News Letter 45 – St Martins Church
- markwarrick9
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Sunday 6th April 2025
Dear Parishioner
When we published the last newsletter in January we were experiencing the depths of winter, and here we are in April and 5th Sunday of Lent!
The readings for today are as follows:
First Reading Isaiah Chapter 43 verses 16-21
Second Reading Philippians Chapter 3 verses 4b-14
The Holy Gospel according to Luke Chapter 12 verses 1-8
What an end to a hectic year in the life of St Martins:
Since our last newsletter, phase two of the reordering works to form an accessible access began in early January. This was a 3 month contract & the works were undertaken by St Whites Stone from Laxton. I am sure that everyone will agree that the workmanship is first class.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being so patient and understanding throughout the whole of all of the reordering works, with all the upheaval and especially the dust. We think you will agree that it has been worth it. The Bishop of Grantham certainly thought so when he took the service on 2nd March and made use of all of the facilities.
We have been asked by several parishioners what is next!!
The next major work to be undertaken will be the re-roofing to the South Aisle, to which the old decayed cast lead will be removed, timber repairs undertaken, then recovered with turncoat steel sheeting. But this will be a little while as we will be looking at over £70,000, so its fundraising and a round of writing grant applications. The quinquennial report is also due, so who knows what that might through up and in need of attention first! Watch this space!
Forthcoming events :
St Martins APCM 13th April after the morning service. With Bill & Di retiring from the PCC after many years of valued service, we will be looking for a new Secretary and two PCC members. If anyone is interested in shaping St Martins future please speak to the Church Wardens about what is involved. We will also be electing the Church Wardens and if anyone would like to put their name forward, please complete an application form which is available at the back of Church
With Easter not too far away and with all the works completed it will be clean time again! There will be a Saturday morning clean on Holy Saturday (19th April) and as the proverb saying goes, many hands makes light work. If you are able to spare a little of your time to help us make our lovely church shine ready for celebrating the risen Lord, we would be very grateful, anytime from 8-30am to 12.00pm as little or as much time you can spare – refreshments will be provided.
St Martin’s Bell Ringers will attempt to ring a Full Peal on 23rd April to celebrate both St George’s Day & the founding of St George’s Church 800 years ago. We wish them every success and please listen out for our wonderful bells and ringers.
We have been asked if there will be a summer parish lunch function similar to two years ago and the answer is yes. On Sunday 15th June at Shacklewell Hollow campsite ( same venue as last time & taking comments on board about what day it should be on, you will see we have chosen a Sunday), there will be drinks on arrival, a three course luncheon plus drinks, so please get it in the diary now. Further details and a sign-up sheet will be sent out closer to the date.
Some of you may be aware that Fr Mark is organising a Pilgrimage to Lincoln Cathedral on a Friday in July. If anyone is interested please either use the sign-up sheet in Church or let the Church Wardens know that you would like to go.
Forth coming concerts:
Friday 16th May 9.30pm Stamford International Music Festival - Sacred Contemplations
Saturday 17th May 11.30am Stamford International Music Festival – Goldberg Variations
Friday 6th June 7.30pm Stamford Strings - Cirrus Piano Trio
Friday 4th July 7.30pm Stamford Strings – Harp & Violin Duo
Monday 21st July – 25th July - Green Room Pianists Course in the Church
Friday 25th July – Student Pianist Concert – times TBC
Our director of music Nigel Stark will very kindly be organising a series of three lunchtime organ recitals once again in August, more details later in the year.
Saturday 6th September 7.30pm Stamford Strings – Cello & Piano Duo
Saturday 20th December - Green Room Collaboration – concert TBC
We believe that the Gospel choir will also be returning in December following their incredible concert last year – information to follow.
For your information, following our brother Eric’s passing, his funeral will be held at Peterborough Crematorium on Monday 14th April at 11.00am.
If anyone would like to help with coffee or sides person once a month, please talk to Julie, who will be able to talk through the duties, which are not onerous, but would greatly help the Church Wardens
In case you were not in Church last Sunday we are asking for donations towards the cost of flowers for Easter services. Any amount, great or small would be gratefully received by Julie or Margaret.
Following the disaster in Myanmar last week, this Sunday we will take an extra collection to the Tear Fund for those in desperate need. Anything that you can give will be extremely appreciated.
With the better weather approaching we wanted to let you know that from next Sunday (13th April) we will be switching off the heating on a Sunday morning. Hopefully Spring is definitely with us!
We wish you all a Blessed Easter.
With very best wishes
Alan & Julie
Churchwardens
22 High St, St Martins Stamford
m.scott603@btinternet.com 07860 658748 / 01780 762405
Safeguarding Officer
Ms Jo Keogh
07725 262364
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