Book Groups
Our two Christian book groups meet every six weeks to discuss novels and devotional books. For times and details contact Ann Hayward (Monday Group) on 01943 865261 or Karen Selby (Wednesday Group) on 01943 600843.
Christian Stewardship
As a Christian community we seek to be good stewards of God’s gifts to us of our time, our skills and talents, and of our possessions. As a direct response to God’s gifts and his love for us, we have adopted a scheme of regular pledged giving, through which we support the Church’s work in the parish and the diocese and beyond, and provide for all our ‘household’ needs. We encourage people to give realistically and proportionately and under the Gift Aid scheme whenever possible. For further details contact Karen Selby on 01943 600843.
Churchyard Maintenance
Help with churchyard maintenance is always welcome! We normally have a working party twice a year. Details can be found in the church notices section.
Confirmation Preparation
Normally confirmation classes are held annually. For further details contact the Vicar or the Parish Office.
Christian Aid
St. Mary’s is represented on the village Christian Aid Committee and becomes involved at various times throughout the year, particularly during Christian Aid Week. For more information contact Janet Squire 01943 862582
Coffee Rota
Refreshments are served every Sunday after the 10.00 service. We would be pleased to welcome new people onto the rota. It entails being there before the service to set out the mugs and after the service to serve drinks.
Ecumenical Activity
St. Mary’s plays an active role in Churches Together in Burley and Menston. The Group seeks to co-ordinate joint initiatives of all denominations in the village, as well as providing a forum for the sharing of information and ideas. The churches of Burley and Menston meet to pray every Wednesday at 9am in one of the member churches. It is this Group that organises the annual Lent Lectures.
Flower Rota
Flowers arranged in church are an act of worship in themselves. Week by week members of the congregation provide and arrange the flowers on a rota system. Special anniversaries can be commemorated by special request and we would welcome anyone who would like to join the rota. Please contact Pat Emmel 01943 865047.
Home Communion
A team of lay people take communion to the housebound. The clergy are always available on request. Regular communion services are held in Burley Hall and Hanover Gardens. To request home communion please contact the Vicar on 01943 864492.
Housegroups
There are housegroups taking place in the village, some in the daytime and some in the evenings. You are very welcome to join in. They are very informal and friendly and a great way to chat with others about faith, to be able to encourage each other and journey together. They are also a great place to build friendships and to offer and receive support and care. Please call Lis Merrick on 07903 287250 if you would like to find out more and get some help finding the group that works best for you.
Ladies Group
Ladies Group usually meets on the first Thursday of the month from October to May, at 7.30pm in the Garden Room. We often have a speaker, and occasionally a social evening, quiz or entertainment organised by members. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Enquiries: Linda Nelson on 01943 863715.
Magazine
The church publishes a magazine ten times each year. Much work is involved in compiling and producing the magazine, to ensure that it is both informative and a good read. Contributions of articles, information, and offers of help are always welcome. The magazine is produced by a team and the Editor is Gill Whiting who may be contacted via the Parish Office 01943 864405.
Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union meet on the second Wednesday of each month in the Parish Centre at 2pm, and members are also welcome at evening meetings with Ladies Group on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. For more details contact Margaret Sumner on 01943 862940.
St Mary’s Singers
A group of mixed voices which often sings at special services. They have a repertoire of many different styles from choral music to modern worship songs.
Transport Service
If some have difficulty getting to church and would appreciate a lift, they can let the Clergy or Church Wardens know and they will put them in touch with someone who can help, perhaps on a regular basis. People who can help and have space in their cars, either occasionally or regularly, are always needed.
Youth Group
Youth Group takes place every other Sunday evening 6-7:30pm (venue varies) and is for young people from Year 7 upwards and run by Sam Lewis and Becky Berry. The group is a friendly, informal safe space for young people to explore and ask questions about faith whilst building positive, trusting relationships with each other and having fun.
We mix friendship, fun, chat and learning – with snacks and socials too!
We encourage curiosity and honesty about the Christian faith, so that we can talk about the things that matter to the young people, and help each other grow. All are welcome; to find out more, please ring Becky Berry on 07874 226690