Hello.
Thank you for stopping by to look at our website.
St Marys is a busy church with activities going on across the week. This was a major reason in drawing me to the area. I originally trained as a teacher but after 20 plus years in the classroom I was wondering if teaching was my ‘forever’ job. After a lot of soul searching I was ordained into the Church of England in 2018 and after several years in the north of the county my wife, Ruth and I moved to this area in 2024. I am also vicar of the church in Flookburgh and that is where we live.
Ruth & I have two grown up children, one is married and living in Nottingham, the other lives in Cornwall. Needless to say this means we like to travel! But I also enjoying most things music. I play guitar & bass so like to make music and I have spent a long time collecting vinyl records and cds. Putting a record onto the machine is a great way to help me relax.
Anyway, I hope to see you around and please get in touch.
Mark
Below are links to a regular blog post of mine –
Churches Together seeks to share fellowship and worship among the variety of churches we are blessed with in this area. We wish to share all we have in common, whilst celebrating the diversity that different approaches bring. We do this by meeting four times a year with representatives from each church to plan outreach to all areas of the community.
We hold services where we all meet together, and share in themed events such as Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Lent Lunches, Easter Sunrise Service and Christian Aid Week. We also join in social events such as Praise on the Lake and Open Garden Parties. Through all our activities we aim to show the love of God by word and deed.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
Jesus said: “Love each other. Just as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
The Pastoral Care Team is dedicated to supporting all people through life transitions and times of need. We will offer a sensitive and confidential presence. We will care for all people whether they be members of our congregation or not.
We visit people who have come to our attention mainly through church contacts. These include some in nursing and residential homes and some who need support because of illness or bereavement. Visits are made to hospitals and individual homes as appropriate although, of course, St. Mary’s Church itself continues to be a place where local people meet, worship and find support. Holy Communion is taken to the local Care Homes.
A number of our members have undertaken training in bereavement counselling and following a “Churches Together” initiative, we have tried to establish a ‘dementia friendly ‘church. Those with other conditions such as impaired vision are catered for by having enlarged print folders available for services and the parish magazine is available on a memory stick. A “sound loop” is available in church for those with hearing aids.
As well as supporting all people in our church family, we also aim to be alert to the needs of those without any church links, as well as newcomers to our area, to ensure that they are made welcome and are able to feel part of our extended church family. As always, your prayers for our efforts are needed and will be much appreciated.
The team can be contacted via the co-ordinator Isabel Davey on [email protected].