ST MARY'S CHURCH IS OPEN
The church is open every day for private prayer and reflection.
Join us at St Mary's at 10.00 am or online HERE for our service of worship for 28 February, exploring the meaning of Lent and its relevance in our lives today.
Please read the CV19 Risk Assessment and Mitigations for St Mary's Church HERE
REFLECTION
by Martha
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you … Hold fast to that which is good.1 Thessalonians 5:16-21
As we look back over the past year, it has sometimes been difficult to be cheerful and optimistic. Instead, it’s tempting to dwell on the many losses we have witnessed; and while we should never belittle the pain and suffering of so many, there is also much to be thankful for. The hard work of our scientists in creating a vaccine, have given us hope. Teachers and pupils look forward to returning to school, and as the weather improves we all look forward to spending more time outside, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.
It’s important to remember that the true source of our fortune and accomplishments comes from God. While we like to take credit for our successes, the Holy Spirit has probably done more than we might realise to lead and inspire us, and to open doors we never thought of walking through. Now more than ever, it’s important to give thanks to God, the source of all good things.
As we travel through this Lent, while we cannot obscure past losses, let us also rejoice and think upon our many blessings. While God is often blamed for our misfortunes, we should never forget to remember and give thanks for his never ceasing love and care for all through good times and bad.
Gracious and generous God, may we always remember that “every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”. James 1:17
A message from Revd David Grundy,
Associate Minister
Dear Friends,
A warm welcome to this website, whether you’re here for the first time or visit regularly. We’re delighted that you’ve found us.
Many churches are closed for worship at the moment, and whilst we are open every day for private prayer and on Sundays at 10am for worship, many people still prefer to access the online service which we post each week, which is a complete service with hymns, a sermon, readings, a blessing, an introduction and prayers. The website is also designed to give you an idea of other aspects of the church’s life such as Eco Church, Prayer and Meditation (Christian Mindfulness sessions), Spiritual Refreshment, and there is also a Community Noticeboard, with online access to the Parish News magazine.
Above all, we hope that in these pages you find something of Jesus himself, the centre of our faith, and the one who longs for us to be in relationship with him, and who welcomes us with open arms. Please get in touch, if you’d like, whether it is to find out more, to ask for prayer or simply to introduce yourself.
And in the meantime, we hope you stay safe and well, and enjoy the website.
With very best wishes,
David
tel. 01306 731142
“God is light; In him there is no darkness...”
[1 John 1:5]
St Mary's, the parish church of Holmbury St Mary, is a beautiful place to seek & know God.
Holmbury church is not, though, just a building; it is a community of worshippers who are here to serve each other, the Holmbury parish and the world beyond in witness to the Christian faith.
St Mary's offers friendship, fellowship and support throughout the village and further afield, not just for those who come to services but for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation and belief.
If you would like to find out more or speak to someone in confidence, please contact
Revd. David Grundy on 01306 731142 or at
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“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you.”
[Matthew 7:7]
