St Mary's Church
Fairford

Changes in the South Cotswolds Team

The Rev Helen is completing her curacy with us. It’s been wonderful to have her with us for the last three years, and we’re glad to say that we’ll have her for a few months yet as she enters a period of discernment for where God might be leading her next. Over the summer she’ll remain with the team, licensed as an Associate Priest to the South Cotswolds, before seeing what might come next.

In anticipation of Rev John Partington’s departure from CHQ, Kempsford, Whelford and Castle Eaton later in the autumn, we’ve also begun preparing materials to advertise for a new priest to join the team. Please do join our prayers as we seek the right person to take their place with us in the South Cotswolds.

Church Visitors

Where do our visitors come from?

The only ones we have records of are those who have signed the Visitors’ Book. From that we do know for sure that, in just under a year, visitors from the following 42 countries have definitely visited our church: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China [plus Macau], Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Ukraine, Zambia.

We have also welcomed visitors from 34 of the states of the USA.

It is not always easy to decipher the handwriting. I puzzled over the handwriting of one entry : perhaps it was from some exotic third-world country? I eventually decided that it said “Betterton’s Close”
David Lawrence

Charity of the Month:
The Mission to Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers is there to support seafarers when they need us most. Men and women who work at sea can be affected by any number of problems: money worries, mental health issues and loneliness, as well as piracy, shipwreck and abandonment. These issues can be made worse by a lack of facilities, with email only available to less than 25% of seafarers on board ships.

Many ports have inadequate facilities, and our Seafarers Centres give those at sea:

• a chance to access wifi and SIM cards
• a comfortable place to rest and relax
• the chance to get food and toiletries, and transport to shops and local amenities

And it’s not just practical support the Mission offers. We know that seafarers need emotional and sometimes spiritual support too. That’s why we have a large network of chaplains who come on board ships, giving seafarers a listening ear and prayer, if needed. They can also connect seafarers to other organisations, or speak to them on their behalf.

Our mission is to care for the shipping industry’s most important asset: its people. We are here for seafarers. .
Website.

Messy Fridays

Stories about Jesus
For children and carers (Primary and Pre-school age).

Stories, crafts, games, jigsaws and toys. Includes lunchtime meal for everyone. Free.

Bookings preferred.
Please Contact: Joanne Holden 01285 659515 or e-mail joanneesw@hotmail.co.uk or drop in on the day.

Messy Church

We meet on the second Sunday
of every month EXCEPT AUGUST.

Sunday 14th July
In St Mary's Church. 4pm-6pm
Crafts, Games, Celebration, Cooked Meal
FOR FAMILIES.

The theme this month is 'Dazzling Disciples' and we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple. Can we dazzle? We will start with activities and games on this theme and there will be lots of stars, rockets and possibly flying saucers!  There will also be a Celebration followed by a picnic as its our last Messy Church before the Summer holidays. This will be held outside if dry or in the Community Centre or the church if wet, finishing about 6pm as usual.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements for the meal, otherwise just turn up on the day.

For further details contact:
Sarah 01285 712074
or Email stmaryslmt@gmail.com.

Romania

A massive £300 was raised on June 2nd to cover the travel and accommodation for Charlie, for her trip to Romania.

As last year, a group of local people, headed by Chris Saunders will be going to Romania to help the Scripture Union for a week.

News June 2019
News May 2019
News April 2019
News March 2019
News February 2019
News January 2019
St Mary's News Round-Up 2018
St Mary's News Round-Up 2017
St Mary's News Round-Up 2016
St Mary's News Round-Up 2015
St Mary's News Round-Up 2014
St Mary's News Round-Up 2013
St Mary's News Round-Up 2012
St Mary's News Round-Up 2011