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A large, Perpendicular Gothic church,
serving the
Parish of Thirsk in the Diocese of York
The Benefice of Thirsk
Rector: Revd. Canon Richard Rowling |
St Mary's Church Thirsk: Ark Clubs
Ark Clubs and All Age Worship : 
| The leaders, some mums and children from the Ark Club and the Little Ark Club make 'All Age Worship' service, held on the first Sunday in the month,very special. The children take a full part in everything from opening prayers, telling and illustrating stories ( the photograph shows Noah's Ark,) teaching us new hymns -with actions-responsorial prayer,taking the elements to the altar and collecting free will offerings. After the penitential prayers the children go with their leaders into the crypt for time on their own before returning for blessings.
For one of the All Age Worship Services the children dressed up specially for Noah's Ark. The wonderful papier mache heads of giraffes, zebras and lion (with which they won first prize at Thirsk Festival some years ago)were put to good use on the little stage around the Ark. We always look forward to what they will do next! | Ark Club Meetings and Activities : The Ark Club (children’s group for ages 4 years upwards) meets on the 2nd,3rd and 4th Sunday each month in term time during the 10.15 service. We have lots of fun with arts and crafts, games, stories and songs and we have our own computer and printing facilities.
If you are wondering why St. Mary's Sunday School is called the Ark Club ? Well it is because some years ago St. Mary's entered a float depicting Noah's Ark into the Thirsk Festival competition and won first prize.The children decided they much preferred to be known as the 'Ark Club' - and so it was. | Ark Club Update : The Ark Club is busy at the moment preparing for the harvest festival service which will take place on the 9th October. The children have been enjoying making seed pictures, and also grinding their own flour using a pestle and mortar, and writing their harvest prayers. They have even had a turn at gleaning (to gather the useful remnants of a crop after harvesting), though their way was a little different involving a bucket, barley, and silver foil with a jelly sweet wrapped in it. They are also going to be looking at where in the world some of our food comes from and letting the children turn their flour into bread. At the end of the harvest festival service the children will be selling the produce that has been brought into the church to raise money for RABI (a farming charity) and Water Aid.
AUTUMN 2011
At the beginning of September the Little Ark Club and Ark Club were all invited for a picnic in Bagby. Although the weather was a little disappointing to begin with it did not stop the 30 or so children and parents getting together and having a good fun time, running around and playing games. This included a creative prayer with crisps which went down very well with everyone. By the time the picnic was half way through the sun was shining as well, so it was a wonderful relaxed afternoon.
FORTHCOMING EVENT
On Saturday 12th November 2:00 – 4:00pm at St. Mary’s Church there will be a ‘Come and Find Out Some Secrets about St. Mary’s’ event for everyone to join in, with quizzes, handprint prayers and refreshments to follow. Please join us for a fun informal time, and who knows you may even make some new friends.
| Little Ark Club :
Little Ark Club
meets in church Tuesday mornings during school term time. Parents/grandparents/carers with young children meet up with other families for fun and friendship. Parents who are willing and able set up the toys and activities. Jenny Hall and one of the mums take turns to lead the weekly singing sessions. Peggy Griffin is refreshment maker. Lesley McKenzie supports the group and is the Child Protection Officer.
Sessions are quite informal and attended by about 12 families on average with anywhere between 12 and 18 babies and toddlers.Whilst parents are required to take responsibility for their own children, there is shared interest and care.We constantly welcome newcomers to the group – people new to Thirsk, and new additions to families.
Come and join us. For information contact Lesley McKenzie: 01609 761161.
The children have a range of toys to share and a dressing up box, which the older children particularly enjoy. Children are encouraged to sit down for a few minutes at snack time to minimise mess and straying cups. Adults enjoy a coffee or tea and a chat. The cost of refreshments is covered by the suggested donation of £1 per family. There is a routine search for hidden Tiger and Monkey, followed by singing accompanied on percussion instruments in the Lady Chapel.On birthdays children are sung to and receive a small gift.
Visitors frequently comment on the pleasure of seeing so many young children in church at once, playing happily and making good use of the building. | Ark Club Harvest 2010 : 
| 2010's Harvest Festival was very special as we had a return to offering our home-grown fruit and vegetables and home-made preserves so the church was decorated with our produce as well as beautifully arranged flowers.
The Ark Club shared the fruits of their labours and were very involved in the service. Alec Peach read the Old Testament lesson, they displayed their artwork,told us what harvest means and led the intercessions.
After the service the children were amazing. They collected all the fruit, vegetables, jams and chutneys, sorted them and set them out on the little stage which you can see in the photograph. They then demonstrated their considerable skills and sold everything making over £45 for the charities we support at harvest time- 'Water Aid' and 'Farmers in Crisis' | Saturday 12th November Special Event in St. Mary's Church : On Saturday 12th November 2.00 to 4.00pm at St. Mary’s Church there was a ‘Come and Find Out Some Secrets about St. Mary’s’ event for everyone to join in, with quizzes, handprint prayers and refreshments. Several families joined us and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy this event.
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