After a very enjoyable week away at Butlins, we have returned and would like to bring some of the fabulous teaching & worship back to you.

The theme for this year’s Spring Harvest was Church Actually, if you want to know more come along on Sunday morning at 11am, all welcome.

We all have great gifts to offer and no matter how small or insignificant we think our gift is, God can do so much more with it than we could ever dream of.

Here are few pictures from different parts of today’s service.  I love the pictures of our younger members playing in the sand.   They had a lovely time.  John looks good with his fish…..

As our time on the beach was coming to an end we sang our last song.

It was a really great cafè style service.  A big thank you to all the people who made it happen.
I can’t wait for the next one.  I hope to see you all there….

‘COME . . . 

. . . and SEE’

Services up until the end of September
will focus around the theme of ‘Come and See’

Think before you speak….

 Is it

True

Helpful

Inspirational

Necessary

Kind

Janet H

On Sunday 5 February we were snowbound. Nevertheless some 35 odd diehards of all ages walked, shuffled or slid into church. We took the opportunity to worship God and to share ideas. This is what came out

• A youth band. Possibilities of using the community centre for band practice. Volunteers needed to play and also to give backroom support

• Outside events. Building on the big lunch, ideas about a boot fair, BBQ and evening events curry/pizza nights, wine tasting or computer fixing.

• Choir The choir is already formed but might take off particularly in view of the popularity of the televised army wives choir

• Advertising. Face book and twitter. Tweeting during Sunday Service. Uni reception, student magazines. Adverts in the community centre. Reaching families through thanksgivings/baptisms. Inviting others groups – scout and guide troops, SMIRA, dancing, karate, WI. Sure Start etc

• Design specific services – students. Where we specifically invite others to come. Guest speakers. Specific student invitation and services (with food). Open day for students. Get involved in Freshers week

• Communication Church email. Church mobile telephone. Suggestion box. Better use of web site and church forum

• Mid-week Use Boomers, the ground floor café in the outlet, for mid-week meetings. Midweek activities in the community centre eg messy church

• Sunday outdoor activities Particularly for older children

• Church office. Open between 8.30 and 10.30 every Tuesday

• Paid family worker

• Assistance in financial management. Find someone with financial acumen to give advice in these times of financial uncertainty.

ALPHA

St. Mary’s Island Church would like to let you know about the  ALPHA Course that was held in The Ship and Trades Pub in the Autumn of 2011. Dean and his staff at the SHIP and TRADES Pub warmly welcomed us.  Dean reserves an area in the first floor restaurant for our use.

Many of us call ourselves Christians and some say they are not. Either way, do we really understand what it is all about?  The DVD presentation will include topics like Who is Jesus?  Why did he die such an awful death?  What has his death 2000 years ago got to do with me now?  Alpha evenings are relaxed social occasions starting with a meal together and allow time for group discussion.  There is no charge to take part in a Alpha Course but there is the cost of the meal and any drinks you may wish to buy.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact

John Bloor on 01634 406460

The ALPHA Course 2012

Hosted by St. Mary’s Island Church

You can join us to find out more about the christian faith and

The MEANING OF LIFE

Go to Alpha page