I am very fond of the signs that have the word Welcome on their doors, especially the ones that have it in multiple languages. The world Welcome comes from two words – “Wil” which means “desired” and “Cuma” which means “Guest”. Its a rather lovely way to think about the word – to desire a guest. To wish for company. 

At both All Saints and St Mary’s we welcome people in all sorts of different ways, and to many different things – worship, concerts, groups, cafes. To extend a welcome to a whole community is something that is core to the values of the Church of England, which has a parish in every part of the country.  Part of our DNA is that everyone in a parish immediately belongs and that we are all welcome, regardless of creed, colour, sex or sexuality. It also means that all are welcome regardless of ability, intellect, wealth or skill. We don’t earn our parish – we simply are born, work, or live in it – we belong because we are here. 

As both churches, we are looking at ways in which we can live out this welcome, whether that is through open churches, better access or more creative invitations, it is good to believe, trust in and know that Jesus is the person who teaches us and models for us a radical welcome. May we be parish churches who trust in that welcome that is extended to us all.

All Saints welcomes our furry (and not so furry) friends ,to worship tomorrow for the Pet Service at 10.30 – do bring along your pet, or if not, a cuddly toy as we look at place of animals in our lives. St Mary’s focus will be on raising awareness of disability and how we can make a difference here in this place with our welcome.

WORSHIP SUNDAY 12th OCTOBER

8:00am – Holy Communion, All Saints

10:00am – Sung Holy Communion, St. Mary’s

10:30am – Pet Service, All Saints

 7:15pm – Generations, The Wood

THE WEEK AHEAD

Mon 13th Oct

10:30am – Tiny Tots, All Saints

Tue 14th Oct

10:30am – M4T, St. Mary’s Parish Rooms

Weds 15th Oct

9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints

2:00pm – Bible Book Club, St. Mary’s

Thurs 16th Oct

10:00am – Holy Communion, St. Mary’s

Fri 17th Oct

11:00am – Living After Loss, St. Mary’s

Sat 18th Oct

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Saturday Lunches, St. Mary’s

Sun 19th Oct

10:00am – Sung Service of the Word, St. Mary’s

10:30am – Holy Communion, All Saints

3pm – A Time to remember – St Mary’s

Blessings

Revd Lizzie