Nativity 2009- The Christmas Three

The afternoon of Sun the 20th, the children of St Mary's performed a Nativity Play. It was the traditional Chiristmas Story through the eyes of a Donkey, A Sheep and a Camel all known as the Christmas Three and was a mix of narration, acting and songs.  Lots of prep work and a little stress on the day, but in the end it was GREAT. Big thanks to all those who helped organise and all the children who took part and all those how took part recieved a small present as a way of saying thankyou.
If you would like to hear an excerpt from the play, click on to the link below (this is an audio blog system called AUDIOBOO).  Once at the audioboo site, press the triangle play button.....
 
http://audioboo.fm/boos/85609-st-mary-s-beeston-nativity

Christmas Fair or Fayre?

Today was the Parish Christmas Fair at St Mary's which not only raises funds but also provides a place for people in the community to meet, renew some old friendships, pick up a bit of bric-a-brac or have a win on one of the competitions. As usual the ladies in the kitchen worked hard to keep everyone fed and watered. This year St.Nicholas made a surprise appearance and gave presents to all those who visited his superbly decorated Grotto. So big thanks to all those who were involved.
The photo shows St Nicholas with a visitor, but watch this space, more photos to come......

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday at the 6pm Service took a different approach to remembering and understanding conflict. After the Eucharist, we were treated to a film about the conflict between the Palestinians and Israeli people and the work that the Bereaved Families Forum are doing,  with joint dialogs, joint meetings and actions for peace. The forum is made up from members of both sides who have all lost loved ones in the conflict.  Take a look at the web site at the link below to find out more about what this group of people are doing. 

www.mideastweb.org/bereaved_families_forum.htm

What a Great Night

On Sat the 17th Oct, the Social Club organised a concert by a group of people known as OVATION. This was to provide an evening of entertainment for both members and the people of Beeston plus it was also raising funds for the Church.  ...... and what a great night it was! We were treated to songs from a variety of shows, including a solo by one of the group's daughter who was 10 years old who sang Castle on a Cloud from Les Miserables. The evening culminated in a super medley of songs from the Abba's Mama Mia. Thanks must go to the Social Club Committee who worked hard to stage this event, including the suberb buffet supper. Watch out for the next club event, 'James Frank and Friend's present a Musical Evening on Sat 31st Oct.  To view the picture album click the link below:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/steveg4rch/Ovation?authkey=Gv1sRgCOiYzeeDr7nE-QE&feat=directlink

Moving into the 21st Century

Like all other organisations the Church in general has taken advantage of technology as it has been developed, St Mary's is no different. We have had a web site for over 3 years now and which is being constantly updated and improved. As more and more people are getting on-line through the Broadband Revolution it makes sense to embrace this technology where possible to promote the work of the Church and the various associated activities and organisations.

One such advance is now being used here at St Mary's, the 6pm Eucharist Service on a Sunday has migrated from using 'paper' ie, service books, hymn books etc to a paperless alternative (helping to save the planet)  by the use of a computer and projector. This brings an interactive element to the Service and very much suits the alternative style of worship at the 6pm. Why not come along one Sunday Evening to share in the experience.

Some events in September

Come along to hear about the work of Charles de Foucault and the Little Brothers of Jesus in the Church on Thurs 10th September starting at 7.30pm. www.jesuscaritas.191.it/charles_e.htm

St Mary's Patronal Festival is taking place on Sun 13th Sept, where we celebrate Mary at both the 9.30am and the 6pm Services, with a social gathering with Faith Supper at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, all welcome.

First Post

Welcome to the first posting of this blog, it is hopefully intented to keep you informed about what is happening in Beeston and allow readers to comment and feed back.