Christmas 2018
During the Christmas period there were many services and activities at St Gregory's.
The Christingle and crib service was well attended and there was even a real live baby as Jesus!
The candles were all lit for Christmas Day and on New Year's Eve many of the congregation who didn't want to be out late at night, attended an early party with games, quizzes and lovely food.
The New Year was welcomed in at 6pm, but as someone said it was NewYear somewhere in the world!
Tom, Helena and Elizabeth receiving warm applause after their concert.
Stabat Mater
by
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
On Saturday September 29th over 80 people attended a concert in St Gregory's Church to rise funds for Love Light Romania. "Stabat Mater" was performed by Helena Moore and Elizabeth Rossi with Tom Cogan on the piano. All the money donated at this concert was given to the charity to help those children and young people with HIV or Aids or who are from the Romany community.
https://www.lovelightromania.com
Elizabeth Rossi, Helena Moore and Tom Cogan
Tom and May with some harvest songs
Sunday 16th September
"The Harvest Hatters High Tea"
Fun, food and fellowship
About fifty people came to the tea in church to celebrate harvest. After a delicious tea provided by members of the congregation there were songs, readings and poems to entertain us, followed by the singing of harvest hymns.
An enthralled audience
Cheryl with poems by Pam Ayers
Graham signing in for the Ride and Stride event held on 8th September.
The church tower was also open on this day . The view over the watermeadows
Across to All Saints Church in Ballingdon.
Birthday cakes for Una
The congregation wished Una a very Happy 90th birthday on Sunday 2nd September. The cakes were lovely!
Una
There was a day of prayer in St Gregory's Church on 19th May. Prayer stations were set up around the church for quiet prayer and reflection.
The Family tree
Within our Church family we have God (our father) and Jesus his son whom we can call on in prayer
Reflecting on the meaning of Pentecost and what the Holy Trinity means for us today.
A Day of Prayer
Saturday 19th May 2018
A time to pray whilst listening to the singing of the Psalms set to music through the ages in cathedrals and parish churches.
There was time to think about the good news of the Kingdom and to bring our prayers to God.
Many people came in response to Archbishops Justin and John's call for this time of prayer, including 60 year 3 pupils from St Gregory's School
The "wailing wall" was erected over the alter where there was an opportunity to express our needs to God and pray for ourselves, our church , our town and our world.
The labyrinth represents a journey to the deepest self where we can meet God and on our journey back gain a new understanding of God and ourselves.
On our way to Hampshire on the M25
St Peter's Church, Petersfield , Hampshire
Meeting old friends
The presentation
Helen affirming her allegiance to the Queen
The licensing
of Revd. Helen Mitchell
as Associate Priest of Petersfield and Buriton
22nd April 2018
Sue, Cheryl, Jackie and Barbara outside the church
Happy to see you!
There was time to have a good look around the church
A Blessing from the Archdeacon who presided over the licensing
Cheryl and Sam in good spirits
The oldest part of the church
Graham gave Helen a card he had made for her and the good wishes from the congregation of St Gregory's
Helen's licencing
A very happy Helen!
A look inside the organ
8th January 2018
The restoration of the organ has begun and work will continue for the next two weeks.
This has been made possible by the donations given at the Summer concerts arranged by Tom Cogan our organist and choir master.