WEEKLY NOTICES
Stay informed with news updates from the Parish, keeping you connected to all that's happening
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 16th July 2026
This week we reflect on Ruth, whose story shows us that faith is often expressed through loyalty, love, and commitment. In the midst of grief and uncertainty, Ruth chose faithfulness - not just to Naomi, but to God’s unfolding story. Her journey reminds us that some of the most powerful acts of faith happen in ordinary moments of kindness and devotion. Faithfulness in small things often shapes bigger stories than we realise.
Thursday 23rd July 2026
Gideon’s story reminds us that God often calls those who feel least ready. Full of fear and doubt, Gideon struggled to see himself as God saw him - yet God worked powerfully through his weakness. This week we are encouraged that faith does not require us to feel strong or capable; it simply asks us to trust the God who is. Sometimes our weakness becomes the very place where God’s strength shines brightest.
Sunday 19th July
St Mary’s, Wargrave
8:00am - Holy Communion (Contemp. Lang)
10:00am - Holy Communion
Quiet children's activities available at the back of church
Fun & Faith
Children (4-11 years) to be dropped off at the Church Centre at 9:45am. Collection at 11:00am
St Paul’s, Warren Row
10:00am - Holy Communion
Bible Readings
Ruth 1: 6-18 (NIVUK), Matthew 1: 1-6 (NIVUK)
Sunday 23rdJuly
St Mary’s, Wargrave
8:00am - Holy Communion (Trad. Lang)
10:00am - All Age Service with Communion
Quiet children's activities available at the back of church
Fun & Faith
Children (4-11 years) and Parents to meet in the Church Centre at 9:45am and go through to Church for the 10:00am service together. Children will leave during the sermon for Fun & Faith activities and return for Communion.
Parish Notices
BBQ at The Sutcliffes’
We're thrilled to announce that the BBQ at The Sutcliffes' is happening again! Join us at 7:30pm on Thursday 30th July for an evening of fun, food, and fantastic company. Burgers, sausages, and buns are kindly being provided - just bring your favourite salad or dessert to share!
Please sign up by July 23rd with the dish you'll bring and let us know if you have any dietary requirements for the sausages (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc...) and for how many.
Everyone's welcome, so come ready for a great time!
Thursday 30th July | 7:30pm | High Street, Wargrave
Wargrave Festival - With our Thanks
On behalf of everyone at St Mary’s, a huge thank you to all who played a part in making the Wargrave Festival such a success - whether in small ways or big, every contribution mattered and was deeply appreciated. What a wonderful Festival it has been, and what a remarkable year 2026 is proving to be, with such a rich variety of events bringing our community together.
Your feedback
It has been suggested that we collect feedback from the Church events held at the Wargrave Festival. All together we ran nine events: Brass on the Grass, Academy of St Martin in the Fields Concert, Folk Night, Butterflies, Flower Festival, Festival Ramble, Fete Stall, Festival Service and the Family Braai.
Overall, these events have been a resounding success and the feedback has been incredibly positive. We would like to invite you to make any suggestions on things that we could do better in 2028, including ideas on additional events or those that you think we should not repeat. Feel free to comment on any activity at which you were present. Please send your responses by Monday 27th July and these will be consolidated and shared with the event organisers. Thank you.
Summer Musical Evening
In aid of St Peter's Church, Knowl Hill
Join us for a delightful summer evening of music, refreshments and community as we raise funds to support the ongoing work and ministry of St Peter's Church, Knowl Hill.
The evening will feature Susie Buckle, a trained opera singer, performing an eclectic and entertaining programme of music spanning opera, musical theatre and popular classics. Susie will be joined by a selection of talented local performers, making this a varied and enjoyable concert with something for everyone.
Whether you are a lover of classical music, show tunes or well-known popular favourites, this promises to be a memorable evening in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary's Church, Wargrave.
Friday 31st July | 6:30pm Doors Open | 7:15pm Music Starts
St Mary’s Church
Ride+Stride 2026
This September, we are delighted to once again have a team walking for the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust and our Parish. Leaving around 10:00am from Mill Green, there will be a drive to St Mary’s Church, Speen on the outskirts of Newbury. This will be the starting point for the walk of approximately 4.5 miles visiting 12 churches along the way. Contact Christine Walker for more information on how to join the team.
NEW for 2026
BLESSINGS OF OUR COMPANIONS - PET SERVICE
Pets have a unique way of enriching our lives, offering companionship, comfort and unconditional love. This September, St Mary's is inviting the whole community to celebrate those special relationships at a Blessing of Our Companions service.
Taking place on Saturday 19th September at 4:00pm on Mill Green, the informal outdoor gathering welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes - from dogs and cats to rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and more. Owners are invited to bring their pets for a short service of thanksgiving and blessing, recognising the joy they bring to our families and communities.
The event is about more than pets. It is also an opportunity to remember those faithful companions who are no longer with us. Visitors are warmly encouraged to bring a photograph of a much-loved pet to be included in a moment of reflection during the service.
Following the blessing, everyone is invited to stay for a bring-your-own picnic supper, with activities for families, including their pets, creating a relaxed afternoon for families, friends and neighbours to enjoy together.
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.
Be in the Know
Receive email updates
Join the community - Keep up to date!