St. Mary's Church, Grassendale, Liverpool L19 0NE

Adoring angels and surprised shepherds helped bring the Nativity story to life at St Mary’s 11 am service with KFJ leading the whole service and young George on the keyboard. Well done KFJ!

St Mary’s Tots Team began when Rev Michael Greenwood was incumbent and a focus on welcoming parent/carers with young children became a priority. Over the last 10 years St Mary’s has invited and welcomed all ages and made a fellowship area at the back of church which especially welcomes the very young. A team of 16 now rota a welcome which focuses on young children and resources for their needs as they absorb the whole atmosphere of worship during the service at 11 am. St Mary’s is a ‘Child Friendly Church’ Awarded church which takes provision of the children & young people seriously.

On 20th September Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, preached at St Mary’s Praise Service and commissioned children’s leaders in a service which declared St Mary’s as a Children’s Resource Church for the Diocese of Liverpool. Linda Jones, Team Leader of the Church Growth & Ecumenism Team, described to the congregation, of all ages, what a Resource Church is. Children’s and youth leaders, past and present, were presented with long service certificates by the Bishop of Liverpool in recognition of their ministry at St Mary’s and for God. Bishop James invited every child to come forward for a special blessing and over 100 children were blessed by him during a very special time in this all-age service. St Mary’s has a story to share and would like to encourage other parishes by sharing their story so far.

You only have to look at the joy on these children's faces to understand how they all felt on Easter Day when they took their first Holy Communion before Confirmation! Between 40 and 50 children & young people have been on a six week course with all-ages through Lent, lead by Rev Paul Ellis, at each 11 am service. This interactive and visual teaching allowed all ages to ask questions and experience the awe, wonder and grace of being invited to the Lord's Table. In accordance with the Diocesan Policy and authorisation of Bishop James, St Mary's is now one of many parishes in the diocese who admit children to Communion before Confirmation. St Mary's operates an open age policy. After the service the children invited everyone to have cake to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

St Mary's Cubs walked nearly 5 miles along the river front from the Coburg Dock to Otterspool Promenade in order to achieve their Stage 1 Hike Badge.The weather was perfect and badges were awarded by the Sitting Bull. Congratulations to the Cub Scouts and leaders.

4 of St Mary's Beaver Scouts have recently been presented with the Chief Scout Bronze Award. Congratulations on all of your hard work boys!

St Mary's newly reopened Guide Company had their flag rededicated on Mothering Sunday.

St Mary's Scouts took off to Frodsham for their preparation for the 2 day hike & camp element of the Chief Scout Award. Each team had prepared a route card, had to navigate, use an emergency shelter and of course, make a brew!

As part of Liverpool Football Club's 'LFC in the Community', TACTICS 4 FAMILIES visited St Mary's Beaver Scouts for a fun night with quizzes and agility & team work exercises and a very large Football Trophy!

Lesley Mailey (left) and Sue Russell are re opening the St Mary’s 382nd Guide Company on 26th February. It is open to girls aged 10-14yrs. Please contact Lesley 0151 494 9682 or Sue 0151 427 3026 for information.

St Mary’s Church was transformed into the Nativity story with angels, shepherds and Bethlehem news reporters informing us of the important birth of Jesus. Well done KFJ!

130 Messy Church all ages enjoyed a visit from Father Christmas, messy crafts, the Nativity story and turkey baguettes with potato wedges at MessyChristmas. Well done all the Messy Team. The next Messy Church is Messy Valentine on Sat 7th February. Everyone is invited! (more...)

Judith Feaver receiving flowers from the vicar as a thank you for many years of work with J Club.

Our 3^rd L19: Messy Church brought 150 all ages together on a Saturday tea-time to explore messy bright & light crafts such as candle decorating and chocolate fountain dips. After a messy time together we walked down to church so that the Messy Cooks could transform the church hall into a dining room. In church we heard about Jesus being the Light of the World and children ‘changed’ their candle lights and then we went into the church gardens to see how bright a light we could shine for Jesus by watching fireworks. The church hall beckoned with the smell of sausage and mash and everyone sang Messy Birthday to those with November birthdays. The next L19: Messy Church is Messy Christmas on Saturday 6^th December 4pm-6pm starting in the church hall. See you there!

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Christian illusionist, Steve Price, delighted all ages at an evening of tricks and illusions plus the Christian message using cards, magic boxes, a guillotine and lots more. Steve’s wit and skill meant there was no shortage of volunteer helpers with his magic acts. A memorable night.

• www.stevepriceillusions.co.uk
  
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