Help us plan for worship @ St Mary's

St Mary's Web Portal • 25 July 2020

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

Maurice Norman on Remembrance Day 2025

by Witsend3 • 10 November 2025
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

by Witsend3 • 8 November 2025
St Mary’s Churchwardens, Alyson & Avis, before the festivities began! Alyson baked a celebration cake which looked amazing.

Revd Andie's Licensing Service & Celebration

by PH825839 • 8 November 2025
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

Revd Andie's Licensing

by PH825839 • 8 November 2025
Bishop of Kirkstall and St Mary’s new Rector - Revd Andie Shaw.

Celebrating our childrens faith

by St Mary's Web Portal • 16 May 2022
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

by St Mary's Web • 13 February 2022
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

by St Mary's Online Network • 4 September 2021
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

by St Mary's Web Portal • 18 July 2021
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

by St Mary's Web Portal • 18 July 2021
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

by St Mary's Web Portal • 1 May 2021
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 .