REFLECTION
by Revd. Tony Berry, Rector
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Philippians ch 4 v 14
St Paul wrote this to the church he founded in Philippi. As you read his letter to them, you get the feeling of the close relationship he had with them. After he had moved on they continued to support him in his work in other places. Yet clearly this was more than just support, he uses the word “share”.
During recent months we have become more aware of people’s needs and what they may be going through. There are the obvious situations where people have been ill and needed care, but we have also seen other needs where people may not have family around to help. We have seen the loneliness of people who have been home alone, In these and other circumstances we have also seen how people have responded to these troubles. Just as the Philippians showed their care and concern for Paul, our communities have shown a willingness to share in the troubles of friends and neighbours around them.
Real community is not based on a geographical dwelling place, it is based on such a willingness to share. It is not a given, and should never be taken for granted.
On behalf of all us may I say “ it was good of you to share in those troubles”
Loving Heavenly Father, may we never take others for granted, but always be willing to share and support those in need. Amen
A message from Revd David Grundy, Associate Minister
Dear Friends,
I'm pleased to say that the church is open for individual private prayer every Monday morning, 10am to 12 noon, and every Thursday afternoon, 2pm to 4pm. Opening just twice a week like this, with the church closed for over 72 hours in between, means that we don't have to have a 'deep clean', although the church will receive its normal cleaning each week.
I hope that many people will feel able to use the building again, just to sit and sense the peace, and to pray as you want. In the busyness of modern life and some of the demands or frustrations imposed by lockdown, I think some may find it quite healing just to spend some time in this oasis.
If you are new to this website, do spend a few minutes having a good look through. Apart from the online services each Sunday, which we try to keep fresh and meaningful, in spite of not being able to actually be with each other, there are also regular reflections on passages of Scripture, an Eco page where people can add their Eco ideas as we aim to become a really environmentally friendly community of people and place of worship; there is also a Prayer Point where people can share their concerns for prayer with each other.
With very best wishes
at this time,
David
Welcome to St Mary's
In line with the government guidelines,
the church building is now closed and all public worship
is paused until further notice.
Revd David Grundy and the church community are actively involved in supporting the parish through this difficult time and we are finding new ways to worship and pray.
Click HERE for more details.
“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]
