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Sunday 3rd December 2023
Sunday service at 9.30 am. in Church
An Advent Carol Service with a difference 6.00pm
For details see the Sunday sheet each Sunday Morning
Wednesday 6th December 2023
Holy Communion 11.00am. in Church
On behalf of the whole parish of Finedon may I invite you most warmly to step over our virtual threshold. You will find within our contact details and details also of forthcoming services and events here at St Mary’s. We are, of course, the parish church not only for the those who worship here but for everyone in Finedon, and the social calendar is almost as busy as the ecclesiastical calendar. Whatever you seek – friendship, community, something to challenge and stretch you, something to give you comfort and peace, the love of Jesus Christ, or simply the satisfaction of curiosity – you are most welcome to step over our real threshold too and see what we have to offer.
Yours in Christ, Fr Stephen.
The church of ST. MARY-THE VIRGIN consists of chancel, north and south transeptal chapels, clearstoried nave of four bays, north and south aisles, south porch, and west tower. The tower is surmounted by a lofty spire and the porch has an upper story. There is a modern vestry on the north side of the chancel.
Of the original 12th-century building nothing remains except the font, the church having been entirely rebuilt at the beginning of the 14th century. With the exception of the tower and spire it is all of one date, and is one of the finest examples in the county of a church of this period. The tower and spire were erected about fifty years later. The whole building is therefore substantially of one style and it preserves a unity in design which gives it particular distinction.
Dear Parish Family,
Back to School and the Challenge of New Beginnings:
As summer gives way to autumn, a familiar excitement for the new school year
begins to stir in the hearts of many in our Parish—memories of yesteryears,
past September’s filled with laughter and learning surface anew. For students,
parents and teachers, the transition from August to September extends beyond
the simple joys of crisp uniforms and new stationery. It’s reminiscent of past
autumns and evokes a sense of tradition. It represents a chance to embrace the unknown, trust God’s plan, and
seize new beginnings as generations have done.
The Bible is teeming with stories of renewal and new horizons, reminding us that God is the Lord of fresh
starts. From Noah’s emergence from the ark onto a renewed earth to the Israelites’ venture into the Promised
Land, from Jesus’s resurrection to the Church’s birth at Pentecost, Scripture heralds God’s promise of a new
dawn. Many might recall grandparents or older parish members sharing these stories, their voices laden with
reverence. One passage that beautifully echoes this sentiment of renewal is from Isaiah 43:18-19: “Do not
remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring
forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Such verses
nudge us to look forward with hope and place our trust in the Lord, reminding us that, just as every school year
brings with it fresh experiences, God too constantly renews His blessings upon us.
However, every new chapter comes with its set of challenges. Pupils may face apprehensions about new classrooms or classmates, recalling the familiar faces and comforting nooks of years past. Parents are tasked with
entrusting their children to unfamiliar settings while navigating the intricate dance of family timetables, and
teachers bear the profound responsibility of inspiring future minds, much like their teachers did for them. In
these moments of uncertainty, Jesus’s words from Matthew 11:28 offer solace: “Come to me, all who are
weary, and I shall give you rest.”
As our children summon the bravery to tackle the challenges of a new term, St Mary’s will stand firm, ready to
face her trials. With shared faith and unity, we hold fast to the conviction that, backed by the strength of our
community and the guiding hand of God, no hurdle is too significant to overcome. With unwavering spirit and
camaraderie, St Mary’s will thrive and continue to support one another, ensuring brighter days and triumphant
moments for everyone, much as we’ve done in cherished memories of years gone by. Let’s press on with unwavering faith, resilience, and trust as our Parish embarks on this new academic year. We aspire for our Church to
shine as a beacon, echoing God’s boundless grace across the Parish. Though challenges may initially appear
daunting, we must remember they are merely opportunities awaiting our embrace. Heartened by our steadfast
faith, the cherished support of our community, and guided by God’s teachings, the path towards growth and
enlightenment is set.
My Prayer for everyone across our Parish is for a term filled with blessings, learning, spiritual growth, and
treasured memories to add to our rich tapestry of shared history.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
God Bless You All,
Fr Stephen Mills
All copy should addressed by the 15th of the month prior to publication
To: Colin Needle
Tel: 01933 682098
The 9:30 Parish Eucharist will be in Church
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