Patronal Festival
Sung Eucharist for the Patronal Festival
Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service
Other services
Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 14 September at 10.00 am
The death of Her Majesty the Queen
Dear Friends,
As we navigate our way through life there are rituals that help us make sense of what it is to live and love and lose.
Having taken hundreds of funerals over the years I know how important it is to do things – painful though they may sometimes be – that help mark the change in relationship that happens when someone we love dies. For example, it is always moving when I watch members of families grasp a handful of soil and pour it on top of a casket or a coffin.
At the moment we as a nation are finding how rituals help us say farewell to the Queen who has reigned over us for so many years. At times like this the Church of England has an important role. Our cathedrals and civic churches in particular become focal points for towns and cities.
Here in Whitkirk we are playing our part, albeit in a more modest way. A simple display, with picture, flowers and prayers is now a focal point in our church. And though our services continue – today is our Patronal Festival – they will also offer some space to reflect and pray about what we are going through.
We hope to hold a service of commemoration the night before Her Majesty’s funeral, followed by a vigil as we join our prayers with so many others as we say farewell to the late great Queen Elizabeth II.
With my love and prayers,
Matthew
Parish Pilgrimage to Ripon Cathedral
The parishioners of St Mary’s Whitkirk have been invited to a special pilgrimage at Ripon Cathedral on Saturday 1 October to celebrate the Cathedral’s 1350th anniversary. There will be the opportunity to travel by coach from Whitkirk to Ripon and you can reserve a seat by adding your name to the list in the Community Centre on Sundays after the morning service. The cost of the coach travel (per person) will be advised shortly.
The Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson, will be leading our pilgrimage which will include a special Sung Eucharist at the High Altar. The Dean will preside at this service and the singing will be led by the Choir of St Mary’s Whitkirk. The parish visit will also include a ‘Children’s Trail’ in the Cathedral.
For more details about this event please pick up a leaflet in the Community Centre.
Can you cut out the car?
Next Sunday we mark Creationtide, and consider our roles as stewards of the Earth. If you usually drive and you’re able, why not cut your carbon footprint by walking, cycling, taking public transport or carpooling to attend our service?
Sunday 11 September 2022 at 4.00 pm
St Mary’s Church Whitkirk Community Centre
Church, but more hands-on. Join us in the Community Centre for drinks and a biscuit, get stuck in with activities around the week’s theme, and then end with a short, informal act of worship in the church.
Thursday 15 September 2022 at 7.30 pm
The Brown Cow
Come and join us in the pub as we chat about how Christianity relates to the rest of our lives. From events in the news to how prayer can help us grow, exploring the deeper meaning of the Eucharist to unpacking just what happens when we celebrate Christmas. Every meeting is open to anyone, no matter if you’ve come before or you’re totally new.
Friday 16 September 2022 at 6.30 pm
St Mary’s Church Whitkirk Community Centre
Unwind at the end of the week with us – drop in to grab a drink, play some games, order a takeaway, or even just to chat.
Friday 23 September 2022 at 7.00 pm
St Mary’s Church Whitkirk Community Centre
An illustrated lecture exploring the acquisition of Temple Newsam House and Estate by the City of Leeds, told through the people and personalities of the time.
Sunday 25 September 2022 at 10.00 am
Temple Newsam House
A service to mark the 100th anniversary of the acquisition of Temple Newsam House and Estate by the City of Leeds.
Sunday 2 October 2022 at 12.30 pm
St Mary’s Church Whitkirk Community Centre
Celebrate the harvest with us as we enjoy a meal together.
Get your tickets in the Community Centre after Church. Just £5 per person, or £2.50 for children.
Continue reading “Parish notices: 11 September 2022”