Regular Activities

Here at St Mary’s we are always doing something either in the church building, at member’s homes or out and about. Our worship life feeds our daily activities and we are pleased to invite you to attend any or all of the following:

Fellowship tours

Most months a small group of mostly older people get together for a ‘fellowship tour’. Using a minibus and driver from the Retired Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) based in Shanklin we set out for the day to visit one of the many attractions on the Island. We stop for coffee and then lunch and it is a great way to get out and also to have a chat! The minibus leaves from outside St Mary’s at 10.00am and normally gets back at approximately 3.15-3.30pm. We can make provisions for local pick-ups and set downs.The cost is currently Ł5.50 and numbers are strictly limited to nine. Tours in 2011 to be confirmed (all Fridays). For information or to book your place on the next tour contact Revd Kirsteen Morris on 01983 289585.

Art and Craft Group

This group meets in the parish hall on Thursdays 2-4pm. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist or craftsperson you are most welcome to join with a group of like-minded people. Paint, create, chat and have a cup of tea. Beginners will be offered help and advice. There is a small charge to cover costs of heating/lighting and administration.

Film Afternoons and Evenings

St Mary’s has a Church Video Licence/Performing Rights Society Licence (CVL/PRS) to show films and most months there will be a showing of a film. Details of the film to be shown can only be displayed in the church for copyright reasons. For information and details of future screenings contact Revd. David Hinks on 01983 280197. As well as showing films for social events we will also show films as an aid to discerning God’s plan for the world and the mission and ministry of our church which is part of God’s plan. Refreshments will be served during an interval and during any discussion group that follows. A suggested donation of Ł2.50 is welcomed towards the cost of lighting and refreshments. Our next afternoon screenings for 2011 will be on Saturday 19 Febraury. The films are usually no more than two hours and finish around 4pm.

Prayer Meetings/Julian Meeting

Julian Meetings are groups of people who meet regularly in order to grow in the practice of contemplative prayer. The movement was named after Julian of Norwich, a 14^th century mystic. Her inspired writings are sometimes used at meetings. The purpose of Julian meetings is defined as fostering the practice and teachng of contemplative prayer within the Christian tradition.This accords with Julian’s precept that the highest form of prayer consists in simply waiting on God.

Our local group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 8.30pm in private homes. We welcome any who wish to come along. A typical meeting might begin with a brief reading or a piece of music, which leads into about 30 minutes of silent contemplative prayer. This is followed by a time for tea or coffee and conversation. For further information Contact either Gill Murray on 01983 292778, or email gillmurray2001@aol.com More information about Julian meetings can be found on the Julian Meetings website: www.julianmeetings.org

Holiday Clubs/Messy Church

Youngsters are welcome to Messy Church at St Mary’s which meets on the fourth Sunday of the month at 11am and lasts for an hour. Parents/carers bring their children to the parish hall and drop them off or stay for a fun packed hour of games, Bible stories, refreshments and making. There is no charge and children from 3 years to primary school age are welcome. Messy Church is a fun way to learn about the Christian faith and is open to all. All leaders hold enhanced CRB clearance and we adhere to the Portsmouth Diocesan Child Protection Policy. Also during school holidays we provide themed holiday clubs with games and craft activities for children of Primary School age.

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