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ST MARY’S CHURCH

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In CHURCH, DIOCESE, DONCASTER, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

A Gospel Reflection – 21 February 2021

A Gospel Reflection

 

The word ‘Lent’ means Spring so let’s make the best of that thought and go with it. Lent was originally referred to in Latin as Quadragesima (meaning forty days) – the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. By the 4th century there was a combined desire both to exclude Sundays (not being fast days) and have forty days in the season – hence the forty-six days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day.

Our Gospel today (Mark chapter 1 verses 1 – 15) links to Jesus’ baptism, temptation and proclamation to ‘repent and believe the good news’. Mark’s gospel is crisp and concise. We recall our own baptism through which we are saved. When we repent and seek God’s forgiveness, our baptismal state is restored, and the image in us, once tarnished, shines again. God made an early covenant with Noah after The Flood and this promise is sealed afresh in Jesus – Hallelujah!

As the year moves forward we go with a sense of optimism as we meditate on these scriptures, using this time of Lent for prayer for our own circumstances and the wider world.

Look out for the four week ‘course’ on Wednesdays if you would like a bit more study (details on the Notice Sheet).  How we need to encourage this sense of hope.

John Marsden

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In CHURCH, DIOCESE, DONCASTER, TICKHILL

A Gospel reflection

A Gospel Reflection

14th February has a long association with St. Valentine. Born in Terni, Italy, in the early 3rd century AD, Valentine was a Roman priest who suffered martyrdom at the hands of Emperor Clauduis II Gothicus. According to legend, St. Valentine signed a letter ‘from your Valentine’ to his jailer’s daughter whom he had befriended and healed of blindness before his death. The girl subsequently regained her sight to read the note. Nowadays Valentine’s Day is very much associated with love.

In the old Liturgical Calendar this Sunday was known as Quinquagesima (fifty days before the great festival). One of the readings set for the day was 1 Corinthians chapter 13, St Paul’s letter of love – ‘Love is patient. Love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres’.

In our current liturgy the Gospel reading today retells the story of the Transfiguration in Mark chapter 9 v. 2 – 9. This mysterious reading finds us all at a watershed moment as we prepare to revisit Jesus’ saving work through Lent, Passiontide and Easter. Moses and Elijah appear, referencing the past; Peter makes a characteristic ‘faux pas’ in wanting to preserve the present; and the Father’s voice looks to the future as we are told, ‘Listen to Him’.

As we begin the Interregnum this is a good time to look back at where God has led us thus far, to rejoice that God accepts us (faux pas and all), and to listen to our Saviour as we set our faces towards the future with love in our hearts.

John Marsden

(With thanks to Lucille Henderson for research about St Valentine)

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In CHURCH, DONCASTER, ST MARY'S, TOWER APPEAL

Tower restoration – what is happening?

CONSERVING OUR GRADE 1 LISTED CHURCH

Scaffolding the 124-foot tower on all four sides is now complete, allowing the important conservation work to begin. This is a once in a lifetime project planned to finish in June. I can imagine you have been wondering what is happening as you see the scaffold head skyward; here is a brief summary of the work involved.

Most of the work is focussed on the bell chamber (or belfry), particularly the limestone traceries, these being the ornate stonework frames around the upper parts of louvred openings, which you can clearly see from ground level on all four sides, high in the tower. Some of this magnesian limestone will be removed, cleaned, re-pinned and reset, but where the weather has caused significant erosion, creating displacement risks, new locally quarried limestone is being cut and dressed as a full replacement. There are other areas of stonework to the external tower walls, again where climatic conditions have caused localised erosion and cracking, which are to be removed and replaced with new ashlar, finely dressed surface stone, to match that already in place.

The level of activity of conservators in and around the bell chamber makes it necessary to silence the bells, for both the hourly chime and the four-hourly carillon. There is a myriad of wires, cables, pulleys and springs which are carefully anchored across the whole of the bell chamber, necessary for the bells to be struck from the carillon. This complicated assembly, which is over 100 years old, is to be made secure before the internal work starts. Additionally, being in the bell chamber when the bells ring out is painfully noisy, with sound levels far too high to afford the conservators the level of safety they need. For these reasons the bells must remain silent for the length of this project.

I hope this gives you an insight of this important and necessary work which is currently being undertaken.

Phil Beavers

Chair

Fabric Committee.

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In CHURCH, DONCASTER, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL, TOWER APPEAL

Conservation and repairs to the Church Tower

Conservation and repairs to the Church Tower

Pedestrian Diversion at St. Mary’s Church:

The current footpath diversion around New Road, avoiding the churchyard, will remain in place until the scaffolding is complete, hopefully by Monday, 18th January at the latest. As soon as it is safe to do so, a more direct pedestrian diversion through the churchyard will be put in place. This will be via the main North gate, round the East end and down the South side of the church. This diversion will be clearly marked and will remain in place until the work on the tower is complete.

The Church Bells:

Conservation work in and around the belfry, in the upper parts of the tower, is scheduled to start very soon. It will soon be necessary therefore to silence the bells until this work is complete. This is regrettable but necessary during this important part of the conservation project.

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In CHURCH, DONCASTER, NOTICES, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

Latest news

So sorry… we are having to close for while

In light of the current Tier 5 Lockdown, on the grounds of public safety, the church will remain temporarily closed whilst Tier 5 status prevails.

We will continue to review the position on a regular basis and also pay close attention to advice forthcoming from the Diocese of Sheffield, in deciding when it’s considered safe for collective worship to resume.

It is with sadness I have to advise you of this, but I’m sure you’ll agree that the safety of our worshipping community is paramount during these very difficult times.

The streaming of Morning Prayer and Sunday Communion will continue until 11 February, when Revd. Ali retires. Quite soon I will be able to advise you of the streaming arrangements which will take place following her retirement.

If you require any further information, please do let me know.

Phil Beavers

PCC Secretary

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In CHURCH, DIOCESE, DONCASTER, TICKHILL, TOWER APPEAL

The Tower Project – The work is about to start

I have been advised that contractors will be on site to commence the external restoration work on the tower imminently. As soon as the work begins, a two way pedestrian diversion will be put in place in the churchyard for public safety.  To see a map which shows the diversion, please click here.

This diversion will remain in place until the work is complete, which is expected to be in the order of 6 months.

You will see from the map that almost all pedestrian access through the churchyard is being temporally diverted (shown in pink) via New Road, Church Lane and the Southern footpath of the church (shown in blue). Access to the War Memorial will continue to be available via the North gate.

Should the church be allowed to re-open for regular Sunday worship after the current lockdown period ends, further guidance will be posted on the church website and across social media with full details.

We are sorry to put members of the public to some inconvenience during this major restoration project, but our first and prime concern is that of public safety. If you require any further help or guidance, please do get in touch.

Kind regards and stay safe,

Phil Beavers

PCC Secretary

In CHURCH, NOTICES, ST MARY'S

FACE MASKS

Following the latest advice from the Church of England as from 24th July all those attending worship ,individual prayer, funerals, weddings and baptisms  within church are strongly advised to wear a face covering throughout the service

In CHURCH, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

SUNDAY SERVICES IN CHURCH ARE BACK

Following recent changes to Covid-19 lock-down regulations, I am pleased to announce that St Mary’s will hold a service of Holy Communion this Sunday (July 5th) at 10.30 a.m., the church being open from 10.10 a.m. to welcome our congregation. Whilst Covid-19 restrictions are in place, the church has been prepared to ensure we are able to meet the conditions imposed by the diocese to allow this important service to safely take place. As you might expect, the kitchen area and the toilet will not be open, but the main body of the church will be and suitably prepared to enable all members of the congregation to uphold the 2 metre social distancing restriction.
 
Simply arrive at church, together with a mask if you prefer to wear one, and our stewards will be there to meet you, giving help and guidance on where to sit and how social distancing will help to keep you safe. The service and the church will look a little different to what you are used to, but I will lead the whole congregation, throughout our worship, every step of the way.
 
Should you require any further information, please do call Phil Beavers, our PCC Secretary, who will be very pleased to help. (01302) 751396
 
Every blessing
 
Revd Ali Earl
Vicar
In CHURCH, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE PRAYER

From Wednesday 17th June 2020 and each Wednesday following, St Mary’s will be open between 12.00 noon and 1.00 pm solely for the purpose of  individual private prayer.

Please feel free to come in and spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation and reflection.

Social distancing is in place and we respectfully ask everyone to adhere to the guidance.

In CHURCH, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

CHURCH DONATIONS

Covid – 19 is having an impact on every part of life and, as you can imagine, the closure of St Mary’s during this time is also having a profound effect on our church finances.

If you normally give to church by envelope or via the plate on a Sunday, and would like to continue to give while the church building is closed, please consider setting up a standing order or making a one-off donation via your bank, either on-line or by telephone.  The account details for St Mary’s are as follows:

Name of account: St. Mary’s Church Tickhill

Bank: NatWest, 12 High Street Doncaster

Sort code: 60-02-50

Account No: 71583351

 

Thank you

In CHURCH, ST MARY'S, Uncategorized

THE ORDER OF MORNING PRAYER – COMMON WORSHIP

Preparation

O Lord, open our lips

and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

May Christ the daystar dawn in our hearts and triumph over the shades of night                         

Psalm 95.1-3,6,7

  1.  O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us heartily rejoice in the rock of our salvation.
  2. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving and be glad in him with
  3. For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all
  4. Come, let us worship and bow down and kneel before the Lord our
  5. For he is our God;we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand .

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

 The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.

Silence is kept.

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.

Amen.

 The Word of God        

Psalm 121

  1.  I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?
  2. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and
  3. He will not suffer your foot to stumble; he who watches over you will not
  4. Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor
  5. The Lord himself watches over you;the Lord is your shade at your right hand,
  6. So that the sun shall not strike you by day, neither the moon by
  7. The Lord shall keep you from all evil; it is he who shall keep your
  8. The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in,from this time forth for evermore.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Lord, ever watchful and faithful, We look to you to be our defence and we lift our hearts to know your help through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 Old Testament Reading

 

Return to the Lord, who will have mercy, to our God, who will richly pardon.

 Isaiah 55.6-1 I

  1. Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near;
  2. Let the wicked abandon their ways, and the unrighteous their thoughts;
  3. Return to the Lord, who will have mercy; to our God, who will richly
  4. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ says the
  5. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts.
  6. ‘As the rain and the snow come down from above, and return not again but water the earth,
  7. ‘Bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread to eat,
  8. ‘So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me fruitless,
  9. ‘But it will accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the task I gave ‘

 

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

As it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Return to the Lord, who will have mercy, to our God, who will richly pardon.

 New Testament Reading

Responsory

Lord, you will guide me with your counsel and afterwards receive me with glory.

Lord, you will guide me with your counsel and afterwards receive me with glory.

For I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

And afterwards receive me with glory.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, you will guide me with your counsel and afterwards receive me with glory.

You show mercy to our ancestors, and remember your holy covenant.

Luke 1.68-79

  1. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who has come to his people and set them free.
  2. He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, born of the house of his servant
  3. Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all that hate us,
  4. To show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy
  5. This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
  6. Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
  7. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
  8. To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their
  9. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
  10. To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

 You show mercy to our ancestors, and remember your holy covenant.

 Prayers

 Intercessions are offered

The Collect

Lord our God,

as with all creation

we offer you the life of this new day, give us grace to love and serve you

to the praise of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

 The Conclusion

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life.

Amen.

 Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

A version of this order of service can be downloaded using the link below

Morning Prayer

In ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

PARISH MAGAZINE – SUSPENDED

Due to the present situation It has been decided to suspend publication of St Mary’s Parish Magazine until we think it appropriate to start again .

We will keep you updated .Thank you

In CHURCH, DONCASTER, ST MARY'S

HELPING DONCASTER FOOD BANK

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 we cannot collect and take donations to the Foodbank at present, but you can still support them:

By leaving donations at the collection point at Tesco Woodfield Plantation, Balby, DN4 8SN (24hr)

By sending a money donation on line or by cheque to the Doncaster Trussell Trust Foodbank. Contact details on the Doncaster Foodbank website – https://doncaster.foodbank.org.uk/

By collecting items at home – see below.

The Foodbank can supplement donations from stock for the next few weeks. After that they will really need help to restock. That is when donations you have accumulated at home come in. Contact us at https://doncaster.foodbank.org.uk/contact-us/

Thank you.

In BISHOP, CHURCH, DIOCESE, NOTICES, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PETE

A Message from Bishop Pete

My dear friends in Christ,

I suppose you will by now have heard, or seen reports of, the statement made by the Prime Minister tonight. I am sure it has come as a great shock even to those who have suspected that this step was bound to be taken eventually.

May I urge you please to comply fully with these severe restrictions and not to look for ways around them. Further advice will follow, probably tomorrow, about eg. emergency baptisms and numbers who might attend funerals.

But for now the message is clear:
Please stay at home; Please close your church buildings and keep them closed.

There are to be no more baptisms or weddings for the time being.

Please pray for the mercy and deliverance of God.
Please care for the vulnerable and be gentle with yourself.
Please do what you can, even from home, even while you are separated from family, friends and neighbours, to seek the perfect love which casts out fear, and to invest in relationship and community.

And now may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

+ Pete

The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox
Bishop of Sheffield

In CHURCH, DIOCESE, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

It is with great sadness that we have to announce, that following the Government announcement on Monday 23rd March 2020, that the St. Mary’s Church building will no longer be opened during the day until we receive further advice from the Diocese.

However whilst the physical building is closed we will look at other ways to bring services and prayer support to the community.

If you are aware of anyone who needs our help please get in touch with us by phone, email or our contact form.  Details on our Contact page.

 

 

In CHURCH, MOTHERING SUNDAY, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

MOTHERING SUNDAY FLOWERS

In days gone by Mothering Sunday was a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother church, usually with their own mothers and other family members. It was often the only time that whole families could gather together, since on other days they were prevented from doing so by conflicting working hours.
 
This year many are unable to spend Mothering Sunday with their mothers and families due to the current Coronavirus issue.
 
It is usual for St. Mary’s to give Mothering Sunday flowers, as a gift, during our 10:30 am service. Whilst this service cannot go ahead we do have these flowers available for collection in Church, which remains open for quiet personal reflection and prayer.
In CHURCH, ST MARY'S, TICKHILL

LIGHT A CANDLE OF HOPE

Light a candle of hope

A national call to prayer in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic

This Mothering Sunday, 22 March, we have been urged as Christians, by church leaders in Britain and Ireland, to take part in a National Day of Prayer and Action about the coronavirus.

At 7 p.m. this Sunday, please light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.

Though we are not, at present, able worship as congregation, we have the great privilege and freedom to be able to call upon God, wherever we are, individually and corporately, for healing in our nation. We would pray for all in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the Covid-19 virus, for those working in health and social care, and especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

There are already stories being told of wonderful acts of kindness across neighbourhoods. Alongside your prayers, take the opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for your local foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. We may not be able to touch physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.

In the meantime, do please attend to all the government health advice that will be issued, and look out for resources from your specific church governing bodies. At least for those of us in the global North, we do seem to be in unusual times, and wisdom and flexibility about worship gatherings are a key part of our Christian discipleship during this period.

We note that this call to prayer and action comes on Mothering Sunday: a time of thankfulness, remembering especially mothers who have served us, often in very costly ways. It is also a very mixed day for many. For some the remembrance is painful, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of disappointment or loss.

In many ways, this period under the shadow of the coronavirus will be prompting similarly diverse reactions and so it seems especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this Sunday. At this time of uncertainty join in with the National Day of Prayer and Action, lighting a candle of hope.

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5.7

Presidents of Churches Together in England:
Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches Moderator
Archbishop Angaelos of London, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches
Pastor Agu Irukwu, CTE Pentecostal President