IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PROSPECTIVE VISITORS.

If you intend to visit our church after reading the article in "HOMES AND ANTIQUES" we have to point out to you that our Opening Times are somewhat different from those mentioned in that article.

The church is NOT open for visitors every Saturday and Sunday as mentioned in the article. 

Apart from organised visits for groups, the church is normally only open for quiet prayer, contemplation and also for visitors on Thursday afternoons.

Also for visitors on 

BANK HOLIDAYS FROM 12.00 - 4 PM

If you live a long way off en want to take the opportunity of visiting whilst you are in the neighbourhood, may we suggest that you telephone  George Dipper, at 01277-810082 or Gerard Solomon at 01277 215269

 and they will try and help. 

LETTER FROM THE CHURCH.

Chris

A TIME FOR CONTEMPLATION.

St Mary’s is obviously well known locally and further afield for its Art Nouveau interior and it seems increasingly to be on the heritage trail. Our Open Days and heritage weekend afternoons are well attended and we readily open the church to casual visitors and parties. Conducted tours are given, dates and names abound, cameras click, guide books and cards are bought and the church receives much needed donations. All well and good. However, our Archdeacon has reminded us that our churches should-be. open, it possible, during the day for local people to “drop in” should they feel the need. The Open Churches Trust founded by Andrew Lloyd Webber also encourages this approach when a quiet period of contemplation may be what is needed rather than a cultural visit. 

It is a sad fact that most of the churches in the Brentwood Deanery have to be locked unless a church member is present. So it is that since  February  2003 the church is   open each Thursday afternoon between 2.OO and 3.30pm. A  PCC member will be present and if anyone in the parish wishes to visit the church for a chat, or simply for a bit of quiet thought, they would be most welcome.

Peter Proud

Churchwarden.        

 THE MILLENIUM TREE.

On  Sunday 5th November St. Mary's saw the planting and blessing of our Millenium Tree. Its position in the churchyard is a newly created bed in the pathway up to what was known as the Heseltine Gate. The ceremony was conducted by the Revd. Chris Goldsmith.