Changes to our COVID precautions
To help reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus you must wear a face covering at all times when in the church or Community Centre, except when receiving communion, eating or drinking, unless you are medically exempt.
We suggest that you continue to take precautions such as taking regular rapid lateral flow tests, keeping your distance, and being respectful of the wishes of others. You’ll still need to sanitise your hands as you enter the building, and avoid handshakes during the Peace.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, remember that you must self-isolate and get a PCR test. As always, we will continue to stream all our services live on our website and YouTube channel, as well as make them available to listen to later by phone or podcast.
As always, we are keeping a close watch on things such as infection rates, as well as guidance from the Government, NHS, and the Church of England, and we may make other changes to our safety measures in the future.
Our Christmas services
Take a look at our Christmas Services page to see what’s happening when and where.
Festival of Lessons and Carols
This evening at 6.00 pm
St Mary’s Church Choir will sing arrangements of new and traditional carols along with a selection of well-known carols for everyone to join in with. Lessons are read by members of the local community, and tell the story of God’s relationship with humankind from the beginnings of the world up to the birth of Jesus.
Christmas food bank donations
As the festive season is upon us, food banks are more appreciative than ever of donations. Our local Leeds South and East Foodbank is currently looking for donations of:
- Chocolate selection boxes
- Biscuit selection boxes
- Mince pies
- Tinned meat, particularly:
- Chicken in white wine sauce
- Stewed steak
- UHT milk
As always all donations of food, toiletries and money are gratefully accepted. Last year the Leeds South and East Foodbank provided over 12,500 food parcels to those most in need. Details of all the ways you can help are on their website.
The Rhythm of Life
Starting January 13
Walk with me and work with me -watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30
During the Covid 19 crisis, we’ve had to adjust to very different rhythms of life. As Christians, we believe Jesus should be at the heart of our rhythms of life, whatever our circumstances. This will have a far-reaching impact on our own wellbeing and the good of others – on our loving, living and learning. That’s why you’re invited to join the diocesan ‘Rhythm of Life’ venture. This will involve individual commitments, accessing resources and mutual support.
Coming up at Whitkirk Community Centre
Country Dancing
We are hoping to re-start this popular country dance class in January. It will be held on 1st and 3rd Monday in the month, from 1.30 pm until 3.30 pm. Come along and give it a try for a good afternoon out among friendly faces – no experience needed!
Please contact Dorothy Howe on 0113 264 2569 for further information and to let her know if you are interested.
Join us after the service for refreshments
You are warmly invited to join us after the service for refreshments in our Community Centre.
You must wear a face covering (unless you are exempt) whilst moving around the building, and please stay seated whilst enjoying your drinks.
Making our streaming carbon negative
Our technical team have offset a tonne of carbon and funded the planting of 153 trees to make our service streaming in 2021 carbon negative, and as a “thank you” to people watching and liking our services.
The Church family
For your prayers
The sick
- Pat Hyde
- Ginny Camponi
- Tom Heaphy
- Alan and Mavis Cross
- Christine Oates
- Thomas Hadley
- Jeff Blowers
- Sharon White
- Sharon Clarke
Those in long-term care
- Mary Metcalfe
- Doreen Haw
- Margaret Burton
- George Brown
- Jennifer Moad
Recently departed
- Margaret Thomson
- Josephine Fella
- Alan Dacre
- Patrick Crowley
Anniversary of death
- Alice and Tommy Richardson
- Thomas Hayes
- Harry Allen
- Samantha Wood
- Betty Archer
- Jack Lowther