worse......'. Lynn and Chris have recommitted themselves to those vows today and we extend our prayers for them and all their family and friends. May God continue to bless their life together.

Its been a year...

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 10:26:15 GMT

A year in, our Rector, Revd Jane Brown has celebrated her first anniversary in an unusual way. Last week she, along with her husband and another couple, completed 170 miles cycling across England along the Way of the Roses (from Morecambe to Bridlington). She's sporting the T-shirt with pride!

Revd Jane was licensed as Rector of Garforth on the 20th September 2018. She and her husband, Paul, have loved their first year here in Garforth, and extend their thanks to all both within and beyond the church community who have made them so welcome.

St Mary's is on a journey seeking to continue to minister to our existing church members, but also to develop our role serving the wider community of Garforth. Since Revd Jane's arrival, we have seen some exciting new developments reaching people beyond our regulars - such as our monthly Morning Praise services, our interactive telling of the Easter and Christmas stories for schools, and of course our increased use of social media and our new website.

Revd Jane has also developed her coffee shop ministry - do say hello if you see her!

St Mary's @ St Crux...

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 12:38:03 GMT

Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising day at St Crux in York on Tuesday 10th September. We had a fantastic day, raising £1,100, through sales of books, CDs, and bric-a-brac and through our catering offer.

It was hard work, but fun too! A great chance to meet people and chat, as well as to raise funds for the work of St Mary’s.

Celebrating 62 years of marriage

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 17:39:43 GMT

Two of St Mary's stalwarts - Pat and Arthur Nicholls - celebrate their 62nd Wedding Anniversary today. What a joy to see a couple so devoted to each other, after so many years. They are a great example to us all! And, as a church community, we have a great deal for which to be thankful to them. As well as bringing up their own family, they have, over the years, taken on many different roles at church and still contribute greatly to church life.

We pray that they will continue to know God's blessing in and through their marriage and to bring his love to others around them.

Prize Giving @ Garforth Show 2019

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 16:58:16 GMT

Revd Jane was delighted to present the prizes at the Garforth Show. Such talent and creativity on display! And it was pleasing to hear that the number of entrants was up this year.

No doubt some have already started planning for next year.....

Confirmation @ St Mary's

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 16:34:30 GMT

Four members of our Church family are confirmed by Bishop Paul

Today we welcomed The Rt Revd Paul Slater, Bishop of Kirkstall, to St Mary's to lead our service, during which four of our church members were confirmed and received Holy Communion for the first time. It was a real celebration of their faith, and of that of all our church family. Confirmation is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a public commitment to walk in the way of Christ (with the help of God, of course!).

Our four candidates - Ruth, Charlotte, Abbie and Rosalin - demonstrated that our faith can blossom at any age, and confirmation is open to anyone who believes from their teens upwards.

Our usual congregation was swelled by family and friends of the candidates (one of whom was a dog!). In true church style, we celebrated with beautiful music, flowers, plus wine/juice and cake afterwards. It was a very special morning, all round.

St Mary's Web Portal

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 12:05:34 GMT

Would you like updates and news items direct to your inbox from St Mary's Church? A new service has been introduced to do just that.

Sign up securely and receive weekly 'E' news including the newsletter, your data is protected by strong encryption. If you would further information, use the contact us page on our web page.

Please visit the Stay Connected webpage

Parent Talk - The Primary Years

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 12:52:17 GMT

ALL PARENTS WELCOME

A great course that covers essential topics for parents of children in the primary years.

Six Wednesday sessions starting 18th September 7.30 - 9pm drinks from 7.20pm ending 23rd October.

To book contact Becki on 0113 287 2412 or Claire 07540 773620

Run by Churches Together in Garforth

Treasure Hunting @ Morning Praise

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 13:27:39 GMT

Treasure Hunting at Morning Praise (11th August 2019)

Today we braved the Land of Dragons, the Waterfall, the Singing Stones, the Serpent’s Mouth and more…. on our hunt for treasure. But did we find any? And, if we did, what kind of treasure was it? Was it gold and jewels or something even more precious?

We discovered different types of treasure! We were very pleased to find our treasure chest full of pearls and sweets, but we knew there was something more. (Of course, we did share the sweets with everyone!)

Now most of us will not be travelling across oceans and through treacherous lands to seek gold, silver and jewels, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t seeking treasure.

We heard from Jesus himself, through the Gospel of Luke, as he told us of the promise of ‘unfailing treasure in heaven’ and we puzzled over his words that ‘where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’. What could that mean?

Jesus knew that the real treasure is a treasure that is much more precious than money and possessions; a treasure that can never be taken away from us, a treasure that will last not only while we live on this earth but will last for all eternity.

This treasure is the treasure of knowing Jesus and living life with him and sharing his love with others.

But, just like treasure hunters that go after gold, we need to set our hearts on finding Jesus, and once we have found him, we need to set our hearts on keeping him as our greatest treasure.

One of the ways that we can do this is by regularly letting go of some of our lesser treasures; giving some of our money to those in need and to support good works, so that money is no longer the greatest treasure in our hearts.

‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’

The more we live generous lives, the more we recognise God at work in us and in those around us. We were left pondering a couple of questions:

· What is your greatest treasure?

· What do you put most of your energy into looking for – is it Jesus or is it something else?

Travels with the Rectory Cat

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 09:14:46 GMT

#stowawaysquish - What a CATastrophic story!

TRY PRAYING – We believe in the power of prayer!

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 17:18:38 GMT

At our Morning Praise service on 30th June, we had great fun exploring why we pray, how we pray and the difference it makes.

One of our children summed it up beautifully – ‘It’s what it’s all about’ . Indeed, so it is. Prayer is central to our faith in Jesus Christ and our lives as his followers. But we also know that many people turn to prayer at times of particular need, and we believe that prayer is open to everyone. So, we committed ourselves to encouraging others in Garforth to give prayer a go. Members of our congregation have taken booklets to give out to people they know who may like to try prayer with a little help. The booklet is great – very easy to understand, practical and inspiring. Copies are available to anyone in Garforth. Just get in touch and we will drop a copy off to you.

Picnic in the Park

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 14:50:17 GMT

During the summer holidays, on 30 July and 22 August, we would like to invite church members and their friends to meet for picnics in Temple Newsham Park.

Save the dates for now; more details to follow.

Upcoming Family Services

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 10:46:10 GMT

Please note that the 10am services on 30th June and 11th August will be non-Eucharistic, that is they will not include Holy Communion.

Communion will be available at 8am on those days, as usual, and also at the Wednesday 9.30am mid-week service.

Newsletter Format

Sun, 09 Jun 2019 13:45:17 GMT

We are planning to change the format of the newsletter and would like to find out which elements of the current format are useful.

We would be grateful if you could fill in a questionnaire available from the Churchwardens and return it at the back of church.

Thanks You

Have you got skills?

Sun, 09 Jun 2019 13:41:43 GMT

We're looking for people with the following skills:
Coffee Helpers - We need some strong, tall people to help set up the coffee (lifts flasks etc) before the 10am service. Others will serve later

Fundraising – we need people who have a passion or flair for fundraising, including grant applications etc.

Graphic Design – we would love someone who has the artistic ability to help us, perhaps with a logo or communications style.

First Aid – we need people who have a current First Aid certificate for 16 hours or over and would be willing to be a named First Aider in church.

If you, or someone you know, may be interested in helping in any of these areas, please speak to Revd Jane, Avis or Alyson.

Welcoming the Risen Lord

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 07:13:13 GMT

Sunrise Service of Light and First Holy Communion of Easter

The early hour did not put off those who joined us to welcome in the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
We embraced the symbolism of the service, lighting the Easter Candle from the new fire and spreading the light through the congregation, as we processed into church. We renewed our baptismal vows and re-committed ourselves to the service of the Lord. We welcomed the Risen Lord, with shouts of Alleluia, a trumpet fanfare and a cacophony of bells and tambourines! Then we came to the Lord's Table to be nourished through receiving the bread of life and the cup of salvation.

And God blessed us with a beautiful morning and a chorus of birds....

...followed by bacon butties and hot cross buns!

St Mary's Annual Meeting - 28th April

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 10:01:24 GMT

The Church annual meeting will be held on Sunday 28th April at 11.30am. Please join us if you are able.

Helping Children understand loss

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 12:52:36 GMT

Our grateful thanks to the Mothers’ Union who bought several copies of the book ‘Waterbugs and Dragonflies’ to be given to children who have lost a loved one.

Confirmation

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:26:59 GMT

Bishop Paul Slater will be taking a Confirmation Service here at St Mary's on Sunday 8th September.
Anyone who may be interested in being confirmed please contact Revd Jane as soon as possible.

Cielo Coffee now @ St Mary's

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:17:25 GMT

We are now offering coffee from Cielo, which is ethically sourced and roasted locally, and it tastes good! We're still choosing which roast we prefer, Brazilian or Ugandan. Let us know what you think.
It costs a little, but we think its worth it.... donations gratefully received.

Important Notice RE Holy Communion

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 10:20:56 GMT

Current guidance across the Church of England is that INTINCTION (the dipping of consecrated bread in the wine) is not allowed, as it risks contamination (either with germs or allergens). Alongside wider teaching on Holy Communion, Revd Jane asked us last week to cease this practice. If for some reason you cannot or do not wish to share the common cup or take alcoholic wine, you should not receive the wine at all. Receipt of the bread only is still full receipt of Holy Communion.

Lent Book

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 13:09:58 GMT

Copies of our recommended Lent Book '40 days of reflections on The Beatitudes@ are available in church.

We are inviting a donation of £2 per copy.

Thanks..

PH825839 — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 13:05:04 GMT

The family of Joan Stocks would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of comfort and support following Joan's death.

They also wish to express most grateful thanks for all the generous donations received, which will be shared between Cancer Research and St Mary's Church, both of which were dear to Joan's heart.

Electoral Role

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 12:52:13 GMT

St Mary's Church electoral role needs to be renewed this year.

Please see the Alyson or Avis, Churchwardens for a form.

Thanks :-)

New Website 2019

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 13:12:42 GMT

After weeks of planning, writing code, adding pictures etc the updated website for St Mary's Church is ready for the World to view...