WELCOME
Whether you’ve just moved to the area or have lived
here all your life, we hope that our ‘Focus Notes’ will help to answer some
frequently asked questions and help you find out more about our
Parish Churches.
There are a number of reasons why a person decides to
get involved in a parish. It could be because they will be participating in a
Baptism or Marriage or a Funeral. Or perhaps they have just moved to the area.
But a lot of times we join a new community because we are searching for a
deeper meaning and purpose in our lives. And the best way to find that is in
community with one another in the way of Jesus Christ.
We all ask questions about why we are here and what
purposes our lives have. We need to know that we have made a difference and
that our time and talents have been put to good use. That is why it’s important
to try to get the tone right when someone is thinking about getting involved in
their Parish community. Like a family welcoming a new member, we need to be
inclusive and hospitable to all.
There are a variety of events that happen throughout
the year. What follows is just an overview of a small selection of the
activities which take place.
The new Church Year traditionally begins at Advent
with the Procession Service, which tells the ancient story - in scripture,
poetry, symbol and song - of mankind’s need for salvation and God’s
faithfulness in opening a path for the coming of our Saviour.
In the lead up to Christmas The Nine Lessons and
Carols Service takes place at St Mary’s. There are Christmas Services for our
Church Schools and there is the Children’s Advent Workshop. On Christmas Eve
there are the Christingle Services. And then comes Midnight Mass and the
Eucharists for Christmas Day.
There are opportunities throughout the year for those
who wish to find stillness and space to reflect, including regular Quiet Days
and Retreats.
Lent, with its themes of renewal, brings more
opportunities to re-engage with the mission of Christ’s Church both locally and
internationally, including a Lent Study Course. Each year the Altar Servers
Lent Mission engages with the whole Benefice to raise money for work with
children in our link diocese of Kimberly & Kuruman.
In Holy Week we celebrate the full liturgy of the
Church. There is the extra opportunity of the Children’s Good Friday Workshop.
In May we celebrate St. Mary’s Festival with a range
of concerts. This annual village thanksgiving service, known as the Mortimer
Maying Service, has its own distinct traditional liturgy.
St John the Baptist, Padworth has an annual
festival celebration in June.
There are various Parish Breakfasts, Lunches, Teas and
Suppers and other celebrations which involve the whole community.
The Benefice Garden Fellowship organises various
visits to places of interest.
In November there is a Benefice Theatre Trip to
London.
During the year the Vicar hosts several community
social events including July’s Vicarage Garden Party and the Vicarage Garden
Choir Concert and Barbecue.
There are pilgrimages to the great sites of
Christendom.
SPECIAL NEEDS If
you require special provision please contact the Office or speak to a Verger.
DISABLED ACCESS We
have ramps leading up to all the churches.
THE HEARING LOOP is
available at St. John’s if you have hearing difficulties. Please ask a Verger.
LARGE PRINT VERSIONS are
available if you have poor eyesight. Please ask a Verger.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND FAIRTRADE ISSUES Although
we know there is further to go on this journey we believe in being ethical. All
our coffee and tea are ethically sourced. We recycle our waste in order to
reduce impact on the environment.
If you would like to be kept informed of services and events around the
benefice, please complete the form to be found at the following link and return
it to the Benefice Office.
Please
complete and return this form by post or hand
Alternatively,
please complete this form online
Whether you’ve just moved to the area or have lived
here all your life, we hope that our ‘Focus Notes’ will help to answer some
frequently asked questions and help you find out more about our
Parish Churches.
There are a number of reasons why a person decides to
get involved in a parish. It could be because they will be participating in a
Baptism or Marriage or a Funeral. Or perhaps they have just moved to the area.
But a lot of times we join a new community because we are searching for a
deeper meaning and purpose in our lives. And the best way to find that is in
community with one another in the way of Jesus Christ.
We all ask questions about why we are here and what
purposes our lives have. We need to know that we have made a difference and
that our time and talents have been put to good use. That is why it’s important
to try to get the tone right when someone is thinking about getting involved in
their Parish community. Like a family welcoming a new member, we need to be
inclusive and hospitable to all.
Our four church buildings are holy places - each a
local focus for the life and ministry of the Church - where prayer has been
offered for many years. St John’s, Mortimer is open every day (the Vergers can
give you a key for the other churches) and you are welcome to enter for peace
and quiet, for prayer; to be alone or to be with God. A Bible and the
Sacraments are available for Christians. If you would like to see a priest for
Confession, or to talk in complete confidence, then please contact Fr Paul or
Fr Derek. We welcome members of other faiths and those who are seeking, or
agnostic. Please pray for the Church and for those who minister and worship
here and go in peace.
There are a variety of events that happen throughout
the year. What follows is just an overview of a small selection of the
activities which take place.
The new Church Year traditionally begins at Advent
with the Procession Service, which tells the ancient story - in scripture,
poetry, symbol and song - of mankind’s need for salvation and God’s
faithfulness in opening a path for the coming of our Saviour.
In the lead up to Christmas The Nine Lessons and
Carols Service takes place at St Mary’s. There are Christmas Services for our
Church Schools and there is the Children’s Advent Workshop. On Christmas Eve
there are the Christingle Services. And then comes Midnight Mass and the
Eucharists for Christmas Day.
There are opportunities throughout the year for those
who wish to find stillness and space to reflect, including regular Quiet Days
and Retreats.
Lent, with its themes of renewal, brings more
opportunities to re-engage with the mission of Christ’s Church both locally and
internationally, including a Lent Study Course. Each year the Altar Servers
Lent Mission engages with the whole Benefice to raise money for work with
children in our link diocese of Kimberly & Kuruman.
In Holy Week we celebrate the full liturgy of the
Church. There is the extra opportunity of the Children’s Good Friday Workshop.
In May we celebrate St. Mary’s Festival with a range
of concerts. This annual village thanksgiving service, known as the Mortimer
Maying Service, has its own distinct traditional liturgy.
St John the Baptist, Padworth has an annual
festival celebration in June.
There are various Parish Breakfasts, Lunches, Teas and
Suppers and other celebrations which involve the whole community.
The Benefice Garden Fellowship organises various
visits to places of interest.
In November there is a Benefice Theatre Trip to
London.
During the year the Vicar hosts several community
social events including July’s Vicarage Garden Party and the Vicarage Garden
Choir Concert and Barbecue.
There are pilgrimages to the great sites of
Christendom.
SPECIAL NEEDS If
you require special provision please contact the Office or speak to a Verger.
DISABLED ACCESS We
have ramps leading up to all the churches.
THE HEARING LOOP is
available at St. John’s if you have hearing difficulties. Please ask a Verger.
LARGE PRINT VERSIONS are
available if you have poor eyesight. Please ask a Verger.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND FAIRTRADE ISSUES Although
we know there is further to go on this journey we believe in being ethical. All
our coffee and tea are ethically sourced. We recycle our waste in order to
reduce impact on the environment.
If you would like to be kept informed of services and events around the benefice, please complete the form to be found at the following link and return it to the Benefice Office.
Please complete and return this form by post or hand
Alternatively, please complete this form online
