WEEKLY NOTICES
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Important Information for you to Know
We have regular updates that provide the latest news from the Parish, including upcoming events, important announcements, and ways to get involved. Whether it’s a special service, community initiative, or exciting event, we make sure you have all the details to stay connected and engaged with our parish family. Keep an eye out for these updates to ensure you never miss out on the opportunities and happenings within our vibrant community.
Thursday 29th October 2026
Sent to make a difference
Church isn't only about what happens when we gather together. We are also called to look outwards.
In Week 4 of Living Our Calling, we explore Mission Support and what it means to be active partners in God's work – within our own communities and further afield. That involves more than financial giving. Our vision is about developing relationships, learning from those we support, hearing their stories, praying for them and discovering practical ways in which we can participate in God's mission.
During the service, we will be interviewing Andrew Saul, a trustee of CSW, to hear more about the agency’s current work and his role in helping them.
Join us as we consider, where might God be sending us – individually and together – to make a difference?
Sunday 1st November
St Mary’s, Wargrave
8:00am - Holy Communion (Contemporary)
10:00am - Morning Worship
Quiet children's activities available at the back of church
3:00pm - Annual Parish Bereavement Service
St Peter’s, Knowl Hill
10:00am - Holy Communion
Fun & Faith
There will be no Fun & Faith on 1st November.
Bible Readings
Philippians 1:3-11 (NIVUK), John 20:19-23 (NIVUK)
Parish Notices
THIS SUNDAY
Each year we gather for a special service to remember those we have loved and lost, and this year’s Annual Bereavement Service will take place on Sunday 1st November at 3pm.
During the service, we read aloud the names of loved ones, a simple but profound act of remembrance. Many people find it very meaningful to hear a name spoken in the stillness of the church, and to see a candle lit as a sign of continuing light in the midst of loss.
Sunday 1st November | 3:00pm | St Mary's Church
FAREWELL TO PETER DART
Peter has announced that he will be standing down after 15 years as our Director of Music.
His last service in this role will be on Christmas Day. He has played a huge part in the life of St Mary’s, often travelling great distances from work to lead the music each Sunday.
He has worked tirelessly to increase the quantity and quality of music in our church, with the Carol Service, the Annual Concert, visits by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and trips to see performances at the Royal Albert Hall and other venues being particular highlights. We are truly grateful for all Peter has brought to St Mary’s.
David has been in discussion with the Worship and Service Development Team at St Mary’s to make plans for appointing Peter’s successor.
SPECIAL GUEST THIS SUNDAY
In Week 4 of Living Our Calling, we explore Mission Support and what it means to be active partners in God's work – within our own communities and further afield.
At the 10:00am service, will be joined by Andrew Saul, a trustee of CSW. We’re looking forward to hearing about the agency’s current work and his role in helping them.
Do join us and engage him in conversation.
Sunday 1st November | 10:00am | St Mary's Church
THE REAL ADVENT CALENDAR IS BACK
The Real Advent Calendar can be pre-ordered on our website, or by visiting the Fairtrade Advent Stall after the 10:00am Sunday Service on:
25th Oct, 15th Nov, 22nd Nov and 29th Nov (if stocks last)
These always sell out, so make sure to be first in line!
Christmas cards and chocolate coins will be avaible to purchase from the after-service Stall in November!
Call for Carol Service Singers
Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to be part of the choir for St Marys Carol service? All singers welcome. If you can't read music, don't worry, we'll teach you your parts.
It is a gloriously uplifting service, with a mixture of congregational and choir carols. We aim for a choir of approximately 40 singers, helped along by a handful of professional and experienced singers.
The service is at 6pm on Sunday 20th December. There will be rehearsals on the four preceding Fridays and a final run though on the afternoon before the service. We realise not everyone can make every rehearsal, whilst it's preferable to be at them all, it's not essential.
The 2026 Annual Concert
In November, the Wargrave Annual Concert returns for what has become one of the musical highlights of the village year. And with another sell-out expected, the message is simple - BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY!
Be first in line for tickets - join us at the Church Centre on Saturday 10th October, 9:00am - 10:30am, when tickets will be available to buy in person. After Ticket Day, all remaining tickets will be available by email through our ticket office.
Saturday 10th October | 9:00am - 10:30am | Church Centre
NEW SERMON SERIES
What kind of church are we called to be – and how can each of us play our part?
Over five weeks this autumn, we’ll be exploring Living Our Calling: A Vision for Our Future, a new series looking at the direction we believe God is calling us to take together as a Parish.
Following a time of prayer, listening and discernment, the PCC has identified five core areas that will help shape our future: Pastoral Care; Welcome & Belonging; Children, Youth & Families; Mission Support; and Worship & Service Development. Each week we’ll explore the biblical foundations for one of these areas, hear more about the vision for it and begin to discover what it could mean in practice.
Most importantly, this isn’t simply about plans, programmes or the work of a few people. It is an invitation for all of us to consider how we can pray, participate and play our part.
Join us as we look ahead, listen to God and discover the part we can each play in the future life, witness and service of our Parish.
Volunteer Cleaners Needed
We would love to welcome some new volunteers to our church cleaning team. The team works on a rota, with volunteers usually helping once a month on a Friday at 9:00am. It’s a small commitment of time, but one that makes a real difference in keeping St Mary’s clean, welcoming and ready for everyone.
If you could lend a hand – whether you’re an experienced cleaner or simply happy to help – we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please email Mark Puddy.
Need Prayer?
We see prayer as essential and a privilege and we want to be able to pray for anyone that may need prayer. There is no judgement on how big or small the prayer request is and as followers of Christ, we are free to come to him and have confidence that Jesus hears and welcomes our prayers.
If you or someone you know needs prayer, send us your prayer. The request will be sent to a group of prayerful people who will pray for you or the person in need. As a group they will only know the information you ask to be forwarded to them, and they will hold this request in confidence. The request will only be shared with the small group of people in the prayer group.
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