Christmas Services
Children's Choice
St Mary's was delighted to take part in this year's Ginger & Spice Festival on Saturday 28th September. The church was part of the Heritage Trail covering nearly 50 Gingerbread Characters and we welcomed over 150 visitors. We were surprised but happy to discover that the children on the trail had chosen our Alfie Hewitt gingerbreadman as their favourite. The Ginger & Spice report follows:
BEST DRESSED GINGERBREAD CHARACTER CONTEST - RESULTS
Children's Prize Winner: St Mary's Church
Congratulations to St Mary's Church!
We are delighted to announce that St Mary's Church is the Winner of the Children's Prize in the Best Dressed Gingerbread Character Contest at this year’s Original Biscuit Bakers Heritage Trail during the Ginger & Spice Festival!
The most children picked this entry as their favourite during the trail on Saturday 28th September 2024.
Character Name: Alfie Hewitt
Name of Olympic Sport 2024: Wheelchair Tennis
St Mary's wonderful contribution made a significant impact on our young participants.
Many congratulations to everyone!
A huge thanks to headline sponsors Original Biscuit Bakers and all of the supporting sponsors of the trail.
Church Clock
The beautiful clock at St Mary's Church in Market Drayton has long been a symbol of the town, faithfully keeping time and chiming its bells for hundreds of years. However, the clock has recently come to a halt, perpetually stuck at the noon position.
This unexpected silence has been deeply felt by the community. Draytonians, whether visiting the church or sharing their sentiments on social media, have expressed how much they miss the familiar chimes and the sight of the clock's hands moving on the tower.
Church Warden Peter Fox shares, "It takes a lot to keep these ancient but vital buildings open to the community, and this is just one example of the work needed. We know how much St Mary's means to Market Drayton and enjoy welcoming everyone in. However, it's felt like something has been missing without hearing the chimes. We're very grateful to the congregations from our Sunday worship and Messy Church for supporting the repair of the clock, and we are hopeful that the townsfolk will help too."
Every penny received will go towards the repair of the clock and, consequently, the restoration of the chimes. You can contribute by scanning the QR code on the church noticeboards, dropping in at the church, or by clicking here. https://givealittle.co/c/4LCcgzIeOjgqN78gn05FSA
Let's come together to restore the heart of our town and bring back the beloved chimes of St Mary's Church. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to Market Drayton
Churches Together in Market Drayton were delighted to welcome Justin Welby to Market Drayton on Friday 15th September, 2023 to meet with CAP (Christians Against Poverty) helpers and clients.
Pictured with the Archbishop outside Market Drayton Methodist Church are:
Julia Farrant, CAP Life Skills Coach
Ali Doulton, CAP Job Club and Money Skills Coach
Carolyn Lawrence, CAP Manager
The Archbisop, who is a patron of CAP, came to learn more about the problems facing people in Market Drayton and how CAP is providing support and guidance.
More information about the visit can be found on the church Facebook page and at:
Newsletters
As a worshipping community we feel as a church that it is importantand to ensure that all those who are part of that community can keep up to date with what's happening within the community.
We therefore have a weekly newsletter!
Each newsletter is emailed, where we hold an email address for you, and available in church and below.
If you wish to receive the newsletter by email or see copies of earlier Newsletters, please contact the Church Office.